Media1968

Erich von Daniken publishes 'Chariots of the Gods?' (pseudoscience)

When: 1968
Sources: 1 public source

Erich von Daniken, author of 'Chariots of the Gods?', speaking around 1974 Stephen Jackson, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Swiss writer Erich von Daniken's first book, published in German in 1968 and in English as 'Chariots of the Gods?', argued ancient monuments showed alien visits. It launched the 'ancient astronaut' genre; scientists rejected his claims as contrary to historical and scientific evidence.

Sources

PressErich von Daniken, Swiss writer who spawned alien archaeology, dies at 90 (opens in a new tab)NBC News (Associated Press) / 2026-01-11

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Earlier in MediaHammer's film Quatermass and the Pit releasedNov 1967 Later in MediaPhilip Klass publishes 'UFOs--Identified'1968

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