{"id":99741,"date":"2026-02-05T18:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-05T16:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/?p=99741"},"modified":"2026-02-05T12:13:23","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T10:13:23","slug":"civilizations-universe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/zh\/civilizations-universe\/","title":{"rendered":"How Different Civilizations Imagined the Universe"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:56.333333333333%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:56.296296296296%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:56.296296296296%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:56.296296296296%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:56.296296296296%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:56.296296296296%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:56.296296296296%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}<\/style>\n<p>Long before telescopes and space travel, ancient civilizations had incredibly creative ideas about what the universe looked like and how it worked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These beliefs shaped culture, religion, and even science. Negating them was considered heresy and was heavily punished.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, let&rsquo;s see how these seven cultures <strong>imagined the cosmos<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Ancient Greece: Atlas<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-99745\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"676\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99745\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1-1024x577.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1-960x541.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1-170x96.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"676\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20676'%3E%3Crect%20width='1200'%20height='676'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99745 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1-1024x577.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1-960x541.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1-170x96.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/zh\/\">&copy; Angelynum<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The ancient Greeks believed that the <strong>\u5730\u7403<\/strong> was<strong> at the center<\/strong> \u7684\u5b87\u5b99\u3002<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They believed that Gaia, the Earth goddess, was at the core, with stars and planets moving around her.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In their stories, the Earth was sometimes flat and sometimes a sphere &ndash; depending on the era.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They imagined the heavens as a giant, solid dome with stars embedded inside. In their myths, the <strong>Titan Atlas<\/strong> was cursed to hold up the sky forever after the war with the gods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like that, Atlas became a symbol of the universe&rsquo;s stability, as he bore the weight of the world on his shoulders.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Hindu Cosmology: The Eternal Cycle<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-99746\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99746\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1.jpeg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1-18x10.jpeg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1-728x410.jpeg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1-480x270.jpeg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1-320x180.jpeg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1-960x540.jpeg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1-170x96.jpeg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201080%20608'%3E%3Crect%20width='1080'%20height='608'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99746 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1.jpeg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1.jpeg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1.jpeg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1-18x10.jpeg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1-728x410.jpeg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1-480x270.jpeg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1-320x180.jpeg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1-960x540.jpeg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-1-170x96.jpeg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/zh\/\">&copy; Angelynum<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Hindu beliefs see the universe as a never-ending cycle &ndash; creation, preservation, and destruction happening again and again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The cosmic <strong>turtle, Kurma<\/strong>, supported the world on its back, with four elephants standing on the turtle&rsquo;s shell, each pointing in a different direction.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These elephants symbolize <strong>\u7a33\u5b9a\u6027\u548c\u5e73\u8861\u6027<\/strong>, as they&rsquo;re holding up the universe&rsquo;s corners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The cosmos itself is divine and interconnected, constantly reborn and destroyed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This idea reflects a deep spiritual concept, where everything is connected, and nothing is permanent.&nbsp;The cosmic turtle and elephants symbolize the harmony of all things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Ancient Chinese Cosmology: A Cosmic Egg<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-99747\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-2.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99747\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-2.jpeg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-2-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-2-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-2-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-2-18x10.jpeg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-2-728x410.jpeg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-2-480x270.jpeg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-2-320x180.jpeg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-2-960x540.jpeg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-2-170x96.jpeg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201080%20608'%3E%3Crect%20width='1080'%20height='608'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99747 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-2.jpeg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-2.jpeg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-2.jpeg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-2-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-2-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-2-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-2-18x10.jpeg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-2-728x410.jpeg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-2-480x270.jpeg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-2-320x180.jpeg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-2-960x540.jpeg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-2-170x96.jpeg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/zh\/\">&copy; Angelynum<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Chinese ideas about the universe are focused on balance and cosmic animals.&nbsp;The ancient Chinese saw the cosmos as <strong>chaos concentrated<\/strong> within a giant egg.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Earth was often depicted as a square or rectangle, with the sky circling around it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In their cosmology, the world is supported by <strong>four mythological beasts<\/strong>: Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermillion Bird, and Black Turtle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They&rsquo;re rooted in ancient astronomy, and represent the four directions, seasons, and elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These creatures support the world and keep everything in balance, reflecting Taoist and Confucian ideas of harmony between nature and humanity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Mesopotamia: The Universe as a Flat Disc&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-99748\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-3.jpeg\" alt=\"universe imagine\" class=\"wp-image-99748\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-3.jpeg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-3-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-3-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-3-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-3-18x10.jpeg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-3-728x410.jpeg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-3-480x270.jpeg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-3-320x180.jpeg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-3-960x540.jpeg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-3-170x96.jpeg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201080%20608'%3E%3Crect%20width='1080'%20height='608'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"universe imagine\" class=\"wp-image-99748 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-3.jpeg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-4\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-3.jpeg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-3.jpeg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-3-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-3-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-3-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-3-18x10.jpeg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-3-728x410.jpeg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-3-480x270.jpeg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-3-320x180.jpeg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-3-960x540.jpeg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-3-170x96.jpeg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/zh\/\">&copy; Angelynum<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The Babylonians saw the universe as a flat disc floating over a watery abyss. The Earth was a <strong>solid platform<\/strong>, supported by mountains, with the heavens above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They believed that the sky was either a dome or a canopy, with the stars hanging from it like lamps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Their worldview was deeply <strong>rooted in religion<\/strong>; gods ruled the cosmos, and everything was ordered and bounded.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They saw the cosmos as a divine domain, with stars and planets being part of the gods&rsquo; realm.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This worldview gave a sense of structure and stability, with the cosmos as a sacred space governed by divine forces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Egyptian Cosmology: Chaos and Divine Power<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-99749\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-4.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99749\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-4.jpeg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-4-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-4-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-4-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-4-18x10.jpeg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-4-728x410.jpeg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-4-480x270.jpeg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-4-320x180.jpeg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-4-960x540.jpeg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-4-170x96.jpeg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201080%20608'%3E%3Crect%20width='1080'%20height='608'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99749 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-4.jpeg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-5\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-4.jpeg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-4.jpeg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-4-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-4-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-4-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-4-18x10.jpeg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-4-728x410.jpeg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-4-480x270.jpeg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-4-320x180.jpeg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-4-960x540.jpeg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-4-170x96.jpeg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/zh\/\">&copy; Angelynum<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Egyptians believed the universe originated from chaos &ndash; Personified as Nun, the <strong>endless waters<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The world was supported by the gods <strong>Wadjet and Ptah<\/strong>, who kept everything in order.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The sky goddess <strong>Nut<\/strong> arched over the Earth, and each day, the sun traveled across her body, creating day and night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They thought the Earth was flat, like a vast expanse, with stars as divine beings moving across the night sky.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Their cosmos was a reflection of divine authority: order came from chaos, with gods maintaining the balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The stars and sun also represented divine power, guiding life and death.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Aztec: World Surrounded by Water<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-99750\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-5.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99750\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-5.jpeg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-5-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-5-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-5-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-5-18x10.jpeg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-5-728x410.jpeg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-5-480x270.jpeg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-5-320x180.jpeg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-5-960x540.jpeg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-5-170x96.jpeg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201080%20608'%3E%3Crect%20width='1080'%20height='608'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99750 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-5.jpeg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-6\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-5.jpeg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-5.jpeg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-5-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-5-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-5-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-5-18x10.jpeg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-5-728x410.jpeg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-5-480x270.jpeg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-5-320x180.jpeg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-5-960x540.jpeg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-5-170x96.jpeg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/zh\/\">&copy; Angelynum<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The Aztecs saw the universe as a series of creations and destructions, with the current world &ndash; <strong>the Fifth Sun<\/strong> &ndash; resting on a cosmic lake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The cosmos was <strong>supported by four gods<\/strong>, each representing a direction.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The world was surrounded by water, with sacred mountains marking the edges. The Aztec cosmos was alive, constantly changing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The four gods were active creators and destroyers, shaping the fate of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Their universe was vibrant and chaotic, and completely unpredictable.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Norse Cosmology: The World Tree<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-99751\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-6.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99751\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-6.jpeg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-6-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-6-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-6-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-6-18x10.jpeg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-6-728x410.jpeg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-6-480x270.jpeg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-6-320x180.jpeg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-6-960x540.jpeg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-6-170x96.jpeg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201080%20608'%3E%3Crect%20width='1080'%20height='608'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99751 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-6.jpeg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-6.jpeg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-6.jpeg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-6-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-6-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-6-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-6-18x10.jpeg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-6-728x410.jpeg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-6-480x270.jpeg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-6-320x180.jpeg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-6-960x540.jpeg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/universe-imagine-6-170x96.jpeg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/zh\/\">&copy; Angelynum<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The Norse worldview is centered around Yggdrasil, the giant tree connecting <strong>different worlds<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At its roots and branches, you find Asgard, Midgard, Jotunheim, Vanaheim, Helheim, etc.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The universe was an ordered system, with the tree symbolizing life and connection.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Norse believed the worlds balanced on the tree&rsquo;s trunk, each realm with its own system and gods.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The world was constantly at <strong>risk of chaos<\/strong>, but Yggdrasil kept everything linked and alive.&nbsp;<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Long before telescopes and space travel, ancient civilizations had incredibly creative ideas about what the universe looked like and how it worked. These beliefs shaped &hellip;<\/p>","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":99745,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"syndication_tool_enabled":true,"syndication_tool_title":"","syndication_tool_excerpt":"","syndication_tool_featured_image":0,"syndication_tool_publish_date":"","syndication_tool_schema_types":["article"],"syndication_tool_backlink_enable":false,"syndication_tool_ai_disclosure_enable":false,"disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"Article","disable-critical-css":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[184,208],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-99741","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mythology","category-history"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99741","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=99741"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99741\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":101047,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99741\/revisions\/101047"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/99745"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=99741"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=99741"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=99741"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}