One researcher has recently criticized this ideology, emphasizing that it diminishes the accomplishments of many of the world’s ancient cultures. These cultures, which held significant knowledge in astronomy, masonry, and architectural design, deserve our utmost respect for their achievements.

Human imagination has played a pivotal role in creating numerous theories centered on aliens, many of which suggest they have even visited Earth in the distant past and continue to do so.

One popular claim is that such extraterrestrials played a significant role in the evolution of humanity and have influenced the development of cultures around the world.

According to these people, structures ranging from pyramids to ziggurats and temples were all constructed under the guidance of ancient aliens.

In recent years, several researchers and scientists have joined the show to discuss the irregularities discovered at some of the ancient sites. Some have even considered the possibility of alien intervention in humanity’s evolution.

Most recently, the conspiracy theory captivated one well-known engineer, Elon Musk. Several years ago, he tweeted, “Aliens built the pyramids, obv.”

 He continued, “I found the tombs of the pyramid builders that tell everyone that the builders of the pyramids were Egyptians and they were not slaves.”

Evidently upset with the traction the movement has received in recent years, Roberts posted a video to TikTok aiming to showcase how obscene the theory is. 

“Part of me just cannot believe this is still relevant. Most of me know that it’s sadly even more relevant,” she said. 

“Isn’t it interesting that we think about aliens building things in ancient South America, ancient Africa, and the ancient Middle East, but we don’t think that the aliens have built similar things in the places that we have decided is the birthplace of western civilization…like Greece?” she said.

Roberts explains that ancient alien proponents love to cite impressive sites made from cut and polished masonry as evidence of an extraterrestrial presence. Yet, there is no effort to associate European examples with aliens. 

She continued, “These buildings are often regarded as some of the most impressive in the world, yet their builders are never questioned.”

The name stems from a legend spread throughout the classical Greek world that only the mythological giants known as Cyclopes could move such enormous stones.

However, they are not attributed to aliens because “that’s our genius.” She continues, “Or maybe it’s just racism.”

However, those living in ancient Americas or Africa didn’t have the same level of expertise. Thus, the only explanation must be aliens. 

This has led Roberts and several other academics to label the proponents of the alien pyramid theory as racists. 

“That’s what the ancient alien’s theory does: it discredits the origins of civilizations, and almost entirely of non-white civilizations. People may suggest Stonehenge was built by aliens — but do the[y] suggest the Roman Forum or Parthenon were? No,” said researcher Chris Reidel.

During an interview with Vice, Karen Douglas, a professor of social psychology at the University of Kent, explained that many people tend to believe conspiracy theories that are difficult to prove wrong. 

“The most popular conspiracy theories are those which can’t be proven wrong or theories that mainly just ask questions about what happened,” said Douglas. 

Egyptologists are certain they were constructed by the Egyptians themselves, with Dr. Nicky Nielsen of the University of Manchester citing evidence such as quarries, diaries, and tool marks. 

According to Nielsen, the best answer is “Pulleys. They could pull very heavy blocks up a very steep gradient using pulleys and a ramp. The actual ramp that’s preserved is very steep; I think it’s something like 16 degrees.”

“Aside from Stonehenge, European ancient monuments aren’t dragged into the whole Ancient Aliens debate, like the Colosseum, even though it’s clearly a massive work of construction. It removes agency from indigenous cultures, and it takes their ownership of their own history away from them. Arabic writing from the time pretty unanimously says it was the Egyptians, but nobody bothered to check for a long time,” he said. 

“I don’t think that the people who believe [that aliens built the pyramids] are all racist, but the conspiracy perpetuates a very Eurocentric view of other cultures – not just the Egyptians, but Mayans and Incas and whoever else,” says Nielsen.

Thousands of years of evolution in masonry skills and architectural design would be sufficient enough to suggest that humans built the iconic landmarks. While it may be difficult to discern their exact methods, we can still enjoy the sites without diminishing or exploiting their achievements.