The speculative theories long linked to UNESCO World Heritage sites

Erich von Däniken, wiping his palms on the rough granite as he ascended the Great Pyramid of Giza, painstakingly climbed each block of the 4,000-year-old structure.

It was 1954, a time when you could still climb the pyramids. A 19-year-old with a strong Catholic upbringing and a fascination with flying saucers, von Däniken was spellbound. Fourteen years later, he published his groundbreaking book 'Chariots of the Gods,' claiming extraterrestrials played a role in the construction of ancient sites, including the pyramids.

The awe-inspiring Giza Pyramids stand as one of the most iconic ancient landmarks, part of Egypt's expansive UNESCO World Heritage Site that draws visitors from around the world.

Tourists flock to uncover hidden tombs, gaze upon the enigmatic Sphinx, and marvel at the monumental scale of Egypt's most remarkable structures.

Von Däniken suggested that extraterrestrials provided technological assistance in the construction of the pyramids.

What do the experts say about these iconic locations?

Mainstream archaeologists firmly reject Von Däniken's claims, arguing that the ancient Egyptians crafted their impressive architectural feats entirely on their own, without extraterrestrial aid.

Although scientists widely dismiss the concept of extraterrestrial involvement, often referred to as the 'ancient astronaut theory,' Von Däniken’s ideas continue to resonate.

He went on to pen 32 more books, selling over 63 million copies. According to his publisher, Penguin Random House, Von Däniken is considered 'arguably the most widely read and most-copied nonfiction author worldwide.'

The pyramids aren't the only UNESCO World Heritage sites that have been swept into his theories, nor those of the followers he's inspired.

Some theorists suggest that the UNESCO World Heritage site of Teotihuacan, the ancient Aztec capital near modern-day Mexico City, may have served as a 'spaceport,' citing the discovery of mica and liquid mercury among the ruins, which they claim are out of place for the era.

For visitors, Teotihuacan offers a glimpse into a long-lost and enigmatic empire. Scholars believe the city predates even the Aztecs, who were inhabiting it when the first Europeans arrived in Mexico.

Archaeologists, who have conducted meticulous digs here for centuries, regard it as the peak achievement of a little-known, yet distinctly terrestrial, civilization.

Rather than looking to the stars, archaeologists focus their efforts underground. They’ve spent years excavating a tunnel beneath Teotihuacan that leads to chambers filled with ceremonial offerings, believed by some to represent the underworld.

Nearly 3,000 miles away, another intriguing UNESCO site attracts travelers, researchers, and alien enthusiasts alike.

At the Nazca Lines in Peru, tourists take scenic flights to view massive geoglyphs that are impossible to fully appreciate from the ground. For decades, some have speculated that these shapes might represent an ancient airport.

Peruvian scientists acknowledge the mystery of the Nazca Lines, but they believe the figures are more likely tied to ancient rituals and water-related symbolism.

In recent years, researchers have employed satellite imagery to uncover over 140 additional geoglyphs, carefully analyzing the data to identify patterns in the landscape.

'They were definitely not drawn by aliens,' expert Javier Puente told Dinogo.

Teaching an alternative to the ancient astronaut theory

Archaeologist Sarah Parcak offers a seminar at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, dedicated to debunking archaeological myths and hoaxes.

In her class, she challenges theories like those proposed by Von Däniken about ancient aliens. She views this as vital work.

'The idea that aliens built the pyramids—or any ancient monument—is inherently racist,' Parcak explains. She points out that these alien theories disproportionately target locations with Indigenous, Black, and Brown populations.

Parcak also believes that alien theories detract from the real mysteries in archaeology. 'It's not a mystery, it's a puzzle. And puzzles take time to solve,' she explains.

A prime example of Parcak's methodical detective work is the discovery of the ancient Egyptian city of Itjtawy. Lost for millennia, she located it by analyzing satellite images and NASA topographic data.

Sometimes, putting together the pieces of archaeological puzzles feels deeply personal.

At her first excavation, at the Egyptian Delta site of Mendes, Parcak made a discovery that still stays with her more than two decades later.

'I uncovered a nearly intact pot, though it was slightly crushed, but we managed to piece it together,' she recalls. On the handle, she noticed a clear fingerprint left in the clay, still visible from when it was once wet.

'In that moment, I could almost envision the person who crafted it,' she says. 'It helps us bridge the gap between the past and the present, fostering a sense of empathy.'

Parcak’s work provides a unique, personal connection to the ancient world, but you don’t need a degree in archaeology to feel linked to the past.

On UNESCO-listed Easter Island, visitors can discover how ancient islanders used earthen ovens and constructed stone-walled gardens. (Though it’s a favorite of alien theorists, archaeologists attribute the island's stonework to the ingenuity of the Polynesian people.)

At the Temple of Dendera, part of a vast UNESCO site in Upper Egypt, visitors are captivated by vivid wall paintings depicting stories and myths. (Dendera is also a hotspot for alien theorists, who claim one wall painting proves the ancient Egyptians had electric light bulbs. However, researchers argue that the artwork depicts a pillar and a lotus flower.)

The importance of understanding ancient humanity

While exploring ancient civilizations is enjoyable, Parcak emphasizes its significance. For both travelers and researchers, delving into the past offers valuable insights into the present—and potentially the future.

In early April, Parcak was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship to write a book on collapse and resilience in ancient civilizations. She says the COVID-19 pandemic has added new urgency and relevance to her research.

'It's as if everything we study is unfolding in real time,' she observes. Now, when she watches the news, she hears echoes of ancient struggles. 'The headlines we’re seeing could easily be archaeology articles,' she says.

For Parcak, visiting these ancient sites can offer a sense of hope. The discovery of Itjtawy, an ancient city she identified using satellite imagery, is a prime example.

Itjtawy rose to prominence as the capital of Egypt after a period marked by political instability, civil war, and drought. The Old Kingdom, which had produced some of the most iconic pyramids, had collapsed.

However, as political dynamics shifted, a new era of greater economic equality emerged. From tomb art to storytelling, Parcak argues that the region she studies symbolizes a renaissance following upheaval.

'I’m not claiming it was always smooth sailing,' she cautions. 'But the site itself stands as a powerful symbol of what can emerge after deep turmoil.'