All Episodes 2009 - 2024

TV-PG

What if life on Earth began in outer space? Millions of people accept the theory that intelligent life forms visited Earth thousands of years ago and were worshipped as gods by primitive man. Are monuments like Stonehenge and Easter Island the last remains of an ancient alien visitation? From unexplainable super structures, to knowledge of the solar system, mathematics, and even the ability to make electricity, this special explores evidence of super-human influences on ancient man and embarks on an around-the-world search for answers. It's an investigation into a theory some believe cannot be true, but many agree cannot be ignored.

Tales of angels and giants in the ancient world are examined to determine if the beings stem from mythology or extraterrestrial visits and experimentation on human DNA, and bizarre discoveries around the world may be the key to getting the answers.

Series host and Ancient Astronaut theorist, Giorgio Tsoukalos, explores the mystery of the Nazca Lines found in the desert region of Southern Peru. Hundreds of gigantic lines, some in the shape of animals, geometric patterns and even an alien-like being, extend for miles over a vast section of the arid plain. Scholars are divided as to who built them, and why. Some Ancient Astronaut theorists believe that the massive markings have an extraterrestrial connection, and perhaps the ancient people of the region created these gigantic figures in tribute to the gods who visited them. While the area was abandoned nearly 2000 years ago, remains of ancient Nazca people have been found with strange, elongated skulls. Could this be evidence that there really was contact with "sky people" as ancient legends describe?

Ancient Astronaut theorist, Giorgio Tsoukalos, shares his insight on massive stone structures and strange, giant figures known as Monoliths. What compelled ancient man to move colossal stones, in some cases weighing thousands of pounds, and to build remarkably similar stone monuments all around the world? From the jungles of Costa Rica to England's rural countryside, ancient people achieved extraordinary feats of construction without advanced tools or technology. Is it possible that extraterrestrials instructed the ancients to build these complex structures? Or were our ancestors driven to create these monoliths in order to reconnect with celestial travelers who once walked the Earth? Could ancient monoliths hold advanced, extraterrestrial powers we have yet to realize? And if so, just what will happen when we unlock the mystery of the monoliths?

Giorgio Tsoukalos presents the fascinating story of Nikola Tesla, one of the most prolific inventors of the 20th century--and the man that actually electrified the world. Tesla is credited with shepherding mankind to a new industrial era and laying the groundwork for today's technological age. The genius inventor claimed he could visualize his inventions in full-detail and manipulate them in his mind. And he also claimed to have direct communication with intelligent beings on other planets. Is it possible that this alleged mad scientist, so far ahead of his time, was actually a human "receiver"? A being tapped to advance mankind--and pave the way for a future reunion with our alien ancestors?

Did our ancestors have an understanding of how to generate power thousands of years before modern man? Ancient Astronaut theorist, Giorgio Tsoukalos, theorizes that some of the most famous ruins on Earth may be long-forgotten power sources that hold a celestial connection. From the discovery of an ancient battery in Iraq and the depiction of a primitive light bulb in Egypt, to a wireless power grid that may have reached around the world, there is evidence suggesting ancient man had access to electricity, which, until recently, was believed to be a modern day phenomenon. But if our ancestors did possess power, where did they gain this knowledge? Is it possible that they received this wisdom from an extraterrestrial source as ancient astronaut theorists contend? And, if so, why did the power stop flowing?

Ancient Astronaut theorist, Giorgio Tsoukalos explores one of the most compelling and mysterious locations on Earth, Puma Punku. Forty miles west of La Paz, Bolivia--high in the Andes Mountains--lie the mysterious ancient ruins of Puma Punku. Spread across a desert plateau at an altitude over 12,000 feet, the megalithic stones found scattered here are among the largest on the planet. Mainstream scientists believe native people used primitive stone tools to construct the site approximately 2000 years ago. But in 1945, archaeologist Arthur Posnansky proposed that Puma Punku was much, much older--perhaps going back to 15,000 BC. And Ancient Astronaut theorists point to the intricate stonework and interlocking qualities of the megalithic stone blocks as evidence of the use of advanced technology--technology of an otherworldly origin. Could Puma Punku have been built by extraterrestrials?

Giorgio Tsoukalos decodes some of the most compelling evidence for Ancient Astronaut theory found in mysterious carvings, symbols, and structures that are strikingly similar on opposite ends of the Earth. Egyptian pyramids aligned with the stars of Orion's belt match up perfectly with pyramidal structures in Central Mexico. A sacred symbol common to India appears carved into the desert floor of Peru. And a modern day crop circle in England is an identical match for a design carved on a stone found just outside Roswell, New Mexico. Is this mere coincidence? Or could the answers to mankind's greatest questions about our origins and our future actually be hidden in plain sight, disguised in the form of alien messages?

Ancient Astronaut theorist, Giorgio Tsoukalos, explores the construction, history and technological abilities of the Ark of the Covenant--one of the most sought after religious relics of all times and far more than just a box that contained the Ten Commandments. The biblical stories surrounding the Ark speak of a device with divine powers that was able to produce food, take down stonewalls, kill those that come in contact with it, and provide direct communication to God. Are these stories mere myth? Or did the Ark of the Covenant possess extraordinary powers? Just what was this incredible device? Were its powers the result of divine miracles? Or were they the product of advanced, extraterrestrial technology?

Why are humans so different from every other species on Earth? Did we evolve from apes--or is our intelligence the result of contact with an otherworldly source? Ancient Astronaut theorist, Giorgio Tsoukalos, presents the latest scientific and archeological information on who we are and where we may have come from. Charles Darwin's theory of Natural Selection theorizes that man evolved from apes over millions of years. But new evidence suggests that 50,000 years ago humans experienced enormous changes some call the "Big Bang" of the brain. Could unexplained advances in human evolution be the work of interstellar beings? Might the biblical story of Adam and Eve be a re-telling of extraterrestrial events? And why do 5,000-year-old chronicles, and 10,000-year-old petroglyphs, link our ancient ancestors with star beings? Might evidence of alien contact help unlock the mystery of the Creation of Man?

If ancient aliens visited Earth, what was their legacy, and did they leave behind clues that exist in plain sight such as sophisticated aircraft, complex electrical grids, and intricate construction machinery? Indian Sanskrit texts, dating back to 6000 B.C., describe in varying but vivid detail flying machines called Vimanas. Megalithic stone structures in Egypt reveal evidence of precision saw work. Interpretations of the Jewish Zohar writings offer depictions of a life-sustaining manna machine, eerily similar to chlorella algae processing systems today. Are these examples of modern technology, or is there evidence that these incredible mechanisms existed on Earth thousands of years ago?

If ancient aliens visited Earth, who were they, and where did they come from? Possible historic evidence and beliefs are examined around the world. The Dogon people possess knowledge of a galaxy they claim was given to them by a star god named Amma. The Hopi and Zuni people celebrate Kachinas, gods from the sky, whose headdresses and costumes appear to resemble modern helmets and protective clothing. Halfway around the world, Chinese legends tell of the Han leader, Huangdi, arriving on Earth on a flying, yellow dragon. Was this dragon more likely a spacecraft? Ancient astronaut theorists believe that these are far from chance encounters and that extraterrestrials not only interacted with us, but changed the course of human history.

If ancient aliens visited Earth, what was their mission, and is there evidence that points to when they will return? Ancient Sumerian tablets describe an alien race, known as the Anunnaki, who came to Earth to mine for gold. Egyptian hieroglyphs depict hybrid creatures that were part man, part animal. Mysterious crop circles and unexplainable crystal skulls are thought to contain messages that man has yet to decipher. Strange evidence may exist in multiple cultures throughout history suggesting that aliens came here to explore, excavate raw materials, experiment on human beings, and even for pure conquest.

Reports of encounters with strange beings and sightings of mysterious objects in the sky have occurred throughout history. A 13th century historical book, Otia Imperialia, includes an account of a creature descending from a flying craft over Bristol, England. The log from Christopher Columbus' first voyage to America contains a report of strange lights in the sky. Medieval art pieces depict disc-shaped objects floating in the heavens. Sightings of flying cigar-shaped crafts were reported during the Black Plague. And there were even discussions of extraterrestrial life among America's Founding Fathers. Could these sightings, coming from every part of the world, from biblical times to present day, be evidence that aliens have been with us all along?

There is evidence that suggests we experienced 20th century alien contact. In 1942, the Battle of Los Angeles involved the US military and Air Defense allegedly fighting a UFO. WWII Allied Air Force planes were buzzed by balls of light that some think could have been extraterrestrial. And the alleged crash of a flying saucer in Roswell, New Mexico in 1947 propelled the world into the age of UFOs. For decades, some people have been searching for the sounds of extraterrestrial intelligence, while others have been sending messages out into deep space. What would happen if aliens answered... or came calling? What protocols exist to determine who would speak on behalf of mankind, and how might we communicate? What happens if they return? Some believe they already have.

Mysterious places can be found around the Earth, and, inexplicably, UFOs are often sited near these mystical areas. Planes and ships unaccountably disappear in the infamous Bermuda Triangle. Strange magnetic anomalies in Mexico's Zone of Silence have not only drawn missiles off their course, but seem to pull meteorites out of the sky. An ancient doorway carved into a sheer rock wall in Peru's Puerta de Hayu Marka is said to be a portal to other worlds. Markawasi's plateau is filled with strange rock formations allegedly left behind by an ancient advanced civilization. What connections do these and other "hot spots" share? Is it possible that ancient extraterrestrials also knew about these mysterious places?

Myths and legends have long been regarded as fantastic stories that describe powerful gods, mutant giants and fearsome monsters. But why do so many different cultures, separated by vast distances, tell the same stories? Is it possible that myths and legends were really eyewitness accounts of ancient astronauts descending to Earth? Ancient texts are filled with stories of gods interacting with humans, offering wisdom, technology, and even impregnating women. Could the demigods of mythology have been the offspring of alien and human unions? If so, could aliens have supplied the Missing Link that accelerated human evolution, advancing our civilization and making us who we are today?

Ancient underwater cities can be found around the globe, but could these aquatic worlds be the ruins of unknown civilizations--or even proof of extraterrestrial visitations? The infamous tale of the long lost city of Atlantis may be a preserved memory of an ancient alien metropolis. Beneath Lake Titicaca in Peru, the ruins of recently discovered temples support local legends of an underwater UFO base. Ancient Indian texts, known as Sangams, describe sunken cities where aliens and humans intermingled thousands of years ago. Who could have built the 600-foot stepped stone structure off the coast of Japan--a site that may predate the Egyptian pyramids by thousands of years? Could evidence of ancient alien contact lie buried in Earth's deepest oceans?

If extraterrestrials influenced human history, can evidence of their existence be found in hidden tunnels and caverns around the world? Could a cave in Ecuador contain metallic books inscribed with secrets of alien technology? Was an ancient underground city in Turkey built with alien help... or as a refuge from an alien attack? Rumors of the U.S. military working alongside aliens in a secret base inside a mesa in New Mexico continue to swirl, Native American legends mention strange inner-Earth beings, and recent archaeological discoveries in the Yucatan may point to an extraterrestrial reality behind.

If ancient aliens visited Earth in the remote past, could they have given us advanced technology, past down through human history? And could this technology have helped the Third Reich build mysterious weapons and crafts far beyond the limits of 20th century science? During World War II, there were reports that the Germans built an operational flying saucer, known as the Hanebu, which was said to use mythical technology found in ancient Indian texts. Another craft was rumored to have been constructed with the help of psychics and mediums who claimed to have received detailed blueprints from extraterrestrial beings. Is it possible Hitler's quest for world domination was aided and abetted by ancient extraterrestrial technology that was rediscovered? And could the allegedly rebuilt alien devices developed in Germany have played a role in America's ability to land a man on the moon?

Super-heated death rays... High-tech rockets... Powerful sonic weapons... Are these examples of modern day science or could these technologies have originated thousands of years ago? Is it possible that early man possessed scientific knowledge far beyond that of our own century? Ancient texts, folklore and art suggest humans witnessed disc-shaped flying machines and fire-spewing chariots. Could these be accounts of flying saucers and rocket ships? And if so, was advanced technology left here by visitors from the stars? Did mankind's quest to unlock the secrets of levitation, anti-gravity and laser technology merely spring from our imaginations or did these ideas come from otherworldly beings?

Biblical texts and ancient lore frequently describe winged creatures carrying messages from the heavens. But are angels merely the product of mankind's imagination--or do they really exist? If so, where do they come from? Ancient astronaut theorists suggest that the Bible's Old Testament reads like a handbook on extraterrestrial visitations. Accounts of angels can also be found in Islamic and Indian texts. Infinite stories around the globe describe unearthly guardians, entrusted to both observe and protect as well as tales of powerful warriors bringing about everything from plague to peace. Are angels really supernatural beings from heaven, or something more? If so, might angels really be travelers--visiting Earth from distant planets?

If ancient aliens visited Earth, can evidence of their existence be found in the mysterious structures that still stand throughout the world? Inexplicably, megalithic structures found on different continents are strikingly similar, and the cutting and moving of the massive stones used to build these magnificent feats would be a struggle for modern day machinery, let alone ancient man. Ancient astronaut theorists suggest that the standing stones in Carnac, France were used as an ancient GPS system for ancient flying machines. The recently discovered Gobekli Tepe in Turkey, which has been dated back 12,000 years, has finely chiseled pillars that experts describe as a Noah's Ark in stone. Is it possible that extraterrestrials assisted primitive man in constructing these unexplained structures? If so, what was the purpose of these grand projects?

If ancient aliens visited Earth, were they responsible for catastrophes, wars and other deadly disasters to control the fate of the human race? The story of the Great Flood sent by deities to destroy civilizations exists in many prehistoric cultures. There are ancient descriptions of extraterrestrial battles that caused wide-scale destruction, and even reports of UFOs lurking in the shadows of recent natural disasters. The Book of Revelations and the Dead Sea Scrolls describe a future apocalyptic battle between good and evil that will destroy our world. Are these ancient texts proof that aliens are hostile and planning a violent return? Or might they be our saviors, ensuring our survival as a species during times of devastation?

Unearthly visitations... Heavenly messengers... Close encounters... Accounts of humans interacting with celestial beings have existed since the beginning of mankind. Many of these encounters resulted in moral, philosophical and artistic inspirations. But did these contacts involve ethereal beings from heaven or extraterrestrials from other worlds? Are holy books the word of God, or guidebooks passed down by more advanced civilizations? Who told Joan of Arc how to defeat the English Army--saints or extraterrestrials? Could a young boy from India have learned advanced mathematical formulas from a Hindu goddess? What message did an American serviceman receive while touching an alien aircraft? If the Ancient astronaut theory is correct, then are beings from other worlds communicating with us for our benefit... or theirs? Just what is the purpose of these alien contacts?

Ancient Astronaut theorists believe aliens have been visiting earth for thousands of years. If so, might we find evidence of this even in the stories of America's Old West? In Aurora, Texas, the local cemetery claims to hold the body of an alien whose ship crashed there in 1897. In Utah, petroglyphs depict strange beings wearing what look like space suits. In southern California, 19th century ranchers reported seeing an otherworldly creature emerge from Elizabeth Lake. And even in Tombstone, Arizona, the home of Wyatt Earp and the site of the gunfight at the O.K. Corral, cowboys claimed to have shot at a giant, metallic bird Are these simply campfire tales, or did the cowboys and native people of America's Wild West actually come in contact with alien beings from another - much more distant - frontier?

Hindu scripture describes an enormous flying creature called a Garuda that shook the ground when it landed on Earth. Is it possible that this monster was actually a misinterpreted alien craft? Are hybrids like the Centaur, the Minotaur and Medusa just mythical creatures of fantasy–or could these ancient depictions of terrifying monsters have been the result of advanced extraterrestrial transplantation procedures?

Are sacred places the product of man's reverence for God--or the result of contact with ancient space travelers? Jerusalem's Temple Mount has been called a heavenly gateway. Islam's shrine at Mecca displays a Black Stone believed to have fallen from heaven. And the temple at Baalbek, Lebanon was built on a massive stone structure resembling a landing pad. Did man encounter divine beings at these holy places, or might they have met ancient extraterrestrials?

Could gold be the ultimate link between humans and aliens? A church in southern France is said to hold the key to alchemy--and a gateway to another part of the universe. Locals in Cusco, Peru believe UFO sightings are connected to lost gold at the bottom of Lake Puray. And some believe underneath the Great Sphinx of Giza lies an entire library left behind by extraterrestrials--a library stored on gold.

Throughout the world, ancient rites and rituals are believed to connect humans to another dimension. But just who--or what--are we communicating with? Could today's rituals, such as festivals, coronations and funerals, be based on early man's attempts to emulate ancient alien visitors? If so, what other ancient rituals might find their roots in a kingdom--not of this world?

Might the tools and technology of ancient builders have come from distant galaxies? Evidence suggests that an ancient mountaintop fortress in Peru was constructed with laser-like tools... temples at Vijayanagara India were built to harness cosmic energy... and an acoustic chamber in Malta enabled interplanetary communication. If the ancient builders did use advanced technology, could it prove that aliens visited Earth thousands of years ago?

Scientists are continually challenged by unidentified strains of bacteria with mysterious origins. Could some of our most crippling plagues and epidemics be traced to the darkest voids of space--or even extraterrestrial intervention? During the Black Death of the Middle Ages, people reported bronze flying ships emitting a strange mist. As recently as 2011, NASA scientist Richard Hoover published evidence of life in meteorites. Is it possible that ancient aliens--as small as microbes--have shaped human history?

Mysterious legends and crumbling ruins are all that is left of our planet's lost worlds. But could there be proof of ancient alien visitors hidden among the artifacts of civilizations that have long vanished? Strange carvings suggest the Mayan city of Copan was ruled by the descendants of otherworldly beings. And some believe the ancient Nazca people altered their bodies--and their lands--to signal the star gods to return. Are the astounding accomplishments of lost civilizations merely the products of ancient folklore--or could they have been something... out of this world?

Iron swords forged in blazing hot fires... Gunpowder with the power to tear apart human flesh... And rockets capable of destroying entire cities... Throughout history, advances in technology have lead to the development of powerful weapons - each more deadly than the last. But were these lethal weapons the product of human innovation - or were they created with help from another, otherworldly source?

For thousands of years, there have been places around the world considered dangerous to humans. Might these locations hold the key to an otherworldly connection? At Australia's Black Mountains, local myths speak of ancient serpent gods and hikers disappearing. Every year hundreds are drawn to a dark forest at the base of Mount Fuji in Japan - to commit suicide. What causes these places to be evil? Could there be evidence that past extraterrestrial activity lead to the negative energy in Earth's evil places?

What is the meaning behind secret messages found throughout Washington, D.C.? Did America's Founding Fathers know something about ancient aliens that the general public did not? And if so, could this knowledge have been incorporated into the symbols, architecture, and even the founding documents of the United States of America?

Mass suicides. Human sacrifices. Unholy rituals. Throughout history, people have claimed to have otherworldly knowledge, and have led followers to commit horrific acts of violence. Are they con men? Are they insane? Or might the voices in their heads really be of an extraterrestrial origin? And if so, did they simply misinterpret the messages they received? Or might there be extraterrestrials with a sinister agenda?

Megalithic monuments linked together by electromagnetic energy... Prehistoric ruins arranged across vast distances in straight lines... And advanced mathematics carved into landmarks more than 5000 years ago. Were ancient man's spectacular structures built by humans alone? Or do they bear evidence of being designed - and interconnected--by otherworldly visitors?

Zombies rising from their graves... Blood sucking vampires damned for all eternity... and humans trapped in a life and death struggle between heaven and hell. For thousands of years, mankind has told tales of encounters with strange, soulless creatures. Are these beliefs merely manmade fabrications - or could there be extraterrestrial origins in earthly encounters with the undead?

Superhuman strength... Supernatural powers... And the awesome ability to fly. Throughout history, mankind has told incredible tales of gods with extraordinary powers. But are these accounts merely tall tales, or could they be based on factual events? If mythical gods really did exist, were they, as ancient astronaut theorists believe, extraterrestrial beings? And could this help to explain the enduring popularity of gods, titans and other so-called "super-heroes"?

Why are humans so different from every other species on Earth? Did we evolve from ape--or is our intelligence the result of contact with an otherworldly source? Could unexplained advances in human evolution be the work of interstellar beings? 10,000-year-old petroglyphs link our ancient ancestors with star beings. Might evidence of alien contact help unlock the mystery of the Creation of Man?

The Mayan civilization dominated Central America for nearly 2000 years, but by the 9th century A.D., the great Mayan cities were abandoned, and the Mayan people vanished. What could have happened to this advanced culture? Might the Maya have left clues as to how they surpassed other cultures in science, mathematics, time keeping, and most importantly, astronomy? In recent years, hieroglyphs have been decoded to reveal that the Maya were able to accurately predict shifts in the Earth's axis every 26,000 years. Inscriptions on the sarcophagus of their most prominent ruler, King Pakal, tell of a journey to the Milky Way. And a sophisticated calendar foretells of the end of the world in 2012. Most striking is their belief that knowledge was passed to them by otherworldly beings who descended from the sky. Could the ancient Maya have actually conspired with extraterrestrial visitors to plan the future--and even the very end of the world?

The Maya created the most sophisticated calendar systems in the ancient world, and according to many scholars their Long Count Calendar will come to an end on December 21, 2012. What does this mean for mankind? Some researchers believe it will usher in the return of Bolon Yokte--a mysterious god associated with creation and war. Could this god actually be an extraterrestrial as some ancient astronaut theorists believe? Other scholars believe the end of the calendar will bring about a series of catastrophic events that may threaten the very existence of mankind. They point to a rare galactic alignment that will coincide with the end of the Mayan calendar as proof of an impending geological catastrophe. If these doomsday prophecies prove to be true, will it mean the end of the world as we know it? Or could it reveal some profound truth about the origins of the human race?

Who are the beings with big heads and giant eyes that seem to have been visiting our planet for millennia? Known by researchers as the "greys," these mysterious beings have been depicted in rock-art and carved stone figures throughout the ages and all over the world. Who are they, what planet do they come from, and what do they want?

There are numerous historical, religious and mythic accounts of ancient civilizations being wiped out by volcanoes, earthquakes, floods, and meteors. Did god, or nature bring about such disasters? Or is it possible that celestial beings had a hand in the ancient world's catastrophic disasters?

NASA scientists, former astronauts and secret government files all point to the conclusion that there has been contact with extraterrestrial life in the past. Researchers examine this and other recent scientific evidence that may provide proof of alien contact in both the recent and ancient past.

At nearly 14,000 years old, the ruins of Puma Punku are the oldest and most baffling on the face of the Earth. No one knows who designed and built this complex of sophisticated inter-locking blocks, and then vanished. Researchers investigate the ruins on-location in Peru and present new computer analyses. Forensic evidence on the ground, together with local myths and legends, suggest this site may have been designed and even once inhabited by a species of extraterrestrials.

People on every continent have claimed to see the footprints of Bigfoot. And ancient myths and legends speak of an ape-like giant stalking the earth. What if, as Ancient Astronaut theorists believe, there is evidence to connect Bigfoot with an alien species that once visited Earth in the distant past?

Might an examination of Leonardo Da Vinci's masterful paintings, highly technical hand-drawn sketches, and private journals reveal knowledge of otherworldly technology and extraterrestrial beings?

Is it possible that sightings of alien beings or UFOs may actually be evidence of time travelers from the future? And might ancient astronauts actually be time travelers from our future? Scientists explore the theoretical possibility of time travel. How can it be achieved? And what might people from 10,000 years in the future look like?

Angkor Wat, Cambodia, is the world’s largest ancient religious temple. Within its megalithic ruins, researches have discovered a depiction of a species of dinosaur – a stegosaurus. But how could the ancients have had knowledge of animals that mainstream science says died out millions of years ago? Why are dinosaurs extinct? Did an alien race of beings kill off the dinosaurs to make room for humankind?

For thousands of years, pyramids were the largest structures on Earth. The best known were constructed in Egypt and Central America, but others have been found all around the world, including in China, Africa and Indonesia. But what purpose did the pyramids serve? Researchers explore strange similarities between all pyramids, as well as the geographic, strategic and otherworldly connections between these mysterious monumental structures.

In 1980, three young military men were sent into a UK forest to investigate strange lights. They reportedly encountered a spacecraft of unknown origin. When one of the men touched it, he claims to have received telepathically a long sequence of binary code, which he later wrote down and translated. The military ordered them to never speak about the incident. Why do such UFO encounters continue to be kept under wraps, and what might they reveal about our ancient past?

Egyptian hieroglyphs depict the use of light bulbs in tombs and secret chambers. And batteries may have been discovered among artifacts from Mesopotamia. Did the Ancients understand electricity, and if so, how did they discover this technology? Might they have had help from extraterrestrials?

Why were ancient civilizations around the world so focused on the Orion constellation? While scientists site many earthly connections, researchers suggest this point in the night sky may have been a so-called Stargate, or entry point, for alien life forms. If extraterrestrials have been visiting Earth for thousands of years, might they have originated from the Orion Nebula?

Was Albert Einstein a genius? Or was he superhuman? Was his genius ‘of this world,’ or was it ‘otherworldly?’ Is it possible, as Ancient Astronaut theorists believe, of an extraterrestrial connection to the scientific genius of famous historical figures such as Albert Einstein, Galileo, Archimedes, and Aristotle?

Across the globe, archaeologists have uncovered ancient tombs filled with strange items and writings. Remarkable similarities have been found at each of the sites. How is it possible that the burial chambers of distant cultures were so similar in design? Ancient Astronaut theorists believe that some of these complicated and technically advanced tombs were designed with the help of extraterrestrials.

They were the messengers of divine knowledge and seers who shared visions of the future. For thousands of years, human civilization has been guided by the words and deeds of ancient prophets, but just who--or what--were these prophets communicating with? Might the experiences of history's prophets be evidence of communication with a heavenly source--or were seers like Elijah and Joseph Smith actually communicating with extraterrestrial overlords? And if so, are there similar prophets at work today?

Erich von Daniken's landmark book, Chariots of the Gods, brought attention to the mysterious phenomena of the Nazca Lines. Hundreds of gigantic lines, some in the shape of animals, geometric patterns and even an alien-like being, extend for miles throughout a remote Peruvian desert. Scholars are divided as to who built them, and why. Some Ancient Astronaut theorists believe that the massive markings have an extraterrestrial connection, and perhaps the ancient people of the region created these gigantic figures in tribute to the gods who visited them. And with one of the largest deposits of nitrates in the world--a key ingredient in rocket fuel and weaponry--could Nazca have been a mining operation for advanced beings in the distant past?

In 1975, Travis Walton claims to have been abducted and taken aboard a space ship inhabited by extraterrestrial beings. Several people witnessed his encounter and nearly 40 years later Walton's story of alien abduction, missing time and mind-telepathy manipulation has not wavered. But researchers say that abductions are not a modern phenomenon. The Hebrew Bible is filled with stories of abductions by otherworldly beings. Jonah, Moses, Ezekiel and Enoch all depict what can best be described as physically being taken to other dimensions and then returned. Is it possible that extraterrestrial beings have been abducting humans for thousands of years and if so, might there be an alien agenda behind the phenomena?

A young man's spiritual journey. A controversial bestseller. And a scientific theory that threatened to change the world. Just what are the facts behind Erich von Däniken and Ancient Astronaut theory? For more than 40 years, his books have sold over 65 million copies worldwide. He is a hero to some, and a heretic to others--but Erich von Däniken's controversial theories have captured the attention of the world and ignited a movement known as Ancient Astronaut Theory. His exhaustive search for the truth about mankind's otherworldly origins have started to gain acceptance with a small but growing number of Ancient Astronaut theorists--men and women who have expanded, and at times refined, von Däniken's findings. Did ancient astronauts really come to planet Earth? And, if so, what was their purpose? And perhaps even more important--will they come again?

They were teachers and destroyers. Mighty warriors who blazed across the skies in gleaming chariots and wielded magical weapons that could bring down mountains. Odin, Frey and Thor. The gods worshipped by the Norse Vikings were fearsome and mysterious, but were these beings truly divine, or is there, perhaps, an extraterrestrial connection? The Norse were among the most technologically advanced cultures of the ancient world. They were epic explorers who embarked on oceanic voyages to Africa and the Middle East and even reached North America at least 500 years before Christopher Columbus. Were the Norse guided by powerful gods, or could the super-beings that guided the Vikings have actually been visitors from another planet?

Massive stone structures that reach to the heavens... strange, giant figures buried deep in the Earth... and energy emitting spheres connected around the globe... What compelled ancient man to move colossal stones, in some cases weighing thousands of pounds, and to build remarkably similar stone monuments all around the world? From the jungles of Costa Rica to England's rural countryside, ancient people achieved extraordinary feats of construction without advanced tools or technology. Is it possible that extraterrestrials instructed the ancients to build these complex structures? Or were our ancestors driven to create these monoliths in order to reconnect with celestial travelers who once walked the Earth? Could ancient monoliths hold advanced, extraterrestrial powers we have yet to realize? And if so, just what will happen when we unlock the mystery of the monoliths?

Reverence for the number three dates back thousands of years, and can still be found today in art, architecture, science, literature, and religion. What is it about this number that continues to fascinate mankind? Could this recurring motif contain a profound message? The ancient Egyptians believed the design of the three pyramids of Giza came from the Gods. Diverse cultures across the world worshipped divine beings that ruled as all-knowing triads. Isaac Newton searched for the secrets of the universe in an ancient tablet that spoke of the power of the number three. Even the language of our DNA is written in a pattern of threes. Could the combination of all the trios and trinities embedded throughout the mythical and religious world suggest that the power of three might somehow connect humanity with divine or, as some would believe, extraterrestrial forces?

Luminous relics in the shape of human skulls. Otherworldly artifacts believed to harness the secrets of the universe. Are the Crystal Skulls part of an elaborate hoax? Or do they possess a great, perhaps even otherworldly power? The Crystal Skulls are some of the most controversial of ancient artifacts. While there have been literally hundreds of crystal skulls found throughout the world, according to legend, there are only thirteen which are believed to hold an awesome, mystical power whose secrets will be revealed when the skulls come together to form a global grid. Could this so-called "reunion of the skulls" awaken sacred knowledge of the gods? Knowledge that has been hidden from mankind for thousands of years? And if so, will the Crystal Skulls reveal the truth about our extraterrestrial past, or offer us a glimpse into our future?

The Sumerians in ancient Mesopotamia achieved over one hundred "firsts" for human civilization. Advances in writing, agriculture, science, mathematics, medicine, astronomy, transportation, building, military, schools and city planning, all originated in Sumer. The Sumerians credit these achievements to The Anunnaki--giant, winged gods, who are only found in ancient cuneiform texts. Could these gods be more than legend? Is it possible that civilization made sudden, huge advances in development 5,000 years ago as a result of the Anunnaki's presence on Earth? Could the human race have been jump-started or even genetically created by extraterrestrial beings in the remote past? Might the Sumerian texts describing the Anunnaki be proof of this controversial theory? And if so, could we someday reunite with these celestial visitors?

Wondrous wizards... Mysterious sorcerers... And heavenly beings... possessed of unimaginable power. Throughout the ancient world, magic was used for everything from healing to communicating with the gods. But did magic really exist in the ancient times? Not as a form of theater--but as a means of replicating the power of the gods? Do ancient accounts of magic suggest evidence of advanced, otherworldly knowledge? A knowledge given to early humans as a means of helping them unlock their own - some might say "divine" - potential?

He is the evil one, the Prince of Darkness, the ruler of Hell. Satan conjures up horrifying images of a horned beast whose sole purpose is to destroy humanity. Yet there is evidence that the fallen angel we know as Satan may be misunderstood. New interpretations of ancient texts indicate that Satan may have been an extraterrestrial who was more of an ally to humanity than an enemy by passing along knowledge that planted the seed for civilization. Could Satan's reputation as the personification of evil be his punishment for leading early man out of darkness and ignorance? If so, might his evil acts really be expressions of revenge against the human creatures that abandoned him? Or are the devilish deeds associated with Satan part of a grand plan? A series of moral challenges intended to prepare us for our next, and perhaps final... close encounter?

Mysterious surgeries performed by early humans... Strange beings with miraculous powers... And a cover up--destroying centuries of scientific knowledge. Are recent breakthroughs in medicine the result of years of research? Or does the knowledge of healing really come from an otherworldly source? Evidence of advanced medical procedures practiced in the ancient world has been found everywhere from carvings on the walls of temples to actual skeletal remains. But just who were the practitioners of this extraordinary science? And where did their knowledge of the human body come from? Accounts from various cultures describe similar divine, birdlike figures that brought advanced medical knowledge to mankind thousands of years ago. Who--or what--were these ancient surgeons? Is it possible that these Gods may have been extraterrestrial beings that came to Earth to teach humans how to heal themselves?

Powerful monarchs ruling by divine right. Centuries-old dynasties amassing enormous wealth. And legendary leaders wielding powerful weapons of mass destruction. Is it possible that ancient rulers were, in fact, connected with divine or, some would say, extraterrestrial forces? And, if so, what was their purpose? Ancient emperors, kings, and pharaohs were often attributed with otherworldly strength, ability, and wisdom; many were even considered gods by the people they ruled. Who were these exceptional leaders, and how did some accomplish so much in their time? Ancient Astronaut theorists believe that these great rulers throughout history were "chosen" and guided by extraterrestrials. Is it possible that the world's legendary leaders might have shared a common genetic trait? A so-called, "leadership gene"? And might this gene have been–not a product of genetic evolution–but inherited by mankind from some otherworldly source?

Sacred bones… Golden hats… And fragments of sacred objects thought to possess healing properties. All around the world, archaeologists have uncovered mysterious relics revered by ancient cultures for thousands of years. Now on display in museums, temples and churches, millions of people travel great distances just to be in their presence. What is it about these ancient objects that draws people to them? Could the truth of mankind's origins be found in the fabric, metal, stone and bones of our distant past? And could these mysterious relics really provide us with the ability to access divine or otherworldly power?

Legends of lost and mysterious islands, advanced civilizations and Eden-like paradises have been told by sailors throughout human history. Is it possible these stories are more than just the myths of imaginative seafarers? Might evidence of our Ancient Alien origins be found by exploring the world's most remote islands--strategic spots where extraterrestrials may have once made their earthly homes... and possibly still visit today? Unidentified submersible objects going at lightning speed... strange crafts coming out of water near remote volcanic islands... and mystifying megalithic ruins in the middle of the ocean. Is it possible UFO activity could be hidden deep underwater and off the coasts of islands? Could this explain why so many islands around the world have stories of unexplained sightings of objects both overhead and beneath the sea going back centuries?

The Ark of the Covenant is one of the most sought after religious relics of all times and far more than just a box that contained the Ten Commandments. The biblical stories surrounding the Ark speak of a device with divine powers that was able to produce food, take down stonewalls, kill those that come in contact with it, and provide direct communication to God. Are these stories mere myth? Or did the Ark of the Covenant possess extraordinary powers? What happened to this incredible relic? Could it still be hidden? Are we getting close to a rediscovery--and reactivation--of the Ark? And if so, will the Ark of the Covenant reveal a long, lost connection to our extraterrestrial past?

Across ancient civilizations, the world's mountains were viewed as the sacred home to all-powerful gods. Why would so many different cultures share this belief that mountains had a connection to otherworldly beings? The Greeks believed their most powerful gods, the Olympians, waged an epic war for control of the universe from Mt. Olympus. Ruins of a 4000-year-old observatory discovered on a mountain in Macedonia reveal that the ancients tracked celestial movements from on high with remarkable precision. And in Peru, the descendants of the Incans continue an ancient pilgrimage tradition in order to commune with mountain spirits known as Apu. Could these gods have been extraterrestrials? Did they use remote mountain peaks to interact with early man? Might this explain why humans have been drawn to mountains for thousands of years?

Legends from around the world speak of sacred entryways to the land of the gods. Gates that allowed instant passage not just beyond the confines of Earth, but beyond space and time. Are such passages--or stargates--just inventions of myth, or might this kind of interstellar travel have existed in the ancient world? In Turkey, researchers uncover a mysterious and toxic cave that the ancient Greeks described as a physical gateway to Hell. The Incas believed their empire began when divine beings stepped through portals in a mountain. In Northern Mexico, legends describe strange, otherworldly creatures appearing and disappearing within the remote ruins of an ancient civilization. As science continues its quest to create technology that would allow humans to travel to the stars, is it possible that these celestial pathways already exist?

Strange rock carvings from 8,000 B.C. Unexplained sightings in the new world. And a frightening anomaly plaguing the American West. Is there more to America's past than is found in our history books? Could the mysterious stories and relics found throughout the United States be evidence of extraterrestrial contact in the distant past? In 1909, the Phoenix Gazette reported the finding of a strange man-made cave filled with ancient objects and mummies. Could there be a connection between the mysterious cave and the legend of Native American ancestors called "Star Beings?" Strange lights and unexplained weather anomalies were documented throughout colonial America. Is there evidence that early American settlers had close encounters with extraterrestrial entities? Could UFO sightings and reports of alien contact be part of America's untold history?

On every continent, there are stories of children who "stand out" for their strange abilities and advanced knowledge. They are said to have knowledge of things they shouldn't or couldn't know. The ancient Greeks, Egyptians and many other cultures have legends about exceptional children who are the offspring of humans and the gods. Could the stories be more than mere myth? Is it possible there are children being born on Earth today who can access their alien DNA--a connection that endows them with special gifts and the power to transform society?

Sealed vaults possessing a strange and deadly curse, mysterious relics believed to be under otherworldly protection, and riches so priceless, it has cost men their lives. On every continent there are stories of incredible treasures that have been lost for centuries. Is it possible that the world's greatest ancient relics are hidden on purpose--and protected by an extraterrestrial source?

Throughout human history, the planet Mars has captured our imagination. Ancient Egyptian astronomers were the first to record the red planet on a chart of the cosmos known as the Senenmut star map. Scholars believe Mars played an important role in Maya astrology that's described in the Dresden Codex. And modern translation of Sumerian and Babylonian origin myths record a cataclysmic event occurring on Mars. Is our fascination with Mars simply because of its striking red color and prominence in the night sky? Or might we have a more profound extraterrestrial connection? For nearly 40 years, probes have been sending information about Mars back to scientists here on Earth. Photographs of the mysterious planet reveal mountain-like formations known as Twin Peaks and a strange, humanoid face carved into Martian rock. Has NASA found definitive signs of life on Mars that they're intentionally keeping from the public?

Throughout history, spiritual leaders known as shamans have healed, protected and advised their people. But are they simply putting on elaborate ceremonies? Or could they be in contact with extraterrestrial realms? The Mongol army crushed their enemies and built a massive empire with the help of powerful shamans who could manipulate the weather. Amazonian shamans believe otherworldly beings taught them how to create a powerful brew that allows them to travel beyond Earth to gain knowledge. And on the desert plains of the Kalahari, the San Bushmen practice elaborate trance dances that unlock supernatural capabilities in their healers. Can shamans really communicate with otherworldly beings? Is it possible that through these spiritual mediators, extraterrestrials were able to influence mankind in the distant past? And could such celestial communication continue even today?

Earth is home to 10 quintillion insects. In cultures throughout the world, insects have been honored, feared and even revered as gods. But might these strange creatures that have inhabited Earth for hundreds of millions of years provide a link to extraterrestrial beings? Is it possible the ancient Egyptians encountered alien beings that had an insect-like appearance? Are the scorpion-tailed locust described in the Book of Revelations some type of advanced weaponry wielded by an extraterrestrial being? Might the Ant People that appear in both Greek and Native American mythology really be grey aliens? Is it possible that there is a connection between insects and aliens? Are insects related to beings from beyond our world, as some Ancient Astronaut theorists suggest? And if so, might they have a secret purpose we have yet to discover?

Demonic seduction... hybrid offspring... and strange abductions. In cultures throughout the world, there are tales of intimate encounters with otherworldly beings. But could these stories be more than just mythology? Scientific deconstruction of human genetic makeup has revealed that our origins are not what we once believed. Biologists have determined that early humans mated with several other species of intelligent hominids. Neanderthals, Denisovans, and a third--as of yet unidentified--species may also be represented in our DNA. Is it possible that tales spanning from fallen angels to Greek gods, medieval incubus and succubus to today's extraterrestrial sexual encounters are all one in the same? And if so, is it all part of a greater agenda? Might examining these experiences provide not only evidence of extraterrestrial sexual intervention in the remote past, but also reveal the true nature of mankind's origins?

Ancient cultures around the world tell stories of strange objects witnessed flying in the sky. But are these tales fiction, or might people living thousands of years ago actually have seen extraterrestrial crafts descending from the heavens? In the Hebrew Bible's Book of Ezekiel, the prophet describes a fiery chariot containing wheels within wheels, powered by angels. In ancient Ethiopian texts, King Solomon of Israel gave the Queen of Sheba a flying carpet, and traveled on one himself throughout the Middle East. And Chinese mythology explains that the god Huang Di emerged from the belly of a fire-breathing dragon to become China's first emperor. Could these accounts of fiery chariots, flying carpets and fire-breathing dragons really be descriptions of misunderstood technology involving mysterious crafts? Have otherworldly spacecraft been soaring across Earth's skies for thousands of years? What were our ancestors really describing in their ancient stories?

All over the world there are megalithic stone structures whose construction baffle stonecutters, scientists and archeologists. Is it possible that ancient humans managed to move and cut these gigantic rocks with the help of alien technology? From the 3,000 megalithic stones in the French village of Carnac to the precision-cut blocks at Puma Punku in Peru to the 12,000 year-old circular structures of Gobekli Tepe, carved multi-ton megaliths are found throughout ancient cultures. Yet the mystery of how the stones were cut and moved to build these formations remains. One possible answer may be found at Coral Castle, Florida, where in the 1930s an anti-gravity device was allegedly used to move 30-ton coral blocks to create the giant sculpted gardens. Massive stone ruins mark what we believe to be ancient burial sites, temples and astronomical observatories--but how these megaliths were built cannot be explained.

A 2,000-year-old computer... a power plant inside the Great Pyramid... and a Nazi-era time machine with roots in the ancient history. Throughout the world, there are artifacts and stories that point to advanced technology in the distant past. Could these devices be products of our ancestors' imaginations or might ancient man have had access to extraterrestrial technology? Were ancient Egyptians able to generate electricity, perhaps even illuminating the corridors of the royal tombs with electric light bulbs? Did top-ranking Nazis secretly develop a time-travel machine that was used as an escape vehicle after their defeat in Europe? Could the Ark of the Covenant have been a sonic weapon? Many of the world's most mysterious devices have been here for thousands of years. Could they have been built with the help of extraterrestrial beings?

The Reptilian alien is a fixture of science-fiction, from H.P. Lovecraft's tales of Valusians to the Cardassians in Star Trek, to the Visitors of the television series V. But could ancient myths about reptilian creatures provide evidence that they are more than just a pop-culture creation? Legends of serpent beings can be found on every continent. The Bible, the Quran and the ancient texts known as the Nag Hammadi codices all describe reptilian entities interacting with humans. In Mexico and Central America people worshiped the feather serpent god called Kukulkan or Quetzalcoatl. In India, the Nagas are half-human half-reptile gods who live underground in a place called Patala. And in China and Japan, many emperors claim to be the descendants of dragons. Could these stories represent real Reptilian beings that people all over the world actually encountered in the ancient past?

He is one of the most prolific inventors of the 20th century--and the man that actually electrified the world. Nikola Tesla shepherded mankind to a new industrial era and laid the groundwork for today's technological age--but could that have been by some otherworldly design? A man shrouded in mystery and intrigue, Tesla would speak about obtaining insights in a flash of genius, how he could visualize his inventions in full-detail and manipulate them in his mind, and his compulsion to invent the future. But he also claimed to have direct communication from intelligent beings on other planets. Is it possible that this alleged mad scientist, so far ahead of his time, was actually a human "receiver"? A being tapped to advance mankind--and pave the way for a future reunion with our alien ancestors?

It has been called the key to the universe and possibly the most important scientific breakthrough of all time. Could the so-called "God Particle" reveal the truth about our origins? And might clues to its significance have been left here on Earth thousands of years ago by extraterrestrial beings? The age-old question, "where did we come from?" remains a mystery, but in 2012, scientists at CERN laboratory announced the discovery of the "God Particle"--the subatomic particle that is believed to give mass to matter--and offers a closer understanding of just how the universe began. The discovery seemingly pitted science against religion. But could science and religion actually be kindred spirits? Many ancient religions and mythologies describe the origins of the universe in ways very similar to today's scientific explanations and proclaim that this information was given to them by otherworldy beings.

Stories of strange encounters accompany many of history's major events. Is it merely coincidence? Or might it be evidence of extraterrestrial intervention? In ancient myths from cultures around the globe, gods are often portrayed intervening in human affairs. The Sumerian gods are said to have created mankind; the Hebrews believe God gave Moses man's first laws, the Ten Commandments, and the angel Gabriel reportedly shared divine wisdom with the prophet Muhammad. But is it possible that these supernatural visitations were not actually the work of the gods--but rather a race of extraterrestrials using advanced technology to create and shape our civilization? Ancient Astronaut Theorists believe aliens may have helped guide mankind in the remote past--and that evidence for this stunning conclusion can be found sprinkled throughout human history.

From the beginning of recorded history, humans have told stories about beings with super-human strength, super-sonic speed, and supernatural abilities. The ancients had heroic tales about Zeus, Thor, and Hanuman while today we have superhero stories about Superman, Batman, and Spider-man. Mythologists say these epic stories resemble each other because they may have all come from a common set of oral legends created eons ago by our earliest ancestors. But might there be another, more otherworldly reason that the world's heroic myths are so similar? Is it possible, as many Ancient Astronaut Theorists contend, that these stories are actually based on extraordinary-- and possibly extraterrestrial--beings that lived on Earth in the distant past?

Could the darkest recesses of our planet contain important information left by our ancient ancestors? And within Earth's mysterious caves, might we find evidence of otherworldly contact? Throughout human history, some caves have been considered sacred places for spiritual encounter and enlightenment, while others have been feared as true portals to purgatory. What happens in these subterranean spaces that has the power to influence religions around the globe? Could some of Earth's deepest caverns be secret conduits to supernatural realms? In Charma, India, archeologists recently discovered 10,000 year-old prehistoric artwork of what appears to be extraterrestrial beings. Could these paintings be a visual record of alien encounters in the distant past?

The Great Sphinx in Giza is the largest and most studied monolithic sculpture on Earth, yet it remains one of humanities greatest mysteries. This ancient monolith defies explanation, pre-dates our earliest known civilizations and may hide the secrets of our very origins. While mainstream archeology theorizes that the Sphinx was built around 2500 BC, geological evidence suggests it is much older. If this is true, then who--or what--created the Sphinx? Researchers are now proposing the existence of a second, twin Sphinx on the Giza Plateau. If so, has it been deliberately hidden from mankind? The face of the Sphinx is believed to represent Egyptian pharaoh Khafra, yet the size and proportion of the massive carving suggests the head has been altered. Could the statue have originally represented an otherworldly being that came to Earth some 10,000 years ago, as Ancient Astronaut theorists propose?

There are those who believe that the evolution of technology is not entirely of our own making. Ancient Astronaut theorists contend that it is by extraterrestrial design that we have become so technologically interconnected--and that we are being watched by beings from beyond our world. Do stories from the ancient past hold evidence of alien overseers? The Book of Enoch describes divine entities called the Watchers descending to Earth to monitor humankind and aid in our advancement. Inca legend states that the god Viracocha created humans and taught them astronomy, agriculture and other advanced arts. The Maya civilization believed their supreme god Kukulkan taught humans writing, mathematics and science. In ancient Chinese legend, the divine ruler Huang Di introduced numerous advancements such as the wheel, weaving and writing. Could it be that our increased reliance on computers, cell phones, tablets, and the Internet is the product of extraterrestrial design?

Throughout history, many of the world's greatest thinkers have helped push civilization forward with their profound insights and extraordinary abilities. But the majority of these master minds say their brilliance comes from a place they don't understand--and arrives at times they're not expecting it. In antiquity, people in nearly every culture around the world believed they did not possess genius, but that genius possessed them, like a spirit. Could it be that the forces of inspiration that the ancients attributed to the gods really did emanate from an otherworldly source, as Ancient Astronaut theorists suggest? Whether it's Albert Einstein's theory of relativity, Edison's light bulb, or Russian chemist Dmitri Mendeleyev's Periodic Table of Elements, geniuses routinely say their best ideas come from dreams, visions, or hallucinated voices. Is it possible that genius is more than just the product of good genetics?

For thousands of years, in cultures throughout the world, people have practiced elaborate techniques to preserve the human body after death. The ancient Egyptians believed mummification ensured entrance into the next life. Buddhist monks in Japan practiced a shocking self-mummification process that began before death in the hopes of becoming a "living Buddha." And the Incas consulted the mummified remains of their kings to discuss affairs of state and the future. Ancient Astronaut theorists believe the global practice of mummification is not a coincidence, but proof that highly advanced extraterrestrials visited Earth in the distant past. Could our ancestors have witnessed a form of biological hibernation and then mimicked it with mummification? Could mummification have been an attempt to recreate suspended animation so often connected to extraterrestrial space travel? Or could the intention have been to preserve the body for future DNA removal?

Throughout history, incredible stories have been told of the dead rising from their graves, mummies journeying into the afterlife, and people on the brink of death mingling with deceased relatives in a celestial netherworld. Are they simply legends--or could some of these stories actually be true? From Jesus and Elijah to mummies and zombies, our culture is filled with accounts of beings who are able to lift the veil between life and death. And even today, scientists are trying to mimic this by suspending death in the operating room for hours at a time. Haitian priests continue the ancient practice of raising "zombies" from the grave. And microscopic organisms have been found that can resuscitate themselves after lying dormant for weeks. Are we on the verge of decoding the mysteries of life, death, and resurrection?

Messages embedded in sacred religious texts, as well as in the design and location of ancient monuments that may reveal the purpose behind human existence.

It is a story told in more than twelve hundred cultures around the world--the gods sent a great flood to wipe out humanity for its disobedient and wicked ways. Do these numerous creation myths point to an actual deluge, one that engulfed the world and spared only a chosen few? New evidence suggests that many fabled aspects of these flood myths may, in fact, be true. From traces of a major meteor impact in the Indian Ocean, to a worldwide ash layer, and even remnants of Noah's gravesite, scientists are starting to put the pieces of a very deadly puzzle together--a puzzle that some believe was created by extraterrestrial beings. Did humanity narrowly escape extinction? And are the ancient stories correct--that alien beings are the reason we survived? Ancient Astronaut Theorists believe they are--and that celestial beings are poised to save us again when another catastrophe sweeps across the Earth.

The Civil War nearly destroyed the great experiment known as the United States of America, but is it possible that the preservation of the republic was influenced by extraterrestrial beings? Abraham Lincoln described strange visions and premonitions that occur before pivotal moments in his presidency. Union officer Ambrose Bierce wrote about mysterious disappearances and inter-dimensional travel. And a ghostly image of George Washington was witnessed by hundreds of soldiers at Gettysburg–prompting an official government investigation. Is it possible that extraterrestrials were present during the Civil War? If so, were they simply passive observers, waiting to see if our fragile democracy could survive this test? Or did they take an active roll in order to preserve the Union?

With infrared satellite technology detecting pyramids hidden underneath the sand in Egypt and airborne laser sensors discovering long lost pyramids beneath the jungles of Central America, many believe we have entered a new pyramid era--an age of discovery that will be marked by unimaginable new findings. 21st century excavations are also revealing fascinating new facts about pyramids that could potentially rewrite history. Archaeologists now believe the ancient pyramids in Peru are older than the Egyptian pyramids, and a recently surveyed megalithic site in Indonesia is now suspected to be a step pyramid built by a long lost civilization 20,000 years ago. But what can explain ancient man's apparent obsession with building pyramids? Ancient Astronaut theorists believe the world pyramid phenomena is not a coincidence, but evidence that Earth's earliest inhabitants may have had help from extraterrestrials.

Stories of civilizations large and small disappearing without a trace can be found throughout history and across the globe. From a previously unknown civilization in China, a vanished race of giants, to the unexplained disappearances of the Classic Maya and the Anasazi--elements of these disappearances cannot be completely explained by conventional scholars. Although these cultures have vanished from the face of the Earth, they have left behind intriguing clues--clues, some say point to an otherworldly explanation. And if entire groups have been taken off planet, might there be a connection with sites connected to mysterious vanishings of people, planes, and boats in various locations throughout the world? Could examining these disappearances lead us to not only uncover evidence of extraterrestrial intervention in our remote past, but also reveal the consequences for the future of the human race?

Many of humanity's most significant turning points have bore witness to unexplainable events. Is this merely coincidence, or could it be evidence that the course of human history is being manipulated by an alien agenda? Ancient Astronaut theorists have long proposed that extraterrestrials played a pivotal role in our past, and some believe they continue to keep a careful watch over the progress of mankind. Even high-level government officials have made claims that extraterrestrials are visiting our planet with an interest in our technological advancements, including former Canadian Defense Minister Paul Hellyer, who stated that that the cosmos are teaming with life. Could the UFO phenomenon be real? Have extraterrestrials been monitoring human progress for thousands of years--at times helping us to advance, and at other times holding us back?

Enormous manmade caves... Unexplainable structures... And underwater discoveries that challenge everything we know about the past...Is it possible that an advanced civilization inhabited Earth thousands of years ago? And if so, were they human, or something out of this world? Modern archaeologists are continuously unearthing artifacts and sites that defy the conventional timeline of human history. Throughout the world we find megalithic stone monuments that are attributed to mysterious ancestors, strange humanoid figures that date to pre-historic times, and evidence of ancient underground shelters hewn out of solid rock. Could it be that a sophisticated culture existed on here Earth--thousands and even tens of thousands of years earlier than we believe? Could the stories of a time when gods and otherworldly beings inhabited the planet be more than just mythology?

When German aerospace engineer Wernher von Braun joined the U.S. military and space programs after World War II, he quickly became one of the foremost scientists credited with developing the ballistic missile, the first American satellite and the enormous Saturn V rocket that enabled man to reach the moon. Von Braun's bold predictions that we would explore Mars and build a space station have become reality. But how is it that von Braun--whose contemporaries included such scientific geniuses as Nikola Tesla, Robert Oppenheimer, and Albert Einstein--was so far ahead of everyone when it came to rocketry? Did he have secret information collected by the Nazi party during WWII--or access to advanced technology recovered from the alleged UFO crash in Roswell, New Mexico in 1947? Or is it possible that the greatest rocket scientist the world has ever known found his inspiration not on our world, but another?

Incredible strength... Superior intelligence... And even the ability to reproduce. In the 21st century, robots are being programmed to do everything from performing surgery on humans--to exploring other planets. And humanoid robots are rapidly reaching a level of sophistication that was thought to exist only in science fiction. But what are the implications of creating robots that are increasingly intelligent and independent? Is the obsession with creating counterfeit humans really pointing the way to mankind's future... or to its past? Greek stories dating to 2000 B.C. tell of the god Hephaestus creating robots to build weapons, as well as the bronze giant Talos. In Egypt, the Pyramid Texts say that the god Osiris was dismembered, then reassembled and brought back to life just like a machine. If sophisticated robots really did exist in the ancient world--what function did they serve? Who built them? And what happened to them?

Good and Evil. Light and Dark. God and Satan. In nearly every culture there are stories of opposing forces at work here on Earth--forces of a supernatural or otherworldly nature. Could these forces really exist? And if so, what is the true nature of the dark forces? Throughout history, there have been individuals accused of being in league with agents of darkness. The infamous mad monk Rasputin believed he served as a conduit for an otherworldly realm, the Nazi SS were said to have tapped into dark powers through ancient symbols, and famed occultist Aleister Crowley claimed to have summoned a non-human entity through the use of dark magic. Is it possible the entities these men claimed to be in touch with were, in fact, extraterrestrials? And might humans serve as the pawns in a cosmic battle between the forces of light and dark?

Ancient Astronaut theorists have suggested that many of the divine beings depicted in cultures throughout the world are not really divine--or mythological--but instead reflect extraterrestrial visitations that our ancestors did not understand. If true, what can account for all the different types of beings that are depicted, from anthropomorphic birds and reptiles, to gods with blue skin to multi-limbed humanoids? Might there have been numerous alien species inhabiting Earth? Could the accounts given by modern day alien abductees be evidence that these otherworldly entities continue to visit Earth to this day? And is it possible that they all have a common ancestor? In 1928, archaeologist Julio Tello discovered the Paracas skulls of Peru--elongated heads with cranial volumes at least 25% larger than the largest known human skulls. Some believe that these remains are of extraterrestrial origin.

Billions of dollars have been spent in our quest to find an "other Earth." Since the launch of the Kepler Telescope in 2009, scientists have identified thousands of planets capable of supporting life. Is it possible that this discovery finally answers the age-old question: "Are we alone in the universe?" Could it be that just as we seek out other habitable planets, advanced extraterrestrials from distant galaxies did the same with Earth in the remote past? Throughout world mythologies, there are tales of beings from the stars coming down to Earth. The Dogon tribe in Africa believes their gods came from the Sirius star system. The Maya associated their gods with the Pleiades star cluster. And according to the Hopi tradition, life itself was seeded by celestial beings. Ancient Astronaut theorists propose that not only has our planet been visited by extraterrestrials, but that they are responsible for our very existence.

In August of 2014, Russian cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station discovered something incredibly unexpected covering parts of the windows--living sea plankton. If sea life can thrive in space, might the reverse be true as well? Might there be alien life forms that inhabit our seas? Throughout history, there have been tales of strange creatures hiding in Earth's waters. While many discount stories of sea monsters as purely mythological, it is estimated that Earth's oceans are home to between 700,000 to one million species--and shockingly, two-thirds of those species still remain unknown. Considering the recent discovery that some sea life can survive in outer space, is it possible that tales of giant creatures like the Kraken and The Loch Ness Monster are evidence of extraterrestrial entities taking refuge beneath the seas?

Over 10,000 crop circles have been reported worldwide, appearing in 50 different countries, and nearly every continent on Earth. These strange designs pressed into crop fields range from simple circles to elaborate pictograms thousand of feet long. The phenomenon has been associated with scientific anomalies, strange lights, and even UFO activity. But critics say that they are all part of an elaborate hoax. But are they? Crop circles have been making modern headlines since the 1960's, but their history can be traced back hundreds--if not thousands of years. The designs themselves often contain encrypted messages and complex mathematical, geometric, and astronomical equations that perplex our top mathematicians and scientists. Ancient Astronaut Theorist, Giorgio Tsoukalos travels to England to meet with researchers and scientists to investigate the phenomenon both on the ground and in the lab to find out what we haven't been told.

On March 19th, 2002, Gary McKinnon was arrested for hacking into 97 Pentagon and NASA computers over a 13-month period, in what authorities call the "biggest military computer hack of all time." McKinnon claimed that he found evidence of a secret American space fleet, by way of a list of dozens of "non-terrestrial officers" and their assigned spacecraft, replete with USSS (United States Space Ship) monikers. Might the United States military really have a secret space program? And if so, are we preparing for a space-based war with other nations... or other species? Ancient Astronaut theorists suggest that there are numerous factions of alien races with competing agendas visiting Earth, and that there is evidence they have been in conflict with each other for thousands of years. According to these theorists, there is evidence that these wars actually took place here on Earth in the distant past--not between gods, but between extraterrestrial visitors.

Due to warfare, instability, and inaccessibility--there are specific regions of the world that are off-limits to exploration. These forbidden sites are often ground zero for chaos and the destruction of ancient artifacts and irreplaceable records detailing mankind's origins and history. In Iraq and Syria, thousands of ancient artifacts and relics have been deliberately destroyed. Museums and excavation sites across Egypt have been looted multiple times. In the highlands of Tibet and the jungles of Central America, sacred texts have been systematically destroyed. Could this all be by design? Ancient Astronaut theorists propose that there may be profound historical objects and information buried at these sites--ancient knowledge, technology, or perhaps the truth about our alien past. Is there a plot to conceal information? And could extraterrestrials be intervening in the cover up?

Is there evidence of ancient technology buried beneath the ice of the most southern continent?

Within 20 years, we are expecting to send the first colonizers to the Red Planet. Astronauts will brave the six-month journey to become the first extraterrestrials visitors to Mars--where they are expected to live and die there, never to return to Earth. But why have we always had a strange fascination with this particular planet? The latest NASA research has revealed that not only is there evidence of liquid water on the planet, but that life on Earth was most likely seeded on Mars. Ancient Astronaut theorists even suggest that the development of life on Earth may have similarities to how scientists are currently planning to keep humans alive on the red planet. Could extraterrestrials from Mars have colonized Earth in our remote past? Could our voyage to Mars not only unlock the mysteries of our ancient, extraterrestrial origins--but also be the key to the long-term survival of the human species?

In the 21st century, technology is heading in a radical new direction--the merging of man and machine. Smart drugs, nanorobots, and machine-printed organs are just a few of the cutting-edge innovations catalyzing the evolution of humankind into an entirely new species. Transhumanists envision a future in which we become cyborgs, achieving far superior intelligence, the ability to survive beyond Earth's atmosphere without a spacesuit, and the possibility of immortality. But might similarly superhuman beings have walked the Earth once before? Beings that our ancestors regarded as gods? Ancient Astronaut theorists say yes, and suggest that we are simply following the course they set us on from the very beginning of mankind--to transcend our flesh and become like our extraterrestrial creators.

Millions of people around the world believe we have been visited in the past by extraterrestrial beings. What if it were true? This is the question Ancient Astronaut theorists have posed since Erich von Daniken's Chariots of the Gods was first published in 1968; examining scientific, archaeological, astronomical, and historical evidence to find the answer. In recent years, more new evidence has been revealed than ever before that suggests there was extraterrestrial intervention on Earth in the distant past. Satellite images have exposed geoglyphs resembling Nazca lines in Kazakhstan. Ground penetrating radar has detected remnants of ancient technology in Machu Picchu. And thermal scanning has uncovered hidden chambers behind King Tut's tomb that may hold the remains of extraterrestrial beings. Could we be at the tipping point where the overwhelming evidence outweighs any last shred of doubt?

Scientists theorize that when mankind encounters extraterrestrials, we'll need to speak to them through the universal language of mathematics and binary code. But is it possible that extraterrestrials have already been communicating with our greatest mathematicians and engineers? Might they have somehow aided them in bringing about the space age and computers? Ancient Astronaut theorists say yes. As evidence, they point to the true father of the space program, Nikolai Fyodorov, a "Cosmist" who believed that human civilization had its origins in outer space and that it was our destiny to return to the cosmos. Wernher von Braun was greatly influenced by Fyodorov and he was motivated by a similar, secret belief when he ran the mission that put the first man on the moon. Is it possible that humanity's greatest visionaries have been carrying out an extraterrestrial master plan?

A "Cosmic Egg" -- in which the universe, or some primordial being comes into existence by the hatching of an egg -- is found in the creation myths of many cultures. Why is this concept so pervasive throughout the world? Clues to the origin of the Cosmic Egg may lie in another symbol commonly paired with the egg -- the symbol of intertwined snakes -- which some believe represents ancient knowledge of the DNA double-helix spiral. Did our ancestors have advanced insight into human biological coding? And could the Cosmic Egg represent, not the cosmos or the gods, but our own creation and genetic manipulation? Ancient Astronaut theorists suggest that just like the world's most iconic religious symbols, the Cosmic Egg cannot be summed up as representing a singular thing, but may have a much deeper meaning.

The Aborigines of Australia are the oldest, continuously surviving society on Earth. The stories preserved in their oral tradition are said to date back over 60,000 years, to an era they call the "Dreamtime" and contain fascinating descriptions about how life began and our planet was seeded by extraterrestrials. Linguistic experts have just discovered that many of these indigenous legends can be scientifically verified by examining the geological record. Ancient Astronaut theorists propose that if the Aboriginal's oral traditions are indeed this accurate, then perhaps the tales they tell about sky gods visiting Earth in large, fire-spewing crafts are true as well. Could the ultimate evidence about our extraterrestrial past be found within the sacred stories, sites, and rituals of Australia's Wisdom Keepers?

In 2013, former Canadian Minister of Defense, Paul Hellyer, made a shocking claim--that there is a federation of extraterrestrial beings monitoring and guiding humanity. But why would such an esteemed politician make such a controversial announcement? Ancient Astronaut theorists believe evidence can be found throughout history to prove his claims are true. Stories of emperors, kings and pharaohs consulting a pantheon of nine gods can be found in virtually every culture across the globe. Even channeling sessions conducted by CIA scientists in the 1950s connected with an otherworldly group of entities called "The Nine" -- extraterrestrials here to influence the events on Earth. Could there be an intergalactic council of nine secretly working behind the scenes, dictating the course of humanity?

Ancient Astronaut theorists suggest that evidence of extraterrestrial visitation exists in every corner of the Earth, but some say the most compelling can be found in one of the world's least accessible places--China. China is the cradle to one of mankind's earliest and most influential civilizations. The advents of gunpowder, paper, the compass, and countless other major innovations form the technological base on which our modern societies function. But historically, China has also had a policy of isolationism. From the Great Wall erected thousands of years ago to the "Great Firewall" of today, China has long prevented both people and information from entering or exiting its domain. While China has long been a secretive and isolationist country, new evidence suggest that aliens walked among us in the ancient past, and may have been with us all the way up to today... hiding among us.

Recent archaeological discoveries reveal a very different picture of what life on Earth looked like in the remote past. It was a real-life version of "Lord of the Rings," where humans shared the planet with various different types of intelligent human-like species, such as Neanderthals, Denisovans, and even hobbits. But how is it that these various hominid species developed separately in isolated pockets of the globe? And why does no fossil evidence exist suggesting a slow gradual delineation from a common species? Ancient Astronaut theorists suggest these different intelligent species seem to have come straight out of the incubator, and that Earth itself may have served as an extraterrestrial laboratory. A laboratory where different human prototypes once existed--but only one species was chosen to survive. Is mankind the result of an extraterrestrial experiment?