The Wildest Theories
A curated collection of the most speculative alternative theories in mythology
and ancient mysteries. Presented for completeness and cultural documentation,
not as credible historical claims.
Confidence: Highly Speculative
Evidence: Minimal to None
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
The theories presented on this page are not supported by mainstream science,
archaeology, or academic consensus. They are included here for cultural and
historical documentation purposes only - to show how certain ideas have influenced
popular mythology, fiction, and alternative belief systems.
Many of these theories have problematic origins, including antisemitic conspiracy
thinking, colonial-era racism, or simple hoaxes. We present them with full transparency
about their sources and lack of credible evidence. Inclusion does not equal
endorsement.
📋 Why Document These?
While these theories lack credible evidence, they have significantly influenced:
- Popular fiction: Science fiction, fantasy literature, video games
- New Age spirituality: Contemporary mystical movements
- Internet culture: Memes, online communities, conspiracy spaces
- Mythological thinking: How people process mystery and the unknown
Understanding these theories helps us recognize them when encountered and understand
their appeal. Academic study of fringe beliefs is itself a legitimate field
(folkloristics, sociology of belief, media studies).
The theory proposes that Earth is hollow with openings at the poles, containing
advanced civilizations such as Agartha or Shambhala. Inner-Earth beings are said
to possess advanced technology and occasionally contact surface dwellers. Some
versions claim Nazi expeditions sought these entrances.
Primary Sources
- Edmond Halley's hollow Earth hypothesis (1692)
- John Cleves Symmes Jr. "Symmes' Hole" theory (1818)
- Willis George Emery's "The Smoky God" (1908)
- Raymond Bernard's "The Hollow Earth" (1964)
- Buddhist/Hindu Shambhala traditions (misappropriated)
Scientific Problems
- Seismic wave data conclusively maps Earth's interior as solid
- Gravitational measurements incompatible with hollow structure
- Polar expeditions and satellite imagery show no openings
- Mass/density calculations prove solid core
Confidence: None
Evidence: Disproven
Claims that shapeshifting reptilian humanoids control world governments and
maintain power through interbreeding with human bloodlines. Proponents cite
ancient serpent worship and dragon legends as evidence of historical reptilian
contact. Often connected to claims about specific families or institutions.
Primary Sources
- David Icke's "The Biggest Secret" (1999)
- Zecharia Sitchin's Anunnaki interpretations
- Various internet forums and documentaries (2000s-present)
- Misreadings of Sumerian/Babylonian mythology
Serious Concerns
- Rooted in antisemitic conspiracy tropes (blood libel, secret controllers)
- No biological evidence for shapeshifting or hybrid species
- Misrepresents ancient serpent symbolism (wisdom, healing, cosmic cycles)
- Used to dehumanize targeted groups
Confidence: None
Evidence: None
A modern interpretation suggesting ancient mystics understood reality as a
simulation or illusion (Maya, Plato's Cave, Buddhist emptiness) in ways that
parallel contemporary simulation hypothesis. Some claim ancient texts contain
coded references to our reality being "programmed" by higher beings.
Cited Ancient Concepts
- Hindu concept of Maya (illusion)
- Plato's Allegory of the Cave
- Gnostic Demiurge as "false god" creator
- Buddhist Sunyata (emptiness)
- Nick Bostrom's Simulation Argument (2003) - modern
Interpretive Issues
- Anachronistic - imposes modern computing concepts on ancient thought
- Maya/illusion concepts have different philosophical meaning than "simulation"
- Ancient thinkers had no framework for computational substrates
- Superficial similarity does not indicate equivalent understanding
Confidence: Speculative
Evidence: Interpretive Only
The theory that certain mythological figures were actually time travelers from
the future, explaining their "prophetic" knowledge and technological descriptions.
Some proponents claim that "out of place artifacts" (OOPArts) are evidence of
future technology brought to the past.
Commonly Cited "Evidence"
- Vimana descriptions in Indian texts
- Ezekiel's vision of "wheels within wheels"
- Baghdad Battery and Antikythera Mechanism
- John Titor internet posts (2000-2001)
- Various alleged "time traveler" photographs
Logical Problems
- Time travel to the past may be physically impossible (causality)
- OOPArts have conventional explanations or are hoaxes
- Ancient technology descriptions match their cultural context
- "Time traveler" photos are misidentified objects or doctored
Confidence: None
Evidence: Misinterpreted
Claims that crystal skulls (particularly the Mitchell-Hedges skull) are ancient
artifacts of Mayan, Atlantean, or extraterrestrial origin possessing mystical
powers. Said to function as computers storing ancient knowledge, healing devices,
or communication devices with other dimensions.
Primary Sources
- F.A. Mitchell-Hedges' claims about the "Skull of Doom" (1920s-1950s)
- Frank Dorland's psychic research (1960s-70s)
- Joshua Shapiro's "Mysteries of the Crystal Skulls Revealed" (1989)
- New Age channeling claims
Scientific Findings
- British Museum testing shows 19th-century European manufacture
- Tool marks from modern rotary equipment visible under microscopy
- No pre-Columbian provenance for any major crystal skull
- Mitchell-Hedges skull likely purchased at Sotheby's auction (1943)
Confidence: None
Evidence: Debunked Hoaxes
Proposes that Atlantean survivors preserved advanced technology after the
cataclysm, passing it to Egypt, the Maya, and other civilizations. This
"hidden knowledge" allegedly explains pyramid construction, astronomical
precision, and other ancient achievements. Some claim secret societies still
guard Atlantean secrets.
Primary Sources
- Ignatius Donnelly's "Atlantis: The Antediluvian World" (1882)
- Helena Blavatsky's "The Secret Doctrine" (1888)
- Edgar Cayce's psychic readings (1920s-1940s)
- Graham Hancock's alternative history books (1990s-present)
Archaeological Reality
- No evidence of trans-oceanic technology transfer in the archaeological record
- Ancient civilizations show clear local developmental sequences
- Pyramid construction techniques well-documented through archaeology
- Denies genuine achievement of non-European peoples (colonial roots)
Confidence: None
Evidence: None
The theory that Earth's Moon is an artificial structure - a hollow spacecraft
placed in orbit by ancient aliens or an advanced civilization. Proponents cite
the Moon's precise orbital mechanics, seismic "ringing" from Apollo impacts,
and mythological accounts of "no Moon" in ancient times.
Primary Sources
- Vasin and Shcherbakov's "Is the Moon the Creation of Alien Intelligence?" (1970)
- Don Wilson's "Our Mysterious Spaceship Moon" (1975)
- Various interpretations of Apollo mission anomalies
- Zulu legends of "no Moon" (as reported by Credo Mutwa)
Scientific Refutation
- Lunar samples show natural formation over 4.5 billion years
- Seismic data shows partially molten core, not hollow
- Giant impact hypothesis well-supported by evidence
- "Precise" orbit is result of natural tidal locking
Confidence: None
Evidence: Disproven
Reinterprets ancient accounts of automatons, golems, and artificial servants
as evidence that past civilizations possessed artificial intelligence. From
Hephaestus' golden maidens to Jewish golems to Chinese mechanical men, these
legends are said to describe actual AI technology, possibly inherited from
Atlantis or given by extraterrestrials.
Cited Mythological Accounts
- Hephaestus' automatons (golden maidens, Talos) - Greek
- Golem of Prague legends - Jewish mysticism
- Yan Shi's mechanical man - Chinese (3rd century BCE account)
- Daedalus' moving statues - Greek
- Hindu Vimana pilots described as "non-breathing"
Contextual Understanding
- Automata myths express wonder at divine creative power, not technology
- No archaeological evidence of ancient computing devices
- Ancient mechanical devices (Antikythera) are analog, not AI
- Imposes modern AI concepts on pre-scientific worldviews
Confidence: Speculative
Evidence: Reinterpretation Only
🧠 Why Do These Theories Persist?
Despite lack of evidence, fringe theories maintain significant followings. Understanding
why helps us engage more thoughtfully with those who hold these beliefs:
Psychological Factors
- Pattern recognition: Humans evolved to find patterns, sometimes seeing them where none exist
- Agency detection: We tend to attribute events to intentional agents rather than chance
- Proportionality bias: Big events seem to require big causes (mundane explanations feel insufficient)
- Need for meaning: Mysterious explanations can feel more meaningful than mundane ones
Social Factors
- Community: Belief communities provide social belonging and identity
- Distrust of institutions: When institutions fail people, alternative explanations gain appeal
- Information environment: Social media amplifies fringe content through engagement algorithms
- Entertainment value: These ideas are genuinely fascinating regardless of truth value
⚖️ Engaging Responsibly
If you encounter these theories in the wild:
- Ask about sources: Where does this claim originate? Who benefits?
- Check for falsifiability: What evidence would disprove this theory?
- Consider simpler explanations: Does Occam's Razor suggest a mundane alternative?
- Examine assumptions: Does this theory assume ancient people couldn't achieve things on their own?
- Be compassionate: Mockery rarely changes minds; curiosity about why someone believes something is more productive