eu·he·mer·ism 
(y-hēmə-rĭz′əm, -hĕmə-)
(y-hēmə-rĭz′əm, -hĕmə-)n.
A theory attributing the origin of the gods to the deification of historical heroes.
[After Euhemerus, fourth-century BC Greek philosopher.]
eu·hemer·ist n.
eu·he′mer·istic adj.
eu·he′mer·isti·cal·ly adv.