Code of Kalantiaw: isang historical hoax

Summary

The video script discusses the top 10 most believable historical hoaxes in the Philippines, with a focus on the Code of Calantiao, a mythical legal code supposedly written by Datu Calano in 1433. It was popularized to assert the existence of a sophisticated legal system before Spanish colonization. However, it was later exposed as a hoax by forger Jose Marco. American historian William Henry Scott debunked it in the 1960s, but it took decades for the hoax to be removed from historical texts. The video emphasizes the importance of critical examination of historical claims and the evolving nature of historical knowledge.

Takeaways

• 📜 The Code of Calantiao is considered a historical hoax, a mythical legal code supposedly written by Datu Calano in 1433.
• 🌊 It was believed to be a pre-Spanish written script that detailed laws and regulations, suggesting an advanced society before Spanish colonization.
• 🏰 The script became popular due to a desire to counter the influence of American culture and to instill national pride in the Philippines.
• 🔍 The lack of historical evidence, both written and oral, casts doubt on the authenticity of the Code of Calantiao.
• 🖋️ Jose Marco, a notorious forger, is associated with the propagation of the Code of Calantiao as part of a set of documents he provided.
• 🔥 The documents were supposedly burned due to poor weather conditions, which raises questions about their origin and authenticity.
• 🎓 American historian William Henry Scott exposed the Code of Calantiao as a hoax in the 1960s, debunking its inclusion in historical narratives.
• 📚 The hoax was perpetuated in history books, including Teodoro Agoncillo's 'History of the Filipino People,' until it was eventually removed in later editions.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Scott's doctoral thesis in 1965 played a crucial role in debunking Jose Marco's contributions to Philippine historiography, particularly the pre-Hispanic era.
• 📖 The removal of the Code of Calantiao from historical texts was a gradual process, reflecting the challenges in updating established historical narratives.

Q & A

What is the Code of Calantiao?

The Code of Calantiao is a mythical legal code mentioned in the epic story of Maragtas, supposedly written by Datu Calano, the chief of the island of Negros, in 1433. It was claimed to be a set of laws that predated Spanish colonization.

Why was the Code of Calantiao considered a hoax?

The Code of Calantiao was considered a hoax due to the lack of historical evidence supporting its existence, both as a written script and as part of oral tradition. It was also revealed to be a forgery by Jose Marco.

Who was Jose Marco and what was his role in the Code of Calantiao hoax?

Jose Marco was a forger and fraud who claimed to have discovered the Code of Calantiao among other documents. He was responsible for propagating the belief in the code's authenticity, which later turned out to be part of his many hoaxes.

How did the Code of Calantiao become popular in the Philippines?

The Code of Calantiao became popular because it was seen as evidence of an indigenous legal system and culture that predated Spanish colonization, which was appealing to Filipinos looking for a sense of national pride and identity.

Who debunked the Code of Calantiao hoax?

The American historian William Henry Scott debunked the Code of Calantiao hoax. He proved that it was a forgery as part of his doctoral thesis in the 1960s.

What was the significance of William Henry Scott's investigation into Jose Marco's documents?

William Henry Scott's investigation was significant because it revealed that all the documents provided by Jose Marco, including the Code of Calantiao, were fake and should not be considered part of the historical past of the Philippines.

How did the Code of Calantiao end up in history books?

The Code of Calantiao was included in history books, such as Teodoro Agoncillo's 'History of the Filipino People,' due to the initial acceptance of its authenticity by experts at the time, which later turned out to be a mistake.

When was the Code of Calantiao eventually removed from history books?

The Code of Calantiao was eventually removed from history books in the late 1970s and early 1980s, after the publication of new editions that corrected the earlier inaccuracies.

What impact did the Code of Calantiao hoax have on the study of Philippine history?

The Code of Calantiao hoax had a significant impact on the study of Philippine history by highlighting the need for more rigorous historical investigations and skepticism towards unverified historical claims.

What is the current stance of historians and experts on the Code of Calantiao?

Current historians and experts dismiss the Code of Calantiao as a hoax and emphasize the importance of relying on verified sources and evidence-based research when studying Philippine history.