#1284 - Graham Hancock

At a Glance

• Rediscovering Ancient Civilizations - “Go back is an excellent example prior to the discovery and excavation of Gobekli Tepe, which is a site in Anatolia in Turkey, it was the view very firm view of archaeologists that there had been no megalithic architecture anywhere on earth… and then suddenly, Gobekli Tepe is discovered, it dates to 11,600 years ago”. Hancock discusses the groundbreaking discovery of Gobekli Tepe, which challenged the long-held archaeological view on the origins of megalithic architecture, highlighting the significance of this find in reshaping our understanding of ancient civilizations.

• Cataclysmic Events and Lost Histories - “From 2007 onwards, you know, more than a decade after I wrote Fingerprints of the Gods, we get a group of more than 60 major scientists who are seriously proposing that the earth was hit by multiple fragments of a giant comet 12,800 years ago”. Hancock delves into the evidence supporting the theory of a global cataclysm caused by a comet impact, which he believes wiped out an advanced civilization, underscoring the impact such events had on human history.

• Archaeological Dogma and New Discoveries - “It was maintained adamantly that these were the first Americans, that no human being touched the soil of the Americas until 13,400 years ago… And then a few archaeologists decided to dig deeper, and they finally date those back to more than 50,000 years ago”. Hancock highlights the resistance within the archaeological community to new evidence that challenges established timelines, emphasizing the importance of keeping an open mind and investigating deeper layers to uncover humanity’s true history.

• Significance of the Younger Dryas Impact Hypothesis - “So all the evidence suggests that this crater dates to that period between 12,800 and 11,600 years ago. But to absolutely confirm that, more work needs to be done”. Hancock discusses the discovery of a massive crater in Greenland, which may support the Younger Dryas Impact Hypothesis, adding weight to the theory of a significant comet impact event that coincides with the period of sudden global climate change and mass extinctions.

• The Amazon’s Forgotten Civilization - “And then in the last decade, as the clearances of the Amazon have proceeded, we’ve begun to see the traces of those cities… What happened was that the Spaniards brought smallpox into the Amazon, smallpox devastated the local population… Within 50 years, they were completely overgrown by the jungle”. Hancock reveals recent discoveries in the Amazon rainforest, where remnants of large cities have been found, suggesting a once-thriving and sophisticated civilization that was decimated by disease and reclaimed by nature.

What to Do

• Interacting with Audience - Hancock shares “I encourage that. I feel as an author that, frankly speaking, I’m nothing without my audience” highlighting the importance he places on interacting with his audience during events, including Q&A sessions.

• Dealing with Criticism - Hancock discusses how he has dealt with severe criticism from the academic community, implying resilience and the need to stay committed to one’s beliefs in the face of opposition.

• Valuing Personal Experience in Learning - Hancock expresses a general approach to learning and valuing history by stressing the importance of looking directly at the evidence and making personal judgments rather than solely relying on established authorities. This is reflected in his discussions about archaeological sites and theories.

What to Get

• Fingerprints of the Gods: The Evidence of Earth’s Lost Civilization by Graham Hancock - Amazon

• America Before: The Key to Earth’s Lost Civilization by Graham Hancock - Amazon

• Magicians of the Gods: The Forgotten Wisdom of Earth’s Lost Civilization by Graham Hancock - Amazon

Summary

In this exciting podcast episode, Joe Rogan sits down with Graham Hancock for an epic discussion about ancient civilizations and amazing archaeological discoveries. Get ready to dive into some seriously cool theories that will make you rethink everything you know about history!

The conversation kicks off with Graham talking about his latest book, “America Before,” which explores the possibility of advanced civilizations in prehistoric America. He even mentions a special edition available at Barnes & Noble, showing his support for traditional bookstores. Graham’s work is all about challenging the mainstream views of archaeology, especially with finds like Gobekli Tepe that push back the timeline of advanced human societies. Imagine, advanced civilizations that existed way before we ever thought possible!

They also dive into hot and controversial topics like the Younger Dryas impact hypothesis. This theory suggests that a comet impact around 12,800 years ago caused a mini ice age and wiped out many large animals. Graham believes this event also led to the sudden disappearance of advanced prehistoric civilizations, which he argues were far more developed than mainstream archaeology admits. This idea is super contentious because it contradicts what most academics believe and could mean we need to rewrite parts of human history.

Throughout the conversation, Joe Rogan is curious and supportive, often agreeing with Graham’s views. They have fun moments, especially when Joe praises Graham for narrating his own audiobooks, which adds a personal touch to his work. But they also express frustration over the resistance from the academic community towards Graham’s theories, highlighting the stubbornness of scientific establishments.

This episode offers a thrilling look at the potential of advanced ancient civilizations, the challenges posed by mainstream archaeological beliefs, and Graham’s dedication to his work. He’s on an extensive tour to promote his book and connect with his audience, showing his commitment to sharing these fascinating ideas. The conversation is full of intriguing and controversial topics, making it perfect for anyone interested in the mysteries of our past.