Archive · 12 Jan 2026
Swiss Author Erich von Daeniken Dies at 90
Erich von Daeniken was a Swiss author who became famous for his book 'Chariots of the Gods?'
He believed that ancient structures like the pyramids and Stonehenge were too advanced for the people of that time and that extraterrestrials must have helped build them.
His ideas were controversial among historians and scientists, but his books were very popular and sold millions of copies worldwide.
He argued that ancient religions and myths contained evidence of contact with advanced beings from outer space.
Von Daeniken passed away on Saturday at the age of 90.
Erich von Daeniken, a Swiss author, died at the age of 90.
He gained fame with his 1968 book 'Chariots of the Gods?' which suggested that ancient structures were built with extraterrestrial help.
His theories were controversial but popular, with his books selling nearly 70 million copies worldwide in over 30 languages.
Von Daeniken argued that ancient religions and myths contained evidence of contact with advanced extraterrestrial beings.
He believed that these beings would return one day.
- Who
- Erich von Daeniken, a Swiss author known for his theories on ancient astronauts.
- What
- His death at the age of 90.
- When
- Saturday, January 11, 2024.
- Where
- Zurich, Switzerland.
- Why
- He was a prominent figure in the ancient astronaut theory, which posited that extraterrestrials visited Earth and influenced ancient civilizations.
- Name
- Erich von Daeniken
- Age at Death
- 90
- Notable Work
- Chariots of the Gods?
- Books Sold
- Nearly 70 million
- Languages
- More than 30
- Date of Death
- Saturday, January 11, 2024
- Nationality
- Swiss
