The Enduring Allure of the Navel: Echoes of Lost Civilizations?

WPS News Staff Reporter
Baybay City, Philippines | January 25, 2025

Introduction

Across continents and cultures, the concept of a “Navel of the World” has captivated human imagination for millennia. This seemingly universal mythos begs the question: could it be a faint echo of a forgotten past, a whisper from lost ice age civilizations that interacted in undocumented ways?

This report delves into the intriguing possibility that the “Navel of the Earth” narrative, found in various locations around the globe, might point towards a deeper, interconnected history. By analyzing open-source anthropological and archaeological records, we’ll explore the prevalence of this concept and its potential links to forgotten civilizations.

Methodology

To identify locations designated as the “Navel of the World” or its equivalent in native languages, we conducted a deep dive into publicly available anthropological and archaeological records. Focusing on the term “Navel” and its variations across languages, we excluded references that didn’t explicitly use this term.

Global Prevalence of the “Navel of the World”

Our analysis reveals a surprising number of locations around the world associated with the “Navel of the Earth” concept. Here’s a non-exhaustive list:

• Greece: Delphi, considered the center of the Earth by the ancient Greeks.
• India: Mount Meru, a mythical mountain believed to be the navel of the Earth in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology.
• China: Mount Kunlun, traditionally viewed as the navel of the Earth and the pillar of Heaven in Chinese mythology.
• Japan: Ise Grand Shrine, considered the holiest Shinto shrine and symbolically representing the center of the universe.
• Jerusalem: The Temple Mount, a holy site for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, is sometimes referred to as the navel of the Earth.
• Australia: Uluru (Ayers Rock), a sacred site for Aboriginal Australians, is believed by some to be the navel of the world.
• Peru: Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, was believed to be the center of the world (Tahuantinsuyu).

Potential Connections

While the specific reasons for associating these locations with the “Navel of the Earth” vary, their sheer number across geographically disparate cultures is intriguing. Could this be a coincidence, or could it hint at a deeper connection?

The possibility of ice age civilizations, with their own global trade networks and cultural exchange, influencing these mythologies is a fascinating proposition. Further research is needed to explore potential connections and shared symbolism across these locations.

Future Research

This report lays the groundwork for further investigation into the “Navel of the World” phenomenon. Here’s a table summarizing resources for future research:

Resource Type	Example Sources	Potential Insights
Archaeological Records	Excavations at Delphi, Greece; Studies of the Inca Empire	Physical evidence of structures or artifacts related to the “Navel” concept.
Anthropological Studies	Research on Aboriginal Australian beliefs; Analysis of Shinto rituals at Ise Grand Shrine	Understanding the cultural and religious significance of the “Navel” in different societies.
Mythological Texts	Examination of Greek myths about Delphi; Analysis of Hindu creation stories about Mount Meru	Exploring the symbolic meanings and narratives associated with the “Navel” in various mythologies.
Comparative Linguistics	Tracing the word “Navel” and its equivalents across languages	Investigating potential linguistic connections between geographically distant cultures.

Conclusion

The concept of the “Navel of the World” transcends geographical boundaries. While the specific reasons for its prevalence remain a mystery, this report highlights the possibility of a shared narrative echoing from a forgotten past. Further research, employing the resources outlined, can shed light on potential connections between these locations and lost civilizations, rewriting our understanding of human history.

Disclaimer: This report is based on publicly available information and does not represent definitive conclusions. Further research is necessary to substantiate the claims presented here.