Paleocontact

Originally proposed by Matest M. Agrest on a serious academic level, Paleocontact refers to the theory that advanced extraterrestrials have played an influential role in the human origin and development as a civilization. See the works of Charles Fort, Erich von Däniken, Zecharia Sitchin and Richard Hoagland.

While there were not found artifacts that would suggest a contact with higher developed civilization, some authors think that they do. For a brief list of such of "anachronisms" see the article Anachronism and time travel.

Many other authors are using ancient mythologies to support their theories, many of the extraordinary adventures of the gods being interpreted as being modern technologies, as seen from the perspective of a simple-minded earthman.

One classical example is the Vimanas, flying machines that can be found in the Vedic literature of India.

Also, a frequent theme that can be encountered in many old mythologies: a person that comes from far away as a god or as the archetype of a "civilizing hero" brings knowledge to mankind.

See also: ancient astronaut theory