Were Giant Skeletons Found in the Desert?

Have skeletons of giants been discovered in the desert in Saudi Arabia? Haven’t they found evidence of giants in Greece? These stories have made the rounds on the Internet in recent years, and frequently those curious (or excited) about these supposed fossil finds contact us about them.

After all, the Bible does say:

Genesis 6:4
There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.

Numbers 13:33
And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.

Why should we not be excited about these discoveries that once again “prove the Bible is true”? Well, mainly because these reports are false.

Basically, what is reported is that a gas company in Saudi Arabia or a group of archaeologists in Greece have uncovered the remains of giants. The reports are illustrated with photos of a dig site containing very large human skeletons. At first glance, these photographs look convincing. Then, without looking further into the matter, well-meaning people begin to use this as “proof” that the biblical text in Genesis and/or Numbers is true.

However, the photographs in question are faked. They are the product of a competition for digital photographers who were trying to create an archaeological hoax. This innocent competition’s photos were then used as the basis for a very widespread Internet hoax.

Closer examination of the photos will reveal several anomalies, but here we shall examine only two.

Here is a photo of a supposed giant found in Saudi Arabia:

If you look closely, you will notice that the man is holding a shovel handle with no shovel on it. It would be very difficult to dig in that fashion.

Here is the original photo:

This is a photo of a site where a mastodon skeleton is being removed.

Here is the next altered photograph. Note the giant skull slightly above center:

Here is the original photograph. This is from a University of Chicago dig site in Africa (photo credit: Paul C. Sereno/University of Chicago):

Note the mysterious absence of the giant skull in this image. So, another fraud is exposed.

Additionally, if these were real skeletal finds, just think of the publicity that would ensue. The scientist finding actual giants would be the toast of the world of anthropology. His academic career would be made. It would be on every newscast and in every magazine.

There were giants in those days. The Bible plainly tells us as much. We need not rely upon fables and fabrications to make our case in this regard.

Obviously, this is an argument the Christian should not use.