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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?

In this extraordinary two-hour special, Shatner will bring thought-provoking questions to the leading experts of the show. Ancient Astronaut theorists Giorgio Tsoukalos, Erich von D niken, David Childress, William Henry and Linda Moulton Howe will be joined by former British Ministry of Defense investigator Nick Pope, rocket scientist Dr. Travis Taylor, theoretical physicist Dr. Michio Kaku, and religious history experts Rabbi Ariel Bar Tzadok and Reverend Michael Carter. They will explore everything from human origins to groundbreaking archaeological finds, new understandings of the cosmos and the profound possibility that we are not alone in the universe.

Was Egypt home to Earth's earliest extraterrestrial visitors? Ancient Astronaut theorist Giorgio A. Tsoukalos explores the latest scientific discoveries at some of the world's most ancient places to find evidence that extraterrestrials visited Egypt in the distant past.

Did intelligent beings from outer space visit Earth thousands of years ago? From the age of the dinosaurs to ancient Egypt, from early cave drawings to continued mass sightings in the US, each episode gives historic depth to the questions, speculations, provocative controversies, first-hand accounts and grounded theories surrounding this age old debate.

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?

In 2017, news breaks that the Department of Defense recently spent millions investigating reports of UFOs; the latest disclosure about a series of secret government UFO projects dating back decades.

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?

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?

In the 21st century, UFOs have gone from fringe science to mainstream obsession. A new generation of UFO hunters is employing incredible technology, and Unidentified Flying Objects are being openly investigated by the government. Are we closer than ever to understanding the strange events happening in our skies?

Throughout the world there are mysterious ancient stones shaped into perfect spheres; many of them show clear evidence of being manmade and some completely defy explanation; the mystery of the stone spheres could provide clues about humankind's past.

In 2017, a strange, cigar-shaped object entered our solar system from another star system traveling in such an unusual trajectory it caused some astronomers to suggest that it could be an extraterrestrial craft. It brought up an important question--will we have a plan in place for what to do if we encounter alien life?

Erich von Däniken's "Chariots of the Gods?" suggests that aliens visited Earth in the distant past, and there are those who believe that he will be proven right.

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.

India's Sanskrit texts are filled with incredible stories about advanced technology in the ancient world. Highly complex building techniques, brain surgery, flying crafts, and even nuclear physics are described with uncanny accuracy. Hindu scholars attribute this knowledge to a time when "gods" walked among men. Might this period of time actually be referring to an age when extraterrestrials inhabited the planet? Giorgio A. Tsoukalos travels to India to further explore the Sanskrit texts, as well as the structures and technology that have stood the test of time. From a temple that inexplicably survived a major earthquake to evidence of ancient brain surgery and instructions for advanced flying machines, Giorgio studies the sacred knowledge that is said to have come directly from the voices of the gods.

A look at whether or not intelligent robots are a threat to humanity or the next step in human evolution; as man and machine begin to merge, humanity could be fulfilling a destiny prepared for by aliens thousands of years ago.

Throughout the world, ancient objects have been found that leave archaeologists at a loss. Could these impossible artifacts suggest that advanced--and perhaps even extraterrestrial--civilizations existed on Earth thousands of years before our own?

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?

More than 7,000 years ago, the ancient Sumerians established what is considered the world's first civilization and they credited their extraordinary achievements to their gods, the Anunnaki. But is it possible that these powerful beings were, in fact, extraterrestrial visitors to Earth?

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.

The ancient site of Teotihuacan in central Mexico--which the Aztecs called the "City of the Gods"--is one of the world's greatest mysteries. To this day, no one knows who built the metropolis or what happened to its occupants, but based on evidence that has recently been unearthed, Ancient Astronaut theorists suggest it was once home to a highly advanced, perhaps extraterrestrial, civilization. The many structures that still stand in Teotihuacan appear to be encoded with advanced mathematical and cosmic principles, and the layout precisely mirrors the positions of the planets in our solar system. Modern excavations at the site have unearthed discoveries of liquid mercury, walls lined with mica, and strange golden-spheres containing unknown substances--all of which are out of place in the ancient world. Could these artifacts be the remnants of an alien society? Perhaps even an extraterrestrial spaceport?

In the 20th century, a mysterious British woman who claimed to be the reincarnation of an ancient Egyptian priestess shocked Egyptologists by accurately locating countless structures and artifacts in the Nile Valley. Could it be that she was carrying out an otherworldly agenda–and preparing for the return of the Egyptian gods?

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.

For thousands of years, humankind has attempted to make contact with beings from beyond Earth; now, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence is ramping up, with new technologies allowing individuals to explore the universe.

It was mankind's finest hour, the greatest technological achievement of the 20th Century--the Apollo 11 mission to the Moon. But the Apollo program was short-lived, and after Apollo 17 in 1972, we never went back. Could it be that we encountered something--or someone--on the Moon? Did the Apollo astronauts witness more than NASA wants us to know? The Moon is the most visible celestial body in the night sky and is essential to life on Earth. But what if the Moon is not the natural object we believe it to be? Unidentified lunar objects in NASA photography may point to extraterrestrial structures on the moon, and possibly evidence of what lies beneath the surface. Some Ancient Astronaut theorists have even suggested that the Moon is actually an artificial object, placed in its current position by otherworldly beings thousands of years ago.

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.

Shocking new evidence reveals that advanced civilizations might have existed on Earth tens of thousands of years ago. Is it possible that a technologically advanced society thrived on Earth then’ And did they leave behind a record that they lived alongside 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?

Giorgio Tsoukalos and David Childress explore the mysterious chain of manmade islets in Micronesia's Nan Madol; built from 250 million tons of volcanic rock, there are local legends that strange visitors floated the massive rocks through the air.

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?

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?

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.

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?

In the early 1900s, a modern-day prophet from the hills of Kentucky became a worldwide sensation: Edgar Cayce. He claimed to receive visions of both the past and the future while in a trance, he healed the sick, and alleged to have encounters with otherworldly beings. Could it be that Edgar Cayce was a vessel used to carry out an alien agenda?

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?

More than 10,000 crop circle formations have been documented in over 50 countries, and many display properties that defy conventional explanations. Are they of otherworldly origin? And if so, what is their purpose? Could it be that reconnection with our alien ancestors will only come when we finally crack the crop circle code?

The use of mantras and chanting to connect with a higher plane has existed in cultures all over the world dating back thousands of years, but why would people who had no contact with each other all subscribe to this practice? Could there be certain frequencies that connect us with greater--perhaps extraterrestrial--forces? Researchers have found that dozens of megalithic sites stretching across the globe--like the prehistoric Newgrange monument in Ireland, the chiseled labyrinths underneath the island of Malta, and the giant temple complex of Angkor Wat in Cambodia--were all designed to emanate the exact same frequency. The planets in our solar system each give off a distinct sound, and certain places on Earth, like Taos, New Mexico, have been found to produce a hum from an unknown source. Might the best evidence of alien intervention on Earth be found not with our eyes... but with our ears?

Rebellious angels, giant hybrid beings, and humans taken up to a heavenly realm above the Earth; examining the possibility that The Book of Enoch was stricken from the Bible because it documents humanity's extraterrestrial origins.

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.

Across the globe, high-ranking government officials are openly talking about Unidentified Aerial Phenomena. But why now? Ancient Astronaut theorists suggest the evidence has become too great to ignore–and the truth about an extraterrestrial presence on Earth will soon be revealed.

Researchers claim there are hidden messages that can be found within the works of Leonardo da Vinci--and other art throughout history--that may reveal an extraterrestrial influence.

In 2019, millions responded to an internet post advocating to storm the gates of the world's most top-secret military installation -- Area 51 but when they did, the U.S. military vowed to defend the base with deadly force.

The ancient site of Gobekli Tepe challenges everything modern archaeologists believe about mankind's past. The megalithic stone complex was built over 12,000 years ago, which dates it to 6,500 years before Stonehenge, and 5,000 years before the first known civilization was said to have emerged in Mesopotamia. Mainstream archaeologists believe that humans were roaming the Earth as simple hunter-gatherers at this time, but if so, how could they have built such incredible structures? Might they have had help from a more advanced - perhaps extraterrestrial - civilization? According to Ancient Astronaut Theorists, the site serves as the smoking gun for a lost civilization - one whose survivors may have built the site to preserve important information about otherworldly visitors. Does the site offers clues about our extraterrestrial past that the ancients felt compelled to preserve for future generations?

A look at suspicions that the U.S. and Russia have been working together to prepare for an extraterrestrial encounter.

Nearly every year archaeologists and anthropologists make discoveries that require revisions to our history books. But there are numerous artifacts that are outright ignored because they don't fit into the accepted scientific paradigm. Could clues about our extraterrestrial origins be hidden in these discarded pieces of our past? Shocking evidence has recently been revealed that challenges the accepted dating of the Great Pyramid. An ancient hammer found in Texas that dates back 140 million years is ignored by mainstream archaeologists. And unexplainable elongated skulls have been found on nearly every continent of the world that science refuses to test. Could we be on the brink of scientific discoveries that the academic community cannot deny? Evidence that reveals the truth of where we really came from, why we are here and if we are alone in the Universe?

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?

Could giant ancient drawings found etched into the desert floor be part of an ancient alien code?

We're counting down the world's top ten alien encounters, from the first reported abduction event to mass UFO sightings over New York's Hudson Valley to an incident in ancient Rome that changed the course of human history. Could these incredible accounts be actual encounters with visitors from the stars?

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?

An examination of possible encounters humans could have once colonies are established beyond Earth.

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?

Could Area 51's notoriety act as a cover up to much bigger, top-secret extraterrestrial experiments taking place at multiple locations?

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?

Throughout history, prophets and visionaries have claimed to be able to telepathically access knowledge and information that would ultimately steer the course of human history. But if true, where do these individuals get their visions? According to ancient mythologies, there is a universal repository of knowledge known as the Akashic Record. While most mainstream scholars relegate this to the realm of mythology, recent scientific discoveries have opened the possibility that such a repository could actually exist--and is accessible by the human mind. Giorgio A. Tsoukalos meets with neuroscientist Dr. Dario Nardi to measure the brainwaves of Dr. Deepak Chopra as he enters a state of deep meditation to observe the physical chnges in the brain as he connects or taps into something beyond ourselves. Could our ability to tap into the Akashic Record lead to the next giant leap in human evolution--and connect us to other intelligent beings throughout the cosmos?

In 1984, a roll of 35mm film surfaced from an anonymous source that contained pictures of what is now known as the Eisenhower Briefing Document. This document is purported to be a memo sent from the director of the CIA in 1952 to president-elect Dwight Eisenhower, informing him of the existence of a top-secret group within the US government called "The Majestic Twelve." Composed of top scientists, government officials, and military elite, this group's mission was to investigate reports of unidentified flying objects--and to examine crashed extraterrestrial craft. And more recently, in 2002, a major computer hack into Pentagon and NASA computers appears to reveal hard evidence that not only are the Majestic Twelve documents real, but that the government's interaction with extraterrestrials has led to the creation of a secret space program, that has already established bases on the moon, Mars, and other celestial bodies.

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?

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.

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?

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.

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?

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?

The U.S. military has long denied that the infamous 1947 Roswell crash was anything other than a weather balloon, but FBI files released in 2011 include a memo to J. Edgar Hoover regarding the recovery of not one, but three "flying saucers." Could the U.S. government really have extraterrestrial crafts in their possession? Ancient Astronaut theorists say yes, and claim that Roswell is just the tip of the iceberg. Over a dozen other UFO crashes were reported all across the world around the same time as Roswell, and it is rumored that the wreckage from these incidents was retrieved and hidden away at secret military bases like Area 51 in Nevada, Kapustin Yar in Russia, Pine Gap in Australia, Rudloe Manor in England, and even in the remote hills of China. But if true, what happened to these alien spaceships?

Antarctica may serve as home base for extraterrestrial visitors to Earth, but as human exploration of the frozen continent increases, humans may come face to face with the ruins of an ancient advanced civilization buried beneath the ice.

More than 3,000 years ago, the ancient Greeks built an empire that is considered the birthplace of Western Civilization, and they credited their most monumental achievements to gods like Zeus, Apollo, and Poseidon. But is it possible that these powerful beings from Mt. Olympus were, in fact, extraterrestrial visitors to Earth?

In numerous ancient cultures throughout the world, stories were told of ancestors that came to Earth from the Pleiades star cluster, but could new scientific findings reveal that humankind's true origins lie not on Earth but 400 light years away.

Aliens from the tiny star Sirius B may have visited humans in the distant past, imparting the knowledge of civilization to peoples thousands of miles apart.

Divine substances were consumed by the gods but sometimes gifted to humans to impart great power or wisdom; could the food of the gods be sustenance for alien visitors and does it lend insight into humanity's future.

Ever since the first atomic bomb was detonated in 1945, UFOs have been reported at nuclear facilities all over the world. Is it possible that extraterrestrials are monitoring humanity's nuclear capabilities? But why? Does this constitute a threat? Or are they trying to ensure humankind's survival?

The Infamous Alien "Element 115" mentioned by Bob Lazar over a decade ago is added to periodic table nowadays.

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?

Artificial metallic objects dating back hundreds of thousands of years. New discoveries of metals once thought to be mythological. Mysterious metal spheres defying the laws of physics. Could these out of place artifacts be physical evidence of extraterrestrials visiting planet Earth in the distant past, leaving behind remnants of their technology? Ancient Astronaut Theorists Erich von Daniken and Giorgio A. Tsoukalos travel to Romania to take a closer look at an ancient aluminum wedge that has left historians baffled. And investigative journalist, Linda Moulton Howe, travels to Jacksonville, Florida to uncover the secrets of a strange metallic sphere that fell from the sky and garnered the attention of the U.S. Navy. Might evidence of our extraterrestrial past be found in these mysterious and ancient metal objects?

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?

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?

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?

Are governments around the world preparing mankind for the most startling event in human history-the official disclosure of an extraterrestrial presence on Earth? And if so, why is this happening now and what might happen in its aftermath?

In 1947, the U.S. military collects debris from what they claim is a crashed weather balloon outside of Roswell, N.M.; new evidence may prove that the wreckage belonged to an alien spacecraft and that remnants may have been overlooked.

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?

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.

Millions of people around the world have reported encountering shadowy entities who instill fear, shortness of breath. and even paralysis. Is it possible that the so-called "Shadow People" are more than mere figments of the imagination? Could they be visitors from other worlds - or even other dimensions?

In the traditions of native peoples across North America are stories of the Star Ancestors--powerful beings who descended to Earth in the distant past and are sometimes present even today. Might the ancient accounts and depictions of these visitors reveal profound truths about both humanity's origins - and its future in the stars?

Ancient Aliens has followed investigators across the globe as they've gone directly to the sites where unexplained incidents have been reported. Now, Giorgio Tsoukalos takes a look back at the most extraordinary encounters that, as far as he's concerned, provide evidence of an extraterrestrial presence on Earth.

For thousands of years, cultures around the world have held a belief in stargates through which beings have traveled to Earth from distant points in the universe and even other dimensions. Could such portals truly exist? And if we obtain the key to unlocking the stargates, will we find a cosmos teaming with life?

Ancient Aliens is counting down the top ten most devastating disasters ever documented that might have an otherworldly connection, from a flying monster at a nuclear incident, a meteor that wiped out the dinosaurs, and a deadly virus that might be from another world. Could these disasters be proof of extraterrestrial contact?

Throughout the ancient world, structures were built to mirror the constellations in the night sky and this is only apparent when they are viewed from high above; a look at the possibility that these structures were designed as messages.

Since 2017, the Navy has been releasing photos and videos of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena--and Ancient Astronaut Theorists suggest the incredible images are nearly identical to accounts from centuries ago. Could flying pyramids. bell-shaped craft and cylindrical objects represent alien craft that have been roaming Earth's skies for thousands of years?

In Ireland, the notion of the fairy folk dates back thousands of years and originates with stories of powerful shining beings who came down from the sky; exploring if these tales have been inspired by ancient alien visitation.

The Mutual UFO Network is an organization devoted to the scientific investigation of unidentified aerial phenomena and other unexplained encounters; with more than five decades of investigations, MUFON's extensive database could contain proof.

Counting down 10 mysteries of the deep, from sunken continents to puzzling ruins on the ocean floor and even artifacts that might be remnants of Atlantis; these underwater mysteries could provide a record of extraterrestrial visitation.

Accounts of creatures that can shape shift from one form into another can be found, but could similarities between the ancient stories and modern-day alien abduction accounts reveal that shape shifters are real and have come to Earth.

The team investigates the world's oldest and most incredible relics up close; Giorgio Tsoukalos takes a look back at the most mysterious artifacts from all over the globe, those he believes provide undeniable proof of extraterrestrial contact.

In the 20th century, pioneering scientists, journalists and investigators defied convention and began documenting UFOs. Now, with incredible new UFO accounts coming to light, will their work finally culminate in undeniable proof of extraterrestrial visitation?

Ancient Aliens has met with eyewitnesses and traveled to the sites of incredible UFO incidents reported all over the world. Now, Giorgio Tsoukalos takes a look back at the most compelling investigations of all, and events that he believes represent real encounters with extraterrestrial visitors.

Serpent gods are found in the traditions of Mesopotamia, Central and South America, India, China, Japan and the Bible; a look at if these stories describe a race of reptile-like extraterrestrials instead.

Examining the unique geology and location of Mount Shasta in northern California, to determine why it is known as a hotbed of strange events, from Bigfoot sightings to UFO encounters to hikers vanishing without a trace.

Could paranormal activity be explained by beings entering our world from other dimensions? According to some Ancient Astronaut theorists, entities that have been described as ghosts, angels, and extraterrestrials are actually visitors from unseen realms — and they are among us even now.

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?

Nestled within a remote valley in Utah, is a ranch that some believe is a hotbed of strange, inexplicable phenomena including terrifying creatures, paranormal apparitions and lights in the sky. Could the bizarre activity have a connection to an alien entity known as the Skinwalker'

Ancient Aliens has examined the oldest and most mysterious rock art on Earth up close, and Giorgio Tsoukalos takes a look back at the incredible hieroglyphs, petroglyphs, and geoglyphs that he believes tell a worldwide story of alien visitation.

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?

Ancient Aliens is counting down ten of the most intriguing--and mysterious--symbols and codes found across the globe that just might contain proof of otherworldly contact. From glyphs in the Peruvian desert, to spiral petroglyphs embedded with advanced math, and a language with an otherworldly origin, could these codes unlock the secrets of our extraterrestrial past?

The towering obelisks of ancient Egypt weigh hundreds of tons and each was perfectly carved from a single granite rock. While mainstream scholars identify them as monuments to the pharaohs, Ancient Astronaut Theorists suggest they may have served a technological purpose–they powered a technology that allowed for communication with the gods who came from the stars.

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?

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?

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?

Ancient Aliens has followed investigators across the globe as they’ve gone directly to the sites where signs of alien life have been found. Now, Giorgio Tsoukalos takes a look back at the most incredible evidence ever uncovered that could offer definitive proof that we are not alone in the universe.

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?

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?

Counting down the top ten alien petroglyphs around the world, from strange, human-like figures to flying craft and carvings of what appear to be astronauts. Could these mysterious carvings provide a record of extraterrestrial visitation?

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?

Did ancient Druids travel to New England and New York's Hudson Valley centuries ago, bringing with them the beliefs and technologies of their alien mentors, the Shining Ones of Irish myth? And did they leave behind vital clues in the form of mysterious stone structures still visible on the landscape?

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?

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?

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?

Giorgio A. Tsoukalos, David Childress and William Henry examine a recently discovered lost city in Peru that has upended the historical timeline of South America, revealing that civilization emerged thousands of years earlier than previously thought.

The native Hawaiians trace their ancestry to beings from the Pleiades star system called the Akua. Could these islands have once been inhabited by extraterrestrials? And is it possible that the enormous energy generated by Hawaii's volcanic activity could produce a portal through space and time?

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"?

In 2021, the United States government broke a 70-year precedent of denying UFOs and released a groundbreaking report on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena. Are we on the brink of full government disclosure about the strange objects witnessed in our skies? And if so, will we soon discover that they are, in fact, of extraterrestrial origin?

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?

The vast Alaskan wilderness is known for mysterious disappearances, electromagnetic anomalies, stories of strange creatures and UFO sightings; Alaska's many mysteries could be due to a presence that is not of this world.

Ancient astronaut theorists Giorgio A. Tsoukalos and David H. Childress explore a Polynesian land of bizarre figures and forbidden places in search of what could be the ultimate evidence of mankind’s extraterrestrial origins.

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?

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?

Throughout the ancient world, tales are told of fire-breathing dragons; though fearsome, they have been worshipped as the bringers of great knowledge and credited as the founders of civilization.

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.

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?

A look at the possibility that the human brain possesses extraordinary untapped abilities granted by extraterrestrial beings -- such as telepathy, precognition and psychokinesis; abilities that will enable the next step in the evolution of humans.

For more than a decade, Ancient Aliens has collected dozens of reports of encounters with strange and mysterious beasts. Now, Ancient Astronaut Theorist Giorgio Tsoukalos takes a look back at The Top Ten Extraordinary Creatures we've investigated--creatures that just might provide compelling evidence of extraterrestrial visitation...

Did a biblical patriarch receive instructions from 200 Angels high above the earth? Were the ancient Greeks taught how to work metal by a race of fish-people? And might Egypt's most controversial Pharoah have been an extraterrestrial being? Giorgio Tsoukalos looks at mysterious teachers who have appeared throughout history and reveals The Top Ten Alien Influencers who he believes provide the ultimate proof of extraterrestrial contact...

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?

Today, more people than ever before believe that Unidentified Flying Objects are of alien origin. But if extraterrestrials have come to Earth from lightyears away, could they be capable of bending both time and space? Might it even be possible that the UFOs in our skies are not visitors from other planets, but from our own future?

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?

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?

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?

Studies have shown that up to 70% of all UFO sightings happen in so-called ‘hotspots’ where reports of visions, mysterious lights and unusual phenomena are regularly witnessed–and not only in modern times, but dating back thousands of years. Could there be something about these locations that attracts extraterrestrial visitors?

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?

Ancient Aliens is counting down the world’s top ten mysterious devices, from strange, grooved disks found in a cave in China to an ancient Greek computer to an incredible crystal skull unearthed in Mexico. Might these sensational artifacts provide evidence of extraterrestrial visitation?

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?

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?

Some 2,600 years ago, the most sacred relic of the ancient world suddenly disappeared from history: The Ark of the Covenant. Could descriptions of the Ark's incredible power reveal that it was a highly advanced technological device? And if found, will it provide undeniable proof of humanity's extraterrestrial past?

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?

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?

Stories of god-like beings providing instruction to early humans, helping establish the first civilizations; exploring if mysterious figures who appear throughout history provide evidence that these otherworldly teachers have been here all along.

Ancient Aliens has traveled to many mysterious sites that seem to defy explanation. Now, Giorgio Tsoukalos takes a look back at some of the most incredible structures we’ve visited all over the world. Structures that, as far as Giorgio is concerned, provide undeniable evidence of extraterrestrial contact.

Russia is a vast country, spanning over 6 million square miles of some of the most rugged terrain on Earth, much of which is uninhabited and largely unexplored. It is also the home of 'cosmism' -- a belief that human civilization originated in the cosmos and is destined to return to space. But many believe the rise of communism led to a wall of secrecy surrounding ancient and modern extraterrestrial contact in Russia. Ancient astronaut theorists suggest that otherworldly visitations predate the establishment of the Russian nation, and point to the ancient settlement at Arkaim as evidence--a centuries-old megalithic site that, like Stonehenge, is oriented along astronomical lines. In addition, tiny metal coils and springs recovered 30 feet beneath the Ural Mountains may indicate the presence of advanced technology on Earth thousands of years ago.

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?

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?

Extraterrestrials are almost always envisioned as humanoid, but is this an egocentric concept? Could it be that intelligent alien life looks much different from us, and that some extraterrestrials more closely resemble other animals? And is it possible that many of the animals that roam the Earth have otherworldly origins? By examining ancient cultures around the world, we find that nearly all revered certain animals and depicted their gods with animal traits. The Sanskrit epics of India feature gods in the form of elephants, monkeys, and snakes. The Sumerians depicted gods with bird heads and wings. And in Egypt, not only did they portray many of the gods with animal features, but they even went so far as to mummify their animals. Ancient Astronaut theorists suggest that certain animals may not have developed through Darwinian evolution, but were planted here by alien visitors.

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?

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?

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?

Lurking in the oceans are creatures that defy explanation, such as octopuses that can edit their own DNA or animals that can regenerate their entire brain; examining if the oceans are acting as a giant petri dish for alien genetic experimentation.

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?

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?

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?