Summary

Using archaeological evidence and citing authors such as Plato and Aristotle, Erich von Daniken sets out to show that the Greek 'gods' were, in fact, extraterrestrial beings who arrived on Earth many thousands of years ago.

Using archaeological evidence and citing authors such as Plato and Aristotle, Erich von Daniken sets out to show that the Greek 'gods' were, in fact, extraterrestrial beings who arrived on Earth many thousands of years ago. He explains how these gods interbred with humans, giving rise to 'heroes' with special powers, and their genetic experiments resulted in 'mythical' creatures such as the centaur and the Cyclops. The ancient archaeological sites are now shown to have had practical as well as religious purposes. For instance, the massive earthenware jars found at the palace of Knossos on Crete might once have served as storage containers for oil used to fuel 'flying tubs' belonging to the children of the gods. The author goes on to examine the 'Machine of Antikythera', which was discovered in a shipwreck at the beginning of the last century. This was an astronomical machine of great complexity, which was most likely used as a sophisticated navigational device. Many may find von Daniken's conclusions astounding, but they are what have made him such a compelling and persuasive writer, and only the close-minded will fail to be stimulated and provoked into considering the implications of his findings for mankind. - Stimulating new theories about the Greek 'gods' argued with the vigour and clarity - Backed up by compelling archaeological evidence - Written by one of the world's foremost ufologists and researchers