Brien Foerster

Brien Foerster
Add a Photo
Born	1956 (age 69–70) Rochester, Minnesota, U.S.
Citizenship	American
Alma mater	University of Victoria
Occupation	Researcher Author Lecturer Tour operator

Brien Foerster (born 1956 in Rochester, Minnesota, U.S.) is a self-described independent researcher, author, lecturer, and tour operator known for advocating controversial theories about ancient civilizations, megalithic architecture, and elongated human skulls — especially in Peru. He runs the tour company Hidden Inca Tours, and promotes what is often called “alternative archaeology.”

Early life and background

Foerster grew up on the west coast of Canada. As a youth, he became interested in Indigenous carving traditions, and later trained as a wood sculptor. According to his biography, after completing an Honours Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Victoria, he pursued carving and sculpture full-time, producing totem poles, masks, and other Native-style works. In 1995, he moved to Maui, Hawaii, where he reportedly worked as assistant project manager on building a 62-foot double-hull sailing canoe. Over time, his interests shifted toward ancient cultures, especially in the Andes — leading him to relocate to Peru.

Career, tours, and publications

In Peru Foerster founded Hidden Inca Tours.Through this company he offers guided tours to archaeological and “mystery” sites in Peru and beyond — including megalithic sites in South America and Egypt. He is also a prolific writer: according to his own site, he has authored numerous books on ancient mysteries, megalithic architecture, and ancient history of the Andes and Pacific region. Among his works are titles such as Elongated Skulls of Peru and Bolivia: The Path of Viracocha. Foerster also contributes to the website of alternative-history author Graham Hancock and associates with other researchers and writers who focus on non-mainstream interpretations of ancient history.

Main Claims and Theories

Paracas elongated skulls and DNA claims

One of Foerster’s best-known claims concerns the elongated skulls found in the region of Paracas Peninsula, Peru. He argues that some of these skulls are not the result of customary cranial deformation — a well-documented cultural practice — but instead belong to a distinct, unknown human-like lineage. According to his public statements, initial mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) testing on one of the skulls reportedly yielded “mutations unknown in any human, primate, or animal known so far,” suggesting to him a possible “new species.” He contends that the cranial volume of some skulls is up to 25% greater than typical modern human skulls, and that some skulls show only a single parietal plate (rather than the usual two), features he argues cannot be explained by binding or cranial deformation techniques alone.

Megalithic architecture and lost ancient technology

Foerster interprets numerous ancient stone structures in South America (and sometimes Egypt) as evidence of megalithic craftsmanship far beyond what conventional archaeology attributes to known ancient cultures. He suggests these structures may be remnants of a lost or forgotten global civilization, ideas common among proponents of alternative archaeology.

Reception and Criticism

Foerster’s work is highly controversial and is widely regarded by scholars, archaeologists, and many researchers as pseudoscientific. Key criticisms include: Lack of peer-reviewed evidence: No recognized scientific journal has published the DNA results or skeletal analyses that Foerster cites.

Methodological weaknesses: Experts argue that the DNA sampling,often involving drilling older skulls housed in private collections or “tour-museum” settings — is prone to contamination, calling into question any “extraordinary” genetic claims.

Misinterpretation of cranial deformation: Scholars note that cranial modification practices (binding infants’ heads) are well documented globally, and that elongated skulls like those from Paracas can be explained without invoking “new species.”

Ethical and academic concerns: Critics argue that presenting Foerster as a “leading expert” on television and in media (e.g., on Ancient Aliens) misrepresents his credentials; he lacks formal training or affiliation with academic archaeology institutions.

One critical assessment concludes: “The skulls … are human. Their cranial capacity is not increased.”

Another states that the DNA claims amount to “an affront to the cultures that practiced various forms of cranial modifications.”

As of now, no credible anthropological or genetic study — accepted by mainstream science — supports Foerster’s hypotheses of a separate “non-human” lineage or advanced prehistoric global civilization.

Influence, Audience, and Public Impact

Despite the scientific controversies, Foerster has built a substantial public following. His tours, books, and media appearances appeal to people interested in ancient mysteries, alternative history, and unexplained archaeological phenomena. Supporters often appreciate his efforts to draw attention to lesser-known sites in South America and highlight the craftsmanship of ancient cultures. Critics warn, however, that Foerster’s theories may contribute to misinformation and misrepresentation of archaeological evidence

External links

Add External links

This article "Brien Foerster" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical. Articles taken from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be accessed on Wikipedia's Draft Namespace.