The Rest Is History 109. Dinosaurs
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Oct 18, 2021 Discover the captivating history of dinosaurs and their impact on society over the last two centuries. Explore how ancient texts linked mythical creatures to fossil discoveries and the rivalry between paleontologists. Delve into the complex relationship between Christianity and dinosaurs, and the influence of Darwin's theories in the Victorian era. The conversation spins from the extinction of these majestic creatures to modern-day environmental concerns, all while playfully speculating about dinosaur combat. A thoughtful blend of science, history, and imagination!
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Herodotus and Protoceratops
- Herodotus described griffins laying eggs in a distant land.
- Adrian Mayer theorizes this describes Protoceratops fossils in the Gobi Desert.
The Klagenfurt Dragon
- A dragon statue in Klagenfurt was modeled on a skull found in a cave.
- The skull was later identified as a woolly rhinoceros, not a dragon.
Tiberius and the Mastodon Tooth
- Tiberius received a large tooth after an earthquake, prompting a statue's creation.
- The tooth likely belonged to a mastodon, showcasing early fossil misinterpretation.
