The Ancient Astronaut Theory - An Introduction, In A Nut Shell
OK – this is essentially a “beginner's guide” type piece to try and sum up the Ancient Astronaut Theory neatly and quickly, so please forgive me if I over simplify things here, but that is the intention. As we go over the next few months we’ll really look into the meat and bones of this in lots more detail. We will be writing quite a few pieces on this particular subject, but for now, for those who don’t know, this is what it’s all about.
The Ancient Astronaut Theory suggests that in the ancient past, aliens came to Earth and were essentially responsible for the beginnings of various religions that are still worshipped around the world today. The alien’s technical advancements and ultimate knowledge of such things as science, medicine and the Universe in general were, it is said, perceived as divinity.
A phrase that is used a lot in ancient astronaut circles to explain this is “misunderstood technology.” This theory was unintentionally proven correct in part during World War II when the US Air Force landed squadrons of their soldiers and pilots on various islands in the South Pacific to establish US bases in the region. Tribes on some of these islands that were largely untouched at that point by the modern world saw these pilots as Gods who had brought them divine gifts (which were, in fact, US Air Force supplies). They even went as far as to make wooden replica guns, replica pilot helmets and even to-scale replica planes, as a tribute to their gods, thinking these things to be of divine origin. If this was the reaction in the 1940s then you would imagine that the reaction in antiquity assuming for a moment that our ancestors did encounter alien explorers would have been much the same.
The Ancient Astronaut idea was arguably first made popular in the mainstream by Swiss author Erich Von Daniken, in his 1968 book Chariots Of The Gods?
The Ancient Astronaut Theory suggests that in the ancient past, aliens came to Earth and were essentially responsible for the beginnings of various religions that are still worshipped around the world today. The alien’s technical advancements and ultimate knowledge of such things as science, medicine and the Universe in general were, it is said, perceived as divinity.
A phrase that is used a lot in ancient astronaut circles to explain this is “misunderstood technology.” This theory was unintentionally proven correct in part during World War II when the US Air Force landed squadrons of their soldiers and pilots on various islands in the South Pacific to establish US bases in the region. Tribes on some of these islands that were largely untouched at that point by the modern world saw these pilots as Gods who had brought them divine gifts (which were, in fact, US Air Force supplies). They even went as far as to make wooden replica guns, replica pilot helmets and even to-scale replica planes, as a tribute to their gods, thinking these things to be of divine origin. If this was the reaction in the 1940s then you would imagine that the reaction in antiquity assuming for a moment that our ancestors did encounter alien explorers would have been much the same.
The Ancient Astronaut idea was arguably first made popular in the mainstream by Swiss author Erich Von Daniken, in his 1968 book Chariots Of The Gods?
The Theories Of Erich Von Daniken
Von Daniken looked to numerous ancient religions and cultures around the world, noting how despite being separated by miles and miles of land with no known contact to each other, all told variations of the same story. He sourced numerous written accounts of religious texts and other writings, taking what they said much more at face value instead of trying to interpret a divine meaning or teaching. He also singled out many ancient temples, buildings and artifacts from antiquity, all of which, Von Daniken claimed, took a level of sophistication and understanding in their construction that was simply beyond what human beings of that era could have achieved, as potential proof of his theory.
Von Daniken named such places as The Nazca Lines in Peru – miles and miles of huge drawings that are etched into the desert floor and can only be seen for what they are from the air. As well as various pictures (one of which appears to be a “Spaceman”), there are many perfectly straight lines that go on for miles. Von Daniken theorized that these could be runways for (ancient) aircraft to land and take off from.
Von Daniken named such places as The Nazca Lines in Peru – miles and miles of huge drawings that are etched into the desert floor and can only be seen for what they are from the air. As well as various pictures (one of which appears to be a “Spaceman”), there are many perfectly straight lines that go on for miles. Von Daniken theorized that these could be runways for (ancient) aircraft to land and take off from.
Pumapunku, part of the Tiwanaku site in Bolivia was another. In Inca traditions, this site was said to be “where the world was created.” The site featured stonework that had been cut with such sharp precision that it looked as though it has been cut out by modern-day laser instruments. Not only were the corners of this huge stonework perfect, but there were also perfectly cut circles that had been cut through the rock. Indeed pictures of these stones do look as though they have come straight from a modern day construction site.
Von Daniken also singled out the famous Sarcophagus lid from the tomb of Pacal The Great, the Maya ruler of Palenque from 615 to 683 AD. The lid featured a picture of Pacal that Von Daniken claimed clearly showed the ruler seated in a position similar to that of “modern day” astronauts – he claimed the lid showed Pacal with an instrument fixed to his nose to help him breathe in space and his hands were fixed on what seemed to be controls of some kind. His feet also appeared to be controlling or operating something such as pedals. The picture below gives a good look at what Von Daniken "saw".
The Great Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge were just two more examples that Von Daniken pointed to as proof his theories were correct, or at the very least, warranted further study.
Much of Von Daniken’s work and theories have been rejected by mainstream historians. They are however very interesting, to say the least and are no less valid than theories that are considered more mainstream. While they are not proven as fact, they are certainly not unproven either. His books are recommended reading if only to gain another perspective.
Von Daniken was far being a lone voice on the subject. Before we look at other theories, check out the documentary, "Chariots of the Gods" below, which is based on Von Daniken's theories.
Von Daniken also singled out the famous Sarcophagus lid from the tomb of Pacal The Great, the Maya ruler of Palenque from 615 to 683 AD. The lid featured a picture of Pacal that Von Daniken claimed clearly showed the ruler seated in a position similar to that of “modern day” astronauts – he claimed the lid showed Pacal with an instrument fixed to his nose to help him breathe in space and his hands were fixed on what seemed to be controls of some kind. His feet also appeared to be controlling or operating something such as pedals. The picture below gives a good look at what Von Daniken "saw".
The Great Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge were just two more examples that Von Daniken pointed to as proof his theories were correct, or at the very least, warranted further study.
Much of Von Daniken’s work and theories have been rejected by mainstream historians. They are however very interesting, to say the least and are no less valid than theories that are considered more mainstream. While they are not proven as fact, they are certainly not unproven either. His books are recommended reading if only to gain another perspective.
Von Daniken was far being a lone voice on the subject. Before we look at other theories, check out the documentary, "Chariots of the Gods" below, which is based on Von Daniken's theories.
Ancient Genetic Engineering?
Furthermore, the Ancient Astronaut Theory, in general, suggests that human beings (Homo sapiens) themselves are likely the result of genetic engineering of Homo erectus DNA mixed with alien DNA. This could, it is said, explain what is referred to as the "missing link". We essentially do not quite know how we made the jump from Homo erectus to Homo sapien as quickly and randomly as we did, or why?
For example and to be blunt, why did we go from eating mushed up fruit and rolling around in our own shit one minute, to making and using fire to cook food and provide heat and light, and to have the knowledge and foresight to make clothing, tools and even weapons so quickly.
The fact that we lost our body hair, for example, shows that evolution at best misjudged our need for it.
We lost our body hair or fur, according to evolution as we no longer needed it to keep warm. However, no sooner than we have done this, do we begin to wear clothing, because we needed them, to keep warm.
Maybe evolution forgot to tick the “Retain Fur” box in the human beings development plans back in the day. Perhaps evolution simply made a mistake – after all, it has a lot on its plate, it is bound to make an error or two along the way, right? Or maybe evolution alone isn’t responsible for human beings and the Ancient Astronaut Theory is closer to the truth than many of us may think.
If evolution is purely responsible for human beings, then you have to ask, why are we so radically different, in terms of how we live, organise and educate ourselves and so on, than any other living animal on the planet? For example, we do not see dogs or cats or monkeys or whatever, organising themselves politically, educating their own young, or developing certain technologies that will assist their everyday living.
A trite comment, no doubt, but it is true nonetheless. Most animals live today in the same way and manner as they did thousands of years ago. Yet human beings have developed and dare I say advanced so much in many ways. That’s not to say that human beings are “better”, and maybe it is our own advancements that have left little room for any other such advancement elsewhere in the chain. Even so, you would suspect if evolution alone was the reason for human beings and their development, then at least one other species might have developed at a similar pace and in a similar way.
For example and to be blunt, why did we go from eating mushed up fruit and rolling around in our own shit one minute, to making and using fire to cook food and provide heat and light, and to have the knowledge and foresight to make clothing, tools and even weapons so quickly.
The fact that we lost our body hair, for example, shows that evolution at best misjudged our need for it.
We lost our body hair or fur, according to evolution as we no longer needed it to keep warm. However, no sooner than we have done this, do we begin to wear clothing, because we needed them, to keep warm.
Maybe evolution forgot to tick the “Retain Fur” box in the human beings development plans back in the day. Perhaps evolution simply made a mistake – after all, it has a lot on its plate, it is bound to make an error or two along the way, right? Or maybe evolution alone isn’t responsible for human beings and the Ancient Astronaut Theory is closer to the truth than many of us may think.
If evolution is purely responsible for human beings, then you have to ask, why are we so radically different, in terms of how we live, organise and educate ourselves and so on, than any other living animal on the planet? For example, we do not see dogs or cats or monkeys or whatever, organising themselves politically, educating their own young, or developing certain technologies that will assist their everyday living.
A trite comment, no doubt, but it is true nonetheless. Most animals live today in the same way and manner as they did thousands of years ago. Yet human beings have developed and dare I say advanced so much in many ways. That’s not to say that human beings are “better”, and maybe it is our own advancements that have left little room for any other such advancement elsewhere in the chain. Even so, you would suspect if evolution alone was the reason for human beings and their development, then at least one other species might have developed at a similar pace and in a similar way.
Zecharia Sitchin suggested his own theory as to these specific events in his book The 12th Planet which was the first of The Earth Chronicles series, a seven-part series that is worth taking the time to read, again if only to gain an alternative perspective.
Sitchin had taught himself to read Sumerian Cuneiform and based much of his work on his own translation and interpretation of Mesopotamian iconography and symbolism on numerous Sumerian clay tablets. Combined with various cross-references to other ancient texts and mythologies, Sitchin formed his theory. It should also be stated that Sitchin has received much criticism for some of his interpretations, and ultimately his theories are not accepted in the mainstream.
Again, in an absolute nut-shell, part of the story tells of a race of aliens called the Anunnaki who after travelling from their own planet to our solar system, depart from the “mothership” before landing on Earth with a mission to mine for gold, which was of great value to them. Incidentally, in terms of usefulness and to put a modern-day perspective on this aspect, gold would have been and is immensely valuable to anybody, earth-born or otherwise who would be undertaking any form of space-flight. Not to mention it’s conducting properties for a whole manner of electrical uses.
The “mission” was led by two brothers Enki and Enlil. While Enlil was ultimately in charge, it was Enki who was the scientist or “brains” of the operation.
The work to mine the gold from “the belly of the land” an area that we would now recognize as South Africa, proved to be much harder and laborious than expected.
Tired of the constant grind the Anunnaki eventually rebelled and insisted, upon Enki’s recommendation, that a laborer race be created to mine the gold for them. After numerous different experiments, a “beast” that was more intelligent than the others indigenous to Earth was chosen by Enki to mix its DNA with their own – and so Homo erectus became Homo sapiens or human beings. The result of which was called Adapa – Adam (and Eve) anyone?
Sitchin had taught himself to read Sumerian Cuneiform and based much of his work on his own translation and interpretation of Mesopotamian iconography and symbolism on numerous Sumerian clay tablets. Combined with various cross-references to other ancient texts and mythologies, Sitchin formed his theory. It should also be stated that Sitchin has received much criticism for some of his interpretations, and ultimately his theories are not accepted in the mainstream.
Again, in an absolute nut-shell, part of the story tells of a race of aliens called the Anunnaki who after travelling from their own planet to our solar system, depart from the “mothership” before landing on Earth with a mission to mine for gold, which was of great value to them. Incidentally, in terms of usefulness and to put a modern-day perspective on this aspect, gold would have been and is immensely valuable to anybody, earth-born or otherwise who would be undertaking any form of space-flight. Not to mention it’s conducting properties for a whole manner of electrical uses.
The “mission” was led by two brothers Enki and Enlil. While Enlil was ultimately in charge, it was Enki who was the scientist or “brains” of the operation.
The work to mine the gold from “the belly of the land” an area that we would now recognize as South Africa, proved to be much harder and laborious than expected.
Tired of the constant grind the Anunnaki eventually rebelled and insisted, upon Enki’s recommendation, that a laborer race be created to mine the gold for them. After numerous different experiments, a “beast” that was more intelligent than the others indigenous to Earth was chosen by Enki to mix its DNA with their own – and so Homo erectus became Homo sapiens or human beings. The result of which was called Adapa – Adam (and Eve) anyone?
Clues In Other Ancient Legends and Writings?
It is said by Sitchin that mankind and the Anunnaki co-existed for many thousands of years, until what is known as The Flood or The Deluge. Enlil “grew tired” of mankind who constantly disturbed him with their needs and wants, and so had decided to let them be swept away in a coming flood that he had prior knowledge of (advanced technology?). It was agreed by the “gods” that they would leave Earth upon the arrival of the flood and let the human beings perish.
Enki however, had grown close to human beings, in particular, the first Adapa, who was for all intents and purposes, a cross between a personal assistant and pupil to him. He instructed his chosen “student” on how to build a vessel that would help him survive the impending disaster, with navigation instructions on where to head to while the waters swept over the land. He was also to take his family and the seed of all living things so that life could start again following the flood, once the waters had fallen.
Heard this before, right?
In the Book Of Enoch, it appears that the same story is being told, simply with different names.
The Watchers (The Anunnaki?) were sent to Earth to watch over mankind – this after the Adapa or Adam – had been created. As humans bred The Watchers saw that “the daughters of man were beautiful.” In the Book of Genesis verses 1-4, it states quite clearly that:
Enki however, had grown close to human beings, in particular, the first Adapa, who was for all intents and purposes, a cross between a personal assistant and pupil to him. He instructed his chosen “student” on how to build a vessel that would help him survive the impending disaster, with navigation instructions on where to head to while the waters swept over the land. He was also to take his family and the seed of all living things so that life could start again following the flood, once the waters had fallen.
Heard this before, right?
In the Book Of Enoch, it appears that the same story is being told, simply with different names.
The Watchers (The Anunnaki?) were sent to Earth to watch over mankind – this after the Adapa or Adam – had been created. As humans bred The Watchers saw that “the daughters of man were beautiful.” In the Book of Genesis verses 1-4, it states quite clearly that:
“When human beings began to increase in number on the Earth and daughters were born to them, the sons of God saw that the daughters of humans were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose.”
The Watchers also shared “secret knowledge” that “was not intended” for human beings. The serpent in the Garden Of Eden?
According to many Ancient Astronaut theorists, the Garden Of Eden was simply a medical science enclosure, possibly a bio-dome where the first human beings were engineered, developed and bred, and where conditions and indeed the surroundings could be controlled. We will explore this particular idea in a lot more detail in future pieces, but as another example of just a third culture using very similar stories you could look to the story of the Greek god Prometheus and his theft of fire from Mount Olympus and his giving of it (or the knowledge of fire) to human beings.
Is Prometheus, in fact, the serpent, who is actually Enki? Mount Olympus is actually the Garden Of Eden, which is the medical science lab and enclosure where the Anunnaki first made human beings.
One of the most famous lines in The Bible suggests that instead of one god who “made” man, that it was a team of “gods” (or maybe scientists?) who debated and experimented before deciding on the final course of action:
According to many Ancient Astronaut theorists, the Garden Of Eden was simply a medical science enclosure, possibly a bio-dome where the first human beings were engineered, developed and bred, and where conditions and indeed the surroundings could be controlled. We will explore this particular idea in a lot more detail in future pieces, but as another example of just a third culture using very similar stories you could look to the story of the Greek god Prometheus and his theft of fire from Mount Olympus and his giving of it (or the knowledge of fire) to human beings.
Is Prometheus, in fact, the serpent, who is actually Enki? Mount Olympus is actually the Garden Of Eden, which is the medical science lab and enclosure where the Anunnaki first made human beings.
One of the most famous lines in The Bible suggests that instead of one god who “made” man, that it was a team of “gods” (or maybe scientists?) who debated and experimented before deciding on the final course of action:
“Let us make man in OUR image.”
A little far-fetched?
Maybe, but when thought about from a certain perspective this theory does start to make a certain amount of sense and at the very least deserves further study.
The fact that people have gone to the trouble, many thousands of years ago, of making such stone tablets and ancient texts, which was surely a more laborious task than just picking up a pen or typing at a computer, shows the importance that they placed on these (supposed) events. For all this effort, would the writings really just be simple stories or myths?
Check out the documentary below for a more in-depth look at Sitchin's theories. Below that are videos featuring some of Sitchin's final interviews, and finally, David Icke, another controversial author concerning the subject, gives his view on Sitchin's work. There are also follow-on documentaries from the Chariots of the Gods documentary above.
[Marcus Lowth July 2015]
Maybe, but when thought about from a certain perspective this theory does start to make a certain amount of sense and at the very least deserves further study.
The fact that people have gone to the trouble, many thousands of years ago, of making such stone tablets and ancient texts, which was surely a more laborious task than just picking up a pen or typing at a computer, shows the importance that they placed on these (supposed) events. For all this effort, would the writings really just be simple stories or myths?
Check out the documentary below for a more in-depth look at Sitchin's theories. Below that are videos featuring some of Sitchin's final interviews, and finally, David Icke, another controversial author concerning the subject, gives his view on Sitchin's work. There are also follow-on documentaries from the Chariots of the Gods documentary above.
[Marcus Lowth July 2015]
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