Fact Check: stonehendge was built by aliens

The Claim: "Stonehenge was built by aliens"

The assertion that Stonehenge, the prehistoric monument located in Wiltshire, England, was constructed by extraterrestrial beings has circulated in popular culture, particularly since the publication of Erich von Däniken's book Chariots of the Gods? in 1968. This claim suggests that the advanced knowledge and technology required to build such a structure could not have been possessed by ancient humans, thus attributing its construction to aliens.

What We Know

1. Historical Context: Stonehenge is believed to have been constructed between 3000 BC and 2000 BC, with its purpose still a subject of debate among historians and archaeologists. Theories range from it being a ceremonial site to an astronomical observatory or a burial ground 24.

2. Von Däniken's Influence: The idea that aliens could have played a role in the construction of Stonehenge gained traction from von Däniken's Chariots of the Gods?, which posited that many ancient structures were built with the help of extraterrestrial beings. This book has been widely criticized for its lack of scientific rigor and reliance on speculative reasoning 110.

3. Scientific Consensus: The majority of archaeologists and historians reject the notion that Stonehenge was built by aliens. Research indicates that the monument was constructed using techniques and tools available to Neolithic peoples. For instance, studies show that the stones were likely transported from nearby quarries using sledges and manpower 78.

4. Modern Interpretations: While some modern theories still entertain the idea of ancient astronauts, they are often viewed as fringe theories lacking substantial evidence. Mainstream archaeology emphasizes human ingenuity and social organization as key factors in the construction of Stonehenge 36.

5. Cultural Impact: The alien theory has permeated popular culture, leading to various media portrayals and conspiracy theories. This has contributed to a broader fascination with ancient mysteries and the potential for extraterrestrial life 59.

Analysis

The claim that Stonehenge was built by aliens is primarily supported by speculative literature and media rather than empirical evidence.

• Source Evaluation:

  • Wikipedia (1, 2) provides a general overview but may lack depth in critical analysis. While it is a useful starting point, it is important to corroborate its claims with more authoritative sources.
  • The New York Times (3) and The Independent (4) present the alien theory as part of a broader discussion on Stonehenge's mysteries, but they do not endorse it as a credible explanation.
  • Britannica (8, 10) offers a more scholarly perspective, explicitly stating that the alien theory has been debunked by scientists. This source is generally reliable due to its editorial standards and fact-checking processes.
  • History.com (7) discusses the ancient astronaut theory but emphasizes that it is not taken seriously by the scientific community, highlighting the contrast between popular belief and academic consensus.

• Methodological Concerns: The methodology behind claims of alien involvement often relies on anecdotal evidence, conjecture, and a misunderstanding of ancient technologies. For example, the assertion that humans could not have built Stonehenge without extraterrestrial assistance overlooks the capabilities of Neolithic societies, which were skilled in construction and engineering 610.

• Conflicts of Interest: Some proponents of the alien theory may have commercial interests, such as authors and filmmakers who benefit from sensationalizing ancient mysteries. This can lead to biased presentations of evidence that favor dramatic narratives over factual accuracy.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that Stonehenge was built by aliens is unsupported by credible evidence and is largely dismissed by the scientific community. Key evidence includes the historical context of Stonehenge's construction, which indicates that it was built by Neolithic peoples using available tools and techniques. Furthermore, the majority of archaeologists emphasize human ingenuity and social organization as the driving forces behind the monument's creation, rather than extraterrestrial intervention.

It is important to note that while the idea of ancient astronauts has captured public imagination, it remains a fringe theory lacking substantial empirical support. The cultural impact of such claims can often overshadow the rigorous academic research that provides a more accurate understanding of historical events.

However, limitations in the available evidence should be acknowledged. The interpretations of ancient structures can evolve as new discoveries are made, and the debate surrounding the purpose and construction of Stonehenge continues. Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the sources of claims, particularly those that challenge established historical narratives.

Sources

1. Chariots of the Gods? - Wikipedia. Link
2. Theories about Stonehenge - Wikipedia. Link
3. What Was Stonehenge For? The Answer Might Be Simpler ... - The New York Times. Link
4. Stonehenge: The most unusual theories about why the mysterious monument ... - The Independent. Link
5. From Aliens to Merlin, the theories on Stonehenge are shockingly ... - SBS. Link
6. Aliens, giants or druids: who actually built Stonehenge? - Dazed. Link
7. Solving the Riddle of Stonehenge's Construction | HISTORY. Link
8. Was Stonehenge built by aliens? - Britannica. Link
9. Stonehenge Myths: Aliens. Link
10. Was Stonehenge built by aliens? | Britannica. Link