Are There Serious Sources on the Findings of Giant Human Skeletons from the 19th and Early 20th Century?

The reports of giant human skeletons found in the 19th and early 20th centuries are largely considered to be hoaxes or misinterpretations of archaeological finds. While there were numerous newspaper articles and sensational stories about the discovery of giant skeletons, many of these claims lacked rigorous scientific validation and were often based on anecdotal evidence or exaggerated accounts.

Lack of Scientific Evidence

Many of the reported finds were not documented in a scientifically rigorous manner. When examined by archaeologists or anthropologists, the evidence often proved to be fabricated or misidentified. For instance, the famous Albuquerque Giant was revealed to be a hoaxed account based on a common practice of that time.

Hoaxes and Misinterpretations

Some of these reports were later revealed to be hoaxes. For example, the so-called Albuquerque Giant was actually a combination of a fox skull, airplane debris, and human bones. Another example is the Morro Bay Giant, which was discovered and sold as a true find but was later exposed as a hoax. Such false finds contributed to the public's fascination with the idea of giant skeletons.

Criticism from the Scientific Community

The scientific community has generally dismissed these claims. Scholars emphasize the importance of peer-reviewed research and credible archaeological methodology, which were often absent in many of these sensational reports. Instead, the media often focused on sensationalism rather than scientific rigor.

Cultural Context

The fascination with giants in folklore and mythology may have contributed to the popularity of these stories. Many cultures have tales of giant beings, which likely fueled public interest and belief in such discoveries. For example, the story of Thorvald Riberg, a supposed giant skeleton, gained widespread attention due to its association with Norse mythology and local folklore.

Modern Archaeological Standards

Today, any claims regarding the discovery of giant skeletons would be subjected to strict archaeological standards. This includes proper excavation techniques, peer review, and verification through multiple lines of evidence. Any findings would undergo rigorous testing to ensure that they are not fabricated or misidentified.

In summary, while there are numerous historical accounts of giant skeleton finds, these are not supported by credible scientific evidence and are often regarded as myths or hoaxes. Any serious investigation into this topic should involve cross-referencing historical newspapers with modern archaeological critiques to gain a more accurate understanding of these claims.

**Keywords:** giant skeletons, 19th century, archaeological hoaxes