Expert Claims Pyramids Built by Aliens, Sparks Controversy

Archaeology expert Erich von Däniken has made headlines by asserting that the pyramids of Egypt were not built by humans but by extraterrestrial beings. This claim, which he backs with what he describes as evidence, has reignited a long-standing debate about the origins of these ancient structures. Von Däniken, known as the “father of alien archaeology,” passed away earlier this month at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy of controversial theories.

In his influential 1968 book, Chariots of the Gods, von Däniken posited that ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians and Mayans, received advanced technology from alien visitors. His claims have captivated audiences for decades, suggesting that these “astronauts” not only visited Earth but also influenced the construction of monumental structures like the pyramids.

Claims of Advanced Engineering and Ancient Knowledge

According to von Däniken, the precision of the engineering found in the Great Pyramid is beyond what could have been achieved by human skill alone. He pointed to the massive blocks used in the pyramids’ construction, questioning how they were transported and assembled without modern machinery. These challenges, he argued, indicate a reliance on advanced knowledge of mathematics and astronomy that ancient builders could not have possessed.

In Chariots of the Gods, von Däniken described the pyramids as “an incredible achievement,” stating, “An artificial mountain some 490 feet high and weighing 31,200,000 tons stands there as an incredible achievement, and this monument is supposed to be nothing more than the burial place of an extravagant king!” He further speculated that these ancient structures were built as part of a promise made by alien beings to Egyptian pharaohs, which included the idea of a “second life” for the rulers, resulting in elaborate burial practices.

“Drawings and sagas actually indicated that the ‘gods’ promised to return from the stars to awaken the well-preserved bodies to new life,” von Däniken wrote.

Criticism from Mainstream Archaeology