11/01/2026
RIP - Erich Von Daniken 1935 - 2026
Erich von Däniken was a Swiss author best known for popularising the *ancient astronaut theory*,the idea that extraterrestrial beings influenced early human civilizations. Born in 1935, he developed an early interest in ancient history, religious texts, and mythology, often questioning traditional interpretations of humanity’s past. This curiosity laid the groundwork for a career that would challenge mainstream archaeology and capture the public imagination.
His breakthrough came in 1968 with the publication of *Chariots of the Gods?*, a book that became an international bestseller. In it, von Däniken argued that ancient monuments, advanced engineering feats, and mythological accounts of “gods” could be better explained as evidence of contact with technologically advanced non-human visitors. The book was translated into dozens of languages and sold tens of millions of copies, making him one of the most widely read authors of the twentieth century.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, von Däniken built on this success with a steady stream of books, including *Gods from Outer Space* and *Miracles of the Gods*. He travelled extensively, writing about sites such as the Nazca Lines, the Egyptian pyramids, Puma Punku, and Easter Island, presenting them as anomalies that conventional history could not fully explain. His ideas were further amplified by documentaries and public lectures around the world.
Beyond publishing, von Däniken helped institutionalise the ancient astronaut movement by co-founding the Archaeology, Astronautics and SETI Research Association (AAS RA) and later contributing to the creation of Mystery Park in Switzerland. Although his theories have been heavily criticised by academics for lack of evidence and methodological flaws, his cultural impact is undeniable. He inspired decades of debate, influenced science fiction and popular media, and remains a key figure behind modern shows such as *Ancient Aliens*, ensuring his legacy as one of the most influential—and controversial—voices in alternative history.