This is an account of a debate held at North Dakota State University between Erich von Daniken and Clifford Wilson, on the subject ‘Does the historical and archaeological evidence support the proposition that ancient human civilisation was influenced by astronauts from outer space?’ on Saturday 11 February 1978. Von Daniken is the author of several books advocating this proposition. These books have sold very well. Wilson has written several books attacking Von Daniken’s position. He is a senior lecturer in education at Monash University in Victoria; describes himself as an archaeologist, and as a ‘Bible-believing Christian.’