Erich von Däniken, pioneer of ancient astronaut theories, dies at 90

Erich von Däniken, the Swiss writer best known for his ancient astronaut theories, has died at the age of 90. His controversial ideas about extraterrestrial visits to King von Earth captivated millions of readers worldwide. Over five decades, he became one of the most widely read authors in history.

Von Däniken's fascination with aliens began in his youth, when he started questioning traditional religious explanations. This curiosity led him to develop theories claiming that advanced beings from other worlds had visited Earth thousands of years ago. He argued these visitors left behind physical evidence and even influenced human genetics.

His 1968 book Chariots of the Gods became an international sensation, selling millions of copies. Written in an engaging and accessible style, it appealed especially to readers in German-speaking countries and the United States. Over his career, he published more than 40 books, translated into over 30 languages, with total sales estimated between 60 and 70 million.

Despite his popularity, von Däniken faced sharp criticism from scientists and academics. He was even imprisoned briefly in the late 1960s for fraud unrelated to his writing. Yet he remained unfazed by backlash, often responding with self-deprecating humour. Though dismissed by mainstream scholars, he received honorary doctorates from several Latin American universities.

For decades, he travelled the world gathering what he claimed was proof of ancient alien contact. His relentless promotion of fringe theories kept him in the public eye, ensuring his ideas reached generations of readers.

Von Däniken's death marks the end of an era for a figure who blurred the lines between archaeology, science fiction, and popular culture. His books, still in print, continue to influence debates about humanity's past. The legacy of his work—both celebrated and contested—remains firmly embedded in global publishing history.