The world of alternative archaeology and paranormal literature has lost one of its most famous and controversial figures. Erich von Daniken, the Swiss author who proposed that ancient civilizations were visited by extraterrestrials, has passed away at the age of 90. His representatives confirmed the news on his official website, stating he died in a hospital in central Switzerland.
The Rise of a Controversial Theory
Von Daniken shot to global fame in 1968 with the publication of his first book, 'Chariots of the Gods'. In it, he made the startling claim that ancient wonders like the Egyptian pyramids and Mayan temples were built with the help of advanced technology provided by alien astronauts. This idea captured the public imagination at a pivotal time, just as conventional science was preparing to land humans on the Moon.
The book was a massive commercial success, spawning over two dozen follow-up titles. Public broadcaster SRF reported that his works sold nearly 70 million copies in more than 30 languages, making him one of Switzerland's most widely read authors. He created a unique literary niche where historical fact blended freely with speculative fantasy, much to the dismay of mainstream scientists and archaeologists.
A Tumultuous Life Beyond the Books
Despite his literary fortune, von Daniken's life was marked by financial and legal troubles. Born in 1935 in Schaffhausen, he rebelled against a strict Catholic upbringing. After leaving school, he worked as a waiter and hotel manager. His path was rocky; he faced multiple accusations of fraud and served several short prison sentences, including one related to tax issues after his first book's success.
Undeterred by critics or convictions, he used his earnings to travel the world, visiting sites in Egypt, India, and Latin America to gather 'evidence' for his theories. He became a prolific lecturer and early adopter of video and multimedia to spread his ideas. In a telling moment, he was awarded the Ig Nobel Prize for Literature in 1991, a satirical award for achievements that "first make people laugh, and then make them think."
A Lasting, if Fading, Legacy
Von Daniken's influence permeated popular culture, inspiring television shows like 'The X-Files' and a wave of speculative documentaries. He remained defiant in the face of criticism, even when presented with evidence that some artifacts he cited were modern fakes. In a 1985 book, he wrote, "I have admitted (my mistakes), but not one of the foundations of my theories has yet been brought down."
His final major project, a theme park called 'Mystery Park' based on his books, failed due to lack of interest. Today, its structures stand decaying near Interlaken, a symbolic end to his physical ventures. Erich von Daniken is survived by his wife of 65 years, Elisabeth Skaja, his daughter Cornelia, and two grandchildren. His theories, though widely debunked, continue to fuel debate and fascination about humanity's ancient past.
