Erich von Däniken
The Swiss author who popularised the ancient-astronaut hypothesis worldwide.
Von Däniken is a Swiss writer whose 1968 book Chariots of the Gods? argued that ancient monuments, myths and religious art record visits by extraterrestrial beings mistaken for gods. It sold tens of millions of copies and launched the ancient-astronaut genre, later the basis of the long-running series Ancient Aliens.
Archaeologists reject his readings, noting that they discount the abilities of the cultures who built the monuments, and some of his claims relied on misrepresented or fabricated evidence. His influence on popular belief, however, is enormous.
Known for Chariots of the Gods?; the ancient-astronaut genre
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