What is the ancient astronaut theory?
The ancient astronaut theory holds that long ago, extraterrestrial intelligent beings (aliens) visited the Earth and gave ancient people technology and knowledge, or were even involved in the birth of humanity itself. It is also called the “ancient aliens” theory.
Von Daniken’s Chariots of the Gods? and the boom
The theory was spread around the world by the Swiss writer Erich von Daniken’s 1968 book Chariots of the Gods?. Taking up the pyramids of Egypt, the Nazca Lines of Peru and the figure carved on the sarcophagus lid at Palenque in Mexico, he argued that “ancient people could not have made these alone” and that “they depict spaceships and astronauts.” Japan’s shakoki dogu were also presented as aliens wearing spacesuits.
Archaeology’s response
Archaeologists have shown that how the pyramids were built and how the Nazca Lines were drawn can be fully explained by the technology of the time. The theory has also been criticized for belittling the wisdom and effort of ancient peoples. Even so, as a theme that stirs the imagination with “what if it were true,” it remains popular in TV programs and films. See also the ancient nuclear war theory and the OOPArts page.
