EXPLORING THE THEORY OF ANCIENT ASTRONAUTS IN MAYA ICONOGRAPHY

Unearthed from the Temple of Inscriptions in Palenque, Mexico, a Maya tombstone seemingly portrays a human figure in what could be mistaken for a space traveler's position, seemingly aiming to steer a rocket-like vehicle. The depicted individual appears to clasp onto what might be steering controls. Additionally, an apparatus, resembling an engine, is discernible at the vehicle's rear, emitting what could be interpreted as flames. Other intriguing details hint towards the existence of a seat, a breathing apparatus, and a conical outer formation that aligns with the visual perception of a rocket vehicle.

Despite the passage of time, there are still proponents that advocate the depiction as an alien ensconced in its space capsule. However, the factual explanation is less fantastical. Frequently, these theorists undermine human creativity and instead, resort to extravagant and scientifically unsubstantiated ideas to interpret what is essentially a testament to human ingenuity and ancient thought processes.

In fact, several other Maya tombstones unearthed in Palenque, such as those found in the Temple of the Cross and the Temple of the Cross Fronzuta, bear similar symbolic representations as this 'astronaut' image. Within the context of Maya art, these figures are typically construed as the "Earth Monster" – a guardian of the underworld, often misinterpreted as the spaceship's underside. Other symbols include a cross-shaped object (likely representing a maize plant), a quetzal bird (a solar symbol indicating life's source), and several others. Consequently, it is largely accepted that the stone scene most likely portrays a priest or king at the point of death, transitioning between the realm of the living and the afterlife.

Furthermore, we have established the burial date as late 7th century CE, which indisputably contradicts the ancient alien visitation theory championed by von Däniken and his followers.

Source: Arqueologia/CICAP