The Reptilian People in Authority: Basilicas, Basilisks, and an Allegory
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Reptilian metaphors have long served as powerful critiques of authority throughout European history, symbolizing the cunning, deceit, and oppressive nature of rulers and institutions. This paper examines the evolution of such imagery, beginning with the serpent in the Garden of Eden and progressing through Pliny the Elder’s depiction of the basilisk in Naturalis Historia. The basilisk, with its lethal venom and deadly gaze, becomes a central symbol representing centralized power and its inherent vulnerabilities. By tracing the transformation of the basilisk within the Holy Roman Empire—where it merges with the imperial eagle—and its later evolution into symbols like the alligator during the Reformation, the study highlights how reptilian imagery has been adapted to reflect shifting societal anxieties and critiques of both imperial and ecclesiastical dominance. The findings reveal that reptilian symbols, from the basilisk to modern "lizard people," consistently represent the tension between power and the populace it governs. When Lizard People or Reptile People symbolize the Heads of Government, they also reflect the religious affiliations of these leaders, suggesting a likely intentional conflation of the two. Although often overlooked in contemporary works, this symbolism echoes through our cultures, most notably exemplified by the Space Pope from Futurama.
Source: Figshare
Author: Lehti, Andrew
Language: English
Subfield: General Arts and Humanities
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W6902223661
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