Aliens built the pyramids
| Aliens built the pyramids | |
|---|---|
| FALSE | |
| "The pyramids of Egypt were too advanced for ancient Egyptians to build and must have been built with help from extraterrestrials." | |
| Domain | Paranormal & Supernatural |
| Tactic | Pseudoscience / Junk Science Conspiracy Theory |
| Era | Historical |
| First seen | 1968 |
| Origin | Erich von Däniken's 1968 book Chariots of the Gods?, later the television series Ancient Aliens |
| Last reviewed | 2026-10-29 |
| Further reading: books on Paranormal & Supernatural | |
The ancient astronaut theory claims that extraterrestrials helped build the pyramids and other ancient monuments. Archaeologists have documented in detail how Egyptians built the pyramids, including the workers' settlements, tombs, quarries and logistical records. Critics also note that the theory denies non-European civilizations credit for their achievements.
The claim
Proponents say the precision and size of the Great Pyramid are beyond ancient technology.
What the evidence shows
- Workers' town. Excavations at Giza uncovered a town where workers lived, along with bakeries and breweries, and the tombs of workers buried near the pyramids.
- Written records. Papyri found in 2013 at Wadi al-Jarf, including the "Diary of Merer," record a crew transporting limestone blocks for the Great Pyramid.
- Quarries and tools. Archaeologists have identified quarries, ramps and copper tools.
See also
Sources
- Mark Lehner and Zahi Hawass, Giza and the Pyramids: The Definitive History (University of Chicago Press, 2017).
- Pierre Tallet, The Red Sea Scrolls: How Ancient Papyri Reveal the Secrets of the Pyramids (Thames & Hudson, 2021).