Chariots of the Gods
Director: Harald Reinl
Actors: Heinz-Detlev Bock, Klaus Kindler, Christian Marschall
PlotThe film explores the intriguing hypothesis that ancient civilizations were visited and influenced by extraterrestrial beings. It delves into various archaeological sites around the world, presenting mysterious artifacts and architectural wonders as potential evidence of alien contact. The narrative raises questions about how cultures such as the Egyptians, Mayans, and others achieved remarkable advancements in engineering and construction with their available technology. By examining peculiar artifacts, carvings, and legends spanning from South America to the Middle East, the film suggests that these might point to alien visitors who shared knowledge or perhaps had a direct hand in erecting these monuments.
Through its journey, the film examines enigmatic sites like Stonehenge, the pyramids of Giza, and the Nazca Lines, arguing that these could not be mere products of human ingenuity alone. It highlights the similarities found in mythologies and religious texts across different cultures, pondering whether these are echoes of ancient astronauts influencing multiple societies separated by vast distances and time. Utilizing reenactments, narrative speculation, and expert interviews, the film encourages viewers to consider whether human history is more cosmically connected than traditionally thought. Raising more questions than answers, it advocates for a reexamination of accepted historical narratives and opens up discussion on humanity's place in the universe as a possible encounter with alien intelligences long ago.
Writers: Harald Reinl, Utz Utermann, Erich von Däniken
Release Date: 26 Apr 1970
Runtime: 92 min
Rating: G
Country: West Germany
Language: German
Home Video Reviews
Chariots of the Gods intrigues with its Ancient Astronaut theory, offering solid technical merits despite some source limitations.
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