Summary
Highlights
Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent god, revered as a creator and bringer of civilization in Teotihuacan and as Kukulkan in Chichen Itza, is central to these theories. The architectural spectacle at Chichen Itza's pyramid during equinoxes, where a serpent shadow appears to descend, is seen as a commemoration of a celestial landing. Similarly, the 'dragon houses' on Mount Ochi in Greece, where Zeus allegedly descended from the heavens, are interpreted as ancient landing spots for otherworldly beings.
Erich von Daniken's visit to Chichen Itza in 1969 led him to believe that Mayan myths of the feathered serpent god Kukulcan (Quetzalcoatl) referred to visitors from outside. The pyramid of El Castillo displays an intricate light show during equinoxes, creating a serpent-like shadow, which some interpret as Kukulcan descending to Earth with a promise to return. This precise astronomical alignment and architecture are seen as evidence of advanced knowledge.
Lord Pacal's sarcophagus lid in Palenque is interpreted by Erich von Daniken as depicting a man (Lord Pacal) in a rocket ship, bending forward with what appears to be an oxygen mask and controls. This interpretation suggests Lord Pacal was an extraterrestrial who visited Earth and shared advanced knowledge, returning to the stars.
The Hieroglyphic Stairway at Copan, built in the early 700s AD, chronicles the history and origins of Mayan rulers through complex glyphs. Ernst Forstemann's decipherment of the Dresden Codex in 1880 revealed the sophistication of Mayan writing. These hieroglyphs often emphasize the semi-divine connection of royalty to their ancestors and gods, leading to theories that these 'gods' were extraterrestrials providing advanced knowledge.
The Maya civilization, known for its advanced astronomy, mathematics, and architecture, developed a complex calendar system. Their long count calendar, ending on December 21, 2012, aligns with a rare celestial event where the Earth, Sun, and the galactic center (the 'Great Rift' or 'birth canal of the universe') are in perfect alignment. Ancient astronaut theorists propose that this advanced knowledge was a 'gift from the gods' or extraterrestrials.
The Chicxulub asteroid impact 65 million years ago, responsible for the extinction of dinosaurs, occurred near the Yucatan Peninsula, a primary habitation area for the Maya. The presence of dinosaur depictions in Mayan art raises questions about how they knew about these creatures if they were extinct for millions of years before human evolution. This is considered a significant 'coincidence' by some, suggesting a deeper, possibly extraterrestrial, connection to the region's history.
The Aztec metropolis Tenochtitlan, built on the ruins of Teotihuacan, is believed to be the mythical Chicomoztac, the 'place of seven caves' from which the Aztec ancestors emerged. Underneath Teotihuacan's Pyramid of the Sun, a seven-chambered cave system has been found, corresponding to the Aztec creation myth where gods fashioned humans after landing on Earth in a 'giant flint knife' (interpreted as a spacecraft).
Archaeologists discovered a tunnel 45 feet beneath the Temple of the Feathered Serpent in Teotihuacan, containing metallic-looking, yellowish orbs that resembled golden balls. These orbs, along with the gold-flecked walls of the cavern, might represent a cosmic setting for sacred rituals. The Dresden Codex further illustrates the Mayan's deep understanding of planetary movements, specifically Mars, and depicts a 'dragon-like creature' representing the Red Planet.
Ancient astronaut theorists suggest that the Catholic Church, during the Inquisition, suppressed evidence of cross-Pacific migration and extraterrestrial visitation found in ancient Mayan artifacts and knowledge. They propose that extraterrestrial 'gods' may have withdrawn their technology and presence due to human conflicts or simply to observe human development from afar, leaving behind sophisticated ruins and unexplained knowledge.
Recent archaeological discoveries in Mexico, including Mayan artifacts in Teotihuacan, hidden caves in Chichen Itza, and lidar scanning revealing a massive ancient city, are interpreted as uncovering more pieces of a larger puzzle. With new technologies allowing for deeper exploration, ancient astronaut theorists believe that definitive proof of alien contact and humanity's true origins will eventually be revealed.