Author Graham Hancock discusses ancient civilizations, challenging traditional narratives and exploring global remnants. The podcast delves into the influence of popular media on archaeology, reevaluates the purpose of the Giza Pyramids, and explores pattern-seeking in archaeology. The importance of multiple sources in historical analysis, challenging confirmation bias, geographical puzzles of the Giza Plateau, and celestial connections in ancient temples are also discussed.
Honesty is crucial for personal integrity and interactions.
Graham Hancock's theories lack evidence and scholarly support.
Hancock's links of ancient monuments to constellations are criticized for lacking scientific scrutiny.
Deep dives
Honesty to Yourself and Others
The importance of honesty is highlighted as a key lesson in life, emphasizing its value in personal integrity and interactions with others.
Graham Hancock's Pseudo-Historical Claims
Graham Hancock's controversial theories about an ancient super-civilization wiped out during the Younger Dryas period are scrutinized for lacking substantial evidence or scholarly support, with his interpretations questioned by geologists and archaeologists.
Connection of Monuments to Constellations
Hancock's attempts to link ancient monuments, such as the Giza pyramids and the temples of Angkor, to constellations like Orion and Draco are debunked as arbitrary and coincidental, failing to withstand scientific scrutiny and critical assessment.
Antarctica and Lost Civilization
Hancock's claims regarding Antarctica's alleged connection to a lost civilization and the civilization's supposed role in shaping the region are refuted by geological evidence, revealing that Antarctica's ice has existed for over 400,000 years, refuting Hancock's timeline.
Yonaguni Formation and Martian Pyramids
Hancock's exploration of the Yonaguni formation in Japan and Martian pyramids as potential remnants of ancient civilizations falls short as natural geological formations are identified as the likely origins, with geologists and scientists dismissing the notion of lost civilizations on Mars.
Netflix has recently decided to provide an outlet for pseudohistory, pseudoarchaeology, and outright bullshit with their new series "ancient apocalypse." In this Premium Throwback, we revisit our very first Premium Episode, in which we cast a critical lens on the many outlandish claims made by Graham Hancock. Enjoy!
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Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He is currently a professor of Chicano Studies at the Colegio Chicano del Pueblo, a free online educational institution. @kurlytlapoyawa
Ruben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus.