Martian Influence

Research is a big part of writing fiction, especially for the type of stories I like to write. While there are a lot of fantasy elements in my books, I try to base as much as I can on fact, history, myths, and legends. Which brings me to my latest study, of the Vitruvian Man.

Most people have heard of or recognise Leonardo Da Vinci’s The Vitruvian Man. Created in the 15th century it is one of the most famous illustrations in history with countless articles, blogs, and papers theorising Da Vinci’s intentions when he created the naked chap in a circle/square. But while doing my own research on this particular topic I stumbled upon an article which suggests the Vitruvian Man design – actually comes from Mars!!

The Author Arthur R. Beaubien wrote the book ‘Da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man Hides a Pentagram and a Serpent God. Basic Model Copied from Mars?’ According to Beaubien, the focus on how the drawing illustrates the fit of the human body into both a square and a circle was actually a distraction from its real purpose. And while he goes on to suggest this was for religious reasons involving a fertility god and a god of deception and trickery, it’s his suggestion that Da Vinci copied the design from Mars that intrigues the most.

Beaubien suggests that while NASA claims Mars is a lifeless planet, the topography of the planet overwhelmingly reveals, through scientific measurements, that huge mountains, craters, and other landforms on the surface were artificially constructed. He also goes on to mention that four specific mountains on Mars have been arranged to provide a template for a virtual Vitruvian Martian and that there is also a pyramid on the surface that has the shape of a perfect pentagram.

All sound a bit far-fetched? I agree, but I can’t help but be intrigued. Especially as I watched a show not too long ago about the very real possibility of a pyramid on Mars.

Make of it what you will. Or maybe buy Beaubien’s book and read it for yourself. If nothing else, it certainly sparks the imagination!

Yours, E.L.