Erich von Däniken thrilled millions with his belief in extraterrestrials - Erich von Däniken, the legendary alien theorist, dies at 90 after a lifetime of cosmic controversy
Erich von Däniken, the Swiss author who became the world’s most famous alien theorist, has died at the age of 90. Once a trained chef, he later reinvented himself as a writer, arguing that extraterrestrials had shaped human history. His controversial ideas captivated millions for over five decades.
Von Däniken first gained fame in 1968 with 'Erinnerungen an die Zukunft' ('Chariots of the Gods?'), a book claiming that advanced beings from another galaxy had visited Earth in ancient times. He suggested these 'gods' were not divine but extraterrestrials who artificially inseminated early humans to speed up evolution. Two years later, 'Zurück zu den Sternen' ('Return to the Stars') expanded on these theories, reinforcing his belief that humans had received alien assistance.
He insisted that monumental structures like the Great Pyramid of Cheops were too complex for 'Stone Age simpletons' to build alone. Instead, he argued, extraterrestrials must have intervened. His interpretations extended to religious texts, including Ezekiel’s biblical vision, which he described as a UFO landing. Over his career, von Däniken wrote more than 40 books, translated into over 30 languages and selling over 60 million copies worldwide. Known as 'EvD' to fans, he lived in Beatenberg, near Interlaken, where he kept a workshop filled with what he called 'evidence' supporting his theories. In 2023, he appeared at Bad Sulzbach to mark the 50th anniversary of his A.A.S. Foundation, which promoted his ideas. In a 2018 interview, he predicted that humans would make contact with extraterrestrials within a decade. That forecast remained unfulfilled at the time of his death.
Von Däniken’s theories sparked global debates about ancient history and extraterrestrial life. Though often dismissed by scientists, his books left a lasting mark on popular culture. His work continues to influence discussions about humanity’s origins and the possibility of life beyond Earth.
