1
00:00:05,356 --> 00:00:08,114
Narrator: It was the cradle
of western civilization
2
00:00:08,192 --> 00:00:12,419
And a culture that credited
everything to the gods.
3
00:00:13,205 --> 00:00:16,940
Ric rader:
The greeks very much believed
the gods were physically
4
00:00:16,975 --> 00:00:17,941
Part of our lives.
5
00:00:17,976 --> 00:00:19,609
Narrator:
The greek gods
6
00:00:19,644 --> 00:00:22,813
Were said to possess
incredible technology.
7
00:00:23,548 --> 00:00:26,024
Hugh newman:
The lightning rod of zeus,
8
00:00:26,026 --> 00:00:27,450
Could wipe out whole cities
9
00:00:27,527 --> 00:00:29,002
In one fell swoop.
10
00:00:29,037 --> 00:00:31,529
The trident of poseidon
11
00:00:31,531 --> 00:00:33,573
Could cause earthquakes.
12
00:00:34,284 --> 00:00:36,851
Narrator:
The gods imparted
advanced knowledge.
13
00:00:36,929 --> 00:00:39,562
And they even
coupled with humans.
14
00:00:39,640 --> 00:00:41,940
David childress:
They're creating these demigods
15
00:00:42,017 --> 00:00:45,102
And genetically
manipulating humans.
16
00:00:45,955 --> 00:00:51,324
Narrator:
Were the greek gods the product
of our ancestors' imaginations?
17
00:00:51,402 --> 00:00:54,094
Or were they
otherworldly visitors
18
00:00:54,129 --> 00:00:57,130
Directing the course
of humanity?
19
00:00:57,207 --> 00:01:01,484
Giorgio a. Tsoukalos:
The greeks clearly said
that the gods were real.
20
00:01:01,561 --> 00:01:03,503
And you have
to ask the question,
21
00:01:03,581 --> 00:01:08,567
Are our ancestors talking
about extraterrestrials?
22
00:01:10,646 --> 00:01:13,096
Narrator:
There is a doorway
23
00:01:13,174 --> 00:01:15,823
In the universe.
24
00:01:15,825 --> 00:01:19,036
Beyond it is
the promise of truth.
25
00:01:20,439 --> 00:01:22,589
It demands
we question everything
26
00:01:22,666 --> 00:01:24,892
We have ever been taught.
27
00:01:24,927 --> 00:01:28,921
The evidence is all around us.
28
00:01:28,997 --> 00:01:32,733
The future is
right before our eyes.
29
00:01:32,768 --> 00:01:35,285
We are not alone.
30
00:01:35,362 --> 00:01:38,972
We have never been alone.
31
00:01:40,267 --> 00:01:42,184
♪
32
00:01:49,685 --> 00:01:51,034
Narrator:
Greece.
33
00:01:51,111 --> 00:01:53,186
Located in southeastern europe
34
00:01:53,263 --> 00:01:55,372
With thousands of islands
35
00:01:55,448 --> 00:01:57,991
Throughout the aegean
and ionian seas,
36
00:01:58,026 --> 00:02:00,159
This popular tourist destination
37
00:02:00,161 --> 00:02:04,122
Is visited by roughly
30 million people each year.
38
00:02:04,124 --> 00:02:09,219
They come not only to experience
greece's mediterranean climate
39
00:02:09,296 --> 00:02:10,887
And idyllic beaches,
40
00:02:10,964 --> 00:02:14,407
But also to walk
amongst the ruins
41
00:02:14,485 --> 00:02:19,429
Of a great empire that thrived
more than 2,000 years ago.
42
00:02:20,716 --> 00:02:22,790
The greek empire, which lasted
43
00:02:22,868 --> 00:02:26,127
From the ninth century
to the second century bc,
44
00:02:26,205 --> 00:02:30,315
Made enormous advances
in science and mathematics...
45
00:02:31,326 --> 00:02:33,801
...Founded the olympic games...
46
00:02:34,546 --> 00:02:37,989
...Invented democracy
as a system of governance,
47
00:02:38,067 --> 00:02:43,102
And established the foundation
of western civilization.
48
00:02:43,180 --> 00:02:44,421
We owe virtually
49
00:02:44,497 --> 00:02:46,589
Almost every aspect
of our society
50
00:02:46,666 --> 00:02:49,426
To the ancient greek culture,
51
00:02:49,502 --> 00:02:52,504
What they brought together
at that time.
52
00:02:53,590 --> 00:02:55,165
Certainly,
we in the western world
53
00:02:55,242 --> 00:02:58,902
Are the heirs of ancient greece,
there's no doubt about that.
54
00:02:59,679 --> 00:03:02,222
William henry:
Thinking about
what happened in greece,
55
00:03:02,257 --> 00:03:05,775
You've got some
of the greatest minds ever.
56
00:03:05,852 --> 00:03:07,377
These are the people that
57
00:03:07,454 --> 00:03:09,671
Created or opened the gateway
58
00:03:09,748 --> 00:03:13,192
To the western mind,
to the way we think today.
59
00:03:14,278 --> 00:03:17,938
Michio kaku:
People today know
the names of aristotle,
60
00:03:18,014 --> 00:03:20,348
Plato and socrates.
61
00:03:20,426 --> 00:03:22,625
In mathematics and sciences,
62
00:03:22,702 --> 00:03:24,578
People know
the names of archimedes
63
00:03:24,613 --> 00:03:28,598
And also pythagoras
of the pythagorean theorem.
64
00:03:28,633 --> 00:03:30,934
So it's amazing that
the ancient greeks
65
00:03:30,969 --> 00:03:33,536
Could illuminate the artistic
66
00:03:33,613 --> 00:03:35,172
And scientific world
67
00:03:35,207 --> 00:03:37,031
For thousands of years to come.
68
00:03:37,109 --> 00:03:39,609
Macgillivray:
You have the greek playwrights--
69
00:03:39,644 --> 00:03:42,720
Sophocles, euripides.
70
00:03:42,722 --> 00:03:44,614
You have the architects...
71
00:03:44,691 --> 00:03:46,575
The architects of the parthenon,
72
00:03:46,651 --> 00:03:48,126
Ictinus and callicrates.
73
00:03:48,203 --> 00:03:51,296
And then you have
hippocrates, with medicine.
74
00:03:51,373 --> 00:03:53,982
The list is never-ending.
75
00:03:55,735 --> 00:03:58,311
Narrator:
Perhaps just
as extraordinary as the fact
76
00:03:58,388 --> 00:04:00,480
That the towering
intellectual figures
77
00:04:00,557 --> 00:04:03,316
Of ancient greece
are still known today
78
00:04:03,393 --> 00:04:05,694
Is that every one of them
79
00:04:05,696 --> 00:04:09,414
Credited their accomplishments
to the gods.
80
00:04:10,542 --> 00:04:13,568
The prevalence of gods
81
00:04:13,645 --> 00:04:15,812
In the lives of human beings
82
00:04:15,814 --> 00:04:18,982
In classical
mythological stories
83
00:04:19,017 --> 00:04:20,634
Tells us that the greeks
84
00:04:20,669 --> 00:04:23,845
Very much believed the gods
were a part of our lives.
85
00:04:24,940 --> 00:04:27,683
If you were to build a temple,
right,
86
00:04:27,759 --> 00:04:30,793
You needed
the inspiration of these gods
87
00:04:30,871 --> 00:04:34,998
Because you were doing something
that was bigger than human.
88
00:04:35,033 --> 00:04:37,117
So they are the foundation.
89
00:04:37,152 --> 00:04:38,768
They are the inspiration
for human beings
90
00:04:38,803 --> 00:04:42,172
Creating works of art
of all stripes
91
00:04:42,207 --> 00:04:46,709
That are far bigger than
human beings themselves.
92
00:04:46,786 --> 00:04:49,270
Narrator:
Greek gods like zeus,
93
00:04:49,381 --> 00:04:54,200
Apollo and athena remain
household names even today...
94
00:04:55,086 --> 00:04:59,280
...And the myths about their
origins, battles, and adventures
95
00:04:59,358 --> 00:05:03,302
Continue to be retold
to modern audiences.
96
00:05:04,220 --> 00:05:06,029
The ancient greek gods,
in many ways,
97
00:05:06,064 --> 00:05:07,464
Are still alive with us today.
98
00:05:07,540 --> 00:05:09,016
No matter where you are
in the world,
99
00:05:09,051 --> 00:05:11,685
Everybody knows
who apollo is, who zeus is,
100
00:05:11,720 --> 00:05:13,312
Who aphrodite is.
101
00:05:14,106 --> 00:05:15,822
You'll see it in advertising,
102
00:05:15,824 --> 00:05:17,524
Everywhere you look,
you'll see that
103
00:05:17,559 --> 00:05:20,193
There is this influence
104
00:05:20,228 --> 00:05:23,839
Of these characters
from greek mythology.
105
00:05:23,915 --> 00:05:25,598
When I was growing up,
106
00:05:25,676 --> 00:05:28,918
I followed avidly
the american space program
107
00:05:28,995 --> 00:05:32,347
Where you had
the mercury program,
108
00:05:32,424 --> 00:05:33,665
The gemini program,
109
00:05:33,742 --> 00:05:35,208
The apollo program.
110
00:05:35,243 --> 00:05:38,128
It's all based
on the greek gods.
111
00:05:40,323 --> 00:05:42,340
Narrator:
According to greek mythology,
112
00:05:42,342 --> 00:05:46,419
Before the time of zeus
and the other iconic greek gods
113
00:05:46,496 --> 00:05:48,196
That we're familiar with today,
114
00:05:48,273 --> 00:05:50,891
There was another race
of powerful beings
115
00:05:50,926 --> 00:05:52,775
Called the titans.
116
00:05:52,852 --> 00:05:54,027
Macgillivray:
For the ancient greeks,
117
00:05:54,103 --> 00:05:57,356
The titans were
the first generation of gods.
118
00:05:58,167 --> 00:06:01,101
They were the six male,
six female gods
119
00:06:01,177 --> 00:06:03,511
Who were born
of the earth, gaia,
120
00:06:03,589 --> 00:06:06,122
And heaven coming together.
121
00:06:06,975 --> 00:06:09,292
Kathleen mcgowan:
The word "titan" exists
in our language now
122
00:06:09,369 --> 00:06:12,445
And refers to something
that's big and great.
123
00:06:12,480 --> 00:06:13,914
And that's what the titans were.
124
00:06:13,916 --> 00:06:15,873
They were
this generation of gods
125
00:06:15,875 --> 00:06:16,950
That were larger than life.
126
00:06:17,628 --> 00:06:20,845
Ultimately, the titans
find themselves in a war
127
00:06:20,847 --> 00:06:22,639
With the next
generation of gods,
128
00:06:22,715 --> 00:06:25,199
Who we know as the olympians.
129
00:06:26,302 --> 00:06:30,130
Narrator:
The olympians are represented
by 12 powerful gods
130
00:06:30,206 --> 00:06:33,116
Led by zeus,
who is the god of thunder,
131
00:06:33,151 --> 00:06:36,520
And the son
of the titan king cronus.
132
00:06:37,556 --> 00:06:38,588
Ultimately,
133
00:06:38,740 --> 00:06:42,475
The titans and the olympians
are not able to coexist,
134
00:06:42,510 --> 00:06:44,719
And an epic war is waged
135
00:06:44,796 --> 00:06:46,947
Called the titanomachy.
136
00:06:48,241 --> 00:06:49,407
Joining the gods
137
00:06:49,484 --> 00:06:52,969
In this ten-year-long battle
are a number of strange beings,
138
00:06:53,004 --> 00:06:56,506
Including humanoid creatures
with hundreds of arms,
139
00:06:56,583 --> 00:07:00,460
And one-eyed giants
called the cyclops.
140
00:07:01,246 --> 00:07:04,748
In the end, the olympians
emerge victorious
141
00:07:04,750 --> 00:07:08,885
And establish an earthly base
atop mount olympus.
142
00:07:09,821 --> 00:07:12,747
Rader:
There is an actual
mount olympus in greece.
143
00:07:12,824 --> 00:07:14,141
Because it is so high,
144
00:07:14,176 --> 00:07:16,276
It's ringed in clouds,
145
00:07:16,352 --> 00:07:18,861
And so that's where
the gods live
146
00:07:18,896 --> 00:07:21,272
That you are not allowed to see.
147
00:07:21,274 --> 00:07:23,683
Henry:
We're told it was
shrouded by a mist
148
00:07:23,718 --> 00:07:25,669
So that human eyes
couldn't see it.
149
00:07:25,704 --> 00:07:27,279
And it was a technology center.
150
00:07:27,355 --> 00:07:28,705
You had hephaestus there,
151
00:07:28,740 --> 00:07:32,108
The greek god of smithcraft,
alchemy and technology
152
00:07:32,185 --> 00:07:34,327
That was creating
these extraordinary weapons,
153
00:07:34,362 --> 00:07:37,271
The thunderbolt of zeus,
and all these magical weapons,
154
00:07:37,349 --> 00:07:39,299
The breastplate of athena.
155
00:07:39,375 --> 00:07:41,776
He also made robots, assistants.
156
00:07:41,853 --> 00:07:42,877
You couldn't describe
157
00:07:42,879 --> 00:07:44,871
A better scenario
if you were talking about
158
00:07:44,948 --> 00:07:46,723
Extraterrestrials
coming to earth
159
00:07:46,799 --> 00:07:49,784
And establishing a mountain
compound or sanctuary.
160
00:07:50,529 --> 00:07:54,389
It sounds very much like some
kind of a military compound.
161
00:07:55,967 --> 00:07:59,810
Narrator:
Zeus reigned over
all the gods and humans,
162
00:07:59,888 --> 00:08:01,629
And each of the olympians
163
00:08:01,707 --> 00:08:05,299
Had domain over
certain aspects of existence.
164
00:08:05,377 --> 00:08:07,810
Poseidon ruled the sea.
165
00:08:07,887 --> 00:08:11,047
Athena was
the goddess of wisdom.
166
00:08:11,783 --> 00:08:15,368
Apollo's domain was light,
music and poetry,
167
00:08:15,403 --> 00:08:17,937
As well as healing and prophecy.
168
00:08:18,014 --> 00:08:22,075
Aphrodite was the goddess
of beauty and passion.
169
00:08:22,110 --> 00:08:25,061
And ares the god of war.
170
00:08:25,930 --> 00:08:28,431
Macgillivray: The greek gods
are purely anthropomorphic.
171
00:08:28,508 --> 00:08:31,468
They're seen to control
natural forces...
172
00:08:32,553 --> 00:08:36,072
...But they're men and women
up in the infinite ether.
173
00:08:36,107 --> 00:08:37,224
And the olympian gods
174
00:08:37,259 --> 00:08:40,276
Would often come down
and interact with humans.
175
00:08:40,896 --> 00:08:44,505
Tsoukalos:
The greek pantheon of gods
were not gods
176
00:08:44,583 --> 00:08:46,507
As we think of them today.
177
00:08:46,585 --> 00:08:49,152
They descended from the sky
178
00:08:49,187 --> 00:08:52,638
And they interacted with humans.
179
00:08:52,715 --> 00:08:55,408
So you have to ask the question,
180
00:08:55,443 --> 00:08:57,535
Are we really talking about
181
00:08:57,537 --> 00:08:58,778
Bona fide gods
182
00:08:58,855 --> 00:09:00,454
In ancient greece?
183
00:09:00,456 --> 00:09:02,115
Or was it something else?
184
00:09:02,191 --> 00:09:05,968
Is it possible that
the pantheon of greek gods
185
00:09:06,045 --> 00:09:10,531
Didn't consist of a figment
of our ancestors' imagination,
186
00:09:10,609 --> 00:09:12,208
But physical beings
187
00:09:12,243 --> 00:09:16,796
That actually mingled
amongst man back in the day?
188
00:09:17,549 --> 00:09:21,984
Narrator:
Is it possible that the gods,
who played such a vital role
189
00:09:22,061 --> 00:09:26,039
In the lives of the ancient
greeks, truly existed?
190
00:09:26,741 --> 00:09:29,567
While it may sound
like a fantastical notion,
191
00:09:29,569 --> 00:09:31,894
Ancient astronaut
theorists suggest
192
00:09:31,971 --> 00:09:34,647
It is a very real possibility,
193
00:09:34,724 --> 00:09:37,391
And point to an important site
194
00:09:37,469 --> 00:09:39,252
Within the greek empire
195
00:09:39,287 --> 00:09:41,921
Where it was discovered
that at least some aspects
196
00:09:41,923 --> 00:09:46,251
Of the ancient myths
are based in real history.
197
00:09:50,573 --> 00:09:52,257
♪
198
00:09:53,076 --> 00:09:56,403
Narrator:
Hisarlik, turkey. 1870.
199
00:09:56,438 --> 00:09:59,622
German businessman
and amateur archaeologist
200
00:09:59,700 --> 00:10:02,675
Heinrich schliemann
begins excavations
201
00:10:02,710 --> 00:10:03,843
In this small village
202
00:10:03,953 --> 00:10:07,088
Which was an important site
within the greek empire
203
00:10:07,165 --> 00:10:10,116
More than 2,000 years ago.
204
00:10:10,794 --> 00:10:13,369
For years, he has been
obsessed with finding
205
00:10:13,446 --> 00:10:15,279
The legendary city of troy
206
00:10:15,281 --> 00:10:18,024
That is at the center
of the trojan war
207
00:10:18,101 --> 00:10:21,077
Described in homer's epic,
the iliad.
208
00:10:22,130 --> 00:10:24,205
The story of the trojan war
209
00:10:24,282 --> 00:10:27,517
Is one of the most
important stories
210
00:10:27,552 --> 00:10:29,853
Of the greek mythological cycle.
211
00:10:30,455 --> 00:10:36,017
Our main source is homer,
but it relies upon much earlier
212
00:10:36,019 --> 00:10:40,196
Oral compositions that
probably were going around
213
00:10:40,231 --> 00:10:43,700
In greek culture
for hundreds of years.
214
00:10:44,302 --> 00:10:47,311
Narrator:
According to the legend,
the trojan war began
215
00:10:47,313 --> 00:10:49,814
When helen,
wife to king menelaus
216
00:10:49,816 --> 00:10:52,058
Of the greek
city-state of sparta,
217
00:10:52,135 --> 00:10:54,544
Fell in love
with trojan prince paris
218
00:10:54,579 --> 00:10:57,722
And secretly ran off
with him to troy.
219
00:10:57,799 --> 00:11:00,867
Her actions sparked
a bloody ten-year war
220
00:11:00,902 --> 00:11:04,103
Between the trojans
and the greeks.
221
00:11:04,848 --> 00:11:07,891
Rader:
The greeks were able
to defeat the trojans
222
00:11:07,926 --> 00:11:09,876
By sneaking this wooden horse
223
00:11:09,911 --> 00:11:12,228
Which was full
of greek soldiers,
224
00:11:12,263 --> 00:11:13,838
Into the city of troy
225
00:11:13,840 --> 00:11:15,632
Where they were able
to wreak havoc
226
00:11:15,634 --> 00:11:18,051
And ultimately, you know,
win the war.
227
00:11:19,120 --> 00:11:22,496
Doran:
One of the aspects of
the stories of the trojan war
228
00:11:22,574 --> 00:11:27,001
That is quite interesting
is that the gods take sides.
229
00:11:27,078 --> 00:11:29,813
Some are more on
the side of the trojans,
230
00:11:29,848 --> 00:11:32,265
Some are more on
the side of the greeks.
231
00:11:33,101 --> 00:11:35,509
Narrator:
At the time of
heinrich schliemann's
232
00:11:35,587 --> 00:11:37,620
1870 excavation,
233
00:11:37,697 --> 00:11:40,323
Mainstream scholars
had long maintained
234
00:11:40,358 --> 00:11:43,934
That the ancient greek story
was a work of fiction
235
00:11:44,012 --> 00:11:47,196
And that troy never existed.
236
00:11:47,273 --> 00:11:50,524
Heinrich schliemann was
this extraordinary character
237
00:11:50,602 --> 00:11:54,195
Who, I guess, he must've been
quite rebellious as a child
238
00:11:54,305 --> 00:11:57,298
Because he wouldn't accept
the given facts.
239
00:11:58,235 --> 00:11:59,901
When heinrich schliemann
was growing up,
240
00:11:59,978 --> 00:12:02,720
All of greek mythology
was mythology.
241
00:12:02,722 --> 00:12:05,247
And heinrich schliemann
refused to believe that.
242
00:12:06,167 --> 00:12:09,393
Robert schoch:
In modern times,
most scholars thought that
243
00:12:09,395 --> 00:12:13,289
Homer and his writing
about the trojan war
244
00:12:13,324 --> 00:12:15,108
Was just a good story.
245
00:12:15,110 --> 00:12:18,778
Academic scholars just
did not take troy seriously.
246
00:12:18,813 --> 00:12:23,616
However, heinrich schliemann
took homer seriously.
247
00:12:24,161 --> 00:12:27,003
Narrator:
Details from the iliad
had convinced schliemann
248
00:12:27,005 --> 00:12:29,171
That the remnants of troy
would be found
249
00:12:29,248 --> 00:12:31,248
In the turkish village
of hisarlik
250
00:12:31,250 --> 00:12:34,835
Beneath a 65-foot-tall
earthen mound.
251
00:12:35,488 --> 00:12:40,424
In may 1873, schliemann
uncovered a hoard of gold,
252
00:12:40,426 --> 00:12:44,103
Valuable artifacts
and jewelry that matched up
253
00:12:44,105 --> 00:12:45,671
With the riches
mentioned in the iliad,
254
00:12:45,748 --> 00:12:49,325
And declared that
the search was over--
255
00:12:49,360 --> 00:12:52,687
He had discovered
the city of troy.
256
00:12:53,482 --> 00:12:56,524
Lo and behold, he found troy.
257
00:12:57,760 --> 00:13:02,355
He found a site which matched
everything described in homer.
258
00:13:02,431 --> 00:13:06,784
So he brought to life
the concept that we can
259
00:13:06,786 --> 00:13:09,178
Look at some of these
ancient myths
260
00:13:09,213 --> 00:13:10,913
And realize that there's
261
00:13:10,915 --> 00:13:14,684
A genuine historical
basis to it.
262
00:13:14,719 --> 00:13:16,902
For hundreds of years,
people thought that
263
00:13:16,980 --> 00:13:20,673
The greeks had achievements
in architecture and sciences,
264
00:13:20,708 --> 00:13:22,224
But when it comes to history,
265
00:13:22,301 --> 00:13:25,803
The story of the trojan war,
the trojan horse,
266
00:13:25,805 --> 00:13:28,264
"nope. It's all myth."
267
00:13:28,299 --> 00:13:30,867
But then archaeologists
found it.
268
00:13:30,902 --> 00:13:32,869
They found the ruins of troy.
269
00:13:32,904 --> 00:13:36,356
And we know there was
the trojan war
270
00:13:36,391 --> 00:13:39,483
Just like the way
the ancients called it.
271
00:13:40,061 --> 00:13:43,304
Newman:
When it comes to places
like troy in turkey,
272
00:13:43,381 --> 00:13:45,306
It does really suggest that
273
00:13:45,383 --> 00:13:49,001
These myths and legends
and epic tales
274
00:13:49,036 --> 00:13:51,103
May have some reality to them.
275
00:13:51,923 --> 00:13:54,040
Macgillivray:
Heinrich schliemann
opened a whole new chapter
276
00:13:54,075 --> 00:13:56,092
In the history books for us.
277
00:13:56,168 --> 00:13:58,678
What had
previously been mythology
278
00:13:58,754 --> 00:14:02,215
Was now tangible archaeology.
279
00:14:02,917 --> 00:14:04,984
Narrator:
For ancient astronaut theorists,
280
00:14:05,019 --> 00:14:08,421
The discovery of troy is
highly significant
281
00:14:08,423 --> 00:14:11,424
Because it opens the possibility
that other aspects
282
00:14:11,500 --> 00:14:15,854
Of greek mythology are
also based in history.
283
00:14:17,281 --> 00:14:20,400
Tsoukalos:
Are these stories a true history
284
00:14:20,435 --> 00:14:25,188
That we've misinterpreted
as just fantasy?
285
00:14:25,223 --> 00:14:27,289
The ancient greek gods were
286
00:14:27,366 --> 00:14:32,303
Physical beings that actually
mingled amongst man
287
00:14:32,380 --> 00:14:34,296
In the ancient mythologies.
288
00:14:34,298 --> 00:14:38,951
The ancient astronaut theory
proposes that these encounters
289
00:14:39,028 --> 00:14:41,954
Actually happened in real life.
290
00:14:42,031 --> 00:14:44,373
They were here,
not spiritual beings,
291
00:14:44,450 --> 00:14:46,308
They were here with their body.
292
00:14:46,310 --> 00:14:47,326
You can touch them.
293
00:14:47,404 --> 00:14:49,278
They were talking,
they were building,
294
00:14:49,313 --> 00:14:52,932
They were doing something,
they were not spiritual beings.
295
00:14:55,078 --> 00:14:56,152
Narrator:
Is it possible,
296
00:14:56,187 --> 00:14:58,562
As ancient astronaut
theorists suggest,
297
00:14:58,564 --> 00:15:01,974
That greek mythology
is based on actual events
298
00:15:02,051 --> 00:15:06,170
And encounters
with otherworldly beings?
299
00:15:06,247 --> 00:15:08,256
Perhaps further clues
can be found
300
00:15:08,332 --> 00:15:12,652
By examining just how
the greek gods were described.
301
00:15:13,538 --> 00:15:16,723
Mcgowan:
The gods in the greek
mythology are all very,
302
00:15:16,758 --> 00:15:18,808
Very human in their attributes.
303
00:15:18,843 --> 00:15:21,235
The greek gods are, are jealous.
304
00:15:21,312 --> 00:15:22,662
They're angry.
They're passionate.
305
00:15:22,738 --> 00:15:24,856
They hate each other.
They love each other.
306
00:15:25,674 --> 00:15:27,300
Macgillivray: They kill,
they attack each other,
307
00:15:27,335 --> 00:15:30,845
They attack humans, especially.
308
00:15:31,514 --> 00:15:33,673
They have children
out of wedlock.
309
00:15:33,749 --> 00:15:37,994
They wage wars with each other.
They trick each other.
310
00:15:38,863 --> 00:15:41,422
There's nothing
entirely divine about them
311
00:15:41,499 --> 00:15:43,590
Other than they have
specific powers.
312
00:15:44,610 --> 00:15:47,770
Narrator:
In the greek myths,
the powers of the gods
313
00:15:47,847 --> 00:15:52,616
Often come in the forms
of magical devices, weapons,
314
00:15:52,618 --> 00:15:54,327
And flying machines.
315
00:16:27,970 --> 00:16:29,053
They have airships,
316
00:16:29,130 --> 00:16:31,697
They have superpowers
and weapons.
317
00:16:32,449 --> 00:16:37,086
It would seem that the gods
are using technology.
318
00:16:37,088 --> 00:16:38,221
Von daniken:
In my opinion,
319
00:16:38,256 --> 00:16:40,906
It was the technology
of extraterrestrials.
320
00:16:40,983 --> 00:16:42,833
And it is not just a fiction.
321
00:16:42,835 --> 00:16:46,262
It's not just fantasy.
It's not just the imagination.
322
00:16:46,338 --> 00:16:48,280
It is a true story.
323
00:16:48,358 --> 00:16:52,351
The old greek gods
were extraterrestrials.
324
00:16:52,428 --> 00:16:56,388
Narrator:
Could it be that
the greek gods were alien beings
325
00:16:56,390 --> 00:16:59,308
Who came to earth
thousands of years ago?
326
00:17:00,020 --> 00:17:02,769
Ancient astronaut
theorists say yes,
327
00:17:02,771 --> 00:17:05,839
And suggest the stories
about them
328
00:17:05,950 --> 00:17:08,184
Reveal even more profound truths
329
00:17:08,186 --> 00:17:12,321
About the origins
of the human race.
330
00:17:16,294 --> 00:17:18,127
Narrator: The greek island
of crete.
331
00:17:18,204 --> 00:17:19,628
1900.
332
00:17:19,705 --> 00:17:21,855
A team of british
archaeologists,
333
00:17:21,933 --> 00:17:24,100
Led by sir arthur evans,
334
00:17:24,135 --> 00:17:27,712
Begins excavating the ruins
of an ancient palace.
335
00:17:28,656 --> 00:17:32,300
In their efforts to
unearth the sprawling complex,
336
00:17:32,376 --> 00:17:33,860
They come across a structure
337
00:17:33,895 --> 00:17:37,430
Eerily matching
one of the most fearsome places
338
00:17:37,465 --> 00:17:41,308
In all of greek mythology--
339
00:17:41,386 --> 00:17:44,228
The labyrinth of king minos.
340
00:17:45,774 --> 00:17:47,606
According to the legend,
341
00:17:47,608 --> 00:17:49,733
The elaborate maze
of the labyrinth
342
00:17:49,735 --> 00:17:52,052
Was constructed by order
of king minos
343
00:17:52,130 --> 00:17:57,700
To entrap a monstrous creature
known as the minotaur.
344
00:17:59,161 --> 00:18:01,328
Mcgowan:
This legend of the minotaur
345
00:18:01,406 --> 00:18:02,413
Is one of the most important
346
00:18:02,490 --> 00:18:03,705
And prevalent legends
347
00:18:03,707 --> 00:18:05,582
Of the ancient greek mythology.
348
00:18:06,227 --> 00:18:09,995
One day, king minos of crete
angers the god poseidon.
349
00:18:10,072 --> 00:18:13,031
Poseidon, being angry at minos,
350
00:18:13,109 --> 00:18:16,319
Casts a spell
over his wife pasiphae,
351
00:18:16,354 --> 00:18:21,349
That she might fall in love
with this great white bull.
352
00:18:22,326 --> 00:18:23,601
And through
the mating of the bull,
353
00:18:23,678 --> 00:18:26,345
The minotaur is born.
354
00:18:26,422 --> 00:18:29,606
The minotaur is half human
and half bull as a result.
355
00:18:29,684 --> 00:18:30,950
And he is ferocious,
356
00:18:31,026 --> 00:18:33,435
And he feeds
on the flesh of humans.
357
00:18:34,205 --> 00:18:37,539
Andrew collins:
The legend of king minos
358
00:18:37,616 --> 00:18:38,907
And the labyrinth
359
00:18:38,909 --> 00:18:42,537
Is something that was seen
to be a fable
360
00:18:42,613 --> 00:18:48,017
Until the explorations
of the palace in crete.
361
00:18:48,719 --> 00:18:53,539
What arthur evans uncovered
was an entire palace
362
00:18:53,616 --> 00:18:56,174
That seemed to be dedicated over
363
00:18:56,176 --> 00:18:58,452
To a bull cult.
364
00:18:58,529 --> 00:19:03,807
There were frescos showing
people leaping over bulls.
365
00:19:03,809 --> 00:19:06,018
There were bulls' horns,
366
00:19:06,053 --> 00:19:08,354
Bulls' heads everywhere.
367
00:19:10,074 --> 00:19:12,074
Mcgowan:
The palace is
an elaborate structure,
368
00:19:12,151 --> 00:19:17,579
With moving walls and mazes
actually built into the palace.
369
00:19:17,656 --> 00:19:19,656
It became very clear
370
00:19:19,658 --> 00:19:22,492
Upon looking at the structure
of this palace,
371
00:19:22,494 --> 00:19:25,580
That this was
the original labyrinth.
372
00:19:26,490 --> 00:19:28,874
Narrator:
If the structure found in crete
373
00:19:28,876 --> 00:19:31,744
Really is the fabled
labyrinth of king minos,
374
00:19:31,820 --> 00:19:35,581
Then is it possible
that the story of the minotaur
375
00:19:35,658 --> 00:19:39,009
Is based on actual events?
376
00:19:39,011 --> 00:19:41,888
Ancient astronaut
theorists say yes,
377
00:19:41,997 --> 00:19:46,125
But suggest that what is
described in the legend
378
00:19:46,127 --> 00:19:49,978
Is not literally
a bull mating with a human.
379
00:19:49,980 --> 00:19:53,298
The story of the minotaur
is an astounding story
380
00:19:53,376 --> 00:19:55,451
Of the creation
of a hybrid being.
381
00:19:56,129 --> 00:19:58,345
And what's interesting
about this is that daedalus,
382
00:19:58,423 --> 00:19:59,863
This genius engineer,
383
00:19:59,865 --> 00:20:02,441
Crafts this
cow-shaped container,
384
00:20:02,518 --> 00:20:06,462
That minos's wife is to enter
into this container
385
00:20:06,538 --> 00:20:09,265
And mate with this sacred bull.
386
00:20:09,300 --> 00:20:10,599
This sounds like some kind of
387
00:20:10,634 --> 00:20:12,542
Genetics lab
that's been created here
388
00:20:12,544 --> 00:20:15,212
For the specific purpose
to mate a human
389
00:20:15,214 --> 00:20:16,464
With a sacred bull.
390
00:20:17,291 --> 00:20:20,059
The minotaur is
the result of that mating.
391
00:20:20,061 --> 00:20:22,886
So when we peel back
the layers of this story,
392
00:20:22,888 --> 00:20:24,705
We can easily interpret this
393
00:20:24,782 --> 00:20:27,850
As an example
of ancient gene splicing.
394
00:20:29,954 --> 00:20:31,454
Michael carter:
There are plenty of myths
395
00:20:31,489 --> 00:20:36,542
That talk about these hybrids
in the tales of greece.
396
00:20:37,411 --> 00:20:41,054
There was a centaur,
half horse, half man...
397
00:20:41,799 --> 00:20:46,902
If we look at the mermaid--
a woman and part fish--
398
00:20:47,604 --> 00:20:51,323
With genetics,
with experimentation,
399
00:20:51,400 --> 00:20:53,025
Maybe these beings
400
00:20:53,101 --> 00:20:55,094
Really did walk the earth,
401
00:20:55,129 --> 00:20:57,003
And our ancestors were depicting
402
00:20:57,005 --> 00:20:58,714
What they saw around them.
403
00:20:59,683 --> 00:21:02,092
Narrator:
In the greek
mythological tradition,
404
00:21:02,094 --> 00:21:04,594
There are many
instances of the gods
405
00:21:04,596 --> 00:21:06,689
Creating hybrid animals
406
00:21:06,724 --> 00:21:10,434
And even more that involve
their manipulation of humans,
407
00:21:10,511 --> 00:21:13,980
Including the creation
of the human race.
408
00:21:14,865 --> 00:21:16,532
According to greek mythology,
409
00:21:16,608 --> 00:21:20,853
The titan prometheus formed
figurines of humans out of mud,
410
00:21:20,929 --> 00:21:25,641
And the olympian athena
breathed life into them.
411
00:21:25,717 --> 00:21:29,845
It is also said that prometheus
brought us civilization.
412
00:21:29,880 --> 00:21:31,121
That he gave us writing,
413
00:21:31,123 --> 00:21:33,866
He gave us language,
he gave us arithmetic.
414
00:21:34,644 --> 00:21:36,794
Narrator:
The greek myths go on to speak
415
00:21:36,871 --> 00:21:39,796
Of mortals
and immortals comingling
416
00:21:39,798 --> 00:21:43,592
To create hybrids who were
half human and half god.
417
00:21:55,306 --> 00:21:58,390
Macgillivray:
These sexual interactions
would produce
418
00:21:58,467 --> 00:22:00,467
What they called the demigods,
419
00:22:00,545 --> 00:22:04,296
Somebody who was
half man, half god,
420
00:22:04,331 --> 00:22:05,614
Or half woman, half god.
421
00:22:06,325 --> 00:22:10,143
And these demigods became
very, very powerful
422
00:22:10,145 --> 00:22:12,079
In their own right.
423
00:22:26,970 --> 00:22:28,929
Narrator:
Much like the myths
of ancient greece,
424
00:22:28,931 --> 00:22:32,508
Stories of humans mixed
with the bloodlines of gods
425
00:22:32,584 --> 00:22:36,036
Appear in many cultures
throughout the ancient world...
426
00:22:36,780 --> 00:22:39,231
...From the deities known
as the anunnaki
427
00:22:39,233 --> 00:22:41,917
Depicted
in early sumerian writings,
428
00:22:41,952 --> 00:22:44,569
To the biblical book of enoch,
429
00:22:44,571 --> 00:22:48,123
Which tells of fallen angels,
called the watchers,
430
00:22:48,200 --> 00:22:51,869
Who mated with humans
to create the nephilim.
431
00:22:52,996 --> 00:22:55,631
Carter:
We are told
that the sons of god
432
00:22:55,707 --> 00:23:00,086
Came down to earth
and mated with earth women.
433
00:23:00,121 --> 00:23:02,712
Now, this is in all mythology,
434
00:23:02,714 --> 00:23:06,132
Whether it's greek,
whether it's sumerian,
435
00:23:06,134 --> 00:23:08,210
Uh, whether it's hindu.
436
00:23:08,287 --> 00:23:11,430
And so,
we have to ask ourselves,
437
00:23:11,465 --> 00:23:15,284
These are new human beings
that are being created.
438
00:23:15,319 --> 00:23:17,653
How is this happening?
439
00:23:17,688 --> 00:23:20,489
Narrator:
According to ancient
astronaut theorists,
440
00:23:20,566 --> 00:23:22,549
The parallels in these accounts
441
00:23:22,627 --> 00:23:25,461
May be evidence of
extraterrestrials
442
00:23:25,496 --> 00:23:30,240
Intentionally mingling
their dna with mankind.
443
00:23:30,242 --> 00:23:32,834
The greek gods can be placed
444
00:23:32,911 --> 00:23:34,394
In the same category
445
00:23:34,505 --> 00:23:37,790
As the anunnaki,
the guardians of the sky,
446
00:23:37,825 --> 00:23:40,142
And the so-called watchers.
447
00:23:40,177 --> 00:23:41,843
They're all the same.
448
00:23:41,920 --> 00:23:46,515
Meaning extraterrestrials
observed humankind
449
00:23:46,592 --> 00:23:50,302
And also guided our development.
450
00:23:50,337 --> 00:23:52,271
We have the curious stories
451
00:23:52,306 --> 00:23:54,247
Of the greek gods
452
00:23:54,325 --> 00:23:56,892
Creating these heroes
or demigods.
453
00:23:57,002 --> 00:23:59,861
And so we can kind of see here
454
00:23:59,863 --> 00:24:04,549
How the gods
or the extraterrestrials are
455
00:24:04,551 --> 00:24:08,194
Genetically manipulating humans.
456
00:24:08,872 --> 00:24:11,157
Narrator:
Could the greek stories
of the demigods
457
00:24:11,192 --> 00:24:15,227
Serve as evidence
of an extraterrestrial agenda
458
00:24:15,229 --> 00:24:17,163
To genetically evolve and guide
459
00:24:17,198 --> 00:24:19,748
The development of humankind?
460
00:24:20,560 --> 00:24:23,460
Ancient astronaut
theorists say yes,
461
00:24:23,462 --> 00:24:26,705
And they suggest even more
compelling evidence
462
00:24:26,707 --> 00:24:29,008
That there was
an otherworldly presence
463
00:24:29,043 --> 00:24:30,283
In ancient greece
464
00:24:30,361 --> 00:24:35,047
Can be found by examining
the country's oldest structures,
465
00:24:35,123 --> 00:24:36,640
Which were said
to have been built
466
00:24:36,642 --> 00:24:39,810
By a race of giants.
467
00:24:43,131 --> 00:24:47,026
Narrator:
The ancient greek story
of king minos first appears
468
00:24:47,061 --> 00:24:49,195
In homer's epic poem the iliad,
469
00:24:49,230 --> 00:24:53,415
And takes place around 2500 bc,
470
00:24:53,492 --> 00:24:58,387
Roughly 1,300 years before
the rise of the greek empire.
471
00:24:59,022 --> 00:25:02,875
According to greek mythology,
this is "the golden age,"
472
00:25:02,910 --> 00:25:06,670
The time when humans shared
the earth with the gods--
473
00:25:06,672 --> 00:25:11,692
As well as many other strange
creatures like the minotaur.
474
00:25:11,694 --> 00:25:13,935
You're talking about
tons of giants,
475
00:25:14,012 --> 00:25:16,680
Tons of monsters,
tons of scary beings.
476
00:25:18,117 --> 00:25:19,391
Cyclopes,
477
00:25:19,426 --> 00:25:22,094
You've got hybrids of monsters,
478
00:25:22,170 --> 00:25:25,146
But they're all
existing together
479
00:25:25,148 --> 00:25:28,275
Somehow in the same place.
480
00:25:29,186 --> 00:25:30,903
Narrator:
In the ancient texts,
481
00:25:30,938 --> 00:25:33,513
Greece was home
to an advanced society
482
00:25:33,591 --> 00:25:36,199
During this
so-called golden age,
483
00:25:36,277 --> 00:25:39,428
And ancient astronaut
theorists suggest
484
00:25:39,463 --> 00:25:41,280
Remnants of that civilization
485
00:25:41,356 --> 00:25:44,933
May be located
near the city of argos,
486
00:25:44,968 --> 00:25:46,543
Where there are ruins
487
00:25:46,545 --> 00:25:48,620
Of a mysterious
megalithic structure
488
00:25:48,622 --> 00:25:52,424
That is unlike
any other structure in greece.
489
00:25:53,127 --> 00:25:55,594
Macgillivray:
Outside of argos there's
a really beautifully built
490
00:25:55,629 --> 00:25:57,887
Pyramidal building
at hellinikon,
491
00:25:57,889 --> 00:26:00,098
Which is a total mystery.
492
00:26:00,100 --> 00:26:01,934
Really, really,
very, very mysterious.
493
00:26:03,320 --> 00:26:06,605
The architecture looks
archaic...
494
00:26:07,408 --> 00:26:09,641
...And it's unique
in that sense.
495
00:26:09,718 --> 00:26:13,045
It's a place where you can
actually go into the pyramid.
496
00:26:13,680 --> 00:26:16,906
Schoch:
The pyramid of hellinikon
is quite small.
497
00:26:16,908 --> 00:26:18,834
It's maybe only 23 feet
498
00:26:18,910 --> 00:26:21,987
By 30 feet
by maybe 12 feet tall.
499
00:26:22,064 --> 00:26:24,957
But it's incredibly interesting.
500
00:26:24,992 --> 00:26:27,976
We don't really know
what its purpose was,
501
00:26:28,011 --> 00:26:31,905
And even more controversial
502
00:26:31,982 --> 00:26:33,682
Is the dating of it.
503
00:26:34,485 --> 00:26:39,680
Narrator:
In 1995, scientists working
at the academy of athens
504
00:26:39,757 --> 00:26:41,448
Dated samples from the site
505
00:26:41,525 --> 00:26:44,426
Using a new
and experimental method called
506
00:26:44,461 --> 00:26:46,662
Optical thermoluminescence.
507
00:26:46,697 --> 00:26:50,024
The results were staggering.
508
00:26:50,851 --> 00:26:52,851
The pyramid at hellinikon,
509
00:26:52,928 --> 00:26:54,519
According to their results...
510
00:26:55,363 --> 00:26:59,116
...Is one of the oldest
pyramids on earth.
511
00:27:00,043 --> 00:27:01,877
The pyramid of hellinikon
512
00:27:01,953 --> 00:27:07,299
Dates to 2720 bc.
513
00:27:07,901 --> 00:27:10,352
Newman:
The hellinikon pyramid
is thought to be
514
00:27:10,387 --> 00:27:13,138
Originally built
by the mycenaeans, but...
515
00:27:13,215 --> 00:27:16,825
If the dating is correct
of 2720 bc,
516
00:27:16,902 --> 00:27:19,628
Then this is
over a thousand years older.
517
00:27:19,705 --> 00:27:22,455
So we have to question
who really built this.
518
00:27:23,317 --> 00:27:27,068
Narrator:
The dating of the pyramid
of hellinikon places it
519
00:27:27,145 --> 00:27:29,905
In the same era
as the so-called golden age
520
00:27:29,981 --> 00:27:35,427
When gods and strange creatures
were said to exist on earth.
521
00:27:35,504 --> 00:27:38,914
Curiously,
just eight miles to the north
522
00:27:38,990 --> 00:27:41,033
Is another structure
that does not match
523
00:27:41,068 --> 00:27:43,919
The construction style
of the greek empire,
524
00:27:43,995 --> 00:27:46,722
But features masonry
strikingly similar
525
00:27:46,757 --> 00:27:49,333
To that of the pyramid
of hellinikon.
526
00:27:50,644 --> 00:27:54,513
Standing within the ancient site
of mycenae is an incredible
527
00:27:54,589 --> 00:27:58,676
Megalithic structure
called the treasury of atreus.
528
00:27:59,904 --> 00:28:01,670
The treasury of atreus
at mycenae was
529
00:28:01,747 --> 00:28:04,348
This massive structure...
530
00:28:05,526 --> 00:28:08,994
...Built into the hillside
with huge blocks,
531
00:28:09,029 --> 00:28:12,080
Conglomerate stone
being brought into place,
532
00:28:12,115 --> 00:28:17,169
Including the lintel
that goes over the threshold
533
00:28:17,171 --> 00:28:20,989
Going into the tomb
which weighs 250 tons.
534
00:28:20,991 --> 00:28:23,942
What's telling about mycenae
is that we have
535
00:28:24,019 --> 00:28:26,628
Multiple
construction styles there.
536
00:28:26,705 --> 00:28:30,449
And the oldest one is
the most sophisticated.
537
00:28:30,525 --> 00:28:34,119
And the same
masonry style exists
538
00:28:34,196 --> 00:28:36,671
At the pyramid of hellinikon,
539
00:28:36,673 --> 00:28:40,901
About a ten-minute drive
from present-day mycenae.
540
00:28:40,978 --> 00:28:45,797
So, clearly, the two were part
of the same kingdom at the time.
541
00:28:45,874 --> 00:28:48,951
Narrator:
For ancient astronaut theorists,
542
00:28:48,986 --> 00:28:51,770
The notion that these
megalithic structures could both
543
00:28:51,805 --> 00:28:57,109
Date back more than
4,700 years is extraordinary.
544
00:28:57,144 --> 00:28:59,945
But even more intriguing
is the fact
545
00:28:59,980 --> 00:29:02,572
That the greek stories say
they were built
546
00:29:02,574 --> 00:29:05,166
By a race of
giant humanoid beings
547
00:29:05,168 --> 00:29:08,303
Who lived during the golden age.
548
00:29:09,006 --> 00:29:10,755
Macgillivray:
According to the ancient greeks,
549
00:29:10,832 --> 00:29:12,565
The treasury of atreus
at mycenae
550
00:29:12,643 --> 00:29:14,460
Was created by the cyclopes.
551
00:29:16,146 --> 00:29:20,165
Huge, giant builders
that had a single, circular eye
552
00:29:20,242 --> 00:29:23,018
In the middle of their forehead,
and they were credited
553
00:29:23,094 --> 00:29:26,154
With lifting these
huge blocks into place.
554
00:29:26,932 --> 00:29:31,526
Narrator:
In greek mythology, the cyclops
were related to the titans,
555
00:29:31,603 --> 00:29:35,898
The first generation of gods,
and were master craftsman.
556
00:29:36,800 --> 00:29:40,869
They created zeus's thunderbolt,
poseidon's trident,
557
00:29:40,946 --> 00:29:43,763
And hades' cap of invisibility.
558
00:29:43,841 --> 00:29:46,174
And they were credited
with building
559
00:29:46,209 --> 00:29:48,618
The ancient megaliths of greece.
560
00:29:49,305 --> 00:29:52,848
Newman:
The cyclops were
thought to be master masons
561
00:29:52,883 --> 00:29:54,533
And advanced metallurgists,
562
00:29:54,609 --> 00:29:57,168
And also were able
to quarry stone
563
00:29:57,170 --> 00:30:00,205
In a profoundly brilliant way.
564
00:30:00,883 --> 00:30:03,383
If you look around
the site of mycenae,
565
00:30:03,385 --> 00:30:06,612
You see amazing construction
all over the site.
566
00:30:06,647 --> 00:30:09,807
So, is there some reality
to these stories?
567
00:30:10,801 --> 00:30:12,342
Is there actual giants
568
00:30:12,419 --> 00:30:14,202
Who were involved
in the construction
569
00:30:14,237 --> 00:30:16,154
Of sites like mycenae?
570
00:30:16,807 --> 00:30:20,842
Narrator:
As far as ancient astronaut
theorists are concerned,
571
00:30:20,920 --> 00:30:23,270
The pyramid of hellinikon
572
00:30:23,272 --> 00:30:26,198
And the treasury of atreus
provide further evidence
573
00:30:26,233 --> 00:30:31,394
That the golden age of the gods
was more than just a myth.
574
00:30:31,472 --> 00:30:33,321
This idea is not something
575
00:30:33,398 --> 00:30:35,707
That was just
pulled out of thin air.
576
00:30:36,410 --> 00:30:40,745
In fact, it also connects
to other stories of gods
577
00:30:40,822 --> 00:30:42,655
Around the world.
578
00:30:42,733 --> 00:30:46,635
Many of the ancient egyptian
texts that have been translated
579
00:30:46,670 --> 00:30:51,873
Speak of a so-called
golden age of ancient egypt
580
00:30:52,025 --> 00:30:57,479
At a time when human beings
mingled side by side
581
00:30:57,514 --> 00:31:00,899
With the so-called gods.
582
00:31:01,710 --> 00:31:04,853
Now, this is something
that has been recorded orally
583
00:31:04,930 --> 00:31:06,605
And also in a written language
584
00:31:06,681 --> 00:31:10,609
For thousands of years,
around the world.
585
00:31:10,685 --> 00:31:12,961
And you have
to ask the question,
586
00:31:13,038 --> 00:31:18,016
Are our ancestors
all talking about the same
587
00:31:18,051 --> 00:31:20,777
Visiting extraterrestrials?
588
00:31:21,538 --> 00:31:23,939
Narrator:
Is it possible
that the structures
589
00:31:23,974 --> 00:31:25,591
Like the treasury of atreus
590
00:31:25,626 --> 00:31:30,429
And the pyramid of hellinikon
were built during a time
591
00:31:30,464 --> 00:31:32,313
When humans shared the earth
592
00:31:32,390 --> 00:31:35,392
With visitors
from another world?
593
00:31:36,236 --> 00:31:37,853
Perhaps further clues
can be found
594
00:31:37,888 --> 00:31:41,807
By examining another
mysterious megalithic site,
595
00:31:41,842 --> 00:31:43,108
Where the greeks claimed
596
00:31:43,143 --> 00:31:46,695
They could speak directly
to the gods.
597
00:31:55,572 --> 00:31:58,156
Narrator:
Located on the slopes
of mount parnassus,
598
00:31:58,233 --> 00:32:00,125
This site was a religious center
599
00:32:00,160 --> 00:32:04,237
Throughout the entire timeline
of the greek empire.
600
00:32:04,314 --> 00:32:08,667
When homer wrote the iliad
in the eighth century bc,
601
00:32:08,743 --> 00:32:12,471
When socrates established
western philosophy
602
00:32:12,506 --> 00:32:15,173
In the fifth century bc,
603
00:32:15,208 --> 00:32:17,934
And when alexander the great
conquered egypt
604
00:32:17,936 --> 00:32:19,511
In the fourth century bc,
605
00:32:19,587 --> 00:32:23,364
Delphi was the place
where people went
606
00:32:23,366 --> 00:32:26,526
To communicate directly
with the gods.
607
00:32:27,612 --> 00:32:30,489
Delphi is this extraordinarily
powerful place.
608
00:32:30,598 --> 00:32:32,874
I mean, you can feel it
when you go there today.
609
00:32:33,652 --> 00:32:38,196
Delphi became hugely important
throughout classical antiquity.
610
00:32:38,273 --> 00:32:40,849
Everybody,
especially the ruling elite,
611
00:32:40,884 --> 00:32:43,626
Would go and they would
pose a question.
612
00:32:43,628 --> 00:32:44,853
Nobody would go to war,
613
00:32:44,888 --> 00:32:46,629
Nobody would even start
a trade excursion,
614
00:32:46,631 --> 00:32:48,373
Nobody would do anything,
615
00:32:48,450 --> 00:32:50,783
Without going
and consulting the oracle.
616
00:32:50,785 --> 00:32:52,344
And the oracle would
617
00:32:52,379 --> 00:32:55,847
Channel basically an answer
then from the gods.
618
00:32:56,717 --> 00:33:01,236
Narrator:
The oracle was a high priestess
known as the pythia,
619
00:33:01,312 --> 00:33:04,239
Who held court
at the temple of apollo,
620
00:33:04,315 --> 00:33:07,192
Which lies
mostly in ruins today.
621
00:33:09,079 --> 00:33:10,696
According to ancient texts,
622
00:33:10,731 --> 00:33:13,048
Those seeking counsel
from the gods
623
00:33:13,083 --> 00:33:14,700
Were put in a meditative state
624
00:33:14,735 --> 00:33:18,478
Before entering the innermost
sanctuary of the temple,
625
00:33:18,555 --> 00:33:19,996
Where they would offer gifts
626
00:33:19,998 --> 00:33:23,125
And present their questions
to the oracle.
627
00:33:24,194 --> 00:33:26,911
The way the oracle at delphi
functioned was...
628
00:33:27,589 --> 00:33:31,674
...The pythia, the priestess
sat over a crevice which was
629
00:33:31,676 --> 00:33:33,768
Within the temple of apollo.
630
00:33:33,845 --> 00:33:37,489
She would inhale whatever fumes
were coming up from the crevice,
631
00:33:37,491 --> 00:33:40,058
And she would then get
an answer from apollo,
632
00:33:40,093 --> 00:33:42,001
A divine answer from above.
633
00:33:43,046 --> 00:33:45,438
Jonathan young:
There was a crack
in the stone there,
634
00:33:45,515 --> 00:33:48,150
And there was a kind of vapor
of gas that was coming,
635
00:33:48,185 --> 00:33:50,676
Which put her
into an altered state.
636
00:33:51,346 --> 00:33:55,774
Although we do not know
what the altered state was like,
637
00:33:55,850 --> 00:33:58,793
Maybe she was
tapping into something.
638
00:33:58,870 --> 00:34:02,130
Henry:
Current research
on the pythia at delphi
639
00:34:02,207 --> 00:34:04,465
Is asking the question,
was there perhaps
640
00:34:04,542 --> 00:34:06,960
Some kind of psychedelic
connection there?
641
00:34:08,338 --> 00:34:11,214
Narrator:
According to ancient
astronaut theorists,
642
00:34:11,216 --> 00:34:14,234
The notion that chemically
altering the mind
643
00:34:14,311 --> 00:34:17,378
Might facilitate a connection
with otherworldly beings
644
00:34:17,413 --> 00:34:21,800
Is supported by experiments
with a powerful hallucinogen
645
00:34:21,876 --> 00:34:25,437
Called dimethyltryptamine,
or dmt.
646
00:34:26,406 --> 00:34:29,149
Between 1990 and 1995,
647
00:34:29,226 --> 00:34:32,568
Scientists at the university
of new mexico
648
00:34:32,570 --> 00:34:36,264
Administered dmt
to 60 volunteers
649
00:34:36,341 --> 00:34:37,682
And were surprised to find
650
00:34:37,759 --> 00:34:41,069
That many of them had
very similar visions,
651
00:34:41,146 --> 00:34:42,487
Including encounters
652
00:34:42,564 --> 00:34:46,174
With strange beings
who reportedly said,
653
00:34:46,251 --> 00:34:49,352
"now we can
communicate with you."
654
00:34:50,096 --> 00:34:53,832
Henry:
Recent research suggests
that hallucinogenic experiences
655
00:34:53,908 --> 00:34:56,267
Actually open portals
of communication
656
00:34:56,269 --> 00:34:58,470
With otherworldly beings.
657
00:34:58,505 --> 00:35:02,140
And perhaps this is what was
going on back at delphi as well.
658
00:35:03,060 --> 00:35:05,593
Narrator:
In the greek
mythological tradition,
659
00:35:05,670 --> 00:35:08,163
Zeus not only chose
the exact location
660
00:35:08,198 --> 00:35:11,983
Where the pythia would receive
messages from the gods--
661
00:35:11,985 --> 00:35:14,318
He also placed
a mysterious object
662
00:35:14,320 --> 00:35:17,364
At the oracle
called the omphalos.
663
00:35:18,508 --> 00:35:21,927
Just what the omphalos was
remains a mystery,
664
00:35:21,962 --> 00:35:26,873
Since it reportedly
disappeared in 395 ad.
665
00:35:27,768 --> 00:35:29,684
But a roman replica of the stone
666
00:35:29,719 --> 00:35:32,720
Has been preserved
at the museum of delphi,
667
00:35:32,797 --> 00:35:36,374
Supporting the notion
that it truly existed.
668
00:35:36,451 --> 00:35:39,361
Mcgowan:
It's a fascinating stone,
it's very beautiful.
669
00:35:39,396 --> 00:35:44,065
And it, it appears to be covered
in a type of crisscross pattern.
670
00:35:44,734 --> 00:35:46,868
It's possible
that the omphalos stone was
671
00:35:46,903 --> 00:35:48,703
Some type
of communication device
672
00:35:48,738 --> 00:35:52,040
Between the people on the ground
and the people in the sky.
673
00:35:52,642 --> 00:35:57,153
Childress:
The ancient greeks built
their famous temple at delphi
674
00:35:57,155 --> 00:35:59,731
Around this omphalos stone,
675
00:35:59,766 --> 00:36:02,917
And it was the power center
of the world.
676
00:36:02,994 --> 00:36:08,056
And this omphalos stone was
also supposed to be a vehicle
677
00:36:08,091 --> 00:36:11,226
For communicating with the gods.
678
00:36:11,261 --> 00:36:13,819
So you have to wonder,
was it really
679
00:36:13,897 --> 00:36:17,399
Some special stone
that could help people
680
00:36:17,434 --> 00:36:19,901
Communicate
with extraterrestrials?
681
00:36:20,678 --> 00:36:23,571
Narrator:
Is it possible
that the ancient greeks
682
00:36:23,606 --> 00:36:25,273
Were given specific instructions
683
00:36:25,350 --> 00:36:28,076
On where to build
the temple of apollo
684
00:36:28,111 --> 00:36:30,836
By an otherworldly visitor?
685
00:36:30,914 --> 00:36:34,006
One who utilized both
the vapors from the earth
686
00:36:34,084 --> 00:36:36,267
And some mysterious
technological device
687
00:36:36,344 --> 00:36:40,197
To facilitate
a means of communication?
688
00:36:40,908 --> 00:36:43,241
Ancient astronaut
theorists say yes
689
00:36:43,276 --> 00:36:46,794
And suggest that delphi's
otherworldly connection
690
00:36:46,871 --> 00:36:51,866
Was established long before
the rise of the greek empire,
691
00:36:51,868 --> 00:36:54,536
During the so-called golden age
692
00:36:54,571 --> 00:36:58,447
When the gods were said
to be present on earth.
693
00:36:59,125 --> 00:37:02,627
As evidence,
they point to mysterious ruins
694
00:37:02,704 --> 00:37:05,947
That feature the same type
of cyclopean masonry
695
00:37:06,057 --> 00:37:10,068
Found at mycenae
and the pyramid of hellinikon.
696
00:37:10,954 --> 00:37:15,148
Officially, delphi is dated
to about the sixth century bc,
697
00:37:15,150 --> 00:37:17,883
But there are earlier
constructions at the site.
698
00:37:18,737 --> 00:37:23,698
And these are the gigantic
cyclopean and polygonal walls
699
00:37:23,733 --> 00:37:26,150
That are not just
in the main part of the site.
700
00:37:26,227 --> 00:37:28,069
If you actually
look around carefully,
701
00:37:28,146 --> 00:37:30,613
You find them half buried down
702
00:37:30,615 --> 00:37:33,183
Near the entrance
at the lowest levels,
703
00:37:33,259 --> 00:37:34,650
And it really does suggest
704
00:37:34,728 --> 00:37:37,003
That the site could be
much, much older.
705
00:37:37,080 --> 00:37:38,463
And this was used for
not hundreds,
706
00:37:38,498 --> 00:37:40,590
Possibly thousands of years.
707
00:37:40,667 --> 00:37:44,819
Narrator:
According to the ancient greeks,
figures like zeus,
708
00:37:44,854 --> 00:37:48,831
Athena and apollo
continued to guide them
709
00:37:48,909 --> 00:37:51,442
Well beyond the golden age.
710
00:37:51,519 --> 00:37:54,454
And ancient astronaut
theorists suggest
711
00:37:54,531 --> 00:37:56,280
These otherworldly beings
712
00:37:56,315 --> 00:38:00,001
Inspired an extraordinary
moment in history
713
00:38:00,036 --> 00:38:04,906
That would shape the world
for centuries to come.
714
00:38:08,929 --> 00:38:10,536
Narrator: Starting with
the harnessing of fire
715
00:38:10,647 --> 00:38:12,788
Hundreds of thousands
of years ago,
716
00:38:12,790 --> 00:38:14,815
There have been moments
in human history
717
00:38:14,817 --> 00:38:18,461
Of sudden and
significant advancement...
718
00:38:19,398 --> 00:38:21,047
...Like the renaissance,
719
00:38:21,124 --> 00:38:23,341
The industrial revolution,
720
00:38:23,376 --> 00:38:27,053
And the founding
of the united states.
721
00:38:28,331 --> 00:38:30,240
But some scholars believe
722
00:38:30,316 --> 00:38:32,183
The most significant
period of all
723
00:38:32,218 --> 00:38:36,688
Occurred in athens
around 2,500 years ago.
724
00:38:37,574 --> 00:38:39,965
In the span of
a single lifetime,
725
00:38:40,043 --> 00:38:43,194
Dozens of history's
most brilliant minds emerged
726
00:38:43,229 --> 00:38:45,746
And achieved
monumental advancements
727
00:38:45,823 --> 00:38:49,684
That would reverberate
through the ages.
728
00:38:49,760 --> 00:38:53,496
It was a time known as
the greek miracle.
729
00:38:55,125 --> 00:38:57,733
It goes almost without saying
730
00:38:57,811 --> 00:39:00,711
That without ancient greece,
731
00:39:00,713 --> 00:39:03,489
And without the so-called
greek miracle,
732
00:39:03,567 --> 00:39:06,675
Civilization today
would not be the same.
733
00:39:07,220 --> 00:39:11,330
Newman:
Some of the most profound
philosophers lived at this time.
734
00:39:11,332 --> 00:39:15,894
Plato, for instance, he created
these remarkable 3d geometries.
735
00:39:16,946 --> 00:39:18,680
The dodecahedron.
736
00:39:18,715 --> 00:39:22,266
Pythagoras related
the harmony of the cosmos
737
00:39:22,343 --> 00:39:23,509
And all within it
738
00:39:23,587 --> 00:39:26,437
To mathematical formulas
and geometry.
739
00:39:26,590 --> 00:39:29,716
And different philosophers
came up with different ideas
740
00:39:29,792 --> 00:39:32,944
Looking at this much more
kind of practical way
741
00:39:33,020 --> 00:39:36,431
Of understanding life
and the cosmos.
742
00:39:37,133 --> 00:39:40,301
Tsoukalos:
You had socrates,
hippocrates, aristotle,
743
00:39:40,336 --> 00:39:43,588
Sophocles, euripides, herodotus,
744
00:39:43,623 --> 00:39:46,107
And the list goes on.
745
00:39:46,142 --> 00:39:49,385
They all lived at the same time.
746
00:39:49,387 --> 00:39:50,978
So my question is...
747
00:39:51,722 --> 00:39:56,559
...Is it possible that
they had a direct connection
748
00:39:56,561 --> 00:39:59,562
With the physical
extraterrestrials
749
00:39:59,564 --> 00:40:04,216
That were monitoring earth
at that time?
750
00:40:04,218 --> 00:40:07,662
And my answer to that
is a resounding yes.
751
00:40:07,738 --> 00:40:10,998
Narrator:
Whether the greek miracle
happened by chance
752
00:40:11,075 --> 00:40:16,121
Or by extraterrestrial design,
one thing is certain--
753
00:40:16,156 --> 00:40:18,781
The accomplishments
of the ancient greeks
754
00:40:18,783 --> 00:40:22,293
Helped to shape the world
for centuries to come.
755
00:40:22,328 --> 00:40:24,845
We see and we experience
756
00:40:24,880 --> 00:40:26,714
The gifts of the ancient greeks
757
00:40:26,791 --> 00:40:28,424
Every day in our modern lives
758
00:40:28,426 --> 00:40:29,408
In the 21st century.
759
00:40:29,486 --> 00:40:33,004
They gave us everything
from democracy
760
00:40:33,039 --> 00:40:35,690
To the most extraordinary
architecture and art.
761
00:40:35,725 --> 00:40:39,477
We see it in our nation's
capital, in washington, d.C.
762
00:40:39,512 --> 00:40:43,148
The extraordinary
greek temple architecture.
763
00:40:43,183 --> 00:40:46,233
Kaku:
You go to paris,
you go to london,
764
00:40:46,235 --> 00:40:49,654
All the architecture comes
from ancient greece.
765
00:40:49,689 --> 00:40:52,131
And then you learned about
the mathematics
766
00:40:52,133 --> 00:40:54,450
That made these monuments
possible.
767
00:40:54,452 --> 00:40:56,210
All of that
coming from ancient greece.
768
00:40:56,287 --> 00:40:59,847
Macgillivray:
Anybody who does science
will be still using terms
769
00:40:59,849 --> 00:41:04,002
That were coined in archaic
and classical greece.
770
00:41:04,037 --> 00:41:05,803
We're still using
771
00:41:05,880 --> 00:41:07,839
Ancient greek words
and concepts.
772
00:41:07,874 --> 00:41:10,132
So the western world is very,
773
00:41:10,134 --> 00:41:13,794
Very much indebted to,
to ancient greece.
774
00:41:14,539 --> 00:41:16,380
Childress:
If it's true that
almost everything
775
00:41:16,457 --> 00:41:18,457
Of the western world
that we have today
776
00:41:18,459 --> 00:41:21,669
Has its birthplace
in ancient greece,
777
00:41:21,746 --> 00:41:23,888
Then perhaps it would mean
778
00:41:23,965 --> 00:41:27,859
That modern civilization itself
can be traced back
779
00:41:27,894 --> 00:41:30,211
To these extraterrestrials,
780
00:41:30,246 --> 00:41:32,030
These gods of olympus.
781
00:41:33,174 --> 00:41:35,057
Narrator: Could it be
that the incredible
782
00:41:35,059 --> 00:41:38,060
Mythological tales
of ancient greece
783
00:41:38,138 --> 00:41:42,181
Tell the story
of humankind's true origins?
784
00:41:42,851 --> 00:41:46,293
And that the world
we live in today is the product
785
00:41:46,295 --> 00:41:48,671
Of extraterrestrial visitation
786
00:41:48,673 --> 00:41:52,600
That took place
thousands of years ago?
787
00:41:52,677 --> 00:41:55,428
Perhaps we will
receive the answer
788
00:41:55,505 --> 00:41:59,307
When visitors descend
from the sky once again,
789
00:41:59,342 --> 00:42:03,377
And we come face-to-face
with our alien ancestors.
790
00:42:03,455 --> 00:42:06,564
Captioning provided by
a+e networks