Zecharia Sitchin

Zecharia Sitchin remains one of the most prominent figures in the alternative interpretation of ancient Mesopotamian texts. Born in Azerbaijan in 1920 and raised in Palestine, he studied economics at the University of London before embarking on a career in journalism. His lifelong interest in the ancient Near East led him to study Sumerian cuneiform tablets, which formed the foundation for his influential series The Earth Chronicles, beginning with The 12th Planet in 1976.

Central to Sitchin’s work is the claim that humanity was profoundly shaped by the Anunnaki, extraterrestrial beings from a distant planet he identified as Nibiru. According to his interpretations, these beings were responsible for advancements in genetics, technology, and governance, effectively directing the trajectory of early civilization. Though archaeologists and historians have consistently disputed his translations and conclusions, Sitchin’s theories have remained a cornerstone of alternative scholarship.

In the broader context of paranormal research, Sitchin’s contributions extend beyond ancient history into debates on extraterrestrial contact, spacefaring civilizations, and the origins of humanity. His works continue to influence discussions within ufology, alternative archaeology, and speculative cosmology, making him a pivotal—if controversial—figure in reimagining humanity’s place in the cosmos.