Robert Bauval, born in Egypt in 1948 to Belgian and Maltese parents, is a writer and lecturer primarily recognized for his Orion Correlation Theory. This theory proposes a connection between the layout of the Giza pyramid complex and the stars in the constellation Orion. Bauval spent much of his career as a construction engineer in the Middle East and Africa. His writing career began in earnest after encountering Adrian Gilbert, with whom he co-authored "The Orion Mystery," a book that brought his theories to wider attention via a BBC documentary. He has also collaborated on several books with Graham Hancock, exploring ancient mysteries and beliefs. Bauval's work has often been met with skepticism from the academic and scientific communities, with critics pointing to inaccuracies and methodological flaws in his arguments, particularly concerning archaeoastronomy and historical dating. A BBC documentary, "Atlantis Reborn," further examined and critiqued his ideas, although a revised version was later broadcast after Bauval and Hancock raised complaints.

Bauval is most widely known for the Orion Correlation Theory (OCT), which posits a relationship between the pyramids of Giza and the stars of Orion's Belt. He developed this idea after observing the alignment of the three main Giza pyramids and noting their resemblance to the three stars in Orion's Belt, particularly Alnitak's slight offset. This theory suggests that the pyramids were built to mirror this celestial pattern. However, the OCT has faced significant criticism from astronomers like Ed Krupp and Anthony Fairall. They have pointed out discrepancies in the claimed alignment, noting that the angle of Orion's Belt in the sky during the proposed era differs from the angle formed by the pyramids. Furthermore, critics argue that the theory relies on inverting images of the pyramids and misinterpreting celestial alignments, as the deviation in the pyramid layout is towards the north, while Orion's Belt deviates south. The theory has been labeled as pseudoarchaeology by some.

Bauval's writing career gained momentum through collaborations, most notably with Adrian Gilbert on "The Orion Mystery" and with Graham Hancock on several projects, including "Talisman: Sacred Cities, Secret Faith." The latter work, co-authored with Hancock, was reviewed critically for factual inaccuracies and a perceived reliance on unsubstantiated claims. The BBC broadcast a documentary in 1999 titled "Atlantis Reborn" that explored Bauval and Hancock's theories, leading to a complaint from the authors regarding unfair treatment. While the Broadcasting Standards Commission (BSC) found most complaints unfounded, they upheld one regarding an omission of their rebuttal. A revised documentary, "Atlantis Reborn Again," was broadcast later, continuing to present critical perspectives from experts in astronomy and Egyptology.