Monday, January 12, 2026

Erich von Däniken, 1935-2026

SAD NEWS: Erich von Däniken, author who spawned alien archaeology theory, dies at 90. The Swiss author whose bestselling books about the extraterrestrial origins of ancient civilizations brought him fame (AP via The Independent).

Mr. von Däniken's notions about ancient astronauts are bogus, but entertaining. I read his books at an impressionable age. They got me interested in biblical archaeology. The rest, as they say, is history. If not for him, quite likely you would not be reading this blog or anything else I have written.

For PaleoJudaica posts on Erich von Däniken and his daft ideas, start here and follow the links.

Peace be upon him. Requiescat in pace.

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