Downstream: Everything We Think We Know About Human History Is Wrong w/ David Wengrow
Dec 7, 2022
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Archaeologist David Wengrow challenges conventional linear stage theory of human history, highlighting interconnectedness and agency of prehistoric people. The podcast explores indigenous diplomacy, the ancient cities of Cahokia and Teotihuacan, Eurocentrism in slavery abolition, coexistence of Homo sapiens and archaic humans, and the emotional journey of publishing a best-selling book with a deceased co-author.
The book 'The Dawn of Everything' challenges the idea that agriculture was the catalyst for societal advancements, emphasizing the existence of urban culture and complex societies prior to agriculture.
Evidence suggests that early human societies were highly connected and engaged in long-distance interactions, challenging the notion of isolated and primitive societies.
The book critiques Eurocentric perspectives and highlights the advanced social structures in indigenous societies, questioning the Eurocentric narrative of exclusive European progress and development.
Deep dives
Urban culture predates agriculture
Contrary to conventional wisdom, the book 'The Dawn of Everything' suggests that urban culture and advanced human civilization emerged before the advent of agriculture. The book challenges the notion that agriculture was the catalyst for societal advancements, arguing instead that cities and complex societies existed prior to the rise of agriculture. This alternative view of prehistory highlights the complexity and interconnectedness of early human societies, as well as their ability to consciously plan and design societies based on different sets of values.
Prehistoric societies were highly connected
The book highlights evidence that early human societies were highly connected, even before the rise of agriculture. Archaeological findings reveal that people were already moving, interacting, and exchanging ideas and resources over long distances. This challenges the notion of isolated and primitive societies during prehistory. The ability of early humans to navigate and colonize different environments demonstrates the development of sophisticated knowledge and skills in areas such as navigation, topography, and the behavior of the seas.
Rewriting history and challenging political implications
The book raises questions about the traditional narrative of human history and its political implications. It critiques the Eurocentric perspective that positions Europe as the sole source of progressive politics and civilization. By highlighting the diverse and advanced social structures found in indigenous American societies and other parts of the world, the book challenges the notion that complex societies and democracy were exclusive to Europe. It questions the idea that Western political theory is the pinnacle of societal development and suggests that there are alternative historical narratives that deserve attention and study.
The Indigenous Critique and the Enlightenment
The podcast discusses the role of Candirong, a multilingual Indigenous figure in the 17th century who engaged in debates with European interlocutors. These conversations, which later inspired the book 'Curious Dialogues with a savage of good sense who has traveled,' represented a scathing critique of European civilization. The impact of Candirong's ideas and subsequent texts was significant, contributing to the development of Enlightenment thought in Europe.
Reevaluating Ancient Civilizations
The podcast explores the abandonment and transitioning cultural practices of ancient civilizations, such as Cahokia in North America and Teotihuacan in present-day Mexico. In the case of Cahokia, the shift from hierarchical to egalitarian societal structures challenges the assumption that cultures are frozen in one pattern of behavior. Similarly, Teotihuacan's transformation from a hierarchical society to one focused on housing suggests that social arrangements can change over time. Both examples demonstrate the need to challenge preconceptions and assumptions about ancient civilizations.
New research shows our distant ancestors enjoyed a far more complex – and creative – existence than we had ever imagined. If humans have always experimented with ways of being, why are we told all the problems of our world are the result of inevitable progress? David Wengrow is an archaeologist and the co-author, with […]
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