The Volokh Conspiracy

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Crime

"The Europeans 'Fabricated' Stories About Ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman Civilizations—All Based on Chinese History"

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From the Taiwan News (Zin Kao):

"World Civilization Research Association" scholars are claiming that Western civilization originates from China and all European languages are merely Mandarin dialects, the Liberty Times reports….

The World Civilization Research Association group of scholars are professors from a number of Chinese academic institutions. Association member Zhu Xuanshi further … said Europeans "felt ashamed" due to the "fact" there was no history in Europe before the 15th century, compared to China. In an attempt to paper over this historical humiliation, the Europeans "fabricated" stories about ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman civilizations—all based on Chinese history…. "Do not let fake, Western-centered history hinder the great Sino-Renaissance," [World Civilization Research Association founder Du Gangjian] was quoted as saying.

Many Chinese citizens were unconvinced, however …. "Thanks, we can no longer laugh at the Koreans who claimed Confucius and Genghis Khan are Korean," one commenter sardonically lamented.

This reminds me, of course, that Russia is the homeland of the elephant. Thanks to Prof. Mark Liberman (Language Log) for the pointer.