Cydonians; a.k.a. Martians, Ancients of Mars, Red Planet Builders, or the Architects of Cydonia; are believed to be a long-extinct, sapient humanoid race native to the planet Mars. Theorized to have flourished millions of years ago when Mars still had a thicker atmosphere and liquid water, they are most widely associated with the mysterious landforms in the Cydonia region, particularly the infamous "Face on Mars" and other geometric formations believed by some to be ancient ruins or city structures.
Popularized in the late 20th century by researchers and fringe theorists alike, the hypothesis suggests that these beings possessed advanced knowledge of astronomy, architecture, and possibly even interplanetary travel. Their civilization may have collapsed due to cataclysmic natural events, self-inflicted warfare, or a gradual planetary extinction.
The Cydonia hypothesis remains speculative and controversial, often dismissed by mainstream science as pareidolia and natural geological processes. However, it continues to fuel UFOlogical, ancient astronaut, and exoarchaeological interest.
Biology[]
Though no biological remains have been confirmed or recovered, alleged psychic accounts, remote viewing experiments, and speculative reconstructions describe the Cydonians as tall, thin humanoids with elongated skulls and prominent cranial ridges (possibly an adaptation to Mars' lower gravity and thin atmosphere.) Their skin was said to be copper-red or pale gray, with large, dark eyes adapted to the planet’s dimmer sunlight. Some interpretations describe them as insectoid or amphibious in origin, perhaps reflecting a divergent evolutionary path from Earth’s primates. Some say they looked similar to greys. Skeptics argue these descriptions are derived from myth, pareidolia, and imagination rather than evidence.
Culture and society[]
Head structure in Galaxias Chaos, near where a supposed nuclear blast occurred on mars
According to the hypothesis, the Cydonian civilization was highly advanced, potentially surpassing even early human societies. Their cities were said to be arranged with mathematical precision, possibly aligned to astronomical events or the Martian solstices. The most famous of these is the so-called "City Complex" near the Face on Mars, which includes structures resembling pyramids, mounds, and what some interpret as a ruined fortress.
The Face itself, first photographed in 1976 by NASA’s Viking 1 orbiter, is believed by proponents to be a monument or religious sculpture (perhaps a funerary mask or a symbol of divine kingship.) Others suggest it could be the work of an ancient AI or an alien species the Cydonians contacted.
It is theorized that the Cydonians had a deeply spiritual culture, possibly involving ritualistic worship of celestial bodies, including Earth. Some propose that survivors of the Martian collapse may have traveled to Earth and contacted early human civilizations, forming the basis of ancient gods or deities.
Cydonian subtypes[]
Sages of the North[]
Said to be the ruling caste or priestly class of the Martian civilization. These tall, ascetic beings were rumored to possess immense telepathic abilities and governed through prophecy, science, and ceremonial knowledge. Their likeness may be carved into the Face structure.
Architects[]
Believed to be the builders of the pyramidal structures and subterranean cities beneath the Martian surface. These Martians were deeply mathematical, leaving behind a legacy of geometric perfection and possible encoded messages within the layout of Cydonia.
Martian Survivors[]
Some UFOlogists and remote viewers claim that not all Martians perished. A remnant population may have survived in underground shelters, escaped to the Martian moon Phobos, or even migrated to Earth. Some theorize if the greys or other UFOlogy species are descendants of the Cydonians
In popular culture[]
- The Cydonian Martians appear prominently in Richard C. Hoagland’s The Monuments of Mars, a foundational text in the Cydonia hypothesis.
- The 1996 film Mission to Mars depicts ancient Martians who seeded life on Earth after a planetary catastrophe.
- In The X-Files, references to Cydonia and the Face are tied to secret government knowledge of extraterrestrial life.
- The strategy game X-COM: UFO Defense features Mars as the origin point of alien invaders, inspired by Cydonian lore.
- In Arthur C. Clarke’s 2001: A Space Odyssey series, ancient monoliths left by alien intelligence echo themes similar to the Cydonia theory.
References[]
- Hoagland, Richard C. The Monuments of Mars: A City on the Edge of Forever.
- McDaniel, Stanley V. The McDaniel Report.
- NASA Viking Mission Archives
- Evidence of Artificial nuclear blasts on Mars
- Institute for Cooperation in Space (ICIS)
External links[]
- Cydonia Institute
- NASA's Mars Missions Archive
- [Face on Mars image gallery – Jet Propulsion Laboratory]
Notes[]
The Cydonia hypothesis remains one of the most enduring examples of speculative exoarchaeology. While dismissed by planetary scientists, it continues to inspire debate, art, and alternative history narratives, suggesting that the mystery of Mars may not be fully resolved for decades to come.