Osher Lifelong Learning- Ancient Astronauts

Robert Chadwick, Department of Religion, Bishop’s University Junk archaeology titles are easy to find in bookstores, and the Internet abounds with sites that claim to solve the mysteries of the past with the help of spiritual forces or now-lost technologies known only to the ancients. According to the purveyors of Archaeo-Fakes, area 51 (Nevada) is one of many Alien Landing Sites that still holds its secrets about visitors from other galaxies — secrets “the government” is hiding from its truth-seeking citizens. Make-believe documentaries hosted by actors dressed-up to look like Indiana Jones offer explanations of the past that they claim have escaped misguided (or dumb), professional archaeologists. With all the information available how does the interested lay-person know what’s factual and what is not? This presentation will offer some suggestions on how to separate the fake facts from the real ones.