Buzz
There's no question that UFO sightings surged after World War II ended. Following the Roswell incident, the subject became a cultural phenomenon, capturing widespread attention as the 1940s transitioned into the 1950s. It seemed as though everyone was spotting strange objects in the sky. Yet, unexplained aerial phenomena have been documented throughout much of recorded history.
UFOs have appeared in historical records dating back to the early 1900s, as well as throughout much of the 18th and 19th centuries. Additionally, there are numerous accounts from thousands of years ago that, when viewed through a modern lens, strongly resemble contemporary UFO sightings. If even a fraction of these ancient accounts hold any truth, it seems that UFOs—whatever they may be—have had an ongoing interest in human beings for millennia. Below are ten such recorded UFO encounters.
10. Torch In The Sky, 343 BC
According to the writings of Diodorus Siculus, during his journey from Corinth to Sicily around 343 BC, Timoleon witnessed several bright lights, or 'lampas,' that illuminated his path.
Although it was interpreted as a divine sign of assistance, from a modern perspective, this could very well be considered a UFO sighting. The text states, “All through the night he was preceded by a torch blazing in the sky up to the moment when the squadron made harbor in Italy.” Interestingly, Timoleon also claimed to have been forewarned of “fame and glory” during this celestial guidance, hinting at a possible form of communication beyond a mere sighting—perhaps even telepathic contact, a phenomenon often reported in contemporary UFO encounters.
Many historians have suggested the sighting was simply a comet or a meteor shower. However, there is no record of such events, and in addition, the lights were visible continuously and remained in a fixed direction until the squadron reached the shores of Italy—behavior inconsistent with how a comet or meteor would typically act.
9. The Second Punic War Sightings, 218–201 BC
During the Second Punic War, between 218 and 201 BC, there were numerous reports of strange aerial phenomena. Rome’s Annales maximi documented several of these incidents.
In 218 BC, witnesses described ships gleaming in the sky, emerging from the clouds. Two years later, in 216 BC, another sighting occurred—this time, reports of “gleaming round shields” soaring through the air. These descriptions are remarkably similar to modern-day UFO sightings.
Many UFO sightings have occurred during times of conflict, a pattern that continues in modern wars. Researchers argue that the chaos of war may create conditions that increase UFO activity. These events are often witnessed by multiple individuals. These two factors form the context for the following entries.
8. The Three Moons Sighting, 122 BC
In around 122 BC, over the skies of Ariminium, Italy, several reports emerged of 'three moons' appearing together in the sky. Remarkably, these objects were visible both during daylight and at night.
Pliny the Elder recorded this event in Book II of his *Natural History*, stating, 'Three moons have appeared at once in the consulship of Gnaeus Domitius and Gaius Fannius.' Additionally, another account in Book I of *Roman History* describes, 'At Ariminium bright light like the day blazed out at night,' with 'three moons becoming visible' in various parts of the country.
The true nature of these 'three moons' remains a subject of debate. Some historians suggest that they were simply an atmospheric phenomenon, though whether this would have been notable enough for contemporaneous writers to record is a matter of interpretation.
7. The Roman Army, 74 BC
As the Roman army advanced towards a confrontation with King Mithridates VI’s forces, in what is now modern-day Turkey, both armies experienced something completely extraordinary.
This event, which occurred in 74 BC, was recorded by the historian Plutarch. (It's important to note that Plutarch was not alive during this time.) He described how, despite clear and pleasant weather, a sudden boom echoed over the area, followed by a flash across the sky. He then wrote, 'A huge, flame-like body was seen to fall between the two armies.'
Plutarch went on to provide a detailed description of the object. He described it as shaped like a wine jar and glowing with the color of molten silver. The object landed between the two armies, halting their advance. Both armies, both intrigued and frightened by the mysterious craft before them, began to retreat, temporarily ending the conflict.
6. The Hanging Comet, 12 BC
Little is known about this particular incident, but its strange nature at a time when the sky should have been largely empty makes it noteworthy. In 12 BC, a mysterious 'comet-like' object simply hovered over Rome for several days. It then 'melted' into flashes that resembled torchlight.
The brief account does not mention any noise or loud sounds, which suggests it was not the result of a sudden explosion. Could this be a case of a mothership dispersing smaller, probe-like crafts after surveying the area during its hovering?
It is also worth considering that accounts from Roman history may warrant more credibility than others. Roman historians and recorders of current events had to follow strict procedures to ensure the reliability and accuracy of their reports. Only after these checks could an account be officially recorded.
5. Chariots In The Clouds, AD 70
One of the most well-documented ancient sightings comes from Josephus in AD 70. In his account, a strange and unsettling spectacle appeared over the skies of Judea. Josephus wrote, 'Chariots and troops of soldiers in their armour were seen running about among the clouds.' He described the event as 'a miraculous phenomenon, passing belief.'
What stands out about this particular sighting is Josephus's awareness that others might dismiss his account. Thankfully, there were other witnesses to the event, as Josephus mentions that the event would likely have been 'deemed a fable were it not for the narratives of eyewitnesses' who had seen it as well.
The events were not isolated, as similar phenomena were reported throughout the country. 'Armed battalions hurtling through the clouds' were seen over every city, and 'great noise' rained down from above, causing 'quakes' on the ground. The Roman historian Tacitus also referenced the event in his writings, stating, 'In the sky appeared a vision of armies in conflict, of glittering armour.'
As improbable as it may sound, the descriptions suggest an aerial battle was taking place.
4. Sighting By The Brother Of Pope Pius I, AD 150
Although some doubts arise due to the fact that he was the only witness, it is said that the brother of Pope Pius I saw a UFO around AD 150 in Via Campana, Italy.
The sighting occurred in the middle of the afternoon on a bright, sunny day. According to the witness, out of nowhere, an object, which the brother described as 'a beast,' descended from the sky. It was shaped like 'a piece of pottery' and had a top adorned with multiple colors that emitted 'fiery rays.'
The object landed on the ground, stirring up clouds of dust. Once the dust cleared, 'a maiden clad in white' was seen standing near the object.
The account ends there, but modern UFO researchers have noted numerous reports of 'angelic aliens' dressed entirely in white. Could this have been one of them?
3. Magonia, AD 815
Another strange aerial sighting was recorded in AD 816 in what is now Lyon, France. The event was chronicled by Agobard of Lyon in his work, De Grandine et Tonitruis.
Agobard documented his encounter with Magonia, a mysterious realm in the clouds where 'aerial sailors' and their flying ships are said to live and occasionally descend from. It's a fascinating claim.
According to the writings, three men and a woman fell from these aerial ships and were attacked by the locals, but Agobard stepped in to save them from certain 'death.' The fate of these four 'aerial sailors' afterward, however, remains unknown.
The mythical Magonia and its origins are believed to date back to Agobard’s records. In more recent times, renowned UFO researcher Jacques Vallee delved into the subject in his book, Passport to Magonia, which examined alleged UFO encounters from the distant past.
2. Flaming Shield, AD 776
During a time when much of present-day Europe was known as Francia (or the Kingdom of the Franks), Sigiburg, located in what is now Dortmund, was under attack by battalions of Saxon soldiers.
As the attack continued, a strange object appeared in the sky above. It was described as 'the likeness of two large flaming shields, reddish in color' and appeared to hover in place. The advancing Saxon army, struck with fear, immediately turned around, abandoning their siege of Sigiburg and retreating in haste to safety.
The account is preserved in the Annales Laurissenses maiores, Latin annals that document much of the region's history from AD 741 to 829. Although the author remains unknown, it's believed that events were recorded by contemporary writers and later compiled into the final work.
1. Angel Hair Incident, AD 196
Angel Hair is a chalky, silvery substance that sometimes falls to the ground after UFO sightings. Many such incidents are documented throughout the 20th century, but reports of similar occurrences stretch back to ancient times. In 214 BC, 'rains of chalk' were reported in Cales, and a similar event took place in Rome in 98 BC.
Perhaps the most notable ancient angel hair incident was recorded by Cassius Dio, who described in AD 196 'a fine rain resembling silver' falling over the city of Rome. Remarkably, this occurred without a cloud in the sky and on a bright day. Though Dio did not witness the phenomenon as it happened, he came across the silver-like substance on the ground shortly afterward.
He used three bronze coins to gather some of the strange residue for further examination. In his report, he noted that the substance remained for three days, but by the fourth day, it had completely vanished.
