In the heart of the Mexican jungle lies one of the most fascinating archaeological sites of the ancient world — Palenque, a powerful Mayan city-state that thrived over a thousand years ago. Among its many remarkable discoveries, one artifact continues to baffle researchers and ignite imaginations around the world: the elaborately carved sarcophagus lid of King Pakal the Great.
This stone relief, which covers the tomb of Pakal deep within the Temple of the Inscriptions, has become the centerpiece of one of the most enduring and controversial theories of our time — the ancient astronaut hypothesis.
A Man in a Machine? At first glance, the carving depicts a figure in a reclining position surrounded by intricate patterns. But to the curious eye, it looks like something far more advanced. The central figure — presumed to be Pakal himself — appears to be seated in a capsule, leaning forward with hands on what some interpret as control levers, and feet pressing on pedals. Behind him, complex shapes resemble mechanical components: propulsion flames, tubes, and even what some describe as an exhaust pipe.
This striking resemblance to modern spacecraft has led many to ask: could this be a representation of a man piloting a spaceship, created more than a millennium ago?
Where Did the Theory Come From? The idea of the «Palenque Astronaut» was first popularized by Swiss author Erich von Däniken in his 1968 book Chariots of the Gods?. In it, he argued that many ancient civilizations had contact with extraterrestrials, and that advanced beings had visited Earth in the distant past, sharing technology and knowledge. The carving on Pakal’s tomb, he claimed, was clear visual evidence.
Von Däniken’s ideas were met with criticism by academics but embraced by many alternative historians, sci-fi fans, and curious thinkers. The image quickly became iconic — printed in books, documentaries, and even pop culture references.
What Do Mainstream Archaeologists Say? Traditional Mayan scholars interpret the carving quite differently. According to experts, the image is a symbolic depiction of Pakal’s journey to the underworld, in line with Mayan mythology and cosmology.
In this view, the «spacecraft» is actually a representation of the World Tree, a central symbol in Mayan beliefs that connects the heavens, Earth, and the underworld. The “flames” below are not propulsion systems, but stylized depictions of the underworld. Pakal isn’t flying — he’s descending into the afterlife, returning to the gods.
From this perspective, the entire scene is rich with spiritual symbolism, not technological imagery.
Could Both Be True? What makes the Palenque Astronaut so captivating is not just the carving itself, but the questions it raises. Why does an ancient depiction of an afterlife journey resemble something so familiar to modern eyes? Are we projecting our technology onto ancient art, or is there something more?
Some argue that similarities between modern machines and ancient carvings across various cultures — from Egypt to Mesopotamia to Mesoamerica — suggest shared influences or forgotten knowledge. Others insist that such comparisons are purely coincidental, a case of pattern recognition gone wild.
Why It Still Matters Regardless of what you believe, the mystery of the Palenque Astronaut taps into a deeper human instinct — the need to understand where we come from, and whether we’re alone in the universe.
Whether it’s a cosmic coincidence, an artistic masterpiece, or a glimpse into a forgotten past, this carving continues to inspire new generations of thinkers, explorers, and storytellers.
🛸 Could ancient civilizations have had help from above? Or were they simply more advanced — or imaginative — than we’ve ever given them credit for?
