Erich Von Daniken’s Theory Essay, Research Paper

One of the most common questions asked, relating to UFOs, is about the theories behind these unidentified flying objects. Throughout history many theories have been developed to give reason for this unexplainable phenomenon. While most theories that are raised are quickly dismissed; one particular theory of the 20th century seems to have grabbed the world*s attention. It is a theory proposed by Erich Von Daniken in his book entitled Chariots of the Gods?. He states that there is scientific evidence to prove that aliens of other worlds had actually visited the earth. Von Daniken claims this evidence can be located on five continents. Basically, his theory alleges that the human beings throughout history are in fact descendants of aliens.

Before Von Daniken begins to support his theory, he first attempts to prove that it is possible for intelligent beings to be in the cosmos. By investigating the actual amount of stars that one can see with a *modern reflecting telescope* (which is estimated to be thousands of millions), he concludes that, * our stellar system is only a tiny part of an incomparably larger stellar system…..* Von Daniken applies this belief to astronomer Harlow Shapely*s hypothesis. This hypothesis states that a planetary system can be found in every thousand stars. It continues by claiming that with this data, one star in a thousand may have the needed conditions to support life. This leads to the speculation that there are 100,000,000 planets in the universe where life could possible exist. Other hypotheses are given for the number of planets that may be sheltering life. One is that of biochemist Dr. Stanley Miller, who states, *life and the conditions essential for life may have developed more quickly on these planets than on earth. Another hypothesis given was from Willy Len, who believes that these planets with life have creatures on it with the same intelligence as humans. Von Daniken continues his idea of the real possibility for other planets to support life by comparing the age of the earth with man*s first appearance here. With 7,000 years of human history comparable to that of earth*s 4,000,000,000 years, Von Daniken claims this is proof that another planet could easily given rise to life over such a long period of time, as well as the belief of planets are undergoing continuous evolution.

After Von Daniken*s claim of giving sufficient proof that life exists on other planets, he begins to explain the evidence left from their visit to earth. For example, in the early 19th century, ancient maps were found showing the Mediterranean and the area around the Dead Sea. After many prominent cartographers reviewed the maps, each individually, *confirmed the remarkable fact that all the geographical data was present but not drawn in the right places.* So others cartographiers were asked to transfer these ancient maps on a grid and then to a modern globe, only to find that these maps were perfectly accurate (even giving the topography of the interiors and many mountain ranges in the Antarctic that were not even discovered till the 20th century). It was concluded that these maps must have been taken from an aerial view from an extreme height, but how in ancient times? Von Daniken believes the maps can only be a result of alien technology.

Another piece of evidence Von Daniken gives to show that extraterrestrials did in fact visit earth, is found in the ancient city of Nazca. There, in a plain of 37 miles long and 1 mile wide are pieces of stone (comparable to rusty iron) lying all over. However, if one takes an aerial view gigantic lines lied out in geometric shapes can be seen. Many of these lines are parallel to each other or intersecting each other, while other lines are connected in a trapezoid shape. Archaeologists classify these lines as Inca roads, but Von Daniken argues that they serve no function for the Inca*s simple civilization. He goes on to say that these specific lines have been measured and show to be in exact accordance to astronomical plans. Von Daniken claims these lines served as a landing strip for alien spacecrafts.

Von Daniken continues to support his belief of alien visits by discussing cave drawings with forms drawn that resemble today*s modern ideal of aliens. Also, examined is the Surmerian*s highly developed astronomy, in which he claims that could only be credited to aliens. More evidence is examined in Sacsahuaman in the form of monolithic rocks weighting 100 tons which has been shaped into a design. In Egypt and Iraq, ancient cut crystals lenses have been compared to ones of today. It was found that today*s cut crystal lenses must be oxide by an electrochemical process in order to receive the same end product of these discovered in Egypt and Iraq. Von Daniken believes this could only be the work of extraterrestrial life. Probably one of the most interesting evidence Von Daniken gives is that of an ancient electric dry battery, which is based on the galvanic principle.

After Von Daniken believes he has shown his audience evidence for the possibility of extraterrestrials life on other planets as well as documented proof of their visits to earth, he begins to explain his theory of humans as alien descendants. He believes that aliens were examining the universe around the same time as man*s first appearance on the earth 8,000 years ago. The aliens decided to land on a planet with similar conditions to that of their own planet. The planet they chose was earth. Another particular reason earth was chosen was because of it*s natural creation of uranium found in many mountain ranges, which would serve the purpose of supplying aliens with fissionable matter that is needed for flying. After their landing, the aliens would observe primitive *beings making stone tools; they see them hunting and killing game by throwing spears; flocks of sheep and goats are grazing on the steppe; primitive potters are making simple household utensils.* This would be a very strange encounter for these space travelers, as well as for primitive man. Von Daniken believes that primitive man regarded these beings as gods sent from heaven and the stars. The aliens with their advanced knowledge would master man*s language and communicate with them. From this linguistic relationship, the aliens would train man to help assist them with their spaceship, as well as teaching *the simplest forms of civilization and moral concepts, in order to make the development of social order possible. A few specially selected women would be fertilized by the astronauts. Thus a new race would arise that skipped a stage in natural evolution.* Eventually, man, who was shaped by aliens, would be able to achieve space travel though his development of thousands of years.

Whether one believes Von Daniken*s theory has merit will vary with opinion. Many scientists believe his theory is a perfect example of pseudo science because it fits all of this false science*s characteristics. First, one of the most important characteristics of pseudo science is fulfilled with Von Daniken*s claim, that is it starts with a conclusion. He concludes that aliens helped shape our world rather than showing that of valid science which starts with an open minded question. He also disregards the majority of existing information, his explanations are not tentatively held, and his explanations are not testable. However, Von Daniken does not take this popular opinion into account. He supports his theory by pointing out all of the inconsistences of religious beliefs and the evolution theory. Von Daniken concludes there must be another theory to explain the past and current state of humanity. He firmly believes that the only explantion that can be is the theory of extraterrestrial life forms.

Von Daniken*s theory of alien descendants is only one theory out of thousands. For example, other theories claim that aliens are just future representations of humans. Only one thing can be certain, that is with every new generation new theories will evolve. Perhaps one of these theories is true; but at this point in time humanity has no absolute evidence to prove any theory true.