Were these ancient sites built by aliens? Here's why some people think so.
As such, some suggest the ancient builders of the Egyptian pyramids, the Nasca Lines, and others were following an extraterrestrial instruction manual. Perhaps the hands that crafted these ancient structures weren't really of this world.
To be sure, it's fun to think about whether aliens have visited Earth. After all, humans are on the threshold of expanding our reach in space, and places like Mars are in our sight.
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National Geographic
4 days ago
- National Geographic
Were these ancient sites built by aliens? Here's why some people think so.
Mysterious ancient sites dot every corner of Earth. Some of these archaeological sites seem to defy the technological capabilities of their time, either because they're too big, too heavy, or too complex. As such, some suggest the ancient builders of the Egyptian pyramids, the Nasca Lines, and others were following an extraterrestrial instruction manual. Perhaps the hands that crafted these ancient structures weren't really of this world. To be sure, it's fun to think about whether aliens have visited Earth. After all, humans are on the threshold of expanding our reach in space, and places like Mars are in our sight.
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Yahoo
There's a tree in California that's older than the Egyptian pyramids
BIG PINE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — Hidden high in the White Mountains of eastern California, a gnarled, weathered tree quietly holds a staggering secret — it's nearly 5,000 years old. Known as the Methuselah Tree, this Great Basin bristlecone pine (Pinus longaeva) is one of the oldest known living trees on Earth, having sprouted around 2830 BCE — over a century before the Egyptian pyramids rose from the sands. Nestled within the Inyo National Forest's Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, the Methuselah Tree has long fascinated scientists, historians, and nature lovers alike. Its twisted trunk and timeworn branches are shaped by millennia of harsh winds, snow and sun, standing as a living witness to human history. Methuselah was once considered the oldest living non-clonal tree in the world — meaning it has survived as the same individual organism for nearly 5 millennia. Although other slightly older bristlecones have since been discovered, Methuselah remains one of the most iconic ancient trees on the planet. California State Parks rolls out new reservation upgrades to help campers find perfect site A tree older than civilization A tree's age is usually determined by counting its growth rings. Each year, a tree adds a new ring to its trunk, so the number of rings shows how old it is. Scientists don't have to cut the tree down to count the rings. Instead, they use a special tool to take a thin core sample from the trunk. To put the Methuselah Tree's age in perspective: It began growing centuries years before the Great Pyramid of Giza was built, and it was already over 3,000 years old when Julius Caesar ruled Rome. Despite its fame, the exact location of the Methuselah Tree is kept secret by the U.S. Forest Service to protect it from vandalism and foot traffic. Visitors to the Methuselah Grove can hike the area's scenic trails, which feature other bristlecone pines estimated to be thousands of years old. Why bristlecones live so long The Great Basin bristlecone pine thrives in extreme conditions where few other trees can survive — high altitudes, rocky soil, and low moisture. This tough environment actually contributes to the species' longevity. As explained by officials with U.S. Department of Agriculture, slow growth, dense wood, and natural resilience make bristlecones incredibly durable over time. Scientists continue to study the Methuselah Tree and its ancient relatives to gain insight into climate patterns, forest ecosystems, and tree aging. Hike to the world's largest wooden trestle bridge — it's in Southern California Trekking the Methuselah Trail For those seeking a walk through living history, the Methuselah Trail offers a rare, humbling encounter with the endurance of nature. Visitors can explore the area by hiking a 4.5-mile loop, considered moderate by popular hiking app AllTrails, that winds through the grove where many of these old trees grow. The trail and forest are open seasonally, typically from late spring through fall, depending on weather conditions. Be prepared for the high elevation — the trail sits at over 9,000 feet above sea level. It's recommended to bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and be aware of potential altitude effects. According to the U.S. Forest Service, the Methuselah Tree can technically be seen along this trail, but there is not a sign that points it out. Do you think you can spot it? As the world changes around us, the Methuselah Tree stands quietly on its windswept ridge, reminding us of nature's resilience — and the importance of preserving it for generations to come. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
CNN
29-07-2025
- CNN
4,000-year-old handprint found on ancient Egyptian tomb
A 4,000-year-old handprint has been discovered on a clay model used for offerings in an Ancient Egyptian tomb. Researchers from Cambridge University's Fitzwilliam Museum, in the United Kingdom, stumbled upon the imprint while preparing for an exhibition, which is set to open this fall. It was found on the base of a 'soul house,' a building-shaped clay model typically found in burials and said to have provided a place for the soul to live, according to a press release from the museum. The model has an open space at the front where food offerings, like bread, lettuce or an ox's head, could be placed. Dating back to about 2055–1650 BCE, the soul house underwent extensive examinations that revealed how it was made four millennia ago. It showed that the unnamed potter would have first created a framework of wooden sticks for the two-story building, which was then coated with clay. The firing process would have burnt the wood away. The handprint was found underneath the soul house and was most likely formed when the potter moved the model while the clay was still damp and before it was fired in a kiln. 'We've spotted traces of fingerprints left in wet varnish or on a coffin in the decoration, but it is rare and exciting to find a complete handprint underneath this soul house,' said Helen Strudwick, senior Egyptologist at the museum and curator of the exhibition. 'This was left by the maker who touched it before the clay dried,' she said in the release. 'I have never seen such a complete handprint on an Egyptian object before. You can just imagine the person who made this, picking it up to move it out of the workshop to dry before firing.' 'Things like this take you directly to the moment when the object was made and to the person who made it, which is the focus of our exhibition,' Strudwick added. Vast amounts of pottery have survived from the ancient Egyptian period as ceramics were widely used for functional objects and decorative pieces. It was common for pottery containing food and drink to feature in burials. While much is known about ancient Egyptian rulers like Tutankhamun, the stories of those who made some of the many artifacts discovered in their tombs is often overlooked. The ready availability of clay and low value of pottery is likely to have affected social status of potters, according to the museum. The soul house will be on display at the Cambridge museum as part of the 'Made in Ancient Egypt' exhibition, which aims to highlight the stories of artisans like the one who left this handprint behind. It opens on October 3. Discover your world Go beyond the headlines and explore the latest scientific achievements and fascinating discoveries. Sign up for CNN's Wonder Theory science newsletter.
