We have all heard our fair share of conspiratorial speculation in regards to our government, society, and general acknowledgement of facts. When it comes to these theories, it often becomes tempting not to indulge in more. The far-fetched, psychological perplexities stimulate our thoughts into questioning: what if? Here are the top five most outlandish, elaborate, and outright laughable conspiracy theories in our contemporary society.

5) Bohemian Grove

Bohemian Grove is allegedly one of the most satanic, inhumane, and evidently evil manifestations of power by the elites. Every year, the Grove hosts meetings of some of the world’s most powerful men, including former presidents and high-end business executives. According to the theory, many particularly influential agreements are made during this period, dramatically altering political decisions as well as foreign policy.

But that’s only a fraction of the beliefs held by theorists: some, such as famed Alex Jones, insist that a variety of ritualistic sacrifices occur. In July 2000, Jones ‘successfully’ infiltrated the meetings and captured footage which he later published to YouTube. Whether the authenticity of the video and of multiple other sources can be trusted or not, this theory certainly holds a position as one of the most whimsical interpretations of an event.

4) Geoengineering

The theory of governmentally-enforced weather modification through the use of chemtrails and other various techniques has been reinforced by multiple conspiracy believers for years. Many of them claim that there is a clear dichotomy between contrails – which are primarily water vapor – and chemtrails, which are supposedly chemical gases purposely injected into the atmosphere.

Now, the basis for their alleged existence varies. Some, such as those at GeoEngineeringWatch.org, claim that these chemicals are sprayed to alter or outright entirely control weather patterns. They blame the 2014 drought in California on the use of these trails, perhaps as a form of population control by the US government. Some others suggest that these trails are focused on combating global warming by blocking sunlight and thus stabilizing Earth’s temperatures. Likely the most radical idea, however, is the claim that all of this geoengineering is capable of controlling otherwise natural extreme weather situations such as hurricanes and tornadoes.

3) Aliens Built the Pyramids  

This one is self-explanatory: aliens in UFOs came down to Earth thousands of years ago in order to build the substantial pyramid structures in Egypt. Theorists speculate that the complexity and engineering capacity to create such an architectural feat would be impossible in the Egyptian time period, especially since a majority of the stone blocks used were extraordinarily hefty in both size and mass.

Even more, the pyramids are built in such precise alignment with the North Pole and the star constellation Orion’s Belt. These astronomical achievements are proof that in some magnitude, ancient Egyptians had advanced mathematical algorithms making them capable of such an accomplishment. For some, the lack of technological development during this time period is indicative of extraterrestrial involvement, potentially providing knowledge and resources to the ancient civilization.

2) Reptiles Control the World

If you aren’t baffled yet, this one will surely trigger a spark of uncertainty. Popularized by former BBC reporter David Icke, this theory describes the shape-shifting reptilian species that controls the world by taking on human roles as corporate executives, government officials, and top diplomats. The theory has gone so far that even a list of common signs detailing the nature of these “lizard people” was compiled by conspiratorial website Alien Hub, providing warning signals such as piercing eyes and unexplained scars on the body.

Some of the accused reptile-human species are Queen Elizabeth II, Nikola Tesla, Anderson Cooper, and yes, even the Pope. The Pope’s Audience Hall has been marked as a nod to the reptilians according to some theorists, who claim that the architectural style of the building closely resembles a lizard from both the outside and the inside.

1) 1721; Not 2018

Where did 300 years of history go? It never existed, according to the Phantom Time Hypothesis. This historical conspiracy theory proposed by Heribert Illig states that the period 614-911 A.D. never legitimately occurred, as a result of several factors. Illig theorizes that the alteration of historical documents and historical figures is indicative of a period that was fraudulently inserted in time.

Much of this claim however, is both difficult to prove and similarly difficult to disprove. Illig’s evidence spans a variety of contextual clues, yet in large, they lack sufficient correlation towards the interpretation. Some of this includes inadequately sourced artifacts, largely forged documents, and errors between the Julian and Gregorian calendars. Regardless, this hole in history is certainly thrilling to wonder about.