by Michelle Hozey

Created on: August 04, 2011   Last Updated: September 23, 2011

We humans are naturally curious about the world around us. Where did everything come from? Where did we come from? Were we created or were we already a part of the world around us and evolved into the intelligent beings we are now? Several theories have been created in attempt to answer these questions and others. One such theory is that of the ancient astronauts.

In 1968, Erich von Daniken published a book titled “Chariots of the Gods?”. Von Daniken theorized that aliens visited our planet in ancient times. These aliens came in search of resources and slaves to help mine these resources. They met our un-evolved ancestors, homo erectus, and decided that with a little help those creatures would work perfectly for the tasks they were needed. Through advanced genetic engineering, homo erectus became homo sapiens, the alien slave race.

Zecharia Stitchin, another pioneer for the Ancient Astronaut Theory, claimed he could read and translate Mesopotamian cuneiform. His theory postulates that a race of aliens, known as the Anunnaki, descended from the planet Marduk, or Nibiru, located in our solar system. The Anunnaki visited Earth around 445,000 years ago. These aliens, he surmised, were our creators.

For years scientists have tried to explain such architectural mysteries as the Giza pyramids, Stonehenge and the Nasca lines, a series of lines and pictures carved into the earth, visible only from space. How could our ancestors have built such perfect geometrical structures and such complex designs with the primitive tools archaeologists have discovered in those areas? According to scientists, the Egyptian pyramids would have taken nearly 600 years to build. Ancient Egyptians would have had to use a wooden roller system to transport thousands of up to 2,000 ton stones. Additionally, the precision of the pyramids has been in question for decades. The tips of each pyramid point directly toward the three stars in the Orion’s Belt constellation.

The Ancient Astronaut theory surmises that humans did indeed build these magnificent structures. However, they did not do it alone. Ancient Astronaut believers think that aliens allowed humans to use their advanced technology to build these structures. Once completed, the Anunnaki took the technology back to space with them and that is why archaeologists have been unable to find any signs of these extraterrestrial tools.

Von Daniken’s organization, A.A.S.R.A. (Archaeology, Astronautics and SETI Research Association) contains over 10,000 members who believe this theory and seek proof. They publish a periodical, “Legendary Times,” in which leading researchers in the field share their ideas and proof.

Von Daniken, according to his book “Twilight of the Gods,” believes that the end of the Mayan calendar on December 21, 2012, signifies the return of the aliens to Earth. For some, this day means the end of the world. For believers of the Ancient Astronaut theory, this day may be only the beginning and perhaps will be the day that humans will finally meet their makers and be able to unravel some of the mysteries of our history.

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