In the world of pseudo-archaeology, the idea of a possible intervention in the evolution of homo-sapiens, by extraterrestrial forces is not uncommon.  Authors like Erich Von Daniken, who became fixated on the notion of ‘Ancient Astronauts’, point to the rapid advancement in science and technology in early human history, as evidence for their hypothesis that early human civilizations were visited by extraterrestrial beings who then either bred with humans allowing for humanity to evolve into a more intelligent species thus allowing for their scientific advancements, or that the extraterrestrial beings taught early humans and gave them access to their technology.  It is undoubtedly true that early humans made numerous astounding achievements such as the construction of the pyramids that remain an impressive feat even by modern standards, and more so when considering their lack of resources and modern tools. However, looking through human history these advancements are not out of pace with the rapid progression of humanity’s technological advancement.  Over the last millennia alone mankind has created planes, television, modern medicine, computers and more. Denying the possibility that these early human civilizations would have been able to create these scientific advancements, denies mankind’s entire history and our legacy of innovation.  Furthermore, it promotes racist ethnocentric ideals, as it is typically the indigenous groups of color that have their achievements scrutinized and labeled an impossibility.  Especially, when we take into account that for many of these achievements there are written records that tell historians how these achievements were produced.  Pseudo-Archaeologists like Von Daniken chose to ignore primary evidence that explains how these advancements were made and deny these indigenous groups their history. 

A prime example of this is the case of the Dendra “Light Bulb”, in this case pseudo-archaeologist like Von Daniken point to a carved mural in an ancient Egyptian temple. Interestingly, the mural does depict an object that resembles a modern-day lightbulb.  Because of this pseudo-archaeologist claim that this must be proof that Egyptians had at one point harnessed electricity. Despite the fact that this hugely popular claim is ridiculous in and of itself yet continues to garner support amongst the ‘Ancient Astronauts’ believers, it is made all the more ridiculous when there are numerous documents by Egyptologists that debunk this claim. There is wide known, proof that this mural depicts a popular ancient Egyptian myth. Yet, in an absurd act of insubordination pseudo-archaeologist choose to ignore this information, and continue to use the Dendra “Light Bulb” as evidence for their outlandish claims, used to devalue and undermine the achievements of early mankind.