Chariots of the Gods (1968)
“Chariots of the Gods” is a book written by Swiss author Erich von Däniken and was first published in 1968. The book is a popular and influential work on the ancient astronaut hypothesis, which posits that extraterrestrial beings have visited Earth in the past and played a role in shaping human history. In “Chariots of the Gods,” von Däniken argues that many ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians, Mayans, and Greeks, had advanced technologies that were beyond their own capabilities and that these technologies must have been given to them by extraterrestrial beings.
The key points and claims in “Chariots of the Gods” include:
- Evidence of extraterrestrial influence: Von Däniken argues that there is evidence of extraterrestrial influence in many ancient civilizations, including the pyramids in Egypt, Stonehenge in England, and the Nazca Lines in Peru. He believes that these structures and artifacts are too complex to have been built by humans without the help of extraterrestrial technology.
- Ancient texts and legends: Von Däniken argues that many ancient texts and legends, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh, contain references to extraterrestrial beings and their interactions with humans. He believes that these texts and legends provide evidence of extraterrestrial influence on human history.
- Advanced technologies: Von Däniken argues that many ancient civilizations had advanced technologies, such as the use of electricity and the creation of flying vehicles, that were beyond their own capabilities. He believes that these technologies must have been given to them by extraterrestrial beings.
- Extraterrestrial intervention in human evolution: Von Däniken argues that extraterrestrial beings may have played a role in shaping human evolution and that they may have been responsible for creating the human species.
“Chariots of the Gods” was a bestseller when it was first published and has since sold millions of copies worldwide. It has been translated into many languages and has been a major influence on the ancient astronaut hypothesis and the broader field of ufology. The book has also been the subject of much criticism and debate, with many experts arguing that von Däniken’s claims are not supported by scientific evidence and that his interpretations of ancient texts and artifacts are highly speculative.
Despite the criticism, “Chariots of the Gods” continues to be a popular and influential work on the subject of extraterrestrial life and its potential influence on human history. The book has inspired many other works on the subject, including “The 12th Planet” by Zecharia Sitchin and “The Day the Earth Stood Still” by Michael D. Swords.
