Sarah Kurnick: "Aliens built the pyramids" and other absurdities of pseudo-archaeology

"Aliens built the pyramids" and other absurdities of pseudo-archaeology

Aliens have invaded ancient history: they've cropped up in humanity's past through popular television and movies, displacing facts with absurd yet commonplace beliefs like "aliens built the pyramids." Archaeologist Sarah Kurnick illustrates why these misconceptions perpetuate racist and xenophobic notions of history and culture -- and demonstrates how you can help debunk these dangerous, outlandish myths.

Pseudoarchaeological myths, like aliens building the pyramids, aren’t just harmless fun; they can reinforce racist and xenophobic ideas. Popular shows and books often credit non-European cultures’ achievements to outside forces, while rarely doing the same for Europeans. This mindset discredits the ingenuity of civilizations like the Maya and Egyptians. Changing how history is told can promote inclusion and help counteract inequality in the present.