Saturnian cities of Lazio

Italy and Lazio in particular are characterized by many megalithic and polygonal works, called cyclopean by the myth of giants from ancient Greece. Around the world, for example in Northern Europe, we find works that have given rise to myths and legends about who might have built such structures, leading folklore to lean toward the hypothesis of ancient giants.

It might be that, giants or not, the traces of these works around the world indicate an older civilization than we know. In some cases, perhaps not directly, in the sense of structures built in ancient times, but indirectly in the memory of something. Once again, as we often do within the Lost World Map project, we note that counterintuitive approaches, such as a “simple” masonry work made with blocks weighing tons instead of common bricks, usually outline possible traces of something important to analyze. Especially if related to a constantly repeated phenomenon.

The first thing that comes to mind when talking about megalithic walls, never built again, is the passage mythologically indicated by the Greeks from Titans to Olympic gods. The passing of the torch from Cronus to Zeus. A passage that, even in figurative and visual terms, marks a transition in terms of physical size with which certain mythological figures were identified.

Lazio, and in particular Ciociaria, is known for its stone work, made with large and heavy blocks used in the construction of polygonal architecture.

The god Saturn in Lazio

According to legend, five cities in Lazio, curiously all starting with A [but let’s not venture into hypotheses we know little about – Jack], would have been built by the god Saturn.

The cities are:

• Anagni
• Antino – which today we call Ferentino
• Alatri
• Arpino
• Atina

Legend connected to ancient beliefs

Saturn is said to have built these cities during the Golden Age, which, as we know, corresponds – according to the myth – to a period before the historical Bronze Age and the legendary Silver Age.

During the Golden Age, humans are said to have lived in harmony without laws or the need to cultivate the land, which spontaneously produced all kinds of plants. There was no private property, and there were no wars. The climate was always mild, making it unnecessary to seek shelter in caves or build houses. With the arrival of Jupiter (Zeus), the Golden Age ended and the Silver Age began [source the myth of the Golden Age].

As we know, myths and legends have merged over time, particularly between Greece and Rome. Thus, we have a fusion between Cronus and Saturn, who originally might not have referred to the same figure.

Legend merging with the Greek pantheon

According to the legend, the Greek god Cronus, who sought refuge in Lazio after being dethroned by Jupiter (here is the passing of the torch with which the Olympic gods “conquered the world”), founded five fortified cities – Anagni, Ferentino, Alatri, Arpino, and Atina. These cities are also known as the “cities of the Cyclopes.”

Some scholars hypothesize that their position reflects the constellation of Gemini and that they were places filled with a particular energy, possibly related to the stars, which may have allowed the construction of the structures, defying the known laws of physics.