Ben van Kerkwyk Biography – Early Life, Age, Career, Family and More

Ben van Kerkwyk is an Australian researcher, writer, and content creator who became widely known through his YouTube channel UnchartedX, where he investigates ancient mysteries, lost civilizations, and alternative history theories. A former IT professional with a science background, Ben is respected for his in-depth documentaries on sites like Göbekli Tepe and the Egyptian pyramids, often combining fieldwork with expert interviews. His passion for uncovering “the true origins of human history” has built him a strong following, with UnchartedX passing 500,000 subscribers in 2025.

Ben van Kerkwyk Wiki/Bio

Full NameBen van Kerkwyk
Date of Birth(estimated mid-1980s)
AgeAround 40 years (as of 2025)
ProfessionResearcher, Writer, Content Creator, YouTuber
HometownAustralia (specific town not disclosed)
Current ResidenceUnited States
NationalityAustralian
Instagram IDhttps://www.instagram.com/unchartedx7/

Ben van Kerkwyk Early Life

Ben van Kerkwyk was born in Australia in the mid-1980s. While details of his personal life remain private, he has shared that his mother, a history teacher, was a major influence who sparked his curiosity about human origins. In high school, Ben chose history as an elective and considered pursuing it further at university. However, he decided on a more practical path, studying science and entering the IT field. His early fascination with history never faded, and it later became the foundation of his career as a content creator.

Ben van Kerkwyk Education

Ben studied at James Cook University in Queensland, Australia, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. His scientific background shaped his critical approach toward ancient technologies, archaeology, and alternative history. While he once considered studying history academically, his choice of science and IT gave him skills that now help him analyze evidence with both creativity and logic.

Ben van Kerkwyk Career Highlights

Ben began his career in IT, working for over 20 years with multinational companies like Digital Equipment Corporation (later acquired by Compaq and HP). Despite success in technology, his passion for history and ancient mysteries eventually led him in a new direction.

In 2018, he launched the UnchartedX YouTube channel, dedicated to long-form documentaries, podcasts, and explorations of sites such as Göbekli Tepe, Pumapunku, and the Sacred Valley. His research often highlights the possibility of advanced ancient technologies, sparking discussions among both mainstream and alternative historians.

Ben has interviewed figures like Graham Hancock and Christopher Dunn, and in 2023, he gave a well-received talk at the Conference for Precession and Ancient Knowledge (CPAK) on “Decoding Human History.” Today, UnchartedX continues to grow, and Ben has relocated to the U.S. to collaborate more closely with researchers and expand his fieldwork.

Career Milestones

MilestoneDetails
IT CareerWorked at Digital Equipment Corporation and other companies (2000s–2018)
UnchartedX LaunchFounded YouTube channel (2018)
CPAK SpeakerDelivered presentation on “Decoding Human History” (2023)
Global ResearchDocumented sites like Pumapunku, Cusco, and Göbekli Tepe
CollaborationsWorked with Graham Hancock and Christopher Dunn

Ben van Kerkwyk Net Worth and Income

  • Estimated Net Worth: Not publicly disclosed (likely between $500K–$1M from YouTube and IT)
  • Estimated Annual Income: $100,000–$200,000
  • Income Sources: YouTube ads, sponsorships, Patreon support, and past IT career earnings

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