13 Conspiracy Theories from the Past That Still Won’t Die
Some conspiracy theories refuse to die, lingering for decades as whispers of government cover-ups, secret societies, and hidden truths that challenge everything we think we know.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
Conspiracy theories have a knack for weathering the test of time, driven by doubt, secrecy, and humanity’s desire to question the established explanation. From hoaxed moon landings to hidden reptilian masters, these theories combine intrigue, paranoia, and secret “truths” that fascinate believers and skeptics alike. Based on actual events or pure speculation, they refuse to die, demonstrating that some questions—no matter how fanciful—never cease being asked.
1. The Moon Landing Was Faked (1969)
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Some still argue, despite irrefutable evidence, that NASA faked the Apollo 11 moon landing to beat the Space Race. Skeptics cite supposedly inconsistent shadows, a “waving” flag, and missing stars in pictures. But rock samples, telemetry, and independent tracking verify humanity’s giant leap.
2. JFK Assassination Cover-Up (1963)
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The official report is that Lee Harvey Oswald did it alone, but most think that there was a bigger conspiracy with the CIA, the Mafia, or even the Russians. The “magic bullet” theory and withheld documents keep people guessing. Even decades later, released documents have not eradicated all skepticism.
3. The Illuminati Controls the World
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From an actual 18th-century secret society, the Illuminati today is connected with sinister elites reportedly manipulating world events. Conspiracy theorists connect it with banking dynasties, Hollywood, and politicians. In the absence of any proof, the notion continues in popular culture and on the internet.
4. The Roswell UFO Crash (1947)
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When a strange object crashed in Roswell, New Mexico, the U.S. military quickly claimed it to be a weather balloon. UFO buffs think it was an alien spaceship and that the government staged it. Declassified files later confirmed it was part of a secret spy program, but rumors persist.
5. Paul McCartney Died and Was Replaced (1966)
Image from Britannica
A strange rumor has it that Paul McCartney perished in a car crash and was replaced in secret by a double. Indicators allegedly turn up on Beatles cover art and lyrics, such as “Paul is dead” played in reverse. McCartney denied it many times, but still, some followers picked apart each thing.
6. The CIA Developed HIV/AIDS (1980s)
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Others think the U.S. government created HIV as a bioweapon to kill off certain groups of people. Past medical experiments on disenfranchised communities fueled this theory. Even though scientific proof exists that the virus is naturally occurring, institutional distrust keeps the theory alive.
7. Chemtrails Are Poisoning the Population
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Airplane contrails are simply water vapor, but conspiracy theorists insist that they’re actually “chemtrails” full of chemicals used to control minds, sterilize people, or manipulate the weather. They insist that ordinary contrails are supposed to evaporate quickly, whereas chemtrails persist ominously. No scientific evidence supports this theory, yet it is well-loved on the net.
8. Denver Airport Is a Secret Bunker
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Denver International Airport is replete with strange murals, tunnel systems, and Masonic murals, spawning rumors of a secret government installation. Some have posited it as an elite doomsday bunker or the headquarters of a secret society. The airport plays off the rumors, even using them for marketing purposes.
9. Bigfoot Is Real and the Government Knows It
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Sightings of a hairy, giant humanoid have been reported for centuries in North American forests. According to believers, the government allegedly suppresses evidence of Bigfoot’s existence to conceal logging company secrets or avoid mass hysteria. Although no solid proof has been found, fuzzy photographs and rumor accounts continue to perpetuate the legend.
10. The Titanic Was Swapped with Its Sister Ship (1912)
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One theory is that the Titanic was intentionally replaced with its sister ship, the Olympic, which had been damaged as part of an insurance fraud. Proponents argue discrepancies in ship construction and eyewitness accounts support this theory. No historical documents or credible sources substantiate the theory, though.
11. The Philadelphia Experiment (1943)
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Legend has it that the U.S. Navy attempted to create an invisible warship, involuntarily teleporting it and terrifying its crew. So-called witnesses report men merged into the ship’s hull and weird time-travel phenomena. There are no such records in the military, but it is still a favorite among paranormal fans.
12. The Reptilian Elite
Image from Aeon
One of the most popular conspiracy theories is that world leaders, from the British Royal Family to American presidents, are shape-shifting reptilian aliens. “Glitches” in video footage and ancient legends are cited as “evidence.” This theory is ridiculous, yet it has gained a cult following on the internet.
13. 9/11 Was an Inside Job (2001)
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Some believe the U.S. government orchestrated the September 11 attacks to justify wars in the Middle East. Theories revolve around controlled demolitions, missing plane wreckage, and suspicious financial transactions before the attacks. Official investigations and scientific studies have debunked these claims, but conspiracy groups persist.