alteran

Alteran is a term used to describe a humanoid species from the Stargate franchise. In the core canon, they are most often referred to as the Ancients after achieving ascension, and are depicted as one of the galaxy’s oldest advanced civilizations. The Alterans are credited with developing extensive technology, including early Stargate networks, and pioneering the practice of ascension, a process that allows beings to transcend physical form.

Terminology and origin are complex within the fiction. Before ascension, the species is typically called Alterans or Alterans/Lanteans in some references. Those who established the city of Atlantis on the planet Lantea in the Pegasus Galaxy are commonly called the Lanteans, distinguishing them from other Alterans who remained in the Milky Way. The ascended state is usually referred to as being Ancients, a term used to describe their non-corporal, highly advanced existence.

In-universe history, the Alterans originated in the Milky Way and built early Stargate networks, influencing many civilizations over millennia. Facing existential threats, a faction migrated to the Pegasus Galaxy, where they constructed the ancient city of Atlantis. Over time, some members ascended, guiding or protecting civilizations while resisting malevolent forces and pathological cults that opposed them, such as the Ori in later storytelling.

Physically and culturally, Alterans are depicted as humanoid, often appearing human in their mortal forms, with lifespans extended by technology and genetic adaptation. They possess deep knowledge of physics, biology, ancient mysticism, and planetary stewardship. Their legacy in the Stargate universe includes the Stargate network, the city of Atlantis, and the concept of ascension.

In popular culture, Alterans/Ancients feature prominently in Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis, informing storylines about origins, Atlantis, ascended beings, and conflicts with various adversaries.