Erich von Däniken: A Legacy of Pseudoscience

Kenneth L. Feder reviews the legacy of Erich von Däniken, arguing that his popular "ancient astronaut" claims—such as aliens influencing human development, creating ancient art, or interbreeding with humans—are unfounded and rooted in misunderstandings of archaeology and human creativity. While acknowledging his cultural impact and popularity, Feder criticizes his ideas as pseudoscientific, often dismissive of non-European achievements, and lacking any credible evidence. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/04/erich-von-daniken-a-legacy-of-pseudoscience/ About the Author: Kenneth L. Feder is author of The Encyclopedia of Dubious Archaeology and Frauds, Myths, and Mysteries: Science and Pseudoscience in Archaeology. He is professor of anthropology at Central Connecticut State University and a Committee for Skeptical Inquiry fellow and Skeptical Inquirer consulting editor. Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/