ABSTRACT
The false belief that ancient societies were contacted by aliens is one of the most prevalent pseudoscientific beliefs in anthropology. This belief is largely due to the writings of Erich von Däniken. This chapter presents von Däniken’s logical strategies and specific arguments using three specific case studies: the Great Pyramid of Egypt, the Pacal’s tomb from Mexico, and the Nazca Lines of Peru. The belief in ancient aliens persists today in the form of popular programs such as Ancient Aliens. This belief is based on a range of biases and fallacies and is ultimately a form of racism against non-Western ancient cultures.
