Pseudoscience In Pyramids

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Pages: 5

The pyramids of Egypt have long been responsible for inspiring curiosity and wonder into the minds of all spectators. Certain ideas about the pyramid’s construction have developed into extensive and elaborate modern mythologies. One of the most entertaining and popular of all conceptualizations about construction of the pyramids consists of the claim that aliens built the pyramids alongside the ancient Egyptians some time around “2589-2504 BC” (Ancient Egypt Research Associates), or perhaps, even earlier in time. This notion that aliens built the pyramids is the result of pseudoscience beliefs in reference to, specifically, the popularized ancient astronaut theory. Firstly, it is important to understand what constitutes a pseudoscience belief …show more content…
It is crucial to understand the significance of pseudoscience beliefs in relation to the ancient astronaut theory in the context of this modern mythology. Pseudoscience beliefs are defined as, “various methods, theories, or systems, as astrology, psychokinesis, or clairvoyance, considered as having no scientific basis” (Dictionary.com, LLC). Ultimately, people who think that aliens built the pyramids are rationalizing a limited amount of information in way that corresponds with their beliefs that they have constructed previously about their subjective reality. Correspondingly, the ancient astronaut theory suggests, “extraterrestrials with superior knowledge of science and engineering landed on earth thousands of years ago, sharing their expertise with early civilizations and forever changing the course of human history” (History Channel). The ancient astronaut theory was conceptualized “in 1919, [which] cites aliens as the cause of many events in human history” (Athalye). In like manner, the theory originates from the proposition that, “aliens mated …show more content…
The pyramids were primarily constructed as burial chambers for politically important individuals such as the Pharaoh and noblemen etc. Notably, the pyramids architecturally developed throughout the centuries as archaeologists have uncovered many pyramids of difference sizes from various centuries. For the purpose of this essay, however, the pyramids of Giza will be discussed because the ancient astronaut theory commonly refers to the pyramids of Giza, as they are the largest and most famous. Indeed, building the pyramids of Giza would have been an extremely difficult task to accomplish as, “The base of the pyramid covers 55,000 m2 (592,000 ft2) with each side greater than 20,000 m2 (218,000 ft2) in area” (Ivan). Moreover, the pyramids are “estimated to have around 2,300,000 stone blocks that weigh from two to thirty tons each and there are even some blocks that weigh over 50 tons” (Ivan). Furthermore, there are compelling coincidences noted regarding the pyramids alignment with the solar system. For example, “The Great Pyramid is the most accurately aligned structure in existence and faces true north with only 3/60th of a degree of error. The position of the North Pole moves over time and the pyramid was exactly aligned at one time” (Ivan). To emphasize, “The