Post by Melissa Foxworthy on Dec 2, 2007 18:11:30 GMT -5
Ancient astronaut theories are various proposals that the Earth had, before first human record, been visited by intelligent extraterrestrial beings, and that such contact is linked to either the origins or development of human cultures, technologies and/or religion. Indeed, some of these theories suggests that gods from most -- if not all -- religions are actually extraterrestrial beings, and their technologies were mistaken for divine entities by primitive man.[1][2] While no peer-reviewed scientific journal validates such claims, these theories have been popularized, particularly in the latter half of the 20th century, by writers Erich von Däniken, Zecharia Sitchin and others.[3]
Ancient astronaut theories do not rule out the possibility that civilization may have evolved on earth twice, and that the visitation of ancient astronauts may reflect the return of descendants of ancient humans whose population was separated from earthbound humans[citation needed].
Proponents of ancient astronaut theories point to gaps in historical and archaeological records and the corresponding absence of definitive explanations in certain contexts from the archaeological sciences. Advocates of these theories put forward as evidence their interpretations of various archaeological artifacts, which they deem to have been anachronistic or "beyond the (presumed) technical capabilities" attributed to the historical cultures they are associated with (see "OOPArt"). Another common theme relies upon the interpretation of depictions in certain ancient artworks as being representations of actual extraterrestrial visitors as realised by the contacted cultures.
Critics maintain, however, that such gaps in contemporary knowledge of the past do not demonstrate that such alternative accounts are a necessary, or even plausible, conclusion to draw from the (lack of) available data. A number of ancient astronaut claims are made in direct opposition to the consensus scientific interpretation of evidence in situations where there are alternatives supported by more widely accepted theories. The scientific community remains generally skeptical, and the dominant view is that the evidence for ancient astronaut and paleocontact theories is undemonstrated.[4]
Ancient astronaut theories may be considered a subset of paleocontact theory, a hypothesis that intelligent extraterrestrials have visited Earth. Carl Sagan, I.S. Shklovskii and Hermann Oberth are three notable scientists who have seriously considered this possibility.
Theosophical writings of the 19th and early 20th centuries contain many precursors to the ancient astronaut theories. Theosophy influenced authors such as H. P. Lovecraft, Charles Fort, and Erich von Däniken[citation needed].
[edit] Erich von Däniken
Erich von Däniken was a leading proponent of this theory in the late 1960s and early 1970s, gaining a large audience through the 1968 publication of his best-selling book Chariots of the Gods and its sequels. Von Däniken's evidence for his vision of paleocontact was:
Certain artifacts and monumental constructions, their purpose or origin unknown, appear to have required a more sophisticated technological ability in their construction than what was presumed by historians for those ancient cultures. These objects and structures are deemed to be beyond the technological capabilities of the associated societies attributed with their manufacture (at least in the eyes of the author and his adherents). Von Däniken maintains that these artifacts were constructed either directly by extraterrestrial visitors or by humans who learned the necessary knowledge from said visitors. These artifacts and monuments include Stonehenge, the Moai of Easter Island, the Antikythera mechanism and the Ancient Baghdad Electric Batteries. (See OOPArt)
In ancient art and iconography throughout the world, certain similar themes can be interpreted to illustrate air and space vehicles, non-human but intelligent creatures, ancient astronauts and artifacts of an anachronistically advanced technology. Von Däniken also identifies certain details that appear similar across the art of geographically-diverse historical cultures, which he argues imply a common origin. For one such example, refer to von Däniken's interpretation of the sarcophagus lid recovered from the tomb of the Classic-era Maya ruler of Palenque, Pacal. Von Däniken claimed the design represented a seated astronaut, whereas the iconography and accompanying Maya text clearly identifies it as a portrait of the ruler himself with the World Tree of Maya mythology.
The origins of many religions could be interpreted as reactions to encounters by primitive humans with some alien race. According to this view, humans consider the technology of the aliens to be supernatural and the aliens themselves to be gods. Von Däniken claims that the oral and written traditions of most religions contain references to alien visitors by descriptions of stars and vehicular objects travelling through air and space. The author maintains that these should be seen as literal descriptions from eyewitnesses that have been interpreted by primitive peoples as supernatural events, or changed during the passage of time to become more obscure, rather than symbolic or mythical fiction. One such is Ezekiel's revelation in the Old Testament, which Däniken interprets as a detailed description of a landing spacecraft.
Many authors use ancient mythologies to support their viewpoints, based on theories that hold that nearly all ancient creation myths of a god or gods who descended from the "heavens" to earth to create man are actually representations of alien visitors. These myths detail extraordinary adventures of these god-like beings as actually using technologies unseen from the perspective of early man.
For example, flying machines often show up in ancient texts. One classical example is the Vimanas, flying machines that can be found in the Sanskrit epics of India. These tales range from fantastic aerial battles employing various weaponry including bombs, to the mundane relating simple technical information, flight procedure, and flights of fancy. (See also Vaimanika Shastra, a text on Vimanas "channeled" in the early 20th century.)[17]
In the Biblical Old Testament, the ancient Hebrew God Yahweh is described as having various attributes that could be interpreted as being advanced rockets or other flying craft. He is described as having an upper "body" of metal[18] (which can also be interpreted as a kind of crown), appearing on a column of smoke and/or fire[19] and making the sound of a trumpet.[20] These descriptions portray Yahweh as not only having the characteristics of a flying machine, but also quite clearly describe Him as a physical presence,[21] not an abstraction. This Yahweh follows the Hebrews around and rains lightning[22] and stones[23] down upon their enemies from his position in the sky. However, poetically, descriptions of the Hebrew God have also featured having protecting wings and outstretched arms in the Psalms, features which may be considered contrary to some theories of mechanical manifestations of God, but tellingly refers to the different perceptions of their God given the different eras the stories were written[citation needed]. Additionally, the characteristics of the Ark of the Covenant[24] and the Urim and Thummim[25] are identified as suggesting high technology, perhaps from alien origins[citation needed].
Physical evidence includes the discovery of ancient "model airplanes" in Egypt and South America, which bear resemblance to modern planes and gliders,[26] although conventionally these are interpreted as models of birds.
More support of this theory draws upon what some have thought to be flying saucers in medieval and renaissance art. Objects in the paintings that cannot be explained with relevance to the art piece are often assumed to be flying saucers[citation needed]. This is used to support the ancient astronaut theory by attempting to show that the creators of humanity return to check up on their creation throughout time.
Other artistic support for the ancient astronaut theory has been sought in Palaeolithic cave paintings. Vondijina in Australia and Val Camonica in Italy (seen above) bear a resemblance to present day astronauts; quite why ancient astronauts should wear pressure suits familiar in the late twentieth century is not explained. Supporters of the ancient astronaut theory sometimes claim that similarities such as dome shaped heads, interpreted as beings wearing space helmets, prove that early man was visited by an extraterrestrial race.[27]
[edit] Earlier ideas
Earlier sources — while generally not referencing ancient astronauts per se — suggest the creation of some monuments was beyond human means, such as Saxo Grammaticus' suggestion that giants had created Denmark's massive dolmens, or in tales that Merlin had assembled Stonehenge via magic.
Another frequent theme that can be encountered in many mythologies is a person who comes from far away as a god, or as the archetype of a "civilizing hero" who brings knowledge to mankind. Prometheus is the best-known Western example. In Native American lore there are numerous examples, including Quetzalcoatl of the Aztecs and Viracocha of the Incas.
The cross-cultural similarities of deities coming from the heavens and the manners in which they speak to humans are explained by some as evidence of visitations by extraterrestrial beings. The myths of Gods and Godesses are supposedly real accounts of these visitations. The extraterrestrials are seen as divine due to their technology, which is superior to the point it can only be explained as the “powers” or magic of the God or Goddess by the creators of the deity myths.
[edit] Criticism
Other than the proponent's interpretation of ancient writings and artifacts and the beliefs of the ancient cultures themselves, there has yet to be found any hard evidence to support the ancient astronaut hypothesis.
Alan F. Alford, author of “Gods of the New Millennium”, (1996) is an adherent of the ancient astronaut theory. Much of his work draws on Sitchin’s theories. However, he does admit to some faults in Sitchin’s theory after deeper analysis.[28] “I am now firmly of the opinion that these gods personified the falling sky; in other words, the descent of the gods was a poetic rendition of the cataclysm myth which stood at the heart of ancient Near Eastern religions.” (Alford)(see Fermi Paradox).
[edit] Nazca Lines
The Nazca lines of Peru are a large group of enormous ground drawings[29] Many supporters of this theory cite the Nazca lines as evidence because the civilization that made them would only have been able to view these from the air. They have been reproduced by scientists such as Joe Nickell of the University of Kentucky, using only technology available to them at the time. With this, they were able to reconstruct even the most intricate figures of the lines[30]. What they have been unable to produce, however, are the reasons behind the creation of the Nazca Lines, nor any information relating to who conceived of the project.
[edit] Difficulties of building and moving megaliths
Evidence for ancient astronauts often consists of suggestions that ancient monuments and megalithic ruins, such as the pyramids of Egypt, Machu Picchu in Peru, or Baalbek in Lebanon, [31] could not have been built without technical abilities beyond those of people at that time. Such allegations are not unique in history. Similar reasoning lay behind the wonder of the Cyclopean masonry walling at Mycenaean cities in the eyes of Greeks of the following "Dark Age," who believed that the giant Cyclopes had built the walls. As well as aliens, other candidates for the lost civilizations that taught or provided these skills are the pseudo-historical lost continents of Atlantis, Lemuria and Mu.
[edit] Easter Island
The idea that certain stonework was beyond the technological capabilities of the people who historians attribute it to has been challenged, with for example the Moai and Ahus of the Rapanui of Easter Island put into the wider context of Polynesian Marae by Alfred Metraux and others.
Modern archaeology has successfully demonstrated how it could have been possible for people with stone age technology to move smaller megaliths like some of the Easter Island Moai[32] which weigh on average 12.5 metric tons with the largest erected being 74.4 metric tons.[33]. The poured concrete Moai used in the demonstration weighed approximately 6 tons and was lifted onto the sled by modern crane[34].
[edit] Baalbek Lebanon
The three largest megalithic stones at Baalbek which together are referred to as the "Trilithon", are the largest stones quarried by man and are estimated to weigh upwards of 1000 tons each with an even larger fourth stone still lying in the quarry nearly 3/4 of a mile away [35]. The world's land record for greatest weight lifted by a mobile land crane is 1000 tons set by the Lampsons's Tranis-Lift Series II A. With a maximum un-modified lift capacity of 1100 tons, this crane requires 80 semi-trailer trucks to deliver the components and 3 weeks to assemble [
Ancient astronaut theories do not rule out the possibility that civilization may have evolved on earth twice, and that the visitation of ancient astronauts may reflect the return of descendants of ancient humans whose population was separated from earthbound humans[citation needed].
Proponents of ancient astronaut theories point to gaps in historical and archaeological records and the corresponding absence of definitive explanations in certain contexts from the archaeological sciences. Advocates of these theories put forward as evidence their interpretations of various archaeological artifacts, which they deem to have been anachronistic or "beyond the (presumed) technical capabilities" attributed to the historical cultures they are associated with (see "OOPArt"). Another common theme relies upon the interpretation of depictions in certain ancient artworks as being representations of actual extraterrestrial visitors as realised by the contacted cultures.
Critics maintain, however, that such gaps in contemporary knowledge of the past do not demonstrate that such alternative accounts are a necessary, or even plausible, conclusion to draw from the (lack of) available data. A number of ancient astronaut claims are made in direct opposition to the consensus scientific interpretation of evidence in situations where there are alternatives supported by more widely accepted theories. The scientific community remains generally skeptical, and the dominant view is that the evidence for ancient astronaut and paleocontact theories is undemonstrated.[4]
Ancient astronaut theories may be considered a subset of paleocontact theory, a hypothesis that intelligent extraterrestrials have visited Earth. Carl Sagan, I.S. Shklovskii and Hermann Oberth are three notable scientists who have seriously considered this possibility.
Theosophical writings of the 19th and early 20th centuries contain many precursors to the ancient astronaut theories. Theosophy influenced authors such as H. P. Lovecraft, Charles Fort, and Erich von Däniken[citation needed].
[edit] Erich von Däniken
Erich von Däniken was a leading proponent of this theory in the late 1960s and early 1970s, gaining a large audience through the 1968 publication of his best-selling book Chariots of the Gods and its sequels. Von Däniken's evidence for his vision of paleocontact was:
Certain artifacts and monumental constructions, their purpose or origin unknown, appear to have required a more sophisticated technological ability in their construction than what was presumed by historians for those ancient cultures. These objects and structures are deemed to be beyond the technological capabilities of the associated societies attributed with their manufacture (at least in the eyes of the author and his adherents). Von Däniken maintains that these artifacts were constructed either directly by extraterrestrial visitors or by humans who learned the necessary knowledge from said visitors. These artifacts and monuments include Stonehenge, the Moai of Easter Island, the Antikythera mechanism and the Ancient Baghdad Electric Batteries. (See OOPArt)
In ancient art and iconography throughout the world, certain similar themes can be interpreted to illustrate air and space vehicles, non-human but intelligent creatures, ancient astronauts and artifacts of an anachronistically advanced technology. Von Däniken also identifies certain details that appear similar across the art of geographically-diverse historical cultures, which he argues imply a common origin. For one such example, refer to von Däniken's interpretation of the sarcophagus lid recovered from the tomb of the Classic-era Maya ruler of Palenque, Pacal. Von Däniken claimed the design represented a seated astronaut, whereas the iconography and accompanying Maya text clearly identifies it as a portrait of the ruler himself with the World Tree of Maya mythology.
The origins of many religions could be interpreted as reactions to encounters by primitive humans with some alien race. According to this view, humans consider the technology of the aliens to be supernatural and the aliens themselves to be gods. Von Däniken claims that the oral and written traditions of most religions contain references to alien visitors by descriptions of stars and vehicular objects travelling through air and space. The author maintains that these should be seen as literal descriptions from eyewitnesses that have been interpreted by primitive peoples as supernatural events, or changed during the passage of time to become more obscure, rather than symbolic or mythical fiction. One such is Ezekiel's revelation in the Old Testament, which Däniken interprets as a detailed description of a landing spacecraft.
Many authors use ancient mythologies to support their viewpoints, based on theories that hold that nearly all ancient creation myths of a god or gods who descended from the "heavens" to earth to create man are actually representations of alien visitors. These myths detail extraordinary adventures of these god-like beings as actually using technologies unseen from the perspective of early man.
For example, flying machines often show up in ancient texts. One classical example is the Vimanas, flying machines that can be found in the Sanskrit epics of India. These tales range from fantastic aerial battles employing various weaponry including bombs, to the mundane relating simple technical information, flight procedure, and flights of fancy. (See also Vaimanika Shastra, a text on Vimanas "channeled" in the early 20th century.)[17]
In the Biblical Old Testament, the ancient Hebrew God Yahweh is described as having various attributes that could be interpreted as being advanced rockets or other flying craft. He is described as having an upper "body" of metal[18] (which can also be interpreted as a kind of crown), appearing on a column of smoke and/or fire[19] and making the sound of a trumpet.[20] These descriptions portray Yahweh as not only having the characteristics of a flying machine, but also quite clearly describe Him as a physical presence,[21] not an abstraction. This Yahweh follows the Hebrews around and rains lightning[22] and stones[23] down upon their enemies from his position in the sky. However, poetically, descriptions of the Hebrew God have also featured having protecting wings and outstretched arms in the Psalms, features which may be considered contrary to some theories of mechanical manifestations of God, but tellingly refers to the different perceptions of their God given the different eras the stories were written[citation needed]. Additionally, the characteristics of the Ark of the Covenant[24] and the Urim and Thummim[25] are identified as suggesting high technology, perhaps from alien origins[citation needed].
Physical evidence includes the discovery of ancient "model airplanes" in Egypt and South America, which bear resemblance to modern planes and gliders,[26] although conventionally these are interpreted as models of birds.
More support of this theory draws upon what some have thought to be flying saucers in medieval and renaissance art. Objects in the paintings that cannot be explained with relevance to the art piece are often assumed to be flying saucers[citation needed]. This is used to support the ancient astronaut theory by attempting to show that the creators of humanity return to check up on their creation throughout time.
Other artistic support for the ancient astronaut theory has been sought in Palaeolithic cave paintings. Vondijina in Australia and Val Camonica in Italy (seen above) bear a resemblance to present day astronauts; quite why ancient astronauts should wear pressure suits familiar in the late twentieth century is not explained. Supporters of the ancient astronaut theory sometimes claim that similarities such as dome shaped heads, interpreted as beings wearing space helmets, prove that early man was visited by an extraterrestrial race.[27]
[edit] Earlier ideas
Earlier sources — while generally not referencing ancient astronauts per se — suggest the creation of some monuments was beyond human means, such as Saxo Grammaticus' suggestion that giants had created Denmark's massive dolmens, or in tales that Merlin had assembled Stonehenge via magic.
Another frequent theme that can be encountered in many mythologies is a person who comes from far away as a god, or as the archetype of a "civilizing hero" who brings knowledge to mankind. Prometheus is the best-known Western example. In Native American lore there are numerous examples, including Quetzalcoatl of the Aztecs and Viracocha of the Incas.
The cross-cultural similarities of deities coming from the heavens and the manners in which they speak to humans are explained by some as evidence of visitations by extraterrestrial beings. The myths of Gods and Godesses are supposedly real accounts of these visitations. The extraterrestrials are seen as divine due to their technology, which is superior to the point it can only be explained as the “powers” or magic of the God or Goddess by the creators of the deity myths.
[edit] Criticism
Other than the proponent's interpretation of ancient writings and artifacts and the beliefs of the ancient cultures themselves, there has yet to be found any hard evidence to support the ancient astronaut hypothesis.
Alan F. Alford, author of “Gods of the New Millennium”, (1996) is an adherent of the ancient astronaut theory. Much of his work draws on Sitchin’s theories. However, he does admit to some faults in Sitchin’s theory after deeper analysis.[28] “I am now firmly of the opinion that these gods personified the falling sky; in other words, the descent of the gods was a poetic rendition of the cataclysm myth which stood at the heart of ancient Near Eastern religions.” (Alford)(see Fermi Paradox).
[edit] Nazca Lines
The Nazca lines of Peru are a large group of enormous ground drawings[29] Many supporters of this theory cite the Nazca lines as evidence because the civilization that made them would only have been able to view these from the air. They have been reproduced by scientists such as Joe Nickell of the University of Kentucky, using only technology available to them at the time. With this, they were able to reconstruct even the most intricate figures of the lines[30]. What they have been unable to produce, however, are the reasons behind the creation of the Nazca Lines, nor any information relating to who conceived of the project.
[edit] Difficulties of building and moving megaliths
Evidence for ancient astronauts often consists of suggestions that ancient monuments and megalithic ruins, such as the pyramids of Egypt, Machu Picchu in Peru, or Baalbek in Lebanon, [31] could not have been built without technical abilities beyond those of people at that time. Such allegations are not unique in history. Similar reasoning lay behind the wonder of the Cyclopean masonry walling at Mycenaean cities in the eyes of Greeks of the following "Dark Age," who believed that the giant Cyclopes had built the walls. As well as aliens, other candidates for the lost civilizations that taught or provided these skills are the pseudo-historical lost continents of Atlantis, Lemuria and Mu.
[edit] Easter Island
The idea that certain stonework was beyond the technological capabilities of the people who historians attribute it to has been challenged, with for example the Moai and Ahus of the Rapanui of Easter Island put into the wider context of Polynesian Marae by Alfred Metraux and others.
Modern archaeology has successfully demonstrated how it could have been possible for people with stone age technology to move smaller megaliths like some of the Easter Island Moai[32] which weigh on average 12.5 metric tons with the largest erected being 74.4 metric tons.[33]. The poured concrete Moai used in the demonstration weighed approximately 6 tons and was lifted onto the sled by modern crane[34].
[edit] Baalbek Lebanon
The three largest megalithic stones at Baalbek which together are referred to as the "Trilithon", are the largest stones quarried by man and are estimated to weigh upwards of 1000 tons each with an even larger fourth stone still lying in the quarry nearly 3/4 of a mile away [35]. The world's land record for greatest weight lifted by a mobile land crane is 1000 tons set by the Lampsons's Tranis-Lift Series II A. With a maximum un-modified lift capacity of 1100 tons, this crane requires 80 semi-trailer trucks to deliver the components and 3 weeks to assemble [