Zecharia Sitchin was an author and researcher best known for his controversial theories regarding ancient civilizations and extraterrestrial influences. He gained fame for his interpretation of ancient Sumerian texts, particularly the Enuma Elish and the Epic of Gilgamesh, proposing that they contained evidence of ancient astronauts visiting Earth. Sitchin's most notable work, the Earth Chronicles series, suggests that these extraterrestrial beings, referred to as the Anunnaki, played a significant role in human history and development. His ideas have sparked both interest and criticism, leading to debates about the validity of his interpretations and their implications for our understanding of ancient cultures.