According To The Evidence by Erich Von Daniken

According to the Evidence is another book by Erich von Däniken, first published in 1974. In this work, von Däniken further expands on the ideas he introduced in his previous books, Chariots of the Gods? and The Evidence of the Gods. As in his earlier works, von Däniken argues that ancient civilizations were influenced or even directly assisted by extraterrestrial visitors, and that these interactions are recorded in historical and archaeological evidence.

Key Themes and Ideas in According to the Evidence:

1. Revisiting Ancient Astronaut Theory: As with his earlier works, von Däniken explores the concept of “ancient astronauts,” suggesting that advanced alien beings visited Earth in antiquity and played a crucial role in the development of early human societies. This influence, according to von Däniken, can be seen in the technological achievements, religious myths, and mysterious artifacts of ancient civilizations.
2. The Evidence for Extraterrestrial Encounters: In this book, von Däniken presents what he calls “evidence” from various ancient sites around the world that he believes point to extraterrestrial contact. He continues to explore the idea that certain ancient artifacts, monuments, and myths contain clues that point to alien involvement. For example, he cites the construction of the Egyptian pyramids, Stonehenge, and the Nazca Lines as evidence that advanced technology may have been used—technology that could have been introduced by extraterrestrial beings.
3. Astronomical Knowledge in Ancient Cultures: One of the key arguments in According to the Evidence is that many ancient cultures possessed highly sophisticated astronomical knowledge. For instance, von Däniken points to the detailed knowledge of the stars and planets found in ancient Mayan, Egyptian, and Sumerian cultures as potentially being passed on by extraterrestrial visitors, who might have had advanced knowledge of the cosmos.
4. Artifacts and Objects of Advanced Technology: Von Däniken also examines various mysterious artifacts from antiquity, which he believes suggest the use of advanced technology. He often points to artifacts that appear to be technologically complex or depict things like flying machines, suggesting that these could be evidence of extraterrestrial influence or encounters with advanced beings from other worlds.
5. The Role of Myths and Religion: In According to the Evidence, von Däniken continues to explore religious texts and myths from cultures around the world, suggesting that many ancient stories about gods and divine beings could actually be descriptions of extraterrestrial visitors. He interprets ancient gods as possibly being beings with advanced technology, and argues that myths of divine beings descending from the heavens could be seen as alien encounters.
6. The Mystery of Ancient Civilizations: Throughout the book, von Däniken highlights the mysteries of ancient civilizations that seem to have achieved extraordinary feats of engineering, art, and science without the tools and knowledge that would be expected at the time. He suggests that the only logical explanation for such achievements is that extraterrestrials provided help or guidance.

Criticism and Influence:

As with his earlier works, According to the Evidence has been criticized by mainstream scholars, historians, and archaeologists. Critics argue that von Däniken often takes liberties with the interpretation of evidence, presents speculative claims as facts, and overlooks or ignores alternative, more grounded explanations for the mysteries he discusses. Many of the claims in his books are considered pseudoscientific.

Despite the criticism, von Däniken’s work has had a lasting impact on popular culture. His ideas helped to fuel the rise of the “ancient astronaut” theory, which has influenced a wide array of books, documentaries, and TV shows, most notably the Ancient Aliens series on the History Channel.

In According to the Evidence, von Däniken continues to encourage readers to question conventional views of history and consider the possibility that human civilization may have had help from extraterrestrial visitors. His work continues to spark debate, especially in the realms of pseudoscience, ufology, and alternative history.