Stefanos Geroulanos’ ”The Invention of Prehistory” delves into the complex and often contradictory ways humans perceive and utilize prehistory, arguing that our obsession with origins shapes our present actions and beliefs. The book opens with the contrasting perceptions of Neanderthals, once viewed as brutish and inferior, now increasingly celebrated as part of our ancestry, highlighting how our understanding of prehistory is constantly evolving and reflecting contemporary concerns. Geroulanos suggests this shift reveals more about our current societal values and anxieties than it does about Neanderthals themselves. He argues that prehistory serves as a malleable narrative, readily adapted to justify existing prejudices and power structures.
Geroulanos traces the emergence of prehistory as a field of study to the 18th century, when Enlightenment thinkers began questioning religious dogma and sought secular explanations for human origins. This search coincided with European colonialism and the encounter with diverse cultures, often interpreted through a lens of racial hierarchy. The book explores how these historical contexts shaped early theories of human evolution and contributed to the development of concepts like ”savagery” and ”primitivism,” which were used to categorize and justify the subjugation of non-European populations. Geroulanos meticulously dissects the language used to describe prehistory, demonstrating how terms like ”barbarian,” ”cradle of humankind,” ”killer ape,” ”primitive warfare,” and ”reptilian brain” carry implicit biases and reinforce existing social hierarchies. He argues that these narratives, often presented as objective scientific accounts, are actually deeply embedded in cultural and political ideologies.
The book examines how prehistory has been instrumentalized to justify violence and discrimination throughout history. Geroulanos provides numerous examples, from interpretations of cave paintings to the origins of patriarchy, demonstrating how prehistoric narratives are selectively employed to support pre-existing beliefs. The evolving image of Neanderthals serves as a particularly potent illustration of this phenomenon. Their initial portrayal as dark-skinned, primitive beings reflected prevalent racist ideologies, while their more recent rehabilitation as light-skinned, intelligent ancestors coincides with a growing acceptance of interbreeding between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals. This shift, Geroulanos argues, is not simply a result of new scientific discoveries but also reflects changing social attitudes towards race and inclusion. He connects the varying theories about Neanderthal extinction – interbreeding, disease transmission, or violent conflict with Homo sapiens – to present-day political discourse, noting how the narrative of violent displacement resonates with certain far-right ideologies centered on “replacement theory.”
Geroulanos’ work is an expansive and intellectually stimulating exploration of how humans project their present concerns onto the past. He deftly weaves together a wide range of intellectual influences, from Sigmund Freud and Georg Bataille to Sven Lindqvist, to illuminate the complex interplay between historical narrative and social power. The book is demanding yet rewarding, offering a profound critique of the ways in which prehistory is constructed, interpreted, and ultimately utilized to legitimize existing social structures and inequalities. ”The Invention of Prehistory” challenges readers to critically examine the narratives we inherit about our origins and to recognize the ways in which these narratives can be manipulated to serve present-day agendas.
The book culminates in a powerful indictment of the human tendency to justify present actions based on perceived prehistoric precedents. Geroulanos argues that our obsession with origins has come at a steep price, particularly for marginalized communities. He highlights the devastating consequences of labeling certain groups as ”primitive” or ”subhuman,” citing the historical extermination of indigenous populations and the persecution of minorities during the Holocaust. He further connects these historical examples to contemporary anxieties surrounding immigration, demonstrating how the rhetoric of exclusion and othering often draws upon prehistoric narratives to define who belongs and who does not. Geroulanos insists that we must break free from the shackles of prehistory to create a more just and equitable future.
In a concluding appeal, Geroulanos urges readers to reject the deterministic view of human nature that often accompanies narratives of prehistory. He argues that we are not prisoners of our past, that our actions are not predetermined by ancient evolutionary forces or genetic predispositions. He emphasizes the importance of accountability and agency, insisting that we are responsible for our choices in the present, regardless of our perceived ancestral heritage. Geroulanos envisions a future where the concept of humanity is divorced from notions of purity, hierarchy, and primitivism, a future where our shared humanity is recognized and celebrated in all its diversity. By critically examining the narratives we construct about our past, he suggests, we can open up the possibility for a more inclusive and just future.
