Underground Tunnels
In his book The Gold of the Gods (1972), Erich von Däniken goes on with the theme of his earlier book Return to the Stars and a movie Memories of the future, where the writer works up his own theory of the descent of mankind and our civilization. Däniken believes that humans appeared due to the astronauts-humanoids that came on Earth from distant planets during the prehistoric times and left many traces of their arrival.
In the book The Gold of the Gods, Däniken tells about those traces. They refer to the mysterious labyrinth, extending many kilometers under the surface of Peru and Ecuador’ territories; primordial constructions of unidentified origin in Brazil, New Zealand and Polynesia; many ancient texts written on small plates; drawings and carvings of mysterious content. The author also analyzes ancient myths and legends of different peoples and finds a lot in common between them, which proves his theory. The book is illustrated with author’s pictures.
Chapter 1. The Gold of the Gods
To me this is the most incredible, fantastic story of the century. It
could easily have come straight from the realms of Science Fiction if I
had not seen and photographed the incredible truth in person.
What I saw was not the product of dreams or imagination, it was real
and tangible.
On July 21, 1969, Juan Moricz, an Argentine subject, deposited a legal
title-deed signed by several witnesses with Dr. Gustavo
Falconi, a notary in Guayaquil. The deed sets out Moricz's claim to be
the discoverer of the tunnels as far as the Republic of Ecuador and
posterity are concerned. I had this document, which was written in
Spanish, translated by a UN interpreter. I quote the most important
parts of it at the beginning of this incredible story of mine:
"I have discovered objects of great cultural and historical value to
mankind in the Province of Morona-Santiago, within the boundaries of
the Republic of Ecuador.
The objects consist mainly of metal plaques inscribed with what is
probably a resume of the history of a lost civilization, the very
existence of which was unsuspected by mankind hitherto. The objects
are distributed among various caves and are of many different kinds.
I was able to make my discovery in fortunate circumstances ... In my
capacity as a scholar, I was carrying out research into the folklore and
the ethnological and linguistic aspects of Ecuadorian tribes ...
The objects I found are of the following kinds:
1. Stone and metal objects of different sizes and colors.
2. Metal plaques (leaves) engraved with signs and writing.
These form a veritable metal library which might contain a synopsis of
the history of humanity, as well as an account of the origin of mankind
on earth and information about a vanished civilization.
The fact of my
discovery has made me the legal owner of the metal plaques and other
objects in accordance with Article 665 of the Civil Code.
However, as I am convinced that the objects, which were not found
on my own land, are of incalculable cultural value, I refer to Article
666, according to which the treasure I discovered remains my personal
property, but subject to State control.
I beg you, most excellent President of the Republic, to appoint a
scientific commission to verify the contents of this document and
assess the value of the finds ... "I am prepared to show such a
commission the exact geographical position and site of the entrance, as
well as the objects I have discovered so far..."
With the issue of this notarial title-deed on July 21. 1969,
the caves beneath Ecuador
became the property of Juan Moricz.