Archaeosapience: To Awaken as Ancient in a Modern Age

Sivaan of Candlekeep

June 21st, 2024

Introduction

Twenty seven years ago, members of alt.horror.werewolves speculated on the possibility of weres with prehistoric phenotypes in a community thread known as “Odd musing: weres of extinct animals?”. Many paleoweres would come forward to discuss their perspectives, both before and after this event. What we recognize as paleotherianthropy today became a part of our lexicon as alterhumans and nonhumans, but this experience had long existed in our community before it even had a name. As a paleotherian myself, part of me knew that my connection to the past existed beyond my animality. Recently, I had a major species shift into my Zonai kintype. In my time as a Zonai, I have reflected on my experiences as someone who belongs to a long-extinct fictional race. I had pondered on the existence of other alterhumans and nonhumans whose identities exist within an ancient context as well. As a result, I decided to create my own terminology in hopes of encapsulating this distinct experience of being an ancient entity in the world of modernity.

The following information discusses the details of archaeosapience, a term that I created in reference to this form of identity. My goal is to allow space for ancient alterhumans and nonhumans to explore our identities with more specificity. The aspects of my own archaeosapience are relative not only to my paleotherianthropy and my paleofictionkinity, but to my alterhumanity as a whole. Although I have coined these terms to label my personal experiences with ancient alterhumanity, I fully welcome the usage of these terms on a communal scale if others feel that it aligns with what they experience. It is important to note that my label exists as an umbrella term. Otherkind, therianthropes, fictionfolk, folcintera and many more members of our community all have the capability of being archaeosapient if they feel that this describes an intricate part of their identity.

Terminology

Archaeosapien /ˌärkēˈo sā-pē-ən./ Noun.

Alt. Archaeosapient (adj. noun)

Plural. Archaeosapiens, archaeosapients

An individual whose alterhuman or nonhuman identity is intrinsically rooted in prehistory, antiquity or mythic accounts of history Archaeosapiens experience a connection to a distant past (or pasts, if one belongs to multiple archaeosapient species) in relation to their identity. It is possible for an archaeosapien to feel disjointed with modern society as a result of their archaeosapience as well. Those who are archaeosapient include (but are not limited to): paleotherians, paleokind, folcintera, ancient alterhumans and fictionfolk whose identity is based on a fictional ancient species, race or character.

Archaeosapience /ˌärkēˈo seɪpiəns./ Noun.

The state of being an archaeosapien. Archaeosapience is the collection of experiences, memories and reflections on one’s existence as an ancient being. This circumstance can be complex to convey given that the term “archaeosapien” is functionally an umbrella term, thus each experience with archaeosapience is unique. Individuals who are archaeosapient do not all come from the same background in context to prehistory, antiquity, or mythological accounts, therefore how it is experienced varies on an individual-to-individual basis. However, there are general experiences (such as archaeopothos) that all archaeosapiens can connect to within their archaeosapience.

Archaeopothos /ˌärkēˈo pʰoʊ.θoʊs./ Noun.

The experience of longing, yearning, or sorrow pertaining to an individual’s ancient roots. Archaeopothos can be experienced by all archaeosapiens. Those who experience archaeopothos may express the desire to exist in tandem with archaic environments, beings and culture that pertain to their archaeosapience. Alternatively, one may experience archaeopothos by expressing frustration with the extinction of one’s species or one’s existence in modern human society. The details of one’s archaeopothos also varies individually, seeing how archaeosapience can span across different chronological backgrounds.

What is an Archaeosapien?

To be an archaeosapien is to be an individual of archaic origin. This experience is not voluntary nor is it something that an archaeosapien can separate oneself from. Archaeosapiens are not a group whose identity is based in any roleplay, theatrics or temporary portrayals that may deem our existence an act. Like all forms of alterhumanity and nonhumanity respectively, our archaeosapience is true to who we are as individuals.

How one’s ancient nature connects to their identity can be experienced within the margins of animality, nonhuman sapience or both respectively. This circumstance exists perpetually throughout one’s alterhumanity or nonhumanity. In my own case, even when I do not shift into a Zonai or one of my paleotheriotypes, my alterhumanity is still intrinsically ancient in nature. This is an experience that not only shapes an individual’s understanding of their alterhumanity or nonhumanity, but an experience that affects their relationship with the world around them. Archaeosapiens are essentially beings out of time. Although we are completely ancient folk, we physically exist in a point of time that we originally do not belong to. Some of us may belong on Earth but in a far distant age in Earth’s time as a planet. Some of us may not belong on Earth at all and are a part of another realm’s ancient history. An archaeosapien’s placement in time greatly affects how we interact with modern society. In turn, how we structure our lives in the state of modernity allows us to both adapt to these circumstances and foster a unique, intimate relationship with our past(s).

With that in mind, it may beg an important question for some: who exactly counts as an archaeosapien?

From Zonai to velociraptors, and nonhuman Macawnivores to Homo habilis and neanderthalensis alterhumans, there is no limit to the kind of archaeosapien one can be. The emphasis on both alterhuman and nonhuman respectively is intentional when defining this experience. As someone whose archaeosapience involves both paleotherianthropy and paleofictionkinity, I want to ensure that all forms of ancient identity are included under this label. It is entirely possible for those who do not fit the traditional standard which defines a human being to be an archaeosapien, whether it be the case of demihumans, partially humanoid individuals (such as satyrs and centaurs, for example), or individuals whose identity does not involve animality but is still not human in nature. In some cases, an archaeosapien may even stem from a distinct sapien from this world that may no longer be present. For example, the species that someone may belong to is one of humanity’s extinct primate relatives. There is much diversity to consider when understanding this experience.

Alternatively, some archaeosapiens may come from partially animalistic or fully animalistic backgrounds. Said individuals have a distinct connection with animality that may be intrinsic to their identity, which is always worth acknowledging and respecting. It is entirely possible for said animality to exist in tandem with one’s archaeosapience. As I mentioned previously, my paleotherianthropy makes for a significant part of my archaeosapience. From my giant teratorn theriotype to my terror bird cladotherianthropy, my therianthropy is mostly prehistoric with only a couple of living earthen species and mythic species to account for. Furthermore, my background as a paleotherian is what inspired me to create this label and its surrounding terminology. I made sure those of us who are animals through and through were included in this label. Had it not been for the speculations of the were communities of our history, who then put a name to the concept of paleotherianthropy, it would not have been possible for me to put a name to what we experience as archaeosapiens.

Lastly, those of fictional, mythical or purely conceptual backgrounds can find themselves in this experience as well. As a Zonai, my race is primarily two things: fictional and extinct. It would be hypocritical to claim that individuals of the aforementioned backgrounds are not capable of being archaeosapient when not only are these demographics already a part of many other alterhuman and/or nonhuman communities, but the creator of this label is a part of these demographics as well. In mythic contexts, it is entirely feasible for a mythological figure or creature to be archaeosapient considering the historical relevance of their presence across numerous earthen cultures. Whether one is an epic hero or a sphinx, it is possible for one to consider their species’s role in ancient mythology or history as the basis of one’s archaeosapience. That then leaves the inclusion of conceptkin or objectkin individuals experiencing archaeosapience. One’s kintype(s) as a conceptkin may be relative to archaeosapience in the case of being an inherently archaic concept such as antiquity, prehistory or a classical aesthetic. Furthermore, one’s kintype(s) as an objectkin may be relative to archaeosapience in the case of being an inherently archaic object such as cave art, fossils or historic bestiary records. Each of these circumstances are recognized as forms of archaeosapience, even if they do not take the form of sentient beings. As long as those who identify as them are aware of their archaeosapience through these means, then they too are archaeosapiens.

Understanding Archaeosapience

Awareness of one’s connections with the past is the core of archaeosapience. This can be relative to one’s experiences with past lives, but let it be known that archaeosapience does not exclusively involve these specific experiences since not all archaeosapiens may have them. Other forms of spiritual connection with one’s past, such as dreams and astral journeys, can also be seen as means of establishing one’s ancient awareness. Said awareness can be relative outside of spiritual means as well. A recognizable relationship with one’s period of origin, an awareness of one’s instincts as an archaic being or awareness of one’s place outside of modernity are all applicable in this context. In essence, archaeosapience focuses on embracing one’s existence as an ancient being and maintaining a consistent relationship between one’s true self and one’s roots, not just labeling one’s identity. How this relationship is facilitated may vary by individual. Regardless, doing so with healthy reflection and self-acceptance is of utmost importance.

In terms of the “sapient” aspect of archaeosapience, I understand that this wording may discourage individuals based on how it is utilized in human society. I became aware of this possibility in the process of structuring this label, so I decided that I would utilize my personal anthropological background in explaining this choice. Scientifically speaking, Homo sapiens is the official species name for human beings. Known as “wise man” or “wise human” in Latin, this name entered the lexicon of greater society with the latter half of it becoming synonymous with intelligence or humankind as a whole. Through this terminology, terms such as “sapient” and “sapience” became a part of our world’s lexicon as well. This distinction was made considering that Homo sapiens had biologically adapted significantly, more so than some of their primitive relatives. Humanity’s continuous adaptability and growth in intellect soon became the defining traits behind its scientific categorization.

However, contrary to these circumstances, the “sapiens” in Homo sapiens does not directly refer to humanity itself. This term is the present active participle of “sapiō”, a Latin word that originates from “sapere” which generally means “to be wise” or “to know”. In the process of establishing “archaeosapiens”, “archaeosapient” and “archaeosapience”, I understood that this term did not have to exclusively refer to the human experience. After all, the awareness of one’s ancient roots is what defines one’s archaeosapience. One must be knowing of this experience and how it affects their alterhumanity or nonhumanity, thus it was decided that “sapience” was a fitting descriptor for this experience. Regardless of its connections pertaining to the human experience, those connections do not define us as archaeosapiens. The “sapience” in archaeosapience exclusively refers to our awareness of our existence as ancient beings. If it is of any comfort to those who question their archaeosapience, one can also look at this usage of “sapience” as a form of reclamation given that it is often used in context to humanity despite not directly referring to humankind. It is our way of saying that the state of intelligence does not exclusively belong to mankind.

Archaeopothos: A Case of Ancient Longing

Before I provide a detailed explanation on what archaeopothos is, I will establish some prior context from my experiences as an archaeosapien which led me to creating this specific term. When I awakened as therian, I did so understanding that my therianthropy had very little connection to living earthen species. Make no mistake, I still belong to the few living earthen species within my therianthropy; even so, that same feeling of mythic and archaic qualities translated into my animality as well. One thing that I came to realize was my paleotherianthropy. I originally thought myself to be paleohearted until I realized that I was in fact a paleotherian. Upon realizing my therianthropy in January of this year, I decided around this time to read from the perspectives of other therians who felt the same.

During this process, I came across a piece of writing through the Alterhuman Archive. This writing was from an individual by the name of Nomad. Uploaded on a website called The Sanctuary, I read Nomad’s “On Extinction”. These musings had reflected Nomad’s perspective as a raptor and what that meant for Nomad as an individual living in a modern world. The following passage struck my interest as I read through Nomad’s accounts:

“*That said, being extinct does have a significant impact on how I understand the experience [of being therian]. Also, on how I think of the world, or of my own spirituality. I miss my time, the same way some therians miss their animal bodies. I guess you could call it “time dysphoria” if you wish. While I like this life, this time and world, and I love exploring it, there’s always something lacking, I can’t call it “home”. Home is the place that shows itself in some dreams or astral travels, a past from so long ago no one even remembers. And while I’ve found places in this world and time that are closer to it, there’s always something lacking, they’re just imitations,” (Nomad).

*Nomad. “‘On Extinction’ by Nomad, Written 10/5/2009.” The Sanctuary, Sonne Spiritwind, 3 Feb. 2021, sonne.sonverrid.org/sanctuary/blog/2021/02/03/on-extinction-by-nomad-written-10-5-2009/.

Although time dysphoria was not a concept that I was familiar with at the time, I knew exactly what Nomad was talking about because I’ve felt something like it before. In my heart, I knew that there was a time that truly felt like home compared to everything else around me. In my draconity, I have always felt at home near ancient sites or ruins. Places of these kinds had always felt like a part of my being more than anything else. Two hearthomes of mine encapsulate this exact experience: Candlekeep along the Sword Coast of Faerûn and the Sky Islands above post-Calamity Hyrule. These feelings began to intensify when I stress-shifted for the first time in a while. As mentioned in the introduction of this document, the species that I had stress-shifted into had been my Zonai kintype. This caused my archaeosapience to intensify for the rest of my work shift and over the next several days as I remained a Zonai. The reason why I preface this section with this information is because much of my experience as a Zonai stemmed from a deep, overwhelming sense of longing. I did not have a word for this longing until quite recently: archaeopothos.

Similar to Nomad, my experience with archaeopothos involved a staunch desire to be where my home was. I longed to be with my people, to be a part of our civilization and tend to our beloved constructs. I missed the feeling of the sun being the first to touch us in the morning, having been nestled in the sky long before those of us decided to descend into the Faron region and eventually the kingdom of Hyrule. I soon realized this feeling went beyond simply longing for my time; I had also longed for the presence of other Zonai. The complications with extinction can be summarized rather succinctly: there is no greater loneliness than physically being in a community of none. In the present state of my home, we Zonai are but remnants of Hyrule’s ancient history. Many struggle to translate our language and symbols, myself included. What is left of us consists of abandoned ruins and scholarly speculation. Even in context to this world, our kind is still an enigma since our presence is only expanded upon in relevance to Link’s journey as a protagonist. Despite my personal angst, I introduced this term so that those like me could have an outlet to organize their perspectives on such complicated matters.

Archaeopothos is defined as the experience of longing, yearning, or sorrow pertaining to an individual’s ancient roots. While archaeopothos can be discomforting, it can allow those undergoing this experience to be contemplative on their alterhumanity or nonhumanity. Personal reflections of these feelings can be cathartic, whether it be through self-published journals or through venting in a private space. I have done this through publishing my own musings on Dreamwidth, which can be read here. This journal in particular goes into detail on my experiences with these feelings and my process behind defining archaeopothos as a term. Although Nomad’s understanding of time dysphoria partially inspired the coining of this term, I do not categorize archaeopothos as a form of dysphoria in of itself. Given the complexities involving time, place and species representation, I consider archaeopothos to be its own distinct experience within alterhumanity and nonhumanity respectively.

Closing Statements

While it can be quite isolating as a being out of time, there is much joy to be had in being archaeosapient. We have endured through unforgiving, sometimes harrowing points in existence, but there is pride and wonder in who we are as archaic individuals. Whether an indoraptor, a saber-toothed cat or a member of a lost civilization in a fictional world, we are one in the age of modernity. Conceptualizing and embracing my archaeosapience has given me immense peace as an alterhuman. Although I cannot guarantee the same for others, I am satisfied with simply sharing this resource with all who learn from it. Being able to write about this experience in our community is more than enough for me.

I do not expect any of the terminology that I have coined to be readily used, let alone recognized on a wide scale. With that said, I do hope that those who identify with these terms know that there is always a space for you regardless of time and place. For those of you who feel that you’ve found a space in being archaeosapient, know that there is no shame in being who you are. No matter how isolating it may seem, you are a beautiful, primordial being.

Be proud. Be primal. Be ancient.