Von Daniken, Erich

Erich von Däniken is a Swiss author and researcher known for his controversial theories about ancient civilizations and extraterrestrial influence on human history. He was born on April 14, 1935, in Zofingen, Switzerland.

In 1968, von Däniken gained international fame with the publication of his groundbreaking book, "Chariots of the Gods?" (original title: "Erinnerungen an die Zukunft" or "Memories of the Future"). The book hypothesized that many ancient archaeological and cultural wonders, such as the pyramids of Egypt, the Nazca Lines in Peru, and Stonehenge in England, were evidence of ancient astronauts or extraterrestrial visitors influencing human civilization in the distant past. As such he was one of the first proponents of the Ancient Astronauts Theory.

Not surprisingly, Erich von Däniken 's theories have been widely criticized by mainstream archaeologists and scientists, who consider his ideas to be pseudoscientific and lacking credible evidence. Nonetheless, his books have been immensely popular, and he has amassed a significant following of believers who find his ideas intriguing and thought-provoking. And while the answers he proposes often may appear insufficiently substantiated, he does ask the right questions and points out the many anomalies that challenge established narratives.

Over the years, von Däniken has written numerous other books expanding on his theories and exploring different aspects of ancient astronaut hypothesis. He has also appeared in documentaries, lectures, and interviews, continuing to promote and defend his unconventional ideas.