“Millions of people around the world believe we have been visited in the past by extraterrestrial beings. What if it were true? Did ancient aliens really help to shape our history? And if so, what if there were clues left behind, something hiding in plain sight? What if we could find that evidence?”
Ever since Eric von Daniken released his speculative book and its subsequent 1970 film Chariots of the Gods, there has been an entire field of study created around something commonly called Ancient Astronaut Theory, the idea is that extraterrestrials have visited many of our ancient civilizations. The theory continues that these visitors had a hand in shaping our development, whether it be through technology or even manipulation of our very DNA. These believers point to a world of evidence to support their claims. There are tons of images from earlier civilizations that could certainly be interpreted as depicting modern devices, concepts, or even spacemen. There is plenty of speculation that some of the knowledge and accomplishments of these peoples could not have been possible without some outside interference. There are even those who believe that aliens best explain our religious beliefs and that God himself was/is an extraterrestrial being. Whatever your own beliefs on the subject, there are certainly some fascinating points to be made. There is no question that the speculations and observations bring up some interesting queries that deserve our attention. This series attempts to document much of this evidence and the beliefs these findings have inspired.
Season 8 starts with the very roots of the ancient astronaut theory. The first episode deals with prehistoric civilizations and the idea that humans and our modern technology all go back far longer ago than is commonly believed. Perhaps humans go back thousands of years before any record. We’ve been here many times before with the show, and it’s the basic principle behind the entire 8-year run of the series.
Another episode proposes that rocket scientist Wernher Von Braun had access to alien technology. Of course, there has already been a show about Hitler’s possible connection to aliens, and Von Braun was once one of his top rocket minds before he defected. There’s speculation that the aliens might even want to help NASA. The big evidence here is how we went from horse and buggy to landing on the moon in just 60 years. Of course, if the aliens really were helping us out, why haven’t we gotten beyond the moon in the next 50 years? Maybe they’ve fallen down on the job.
A look at modern robots invites speculation that they existed thousands of years ago. Of course, credibility is lost when the narrator refers to Mars as our nearest alien planet. That distinction actually belongs to Venus in all but very rare moments. The last time Mars was closer was for a few days in August of 2003. A pretty fundamental mistake for guys who want us to take a leap of faith with their take on the facts.
Ancient Aliens wants to call you to the Dark Side with an episode on the idea that evil might be an alien influence. They speculate that guys like Bundy were under this alien influence just like demonic possession. We’ve had the material on angels and demons before, and it’s repeated here for good measure.
Humans sharing DNA with aliens has also been covered here several times before. Everything from genetic manipulation to a little alien-human hanky-panky has been suggested. This episode adds the idea of a common ancestor and the idea that we might have been seeded on this planet as part of an alien plan to colonize the universe. We get the same material of ancient depictions of reptiles or birds in human form found on walls and manuscripts. We’re told there’s no reason for them to draw beings they’ve never encountered. Have these guys seen The Avengers or Star Wars? Stories, both fantasy and myth, have existed for as long as there have been people and are the most likely things to be left from even our civilization one day. I hope some future being doesn’t think Spider-Man was really swinging around New York City.
Another Earth dominates one episode, while sea creatures take center stage in another. And what would a season of Ancient Aliens be without a good helping of crop circles? There’s more on that laser war fought over the skies of India and the idea that aliens are keeping a close watch on our nuclear weapons facilities. The question arises that the Van Allen radiation belt that does indeed protect the planet from harmful cosmic radiation is not a naturally occurring phenomenon. The aliens put it in place to protect us. That was nice of them.
The final episode proposes that the hostility in places like the Middle East is caused by aliens who want the people in that region to fight so that they won’t turn their attention and resources to finding the cache of evidence under their desert sands. Apparently, Saddam was aware of these alien treasures and hoped to find and make use of them as Hitler is alleged to have done decades earlier. All good crazy evil dictators must think alike.
I don’t really buy into most of what is reported here. That doesn’t mean that it isn’t interesting. It also doesn’t mean that the questions aren’t quite thought-provoking. We all have questions about the ancient world. Without the invention of time travel, all that we are left to do is speculate. That doesn’t mean it isn’t fun and entertaining. Definitely check it out. While I did find much of this very interesting, I remain quite skeptical. I do believe life exists somewhere else. I even believe it’s possible we’ve been visited. I’m just not sure I buy the whole Ancient Astronaut Theory. But it’s all in good fun. I just wished there wasn’t so much redundant material in these episodes, often repeating things from the previous episodes. Of course, it holds down episode costs to repeat images and stories over and over again. I’m sure the show’s crew would deny it. “Ancient astronaut theorists say yes.”
