What Atlantis Taught Me About Aliens
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

What Atlantis Taught Me About Aliens

The Ancient Alien Theory is not as original as you think

254
What Atlantis Taught Me About Aliens
Supernatural Fandom

The wisest man who ever lived was right when he said “there is nothing new under the sun.”

For those of you who like a good conspiracy, you’re probably familiar with the ancient astronaut theory, popularized by the show Ancient Aliens. The book "Chariot of the Gods," by Erich von Däniken, inspired the show.

For those of you who don’t know, the ancient astronaut theory holds that thousands of year ago, extraterrestrial being visited prehistoric humans. The effect this visitation had varies from author to author.

The evidence for the alien visitation are the similarities between ancient cultures, such as the building of massive, triangular structures and the sacrificial nature of some ancient religions.

But what if I told you that someone else had already noticed these same broad similarities and had already drawn a conclusion about them?

"Chariot of the Gods" was published in 1968. This person’s book was published in 1882.

This person was Ignatius Donnelly. The book, "Atlantis: The Antediluvian World."

In short, Ignatius draws upon similar patterns across ancient cultures as Däniken, in some cases, he uses the same evidence, but his conclusion is not that a civilization from the outside come and intervened in humanity’s destiny, but that an ancient humanity did so.

Donnelly holds that a continent used to exist between the Americas, Europe and Africa. This continent was home to a sole nation, Atlantis. Atlantis was a civilization advanced centuries ahead of the primitive tribes around it.

But one fateful day, a natural disaster sunk the continent and Atlantis with it. A few survivors arrived on the surrounding continents and spread their Atlantean culture, thus giving humanity an evolutionary boost and beginning the agricultural revolution as we know it.

I leave you, the reader, to read or listen to "Atlantis: the Antediluvian World" to gain a full understanding of Donnelly’s theory and evidence.

I know it’s not as cool as aliens from another world or dimension, but the idea is the same; primitive humans had a boost from a civilization much more advanced than itself whose wisdom and customs live on in the architecture and religion of their first tribal contacts.

This doesn’t mean, Ancient Astronaut adherents, that you can’t hold to your theory anymore. You are free to believe whatever you want. If anything, let this be an exercise in exploring how your theory has developed over time.

To everyone else, you now have a fun little factoid to bring with you to your next party.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71429
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133474
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments