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Confessions of an Egyptologist: Lost Libraries, Vanished Labyrinths & the Astonishing Truth Under the Saqqara Pyramids
Bestselling author Erich von Däniken shares the story of a 16-year-old grave-diver who discovered a mysterious labyrinth of the old kings under one of the pyramids of Saqqara.
In this book, Erich von Däniken shares the story of his friend Adel H., an Egyptologist, who, as a 16-year-old boy, was trapped for days under the Step Pyramid of Saqqara. Based on his conversations with Adel H., he retells the boy’s search for a way out of the underground world, how the boy roamed passageways and chambers and saw what he calls “impossible” things of which the professional world is completely unaware. Adel experienced uncanny events, a mixture of spirit realm and reality, which is described here for the first time. “The story of Egypt,” Adel says, “has two sides—the official one and the unknown one.”
It is secrets like the sights and events Adel experiences underground that von Däniken refers to throughout this book. Von Däniken shows that the Great Pyramid of Giza is nothing but a huge library created for the people of the future. He proves his claim through quotes from the few ancient works that still survive. Who actually had an interest for millennia in destroying knowledge/books? It’s not about a few thousand, but about millions of books. Von Däniken documents the fanatical destructive rage of the people and If we would only have one ten-thousandth of the former writings, human prehistory would have to be completely rewritten.
And where are the lost labyrinths? The one of Crete and the gigantic labyrinth of Egypt, of which all ancient historians reported?
Against the background of these revelations, von Däniken turns the spot on to another focus of his book. A paradigm shift in the question of extraterrestrial “The gods have already come back. They came down again. They are currently orbiting our planet!”
In this book, Erich von Däniken shares the story of his friend Adel H., an Egyptologist, who, as a 16-year-old boy, was trapped for days under the Step Pyramid of Saqqara. Based on his conversations with Adel H., he retells the boy’s search for a way out of the underground world, how the boy roamed passageways and chambers and saw what he calls “impossible” things of which the professional world is completely unaware. Adel experienced uncanny events, a mixture of spirit realm and reality, which is described here for the first time. “The story of Egypt,” Adel says, “has two sides—the official one and the unknown one.”
It is secrets like the sights and events Adel experiences underground that von Däniken refers to throughout this book. Von Däniken shows that the Great Pyramid of Giza is nothing but a huge library created for the people of the future. He proves his claim through quotes from the few ancient works that still survive. Who actually had an interest for millennia in destroying knowledge/books? It’s not about a few thousand, but about millions of books. Von Däniken documents the fanatical destructive rage of the people and If we would only have one ten-thousandth of the former writings, human prehistory would have to be completely rewritten.
And where are the lost labyrinths? The one of Crete and the gigantic labyrinth of Egypt, of which all ancient historians reported?
Against the background of these revelations, von Däniken turns the spot on to another focus of his book. A paradigm shift in the question of extraterrestrial “The gods have already come back. They came down again. They are currently orbiting our planet!”
- GenresNonfictionEgyptHistory
208 pages, Paperback
Published September 6, 2021
18 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Erich von Däniken
284 books886 followersGreek: Έριχ φον Νταίνικεν
Born on April 14th, 1935, in Zofingen, Switzerland, Erich von Däniken was educated at the College St-Michel in Fribourg, where already as a student he occupied his time with the study of the ancient holy writings. While managing director of a Swiss hotel, he wrote his first book, Chariots of the Gods, which was an immediate bestseller in the United States, Germany, and later in 38 other countries.
Von Däniken's books have been translated into 28 languages, and have sold 60 million copies worldwide. From his books two full-length documentary films have been produced: Chariots of the Gods and Messages of the Gods. Of the more than 3,000 lectures which Erich von Däniken has given in 25 countries, over 500 were presented at universities. Fluent in four languages, Erich von Däniken is an avid researcher and a compulsive traveller, averaging 100'000 miles each year to remote spots of the Earth. This enables him to closely examine the phenomena about which he writes.
Von Däniken is a member of the Swiss writers association, the German writers association, and the International PEN-Club.
Born on April 14th, 1935, in Zofingen, Switzerland, Erich von Däniken was educated at the College St-Michel in Fribourg, where already as a student he occupied his time with the study of the ancient holy writings. While managing director of a Swiss hotel, he wrote his first book, Chariots of the Gods, which was an immediate bestseller in the United States, Germany, and later in 38 other countries.
Von Däniken's books have been translated into 28 languages, and have sold 60 million copies worldwide. From his books two full-length documentary films have been produced: Chariots of the Gods and Messages of the Gods. Of the more than 3,000 lectures which Erich von Däniken has given in 25 countries, over 500 were presented at universities. Fluent in four languages, Erich von Däniken is an avid researcher and a compulsive traveller, averaging 100'000 miles each year to remote spots of the Earth. This enables him to closely examine the phenomena about which he writes.
Von Däniken is a member of the Swiss writers association, the German writers association, and the International PEN-Club.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 18, 2021
The latest Erich von Daniken's book is a full of surprises. As always Daniken has many, many stories to say. in his age (he's over 80s) the author wants to show an other options of history to us.
This book was reades with speed of 350 words per minute on Spitzer method!
This book was reades with speed of 350 words per minute on Spitzer method!
November 1, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and the subject matter.
September 27, 2021
Once again, Erich von Daniken takes the reader off into the world of ancient astronauts, disappearing civilizations, and mysterious events of the past in an attempt to get the reader to understand that we have never really been truly alone; that we were visited in the past by the mysterious "gods" and that they are still with us.
This time, he approaches the subject a bit differently, introducing the reader to his Egyptian friend Adel H. who supposedly was trapped in an underground labyrinth under the Step Pyramid at Saqqara and who came into contact with living beings including a voluptuous female who robbed him of his virginity and then disappeared. Add to this a mysterious falcon - hundreds of thousands of years old - that helps him while trapped and you have what seems to be a pretty far-fetched story. But there's no way of checking since Adel H. was killed in a terrorist attack in the 1990's. So, all we have is the story as related to von Daniken and von Daniken's conclusions.
As might be expected, von Daniken takes the reader on a magical mystery tour of other hidden sites and draws some conclusions based upon his experience and expertise. At this point, who's to say he's right or wrong?
Definitely not von Daniken's best work, but not his worst either. It just ranks in the middle and truthfully, Adel H's story seems kind of far-fetched, but who knows?
This is for the avid von Daniken reader or someone who is interested in ancient Egyptian culture. Those just being introduced to the ancient astronaut theory are probably better off starting at the beginning with von Daniken's classic "Chariots Of The Gods" which came out in 1969.
This time, he approaches the subject a bit differently, introducing the reader to his Egyptian friend Adel H. who supposedly was trapped in an underground labyrinth under the Step Pyramid at Saqqara and who came into contact with living beings including a voluptuous female who robbed him of his virginity and then disappeared. Add to this a mysterious falcon - hundreds of thousands of years old - that helps him while trapped and you have what seems to be a pretty far-fetched story. But there's no way of checking since Adel H. was killed in a terrorist attack in the 1990's. So, all we have is the story as related to von Daniken and von Daniken's conclusions.
As might be expected, von Daniken takes the reader on a magical mystery tour of other hidden sites and draws some conclusions based upon his experience and expertise. At this point, who's to say he's right or wrong?
Definitely not von Daniken's best work, but not his worst either. It just ranks in the middle and truthfully, Adel H's story seems kind of far-fetched, but who knows?
This is for the avid von Daniken reader or someone who is interested in ancient Egyptian culture. Those just being introduced to the ancient astronaut theory are probably better off starting at the beginning with von Daniken's classic "Chariots Of The Gods" which came out in 1969.
May 18, 2023
Come for the Egyptian lore and archeology, stay for the ufo sightings. It seems like you can never have one without the other.
February 26, 2022
This book was not what I was expecting at all…but in a good way! It wasn’t just a collection of facts about Egypt, but a real tale that made me question a lot of what I know & have been taught about history. At times it felt like the lines between fiction and non-fiction were blurred, which was challenging and fun to read.
It was a nice surprise how much of this book was about stories and the passage of information across generations and eras. Hidden libraries, etchings, protected murals - all in the name of passing on important information about the world and our existence.
Some of it was a bit too heavy on dates and details that got in the way of the excitement, but I guess those things are necessary for the credibility of some of the claims. We’re talking visions, ancient space travelers and telepathically communicating animals. I was challenged by this book in a way that really bent the academic side of my brain. It made me rethink why and how I know what I think I know about the past. A real journey!
✅ Do read if you like a good story where you can’t decide if it’s real or not
📕Small book, can pick up and put down easily enough without losing momentum
🧠 Great for challenging your perspective on history and events of the past
It was a nice surprise how much of this book was about stories and the passage of information across generations and eras. Hidden libraries, etchings, protected murals - all in the name of passing on important information about the world and our existence.
Some of it was a bit too heavy on dates and details that got in the way of the excitement, but I guess those things are necessary for the credibility of some of the claims. We’re talking visions, ancient space travelers and telepathically communicating animals. I was challenged by this book in a way that really bent the academic side of my brain. It made me rethink why and how I know what I think I know about the past. A real journey!
✅ Do read if you like a good story where you can’t decide if it’s real or not
📕Small book, can pick up and put down easily enough without losing momentum
🧠 Great for challenging your perspective on history and events of the past
August 18, 2024
This book was completely chaotic. It kept diving off topic of anything to do with Egypt and go into pages and pages of random crap of UFOs and labyrinths in different countries. Total ADHD and the ending was on UFOs not even about the Egyptologist that was being interviewed. I was throughly disappointed with this book as it never really touched on what the title alluded to. Not worth the money or the time I spent.
February 2, 2022
It’s a short book. The chapter that’s specifically about the Egyptologist is very interesting. The rest of the book is a rehash of older material if you’re an avid reader of books about ancient architecture and its mysteries.
May 28, 2025
A very interesting book that drags the reader into an amazing world where history, present time and conspiracy rises to a higher unit. I really enjoyed this book. Definitely an author I want to read more of.
September 20, 2021
Oh brother...
March 22, 2022
At the beginning I was very intrigued. Then it started reading like an episode of ancient aliens. Curious and curiouser.
dnf-did-not-finish
September 13, 2023dNF. Initially thought this sounded interesting, but was bored and decided to move onto something else!
November 19, 2023
The narrator did a good job, I think it's true the part that goes on about how some locals know of catacombs... but the book is just too insane. This dude is batsh!t crazy.
February 5, 2024
Erich books are always interesting .
reviews
July 30, 2025I tend not to give a “star” rating to books of this nature. Von Daniken sure can tell a story. I’ll leave it at that.
April 23, 2023
"Confessions of an Egyptologist" is a captivating book by Erich von Däniken that delves into the mysteries of ancient Egypt, specifically focusing on the enigmatic Saqqara Pyramids. Known for his controversial theories and alternative interpretations of history, von Däniken presents a thought-provoking and intriguing perspective on these iconic structures.
One of the strengths of this book is von Däniken's engaging writing style. He effortlessly weaves together history, mythology, and his own experiences to create a compelling narrative that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end. His passion for Egyptology and his years of research are evident in his vivid descriptions and captivating storytelling, making the book a page-turner for anyone interested in ancient mysteries.
The book is structured as a series of confessions, where von Däniken shares his personal journey and discoveries as an Egyptologist. He takes readers on a virtual tour of the Saqqara Pyramids, exploring their complex architecture, hidden chambers, and intriguing inscriptions. He presents his findings and interpretations in a candid and engaging manner, challenging traditional beliefs and presenting alternative theories that push the boundaries of mainstream Egyptology.
One of the notable aspects of this book is von Däniken's exploration of lost libraries and vanished labyrinths under the Saqqara Pyramids. He delves into the possibility of hidden chambers and secret passages that may hold ancient knowledge and treasures, drawing on historical accounts and archaeological evidence. He also touches on the connection between ancient Egyptian civilization and other ancient cultures around the world, proposing intriguing theories that challenge conventional beliefs.
However, it's important to note that von Däniken's theories and interpretations may be controversial and not universally accepted by mainstream Egyptologists and historians. Some of his ideas may stretch the limits of plausibility and lack conclusive evidence. As with any alternative theories, readers are encouraged to approach the content critically and evaluate the evidence presented.
In conclusion, "Confessions of an Egyptologist" is a compelling and thought-provoking book that offers a fresh perspective on the Saqqara Pyramids and ancient Egyptian civilization. Erich von Däniken's engaging writing style, personal insights, and alternative theories make this book a captivating read for anyone interested in ancient mysteries, Egyptology, and alternative history. It challenges established narratives and encourages readers to question the conventional understanding of ancient Egypt.
One of the strengths of this book is von Däniken's engaging writing style. He effortlessly weaves together history, mythology, and his own experiences to create a compelling narrative that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end. His passion for Egyptology and his years of research are evident in his vivid descriptions and captivating storytelling, making the book a page-turner for anyone interested in ancient mysteries.
The book is structured as a series of confessions, where von Däniken shares his personal journey and discoveries as an Egyptologist. He takes readers on a virtual tour of the Saqqara Pyramids, exploring their complex architecture, hidden chambers, and intriguing inscriptions. He presents his findings and interpretations in a candid and engaging manner, challenging traditional beliefs and presenting alternative theories that push the boundaries of mainstream Egyptology.
One of the notable aspects of this book is von Däniken's exploration of lost libraries and vanished labyrinths under the Saqqara Pyramids. He delves into the possibility of hidden chambers and secret passages that may hold ancient knowledge and treasures, drawing on historical accounts and archaeological evidence. He also touches on the connection between ancient Egyptian civilization and other ancient cultures around the world, proposing intriguing theories that challenge conventional beliefs.
However, it's important to note that von Däniken's theories and interpretations may be controversial and not universally accepted by mainstream Egyptologists and historians. Some of his ideas may stretch the limits of plausibility and lack conclusive evidence. As with any alternative theories, readers are encouraged to approach the content critically and evaluate the evidence presented.
In conclusion, "Confessions of an Egyptologist" is a compelling and thought-provoking book that offers a fresh perspective on the Saqqara Pyramids and ancient Egyptian civilization. Erich von Däniken's engaging writing style, personal insights, and alternative theories make this book a captivating read for anyone interested in ancient mysteries, Egyptology, and alternative history. It challenges established narratives and encourages readers to question the conventional understanding of ancient Egypt.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews