Erich von Däniken
Erich von Däniken | |
|---|---|
Däniken in 2006 | |
| Born | Erich Anton Paul von Däniken 14 April 1935 Zofingen, Aargau, Switzerland |
| Occupation | Author |
| Known for | Ancient astronauts |
| Notable work | Chariots of the Gods? |
| Criminal charges | Embezzlement, fraud and forgery |
| Criminal penalty | 3.5 years, ~$1,000 fine |
Erich Anton Paul von Däniken (/ˈɛrɪk fɒn ˈdɛnɪkɪn/; German: [ˈeːrɪç fɔn ˈdɛːnɪkən]; born 14 April 1935) is a Swiss author of several pseudoscientific books which make claims about extraterrestrial influences on early human culture, including the best-selling Chariots of the Gods?, published in 1968. Däniken is one of the main figures responsible for popularizing the "paleo-contact" and ancient astronauts hypotheses.
The ideas put forth in his books are rejected by virtually all scientists and academics, who categorize his work as pseudohistory, pseudoarchaeology, and pseudoscience.[1][2][3] Early in his career, he was convicted and served time for several counts of fraud or embezzlement,[4] and wrote one of his books in prison.
Däniken was the co-founder of the Archaeology, Astronautics and SETI Research Association (AAS RA). He designed Mystery Park, a theme park located in Interlaken, Switzerland, that opened in May 2003.
- ^ Fagan, Brian M. (2000). In the beginning: An introduction to archaeology (10th ed.). Prentice-Hall. pp. 17–18. ISBN 978-0130307316.
… Flamboyant pseudoarchaeology of the type espoused by Däniken and Hancock will always appeal to people who are impatient …
- ^ Orser, Charles E. (2003). Race and practice in archaeological interpretation. University of Pennsylvania Press. p. 73. ISBN 978-0812237504.
- ^ Fritze 2009, pp. 13, 200, 201.
- ^ Lingman, Richard (31 March 1974). "Erich von Daniken's Genesis". The New York Times. The New York Times. Retrieved 10 February 2019.