These 7,000-year-old "lizard people" statues are one of ancient history's strangest unsolved mysteries

Human fascination with otherworldly beings is no secret. From fiction novels and television shows to public conspiracy theories circulating in the mainstream and social media, topics like reptilian people, ancient aliens, and reptilian-human hybrids or shape-shifters have captured widespread attention. Conspiracy theories range from claims that members of royal families are of reptilian descent to baseless accusations that some of today's most brilliant inventors share the same origins.

While there may be many reasons behind the rise of these theories, one piece of evidence, in particular, has ignited discussions about the possible existence of real "lizard people" in ancient history.

Ancient Mesopotamia, often regarded as the world's oldest civilization, has produced countless artifacts. Still, few have stirred as much intrigue as a set of peculiar figurines that have sparked debates among archaeologists, historians, and enthusiasts of ancient mysteries. Unearthed from the prehistoric Ubaid civilization—an advanced society that once thrived in southern Mesopotamia in modern-day Iraq—these statues challenge our understanding of early human societies.

Exploring The Ubadian Civilization & Excavation

How archaeologists unearthed the figurines and what they revealed

Lizard-headed nude woman nursing a child from Iraq. Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin FRCP(Glasg), CC BY-SA 4.0  via Wikimedia Commons

Archaeologists play a significant role in uncovering mysteries daily, as they recently did in Turkey, by uncovering the tomb believed to belong to Saint Nicholas, also known as Santa Claus.

Similarly, in the twentieth century, during excavations of the Ubaid sites—Tell al-Ubaid, Ediru, Ur, and Uruk—archaeologists found 7,000-year-old figurines that depict human-like bodies with reptilian facial features. These figurines belonged to the Ubaid civilization that flourishedin Mesopotamia between 4000 and 5500 BCE.

Like other ancient civilizations such as the Indus Valley, Egyptian, and Greek, the Ubaid civilization is renowned for its advanced irrigation systems, organized villages, brick architecture, sophisticated pottery, and artistic achievements.

Among the various pottery, tools, and architectural remnants discovered, the reptilian figurines stood out due to their strange appearance: humanoid bodies with elongated heads, almond-shaped eyes, and scaled, reptilian-like skin.

Many were adorned with intricate patterns and portrayed in postures suggesting ritualistic or symbolic significance. Some figures appear to be holding infants, while others are depicted in poses of authority.

What makes these figurines puzzling is their stark difference from the human and animal representations typical of Mesopotamian art. The reptilian features of the statues are unlike anything else found in the art or mythology of the region, prompting a wave of speculation about their purpose and origin.

Unlike other artifacts from the region, which offer insights into daily life, trade, and governance, these statues appear to symbolize something far more puzzling and perhaps offer a glimpse into an ancient culture's spiritual or symbolic world and possible otherworldly contact.

Ubaid Civilization Time Period

4000–5500 BCE

Sites Excavated

Tell al-Ubaid, Eridu, Ur, Uruk

Artifacts Found

Clay humanoid figurines, painted plates, painted bowls, and painted pottery

Excavation Time Period and Lead Archaeologists

1919 by Henry Hall, 1922-1923 by Leonard Woolley, and 1937 by Pinhas Delougaz

Cultural & Historical Significance: What Do They Represent

Interpreting the mystical and ritualistic role of idols and figurines in ancient civilizations

The Ubaid reptilian statues are significant not only for their unique design but also for what they suggest about the beliefs and rituals of the Ubaid culture. The Ubaid people were among the first to establish organized settlements and develop advanced agricultural techniques. It is a lesser-known fact that Erbil Citadel in Ubaid, Iraq, is one of the oldest and best-preserved cities. However, little is known about their religious or spiritual practices, making these figurines a cryptic key to understanding their worldview.

One prevailing theory is that the statues were linked to fertility rituals. This interpretation arises from discovering many female figurines in maternal poses, cradling infants, or emphasizing the abdomen. However, the reptilian features complicate this explanation.

Some questions include whether these depictions symbolize mythological beings, gods, or supernatural forces revered by the Ubaid people. Alternatively, could they represent shamanistic or ritualistic figures, perhaps wearing masks or costumes to embody animal spirits?

A more speculative theory is the possibility of an extraterrestrial connection, such as the widely studied Anunnakis. Popular among ancient astronaut theorists, this view suggests that the statues may represent beings from another world who interacted with or influenced the Ubaid civilization, providing them with the knowledge and technology needed to survive.

While our understanding of alien life remains speculative, several alien-looking creatures on Earth raise questions about the existence of life beyond fiction. The absence of written records from the Ubaid period leaves us with more questions than answers.

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By Niki Kay / Journalist

Qualifications Journalism NYU'25 | Travel Content Creator | Group Trips Host | Podcaster | Writer

(Source: thetravel.com; January 4, 2025; https://tinyurl.com/2bx7l6js)
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