history of - Which Sci-Fi work introduced the idea of "Aliens"?

Today, we live in a world in which the term alien is a common thing. But, if you move few centuries back, this won't be true. We should be grateful to that great writer who laid the foundation stone of the concept of (intelligent) creatures living on another planets.

Which Sci-Fi work introduced the idea of "Aliens"?

Answer

The first extraterrestrial aliens referenced in a known work of fiction is likely "A True Story" written in 160AD by the Greek philosopher and satirist Lucian of Samosatis as a parody of other works of traveling fiction:

Near them stood the Puppycorns, who were sent him by the inhabitants of the Dog-star, five thousand dog-faced men who fight on the back of winged acorns.

You can access the full text (and an English translation for those poorly-educated people who don't happen to speak Ancient Greek) here.

Comments

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