Erich von Däniken, ancient astronaut theorist, dies at 90 after a lifetime of controversy

Erich von Däniken, the Swiss writer best known for his ancient astronaut theory, has died at the age of 90. His controversial ideas about extraterrestrial visits to Earth captivated millions worldwide, even as they sparked fierce debate among scholars and the public alike. Despite widespread scepticism, his work left a lasting mark on popular culture and alternative history.

Born into a strict Catholic family, von Däniken began questioning religious teachings and human origins while still a boarding school student. These early doubts set him on a lifelong quest for answers, one that took him across the globe in search of archaeological clues.

His breakthrough came in 1968 with Erinnerungen an die Zukunft (Chariots of the Gods), which argued that advanced civilisations—possibly extraterrestrial—had influenced ancient human societies. The book became an international sensation, selling millions of copies and launching his career as a bestselling author. Over the decades, he published more than 40 titles, with over 60 million copies sold in over 30 languages. Zurück zu den Sternen (Return to the Stars) further cemented his reputation as a provocative thinker.

Though dismissed by mainstream academia, von Däniken approached his research with seriousness, engaging with scientific literature and conducting fieldwork with a methodical approach. His accessible, story-driven writing style won him a vast audience, particularly in the United States, where his theories found more openness than in German-speaking Europe. Critics mocked his ideas, and he even faced legal troubles, including a brief imprisonment. Yet his sharp wit and self-deprecating humour helped him endure the backlash, never wavering from his mission.

Von Däniken's legacy is one of polarisation—revered by some as a visionary and rejected by others as a pseudoscientist. His books continue to sell, and his theories still inspire documentaries, TV shows, and online discussions. Whether seen as a groundbreaking thinker or a fringe figure, his influence on alternative history remains undeniable.