Ancient Astronauts - the theory that alien astronauts visited earth during ancient times and influenced the creation of civilization or even man himself.
The theory
Proponents of the ancient astronaut theory say to look at the ancient marvels of prehistory - the Pyramids, Easter Island, or the Nasca Lines in Peru. How did ancient man create such marvels without sophisticated technology? Then, look deeper at old hieroglyphics and statues and notice that many of the figures are otherworldly or show what appears to be modern technology like aircraft. There are even marvels such as the Peruvian Nasca Lines that can only be fully seen from the air.
Erich von Däniken popularized the idea back in the 1970's. His best-selling Chariots of the Gods argued that aliens influenced man since prehistory. As evidence, he argued that there was an alien astronaut preserved inside an ancient pyramid, sophisticated astronomy from Incan and Egyptian ruins, and a giant Andean spaceport.
Other researchers, such as Zecharia Sitchin, have expanded upon the theory of ancient astronauts.
Erich von Däniken Home Page - Information on the famous researcher who has written over 25 books on ancient astronauts.
Ancient Astronauts - Interesting summary of all the ancient astronaut theories.
12th Planet Cafe - Links and discussion on ancient astronauts and man.
Gods of the New Millennium - Argues that the idea of ancient astronauts deserves more study and may have to do with 2 now destroyed planets that used to exist in our solar system.
The Wingmakers - Information on the mystical race of Wingmakers, the genetic caretakers of the universe, once thought to be Gods when they interacted with humans ages ago.
Ancient Chinese Astronauts - These guys were everywhere.
Nasca Lines - Info on the 2000 years old triangles, zig-zags, and animals totally visible only from the air. Great photos.
Lines of Peru - Believe it or not, modern man just rediscovered these giant biomorphs and geomorphs only 70 years ago.
Vimanas - Ancient Flying Machines - Did man actually take to the skies thousands of years before the Wright Brothers?
Stargate Group - As this site says, "If you liked the movie, you will love the reality."
Isn't this silly?
Skeptics argue that the ancient astronaut theory isn't based upon any facts but instead is often made up by people attempting to profit off the idea. They also argue that the theory is insulting too - why couldn't ancient man create amazing buildings or be aware of astronomy? Just because we still don't fully understand how the Pyramids were built doesn't mean aliens created them. More evidence has to be shown before such claims can be made.
Skeptic's Dictionary: Ancient Astronauts - Critical analysis of von Däniken's theories.
Zecharia Sitchin's Ancient Astronaut Theories - a Skeptical Archive - Database of ancient astronaut criticism.
Nova: Secrets of Easter Island - Everything you would want to know about Easter Island. Great photos and maps.
The Chilling Tale of Easter Island - How ecological destruction decimated the inhabitants of Easter island.
Right or wrong, the idea is cool
Well, even though the idea of ancient astronauts can get a little far fetched at times, you have to admit that the idea is cool. It combines amazing wonders of the ancient world with cool science fiction. The ancient astronaut theory has, at the very least, given us cool movies and TV like Stargate and comics like The Eternals. And, who doesn't like those kick-ass Crystal Skulls?
Easter Island Photo Album - Amazing photos of this must see island.
Easter Island - Outstanding tour of Easter Island. A great resource with Beautiful photos.
Crystal Skulls - Nobody knows the purpose of these amazing and mysterious objects.
Mystery Park - Swiss amusement park dedicated to the earth's mysteries.
Ancient Astronauts College Course - Take a college course you wouldn't want to cut.
Were aliens responsible for advanced ancient civilizations like Egypt or the Mayans?
Ancient astronauts have long been a part of popular culture, such as this 1970's Marvel comic book.
An ancient landing strip in Peru?
