Theories of Ancient Aliens
The possibility of life elsewhere in the universe has likely been a subject of human curiosity for as long as we’ve been able to gaze at the stars and celestial bodies.
Source: Wikimedia
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.
Masters of Construction
The internet has only hastened the spread of ancient alien theories. 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.
Source: Wikimedia
If that isn’t enough, a few have even gone as far as to say that many of the greatest remnants of the ancient world, ranging from pyramids to ziggurats and temples, were all constructed under the guidance of ancient aliens.
The Ancient Aliens TV Show
Traction of the ancient astronaut theory has garnered considerable support over the past decade, thanks to one show in particular: “Ancient Aliens,” broadcasted on the History network.
Source: @Tsoukalos/X
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.
Elon Musk Believes the Pyramids Were Built by Aliens
Theories of the potential role aliens played in constructing ancient sites have captivated many people, including one well-known engineer, Elon Musk. Several years ago, he tweeted, “Aliens built the pyramids obv.”
Source: Wikimedia
The Tesla founder was immediately met with considerable backlash online. Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass called Musk’s comment a “complete hallucination.” 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.”
Historian Calls Out Ancient Aliens Theorists
In a TikTok video uploaded to her account, Dr. Ellie Mackin Roberts, who specializes in Classical Greek history, called out the proponents of the ancient alien theories.
Source: Elliemackinroberts/TikTik
Evidently upset with the traction the movement has received in recent years, Roberts expressed this in the video’s caption, writing, “Part of me just cannot believe this is still relevant. Most of me knows that it’s sadly even more relevant.”
Ancient Aliens Forgot About Europe
In the video, Roberts points out that many of the structures allegedly built by ancient aliens are outside of Europe.
Source: Wikimedia
“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.
One Problem With Their Theory
According to the doctor, here lies the major hole in their theory. Roberts explains that ancient alien proponents love to cite impressive sites made from cut and polished masonry as evidence of an extraterrestrial presence.
Source: Wikimedia
However, if this was a determining factor, she added, why do they forget to include the Cyclopean stone masonry found throughout Greece? These buildings are often regarded as some of the most impressive in the world, yet their builders are never questioned.
Cyclopean Masonry
This particular kind of construction is found in the walls of Greek sites at Mycenae and Tiryns. 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.
Source: Wikimedia
According to Roberts, we observe “rocks carved precisely and put together.” However, they are not attributed to aliens because “that’s our genius.” She continues, “Or maybe it’s just racism.”
The Historian's Point
It appears the historian is trying to suggest that, for whatever reason, the people of Europe are believed to have possessed the skills required to move enormous stones and build megalithic structures.
Source: Elliemackinroberts/TikTik
However, those living in ancient Americas or Africa didn’t have the same level of expertise. Thus, the only explanation must be aliens. But in doing so, ancient alien theorists are simply diminishing the achievements of these ancient cultures while promoting Europe as a superior civilization, which just isn’t true.
Ancient Alien Theorist Are Racist
While it is the opinion of the minority, some have begun labeling those who propose the ancient alien theory racist because it continues to diminish the achievements of ancient groups outside of Europe.
Source: Wikimedia
“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.
Embracing the Achievements of the Past
It’s important to remember that while the megalithic structures found around the world appear to be so advanced that we may struggle to create replicas in the modern era, they simply show the level of expertise possessed by ancient cultures.
Source: David Degner/Getty Images
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.