An unidentified flying object, or UFO, in its most general definition, is any apparent anomaly in the sky that is not identifiable as a known object or phenomenon. Although its definition encompasses any unexplained aerial phenomena, in popular culture the term has generally become synonymous with an extraterrestrial spacecraft.
UFO sightings have been reported throughout recorded history and in various parts of the world, raising questions about life on other planets and whether extraterrestrials have visited Earth. They have become a major subject of interest, and the inspiration behind numerous films and books. However, sadly they are also the focus of intense ridicule.
For decades there has been a move, deliberate or not, to diminish the importance of UFOs and create a public belief that UFOs are part of some form of elaborate hoax. Nevertheless, unexplained aerial observations of UFOs have been reported throughout history, from prehistoric times up until the present day.
Some ancient depictions of flying objects in the sky were undoubtedly astronomical in nature, most probably comets, bright meteors and planets that can be seen with the naked eye, or atmospheric optical phenomena such as lenticular clouds. An example is Halley’s Comet, which was recorded first by Chinese astronomers in 240 BC and possibly as early as 467 BC. Such sightings throughout history often were treated as supernatural portents, angels, or other religious omens.
However, we cannot just assume that what our ancient ancestors saw and recorded on cave walls or in ancient texts were astronomical or environmental phenomena. Like today’s sightings, there appears to be a small percentage of sightings that are simply inexplicable. Many of the records existing from our ancient past certainly arouse curiosity, such as the prehistoric cave painting above.
The cave painting bears a striking similarity to images painted hundreds of years later in the 16th century Summer’s Triumph Tapestry. UFO imagery on this tapestry also ties in closely with modern-day UFO accounts. There are also the Aboriginal cave paintings of the Wandjina sky beings, which appear to represent alien visitors.
Hellbound and Down 