Guests include author Erich von Däniken, paleoanthropologist Dr. Shelby Putt, Egyptologist Dr. Mark Lehner, and archaeologist Prof. David S. Anderson. They discuss ancient alien involvement in building the Egyptian pyramids, the intelligence of ancient Egyptians, methods of pyramid construction, and the fascination with ancient aliens.
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Quick takeaways
The ancient Egyptians had the intelligence, technology, and manpower to build the pyramids without extraterrestrial assistance.
Archaeological evidence supports the use of canals, boats, sleds, rollers, and ramps by the ancient Egyptians for pyramid construction.
Deep dives
Ancient Aliens and the Egyptian Pyramids
The podcast explores the popular belief that aliens played a part in the construction of the Egyptian pyramids. While some people think it's plausible, archaeologists disagree. They argue that the ancient Egyptians had the intelligence, technology, and manpower to build these impressive structures without extraterrestrial assistance. Evidence, such as ancient canals, ramps, and diary entries found at the pyramids, points to the Egyptians using their own ingenious methods for transporting and hoisting the heavy stones. The popularity of the ancient aliens theory is attributed to our fascination with the idea of more advanced civilizations and our reluctance to accept the achievements of ancient cultures on their own terms.
The Intelligence of the Ancient Egyptians
Contrary to claims suggesting inferior intelligence, ancient Egyptians were fully capable of designing and planning the construction of the pyramids. They exhibited complex societal structures, played music, brewed beer, and had knowledge of geometry. Fossil evidence indicates that their brain size was comparable to modern humans, emphasizing their intellectual capacity. The assumption that they needed extraterrestrial assistance undermines their achievements and ignores the ample archaeological evidence of ancient Egyptian society.
Debunking the Ancient Aliens Theory
Archaeologists have shed light on how the ancient Egyptians built the pyramids without alien intervention. The usage of canals, boats, sleds, rollers, and ramps enabled them to transport and position the massive stones in place. Recent discoveries, such as the finding of a stone ramp near the pyramids, provide additional evidence to support these methods. The rise of the ancient aliens theory can be attributed, in part, to the desire for more exciting narratives and a reluctance to accept the accomplishments of ancient civilizations. The overwhelming scientific evidence strongly refutes the need for extraterrestrial assistance in building the pyramids.
Is it possible that the pyramids were built with a helping hand... from aliens? If not, how on Earth did the Egyptians built them without modern technology? To get to the bottom of this, we speak to author Erich von Däniken, paleoanthropologist Dr. Shelby Putt, Egyptologist Dr. Mark Lehner, and archaeologist Prof. David S. Anderson.
Selected references: This paper about the evolution of intelligence. Mark’s article about the canal system...with diagrams! Mark’s book about pyramid building-- along with this book and this one, too. David’s book about pseudoarchaeology.
Credits: This episode was produced by Rose Rimler with help from Wendy Zukerman, along with Meryl Horn and Odelia Rubin. Our senior producer is Kaitlyn Sawrey. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Fact checking by Michelle Harris. Mix and sound design by Emma Munger. Music by Emma Munger and Bobby Lord. A huge thanks to the team at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, as well as Professor Pierre Tallet, Roland Enmarch, Jens Notroff, Professor Erin L. Thompson and everyone else who spoke to us for this episode...thanks for your help. A special thanks to Sarah Hendricks, Jake Finnicum, Frank Lopez, Joseph Lavelle Wilson and the Zukerman Family.