Was This Giant Skeleton Discovered in Iran?

A photo which has circulated online allegedly shows the discovery of 6 giant skeletons in Iran. Is this true or false?

The Story and the Photo are Fake.

The photo re-emerges every few months, typically after being re-published by World News Daily Report, a tabloid-like website with outlandish tales such as “Ketchup Serial Killer hunted down in Northern Mexico” or the discovery of a 15-ton prehistoric shark.

The fake story writes:

“A group of Russian archaeologists working on a dig site in western Iran has made what could be the greatest discovery in decades. They have unearthed a total of six humanoid skeletons belonging to individuals that seem to each have measured more than 5 meters high.”

When taking a closer look at the photo and the story, consider the following:

• Shadows – The shadows of the skeleton and the man are completely different angles, indicating the image is a combination of separate elements.
• Corroboration – There are no corroborating news reports of this discovery. In the age of endless “breaking news,” such an incredible discovery would certainly be trending worldwide.
• Other Photos – There are no other photos of this “discovery.” It seems unlikely that a single photo would be snapped at such a monumental occasion.
• Old Photo – The photo included in the report actually pre-dates the story, as it has been used in other unfounded claims regarding the discovery of giants for several years.

This site, for example, used the same image several years ago with a completely different story. That story claimed that the photo showed one of three giants discovered in Greece. That alleged discovery also had no corroboration and was quickly deemed a hoax.

National Geographic Article

In December of 2007, National Geographic published an article on giant skeleton hoaxes. It is stated that many of the fake giant photographs originate with Photoshopping contests on sites like Worth1000. These photos can then go viral, and are occasionally reported as factual discoveries by foreign media outlets.

A possible explanation for the lack of skepticism when it comes to belief in ancient giants is their presence in various religious mythologies. The implication seems to be that people are more apt to believe because it confirms their religious beliefs. Readers interested in this angle may be interested in a classic hoax known as the Cardiff Giant.

The article goes on to state that National Geographic receives a steady stream of emails from all over the world inquiring about the discovery of giant skeletons.

Bottom Line

The reported discovery of 6 giant skeletons in Iran is fake. That story was published on a tabloid website which publishes outlandish, fictional articles. The photo accompanying the story has been in circulation for years and is also fake, appearing to be the work of an amateur graphic artist.

Revised February 6, 2015
Originally published January 2014