Episode #342: Live with UnchartedX - Cart Ruts, Nemrut, Mysteries of Turkey
Jan 17, 2025
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Join a fascinating exploration of ancient mysteries as the hosts dive into their upcoming trip to Turkey, featuring iconic sites like Mount Nemrut and the Phrygian Valley's enigmatic cart ruts. They discuss technical challenges faced in scanning ancient artifacts and highlight the historical significance of Antiochus' tomb. Discover the unique structures of Sogmatar, investigate the implications of ancient cart ruts, and hear about the culturally rich landscapes of Gobekli Tepe. This journey promises captivating insights into the secrets of the past!
The hosts celebrate the new year by welcoming listeners to their first live stream while discussing technical challenges faced during the broadcast.
They share their excitement for an upcoming trip to Turkey, focusing on the mysterious sites of Mount Nemrut, Sogmatar, and Phrygian Valley cart ruts.
Significant attention is given to the Vase Scan Project, showcasing advanced scanning technology used for analyzing ancient artifacts and facilitating collaborative research.
The discussion highlights Sogmatar's ties to ancient religious practices and its potential connections to Gnostic traditions and astrological knowledge in early civilizations.
Deep dives
Celebrating the New Year and Stream Challenges
The podcast begins with the hosts welcoming listeners to the new year, highlighting their first live stream of 2025. They discuss technical challenges they faced while attempting to stream simultaneously on two channels, ensuring they could be heard clearly by their audience. The hosts express gratitude to viewers for joining them and prompt listeners to share any audio issues. Their lighthearted banter sets an engaging tone for the discussions that follow, focusing on intriguing archaeological topics.
Exploring Ancient Sites in Turkey
The hosts quickly delve into their recent explorations in Turkey, particularly the mysteries of sites like Mount Nemrut and Sogmatar. They share their interests in the cart ruts of the Phrygian Valley and the significance of these ancient pathways. The conversation shifts to the challenges of finding scientific research on these phenomena, underlining the limited resources available on such topics. As they prepare to show images from their explorations, excitement builds for the audience to learn about the findings and the history behind these locations.
Update on the Vase Scan Project
A significant portion of the podcast is dedicated to discussing the Vase Scan Project, showcasing its evolution from initial scanning efforts to a broader community initiative. The hosts explain how advanced scanning technology has allowed detailed analysis of ancient artifacts, facilitating collaborative projects with fellow enthusiasts and researchers. They recount their scanning experiences in Egypt, detailing the challenges faced amid the intricate structures they scanned, such as the large Serapeum boxes. The conversation emphasizes the project's progression, reflected in the growing interest and involvement from various contributors.
Technical Limitations in Artifact Scanning
The hosts address some of the technical challenges associated with the scanning project, particularly focusing on software limitations affecting data processing. They express frustration over the slow processing times and inefficiencies in current technology, highlighting the need for improved software solutions. This conversation touches on the importance of optimizing technology to facilitate better data collection and analysis, making the scanning process more efficient. The hosts also reflect on how improved technology could lead to greater insights into the artifacts they study.
Unveiling the Mysteries of Mount Nemrut
The discussion transitions to Mount Nemrut, where monumental ancient stone sculptures dedicated to various deities can be found. The hosts share insights about the history and significance of the tumulus, the largest in the world, and the mysteries surrounding its construction. They explore theories regarding its use for astronomical observations and ritualistic purposes, perhaps serving as a beacon for celestial events. The hosts express their eagerness to revisit the site and gain deeper insights into its historical and cultural relevance.
Uncovering the Enigma of Sogmatar
The conversation deepens as they discuss the lesser-known site of Sogmatar, a location tied to ancient religious practices and homes to various temples and caves. They explain how Sogmatar has garnered attention for its unique rock formations and possible connections to historical accounts of astral worship. The hosts share intriguing quotes from historical texts that describe Sogmatar's supposed treasures and its past as a center for ancient wisdom. They emphasize the need for further exploration to unlock the secrets of this fascinating site.
Ancient Wisdom and the Mystique of Gnosticism
As they delve further into the significance of Sogmatar, the hosts discuss the potential connections between the site and Gnostic traditions, linking it to various celestial beliefs within ancient societies. They explore the idea of Sogmatar as a repository of ancient knowledge, including the mystique surrounding the Sabians, who were known for their astrological expertise. The podcast highlights the philosophical dimensions of the region's ancient inhabitants, illuminating how their beliefs shaped the cultural and religious landscape. This exploration positions Sogmatar within the broader context of ancient wisdom and contact with early civilizations.
We go live with Ben from UnchartedX for the first episode of 2025! We get Ben's take on the scanning project and the end of year trip to Egypt to scan vase fragments and giant boxes in situ. We also discuss the upcoming trip to Turkey, and revisit some of the strange and mysterious sites we will be visiting there, including Mt. Nemrut, the cart ruts in the Phrygian Valley, and the underground complexes in Cappadocia.
