Flat Earth vs. Round Earth: Unpacking Conspiracies and Beliefs

The belief in a flat Earth has been present throughout history, from ancient civilizations to modern times. Greek philosophers like Pythagoras and Aristotle argued for a spherical Earth based on observations, but flat Earth beliefs persisted. During the Middle Ages, the theory experienced a resurgence due to religious and cultural influences. The Renaissance and scientific exploration solidified the spherical model, but flat Earth beliefs continued to exist. In the 19th and 20th centuries, fringe groups and the Flat Earth Society promoted the theory, appealing to distrust of authority. The rise of the internet has allowed flat Earth advocates to connect globally, sharing theories and challenging established scientific understanding. Flat Earth theories have gained traction among those disillusioned with mainstream science and education.