2. Some people think that Stonehenge was built by aliens
Amongst the most controversial and, frankly, stupid historical schools of thought around today is the ancient aliens theory fanously propagated by the History Channel. The ‘logic’ behind the theory is that ancient people were not intelligent or technologically-advanced enough to build such things as the Pyramids or Teotihuacán, and so it must have been aliens. The problem with this theory is that it not only presupposes the existence of extraterrestrial life, but assumes that aliens had the inclination, biological capability, and technology to visit Earth. It also overlooks centuries of academic research and some great stories of human achievement.
But we have to look at the ancient alien theory about Stonehenge, as it’s disturbingly widespread. Acknowledging the astronomical significance of the monument, some people argue that knowledge about the heavens must have been given to prehistoric people in Wiltshire by aliens. The mystery of the Bluestones can be explained by aliens using their vessels to move them from the Preseli Hills, and the circular form of Stonehenge made an ideal landing-pad for their space ships. The only thing out of this world about Stonehenge however is the level of effort, knowledge, and sophistication required to build it.
