John Anthony West was an American author and television personality known for his unconventional theories about ancient Egypt. He gained prominence for his work on the Sphinx and the Great Pyramids, suggesting that they were much older than mainstream archaeology proposed. His ideas often challenged established historical narratives. West was also a proponent of alternative archaeology and was involved in various documentaries, including the popular series The Mystery of the Sphinx. He authored several books, such as "Serpent in the Sky," which explored the spiritual and philosophical aspects of ancient Egyptian culture.