TL;DR
Stephen M. Epstein’s 1987 analysis dissects Erich von Däniken’s popular ancient-astronaut claims by examining the logic behind them rather than the evidentiary details. Epstein identifies recurring argumentative patterns—visual resemblance and appeals to scientific mystery—and shows why those patterns mislead many readers.
What happened
In a 1987 essay, Stephen M. Epstein set out to analyze the form of Erich von Däniken’s argumentation instead of rehashing every factual claim in Chariots of the Gods?. Epstein notes von Däniken’s global reach—millions of copies sold—and the frustration this success causes among archaeologists. Rather than contest each of von Däniken’s numerous assertions, Epstein organizes the material into two characteristic moves: (1) ‘‘looks-like-a-spaceman’’ comparisons that treat artifacts like Rorschach images, and (2) arguments that invoke unresolved scientific or historical puzzles as proof of extraterrestrial intervention. Epstein tests these patterns with case studies drawn from von Däniken’s book, including the Palenque sarcophagus lid and the Delhi iron pillar, and contrasts von Däniken’s readings with established archaeological interpretations, datable inscriptions, and metallurgical analyses. The essay aims to equip nonspecialist readers with conceptual tools to evaluate popular archaeological claims without addressing every asserted fact individually.
Why it matters
- Popular narratives built on reasoning errors can shape public perceptions of history despite weak evidence.
- Identifying recurring logical patterns helps nonspecialists assess sensational claims without requiring specialist knowledge.
- High sales of fringe works can outpace scholarly voices, making clear critical tools important for public understanding.
- Separating argument form from factual detail lets critics address systemic rhetorical strategies rather than individual mistakes.
Key facts
- Erich von Däniken published Erinnerungen an die Zukunft in 1968; the English edition was titled Chariots of the Gods?.
- Von Däniken argues that visitors from outer space influenced human history and biological development.
- According to paperback blurbs cited by Epstein, Chariots of the Gods? sold about 7 million copies; total sales across von Däniken’s books exceeded 25 million in many countries.
- Epstein frames von Däniken’s methods into two main argumentative types: resemblance-based readings and appeals to unexplained phenomena.
- The Palenque sarcophagus lid depicts Pakal, a Maya ruler who died on August 31, A.D. 683; Maya scholars interpret the carving in cosmological terms rather than as a depiction of a spacecraft.
- Photographs of large carved figures at Tiahuanaco (Bolivia) and Easter Island are used by von Däniken to suggest stylistic continuity; Epstein demonstrates how simple visual comparisons can be misleading.
- Claims about early Peruvian cotton use are countered by museum-held cotton net fragments from Huaca Prieta dated to about 4,500 years ago, and the Incas are noted to have appeared in the 13th century A.D. or later.
- The Delhi Pillar is a 22-foot wrought-iron shaft weighing about 6 tons; an inscription dated to the early 4th century A.D. links the pillar to the Gupta period rather than to a 4,000-year-old unknown alloy.
- A 1912 metallurgical analysis reported that the pillar was forged by hammering and welding large lumps of red-hot iron, producing metal of very high purity (reported in the source as 99.72 percent iron).
What to watch next
- Scholars’ ongoing attempts to counter popular misreadings and educate the public about archaeological methods — not confirmed in the source.
- Future scientific analyses or new dating studies that might be cited in popular works as unresolved mysteries — not confirmed in the source.
- Continued public interest and sales figures for von Däniken’s books and similar titles, and how that shapes discourse — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Rorschach test: A psychological tool in which individuals interpret ambiguous inkblots; used here metaphorically for subjective visual interpretation.
- Sarcophagus lid: The carved stone cover of a coffin; in archaeological contexts it often bears iconography related to the deceased and cultural beliefs about death.
- World Tree: A cosmological motif found in many cultures referring to a central tree that connects different realms of the universe.
- Wrought iron: A form of iron worked by hammering and welding, historically used in large objects and architectural elements.
- Gupta Dynasty: A historical Indian dynasty whose early centuries A.D. inscriptions and cultural products are used to date certain artifacts.
Reader FAQ
Does Epstein conclude that von Däniken’s claims are true?
Epstein argues that the structure of von Däniken’s arguments is logically flawed; he does not treat the book’s factual claims as proven.
Is the Palenque sarcophagus lid evidence of an ancient astronaut?
Maya scholars interpret the carving as depicting Pakal’s descent and the World Tree within Maya cosmology; Epstein presents this as a counter to the astronaut reading.
Is the Delhi Pillar a 4,000-year-old rust-free alloy?
Von Däniken claimed long antiquity and unusual resistance; Epstein summarizes evidence that the pillar bears an early 4th-century A.D. inscription and that metallurgists analyzed its forged wrought-iron composition in 1912.
Do archaeologists take von Däniken’s work seriously?
Epstein reports that many archaeologists find von Däniken’s arguments misguided and are concerned by the popularity of his claims.
VOLUME 29 / NUMBER 2 “Scholars Will Call it Nonsense” The Structure of Erich von Däniken's Argument BY: STEPHEN M. EPSTEIN Originally Published in 1987 View PDF In 1968 an…
Sources
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