This book examines the foundations of evolution and deep-time from non-Christian cultures in the Ancient Middle East and Indian Sub-Continent. It then examines how such pagan-religious beliefs were brought into the emrging scientific arena by Enlightenment philosophers who had an interest in Greek paganism and Hinduism - men such as Erasmus Darwin, David Hume and Benoit de Maillet. It then looks in detail at developments in the 19th century with references for instance to the writings of Charles Darwin, Charles Lyell and Thomas Huxley.