[SunkenCiv]

Von Daniken is still alive (last I knew); his attempt at an ET/ancient aliens theme park in (I think) Switzerland failed miserably. He is featured on the "extras" of the DVD for the movie "Stargate". :')

World's oldest telescope?
by Dr David Whitehouse

According to Professor Giovanni Pettinato of the University of Rome, a rock crystal lens, currently on show in the British museum, could rewrite the history of science. He believes that it could explain why the ancient Assyrians knew so much about astronomy. It is a theory many scientists might be prepared to accept, but the idea that the rock crystal was part of a telescope is something else. To get from a lens to a telescope, they say, is an enormous leap. Professor Pettinato counters by asking for an explanation of how the ancient Assyrians regarded the planet Saturn as a god surrounded by a ring of serpents?

[decimon]

I think Von Daniken ripped off part of The Morning of the Magicians. Looks like it's been re-released.