#961 - Graham Hancock, Randall Carlson & Michael Shermer
May 16, 2017
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Three experts discuss the theory of a comet causing the extinction of North American land animals, analyze stone carvings at Gobekli Tepe, and debate anomalies in geological contexts. They explore ancient civilizations, lost knowledge transfer, Sphinx erosion, and the Younger Dryas impact hypothesis, challenging mainstream archaeology paradigms.
Gobekli Tepe challenges mainstream models with monumental construction by hunter-gatherers and possible advanced civilization interactions.
Scientific dialogue reveals clashes between established academia and alternative viewpoints in uncovering ancient mysteries.
Severe water erosion on the Sphinx challenges mainstream timelines, questioning traditional interpretations of geological evidence.
Divergent views on peopling the Americas and impact hypotheses challenge mainstream narratives and showcase evolving scientific understanding.
Instances of dissent and resistance within scientific communities highlight the complex dynamics of shaping and challenging existing paradigms.
Evidence of a giant comet impact 12,800 years ago suggests a cataclysmic event, sparking debates on the Younger Dryas period.
Deep dives
Gobekli Tepe: A Mystery of Ancient Construction
Gobekli Tepe, an ancient site, challenges the mainstream model with its monumental construction completed by hunter-gatherers potentially aided by a more advanced civilization. The large-scale project, comprising hundreds of megalithic pillars, suggests knowledge transfer from skilled individuals settling among hunter-gatherers. The site, still largely unexcavated, raises questions about cultural advances during challenging climatic conditions.
Alternative Archaeological Theories and Mainstream Skepticism
The debate between alternative archaeological theories and mainstream skepticism is highlighted, showcasing the diversity of perspectives in the field. Graham Hancock's exploration of forgotten episodes in human history challenges entrenched academic attitudes. The discussion exposes the tension between established academia and alternative viewpoints in uncovering ancient mysteries.
Challenges in Scientific Dialogue and Interpretation of Evidence
The conversation delves into the complexities of scientific dialogue and evidence interpretation. The criticism faced by Graham Hancock illustrates the clash between differing viewpoints in archaeology and the need for open-minded exploration. The podcast sheds light on the ongoing discourse surrounding ancient civilizations and human history.
Evidence Supporting Older Civilizations
Geological evidence, like severe water erosion on the Sphinx attributed to thousands of years of rainfall as proposed by a geologist, challenges mainstream timelines and interpretations.
Debates and Divergent Views in Science
Discussions on the peopling of the Americas, impact hypotheses, and dating methods reveal divergent views, challenges to mainstream narratives, and the evolving nature of scientific understanding.
Challenges to Consensus and Paradigms in Science
Instances of dissent, alternative theories, and resistance to mainstream ideas illustrate the complex dynamics within scientific communities, where new evidence and interpretations continually shape and challenge existing paradigms.
Evidence of Catastrophic Comets Breaking Up
Evidence suggests that 12,800 years ago, a giant comet broke up into multiple fragments, potentially causing impacts across North America, Atlantic Ocean, Europe, and possibly into Syria. This global event is estimated to have affected 50 million square kilometers of the Earth's surface, leaving a significant impact.
The Younger Dryas and Sudden Global Temperature Shifts
The Younger Dryas impact hypothesis proposes that the Earth experienced multiple impacts 12,800 years ago, leading to a cataclysmic event. The sudden temperature increase at the end of the Younger Dryas, approximately 11,600 years ago, remains a topic of debate among scientists, with theories ranging from comet impacts to extraordinary solar activity.
Torrid Meteor Stream and Potential Impacts on Earth
Researchers, such as Klub and Napier, suggest enhanced possibilities of Earth being impacted during certain epochs, such as when large comets enter the solar system and disintegrate, scattering materials that could pose collision risks. The Tunguska event of 1908 is cited as a potential member of the torrid meteor stream, highlighting the ongoing scientific concern regarding future impact possibilities.
Some scientists remain skeptical about a common impact hypothesis regarding extraterrestrial impact, emphasizing the need for more definitive evidence to support the theory of an asteroid impact rather than a comet. Replicated evidence of impact proxies like nanodiamonds, magnetic microspheres, platinum group elements, and melt glass strengthens the argument for a significant cosmic event.
Implications of Mastodon and Mammoth Discoveries
Unearthed mastodon and mammoth remains reveal intriguing details, including a mastodon found with shattered bones indicating extreme force, suggesting a sudden and violent end. Discoveries of mammoth tusks in London ivory docks over two centuries raise questions about whether their presence is due to human predation or natural catastrophes, adding layers of mystery to the prehistoric record.
Graham Hancock is an English author and journalist, well known for books such as "Fingerprints Of The Gods" & his latest book "Magicians of the Gods". Randall Carlson is a master builder and architectural designer, teacher, geometrician, geomythologist, geological explorer and renegade scholar. Michael Shermer is a science writer, historian of science, founder of The Skeptics Society, and Editor in Chief of its magazine Skeptic.
