Nazi Germany did send the ship Schwabenland to Antarctica in 1938-1939 and claimed sovereignty. Postwar legend holds that the Nazis built a secret underground base there, developed anti-gravity weapons called "Die Glocke" and flying discs called Haunebu, and used it as an escape refuge for high-ranking officials. This narrative has been amplified by numerous books, documentaries, and "former SS members" testimony.
Account
Nazi Germany did send the ship Schwabenland to Antarctica in 1938-1939 and claimed sovereignty. Postwar legend holds that the Nazis built a secret underground base there, developed anti-gravity weapons called "Die Glocke" and flying discs called Haunebu, and used it as an escape refuge for high-ranking officials. This narrative has been amplified by numerous books, documentaries, and "former SS members" testimony.
Debunked
Mainstream history and geology point out that constructing and maintaining a large underground base in Antarctica's extreme environment is practically impossible, and no archaeological or physical evidence exists. The "Base 211," "Die Glocke," and "Haunebu" are all conspiracy theory and pop culture fabrications.
Sources
- Official records of the German Schwabenland expedition (1938-1939)
- postwar conspiracy theory books and documentaries