A Journey to the Centre of the Earth is a classic 1864 science-fiction novel written by Jules Verne. The main character is Professor Von Hardwigg who believes there are volcanic tubes going toward the center of the Earth. Professor Von Hardwigg, his nephew Axel, and their guide Hans encounter many adventures, including prehistoric animals and natural hazards, eventually coming to the surface again in southern Italy.

The living organisms they meet reflect geological time; just as the rock layers become older and older the deeper they travel, the animals become more and more ancient the closer they come to the center of the Earth.