#961 - Graham Hancock, Randall Carlson & Michael Shermer

The hypothesis of a comet impact causing the end of the ice age and the extinction of North American land animals is gaining more evidence and support. Scientists have found impact proxies like melt glass and microspherules that are associated with comet impact. This abundance of evidence at a specific time period suggests that a cosmic event did occur. It is becoming clear that climate change alone cannot explain the rapid changes seen at the end of the ice age, and a trigger is needed. The theory of Earth encountering debris from a disintegrating comet around 13,000 years ago supports this idea. While controversial, the evidence for a comet impact is steadily mounting, and it is necessary to continue researching and investigating this hypothesis.

The field of alternative archaeology is vast and filled with numerous theories that often clash with mainstream scientific views. These alternative theories, ranging from the lost tribes of Israel colonizing the Americas to the Black Egyptian hypothesis, present compelling cases but struggle to gain recognition and acceptance from mainstream archaeologists. The challenge lies in the limited time and resources mainstream archaeologists have to thoroughly investigate and engage with these alternative theories. As a result, the default position is skepticism, assuming the alternative hypotheses are not true until sufficient evidence is presented. While alternative archaeologists may make compelling arguments in popular books, it is crucial to understand the perspective of mainstream scientists and their evaluation through peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences.

The consensus among scientists in various fields, such as climate change, is not a result of a democratic decision, but rather independent research leading to the same conclusions. This convergence of evidence instills confidence in the validity of their theories. However, it is important to acknowledge the existence of unexplained anomalies or residue that scientists cannot currently account for. Similarly, in discussing the possibility of a lost advanced civilization, it is crucial to consider alternative perspectives on what constitutes advancement. The absence of certain artifacts or technologies does not necessarily imply the non-existence of a civilization. The discovery of impressive structures like Gobekli Tepi challenges previous assumptions about the capabilities of hunter-gatherer societies and illustrates the need to reevaluate our understanding of ancient civilizations.

Our understanding of ancient civilizations and their capabilities is constantly evolving. The discovery of sites like Gobekli Tepe challenges the traditional narrative that hunter-gatherer societies were not capable of advanced construction or complex social organization. The sudden appearance of this massive megalithic site 11,600 years ago, surpassing the age of Stonehenge by 7,000 years, raises intriguing questions about the sophistication of prehistoric societies. While some archaeologists may have been resistant to the idea of lost civilizations in the past, recent discoveries such as the Indus Valley civilization demonstrate that our knowledge can be transformed by new evidence. It is crucial to remain open-minded and continue exploring the possibilities of our ancient past.

The discovery of Gobekli Tepe challenges our assumptions about ancient hunter-gatherer societies. This ancient structure, dating back 12,000 years, reveals a level of sophistication and architectural prowess that was previously thought impossible for these early humans. The massive stone columns and intricate three-dimensional carvings suggest a higher level of technological and artistic skill. Additionally, the absence of pottery or other signs of human habitation at the site raises questions about its purpose and function. Some experts speculate that Gobekli Tepe may have been the world's first religious or spiritual temple, visited by people from surrounding areas. This find challenges our understanding of the past and invites us to reconsider the capabilities of ancient civilizations.

There is an ongoing debate about the origins and capabilities of ancient civilizations. The discovery of Gobekli Tepi, a sophisticated and mysterious archaeological site, challenges the mainstream belief that ancient societies were only hunter-gatherers. While some argue that these structures were beyond the abilities of early humans, others believe that humans were capable of such feats and were perhaps even aided by advanced knowledge or technology from unknown sources. The importance lies in acknowledging that our understanding of ancient civilizations is still evolving, and we should remain open to exploring new possibilities and questioning previous assumptions. Gobekli Tepi serves as a reminder that there is still much to uncover about our past.

There is a debate about whether ancient civilizations had the time and resources to undertake large-scale construction projects. The discussion revolves around the idea that during challenging times of environmental change, such as the younger dryas period, it is difficult to imagine a disconnect between monumental projects and the motives behind them. Some argue that hunter-gatherer societies had more free time and less stress, making them capable of such undertakings, while others question the feasibility of moving large stones without modern machinery. Additionally, the comparison between cave paintings and megalithic constructions sparks a debate on the level of complexity and abstract reasoning exhibited by ancient civilizations. Ultimately, it is a matter of understanding the capabilities and motivations of our ancestors.

Ancient civilizations and their technological achievements continue to puzzle scientists. The evidence of intelligence and advanced skills displayed in structures like Gobekli Tepe and cave paintings raises questions about the timeline of human development. The lack of intermediate material between cave art and Gobekli Tepe suggests the possibility of a transfer of technology or the existence of a lost civilization. While some scientists approach these mysteries with skepticism and seek gradual evolutionary processes to explain them, others embrace the idea of a more ancient and mysterious civilization. The study of ancient civilizations and their advancements serves as a reminder that there is much we still don't know about the history of human development.

There is a clear misrepresentation happening in this discussion. Graham Hancock is being accused of various things in an article that has not yet been published. He is being labeled as a con artist and accused of duping the public, among other things. However, he refutes these claims by providing evidence, such as his debate with Sahil Hawas, a leading Egyptian Egyptologist. Hancock also points out that the author cherry-picked his statements and did not provide the full context. Additionally, he challenges the notion that mythical creatures did not exist in prehistoric times, citing examples of such representations in the Chauvet cave. The key takeaway is that it's important to critically evaluate claims and ensure that accurate information is being presented.

Graham Hancock believes there may be a forgotten episode in human history, with evidence potentially present at various sites around the world. He criticizes the defensive and arrogant attitude of mainstream academia for disregarding this possibility. Hancock suggests that a lost civilization could have existed and left behind physical objects like Gobekli Tepe and the Sphinx. However, he emphasizes that he does not have definitive evidence for ancient civilizations instructing people on the use of metals or tools. While he rejects theories involving aliens, he advocates for considering alternative perspectives and maintaining an open mind. The conversation also highlights the importance of fact-checking and the potential for misrepresentation in publishing.

There is evidence suggesting that the Sphinx and the trench it is cut from show signs of weathering caused by heavy rainfall, indicating a much older age than traditionally believed. Geologist Robert Schoch from Boston University has concluded that the vertical fissures in the trench point to precipitation-induced weathering, which would require rainfall that occurred much earlier than 4,500 years ago. The mainstream response to this theory has been skeptical due to the lack of other structures from that time period. However, Graham Hancock suggests that the lack of archaeological evidence may be due to the idea that the knowledge and traditions of the civilization were preserved and passed down through a smaller, monastery-like community. This theory proposes that the construction of the Great Pyramids was superior to later pyramids, creating a mystery around their origin and construction.

There is evidence suggesting major climatic changes and disruptions in the ancient Egyptian civilization around 12,000 to 12,500 years ago. This period marked a shift in the hydraulic regime of the Nile River, causing significant environmental changes. The floods during this time were documented to be 120 feet above the modern floodplain of the Nile. These events likely led to the abandonment of settlements along the river and the emergence of desert, requiring serious adaptation. It is possible that the population was decimated, leaving no workforce for centuries. As the region recovered, monumental structures like the pyramids were renewed, but there is a noticeable gap in their construction. This suggests that the disruptions caused by the climatic changes may have hindered the progress of these projects for an extended period.

There is a disagreement among experts regarding the age and origins of the Sphinx and the pyramids in Egypt. While some argue for a traditional accepted age and attribute the erosion on the Sphinx to rainwater, others like Graham Hancock propose that the structures could be much older and that there is a lack of contemporary inscriptions supporting their construction during the supposed time period. The mainstream view held by many archaeologists and Egyptologists is that the alternative arguments lack evidence and are considered preposterous. This disagreement highlights the tendency of experts to be close-minded and resistant to considering new ideas, often attacking those who challenge the mainstream viewpoint.

The mainstream scientific community is not always open to new ideas and is often resistant to change. Einstein was able to make an impact because he turned out to be right, but not all scientists are given the same opportunity. The field of archaeology, for example, has seen new ideas being accepted over time, such as the impact hypothesis for the demise of the dinosaurs. However, challenging the mainstream still requires strong evidence, like finding the crater in the case of the impact hypothesis. The extinction of North American mammals and the reasons behind it also remain debated, with competing hypotheses of overhunting, climate change, and the impact hypothesis. It is important to examine multiple factors and not jump to conclusions based on limited evidence.

Our understanding of human history and the extinction of certain animals is constantly evolving and being challenged. The idea that humans wiped out mammoths and other large animals in a short period of time is being questioned, as evidence suggests that humans coexisted and butchered mammoths for thousands of years prior to the supposed extinction event. Additionally, the accepted model of Clovis-first migration is being challenged, with new evidence suggesting earlier human presence in the Americas. The resistance to accepting this evidence highlights the resistance to changing established narratives in archaeology. It is a reminder that our understanding of the past is not set in stone and is subject to revision as new information comes to light.

In short, one big takeaway from this conversation is the debate surrounding the age of human presence in North America. Graham Hancock argues that the mainstream theory of Clovis first, which suggests human presence only dates back around 13,000 years, has collapsed based on new studies. He emphasizes the need to consider preclovis evidence, such as the butchering of horses 24,000 years ago, to challenge the existing paradigm. On the other hand, Michael Shermer remains skeptical, stating that preclovis evidence has historically not held up and that the latest evidence overwhelmingly supports the migration 11-15,000 years ago. The key point here is the importance of considering and verifying new evidence to potentially push back the timeline of human presence in North America and explore alternative explanations.

There is ongoing debate and speculation in the archaeological and scientific communities regarding ancient human presence in North America. The discovery of a 130,000-year-old site in San Diego raises interesting questions about who inhabited the region at that time. While some argue for the possibility of Neanderthals or Denisovans, others suggest alternative explanations and question the evidence. The mainstream scientific community tends to approach these claims with skepticism and looks for strong convergence of evidence before accepting new theories. Additionally, the presence of Denisovan DNA in certain groups of South American Indians and Australian Aboriginalities poses a challenge to the prevailing theory of a single migration through the Bering Strait. Boat travel and coastal routes are proposed as alternative explanations. Overall, the complexity of human migration and the need for further research and evidence in this field are emphasized.

There is a strong resistance within the archaeological community to challenging established paradigms, such as the Clovis First hypothesis. This resistance can make it difficult for archaeologists to propose alternative sites or ideas that go against the mainstream belief. Careers can be ruined and research funding withdrawn for those who dare to think outside the box. This creates a lack of incentive to explore older archaeological evidence and consider alternative narratives. Furthermore, there is a tendency to dismiss or discredit evidence that does not align with the current mainstream hypothesis. However, it is important for scientists to be open-minded and willing to contemplate new ideas, even if they challenge the existing beliefs.

There is a lack of consensus within the scientific community on various theories and interpretations. While mainstream science often presents a unified front, the reality is that there are diverse viewpoints and alternative theories being debated. This applies to various fields, including geology and archaeology. It is important to recognize that even within the mainstream, there are divergent points of view and interpretations. Additionally, the growth of alternative theories and the involvement of renowned scientists further highlight the complexity of these subjects. Rather than dismissing alternative ideas, it is crucial to engage in open and respectful dialogue to explore and understand different perspectives.

There is an ongoing debate regarding the existence and impact of multiple comet fragments during the Younger Dryas period around 12,800 years ago. The debate centers around the dating inconsistencies and errors of carbon-14 samples taken from the Younger Dryas boundary, as well as the possibility of older wood effect and inaccuracies in the dating process. While there is evidence suggesting a synchronicity of the younger, drier boundary layer across multiple continents, there is also disagreement on the exact cause of the rapid global temperature increase at the end of the Younger Dryas around 11,600 years ago. Some propose a comet impact in the ocean, while others suggest extraordinary solar activity. Despite these uncertainties, it is clear that the impacts and events of the Younger Dryas period had a significant global scale.

There is a concern among astronomers, such as Duncan CEO and others, about the potential dangers of the torrid meteor stream. This stream is associated with the possibility of large comets entering the solar system and scattering material throughout the inner solar system, including Earth. The Tunguska event in 1908, which occurred during the peak of the torrid meteor shower, serves as evidence for this concern. While some skeptics accuse others of being doomsayers, it is important to pay attention to the research and scientific findings regarding the torrid meteor stream. While we have the technology to potentially deal with large objects, it is unwise to ignore the potential risks and impacts they may pose in the future.

There is a possibility that a sophisticated civilization, similar to the Phoenicians or the Minoans, could have existed on islands in the mid-Atlantic during the ice age. This idea is not far-fetched considering the climate and geography of that time. It's not unreasonable to consider that such a culture could have coexisted with hunter-gatherer societies, just as we do today with certain isolated tribes in the Amazon. The theories regarding Atlantis extend beyond a single specific location, instead suggesting that multiple advanced areas were wiped out due to flooding at the end of the ice age. This supports the notion that the stories and myths of Atlantis may have originated from real events that were passed down through oral tradition.

Miscommunication and misrepresentation can lead to misunderstandings and tension between individuals. In this conversation between Michael Shermer, Joe Rogan, Graham Hancock, and Mark Defend, it becomes evident that certain statements have been taken out of context and misconstrued, causing frustration and disagreement. It is crucial to accurately represent someone's views and intentions, as misquoting or misinterpreting can lead to confusion and conflict. Open and respectful dialogue is important in resolving these misunderstandings and ensuring that everyone's perspectives are understood properly. By acknowledging mistakes and working towards clarification, a more productive and harmonious conversation can take place, emphasizing the importance of effective communication.

Graham Hancock is open to changing his views and incorporating new evidence into his theories. He acknowledges that his first book, "Fingerprints of the Gods," proposed a continent destruction theory that he now considers nonsense as a geologist. He also admits to changing his stance on the Mayan calendar, viewing it as an interesting artifact with a better estimate of the solar year length. Despite criticism and accusations of duping people, Hancock emphasizes his role as a reporter, reporting the work and theories of other people. This showcases the importance of being open-minded, adaptable, and willing to reassess beliefs based on new information.

There is ongoing debate and discussion regarding the potential hazards of the torrid meteor stream and its impact on our civilization. Graham Hancock highlights the work of Victor Klube, Bill Napier, and Emilio Spedicato, who believe that a collision with the torrid meteor stream within the next 30 years could have disastrous consequences. While there is disagreement among scientists, the idea of a recurring cycle and the potential for another catastrophic event like the one that occurred approximately 12,000 years ago is a point of contention. The conversation also touches on the presence of platinum and its correlation with the Greenland ice cores. However, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between platinum and comets. The discussion also includes skepticism towards the idea of a magical civilization at Gobekli Tepe and emphasizes the importance of reviewing scientific evidence in a rigorous and critical manner.

There is a debate surrounding the origins of ancient civilizations like the Sumerians and Easter Island. Graham Hancock argues that these societies were more advanced than traditionally believed, suggesting the presence of a lost civilization. He points to Gobekli Tepe as evidence of advanced knowledge and technology being transferred to hunter-gatherer populations. However, Michael Shermer counters that there is no need to invoke a great civilization and that these societies simply evolved from hunter-gatherers to agricultural societies. The disagreement centers around the interpretation of archaeological evidence and the existence of a lost civilization. Regardless of the outcome, this debate highlights the importance of open-mindedness and ongoing research in understanding our ancient past.

There is a heated debate between Graham Hancock, Mark, Joe Rogan, Michael Shermer, and Randall Carlson regarding the accuracy and credibility of information presented online. The discussion revolves around Hancock's ability to persuade people to purchase his books and the use of insulting language. Despite disagreements and misquotes, it becomes evident that there is a need for context and accurate information in order to convey ideas effectively. Additionally, the conversation highlights the importance of critical thinking and thorough research before accepting information as truth. The mention of various geographical locations and glacial formations emphasizes the complexity of geological evidence and the need for careful interpretation. Overall, this discussion serves as a reminder to approach online content with skepticism and to verify information before forming conclusions.

There is a difference in understanding between Randall Carlson and the other speakers regarding the geological formations and evidence of past floods. While Carlson argues that there is evidence of massive flooding caused by the melting of glaciers, the others seem to disagree. They suggest that the features Carlson identifies as evidence of flooding can be explained by other geological processes, such as glacier melting or erosion. The disagreement also extends to the question of whether these floods have any connection to Atlantis or a lost civilization. Carlson focuses on the scientific evidence of the melting ice sheets and their impact, while the others question the relevance of this evidence to the proposed lost civilizations. Ultimately, there is a need for further research and exploration to better understand these geological phenomena and their significance.

There is a significant disagreement among experts regarding the formation of Camas Prairie and the role of multiple floods. While Randall Carlson argues that the high water mark indicates a catastrophic flow of at least 1400 feet of water, others, like 5, believe that the current ripples and layers of gravel could have been formed by 40 separate floods. The debate centers around the interpretation of geological data and radiocarbon dating, with Carlson cautioning against dating sediments entrained by floods. Ultimately, this disagreement highlights the need for further research and a comprehensive understanding of the geological processes that shaped Camas Prairie and other similar formations.

There are unresolved issues regarding the transition out of the last ice age and what exactly happened. It is crucial to engage in discussions and dialogues to uncover the truth without imposing preconceived notions on our models. The comet experts are facing challenges in understanding the breakup of comets and the difficulty in separating them to hit multiple places. The absence of evidence of a 4-kilometer wide comet impact 49,000 years ago raises questions about the credibility of this theory. Despite heated debates, everyone agrees that we are dealing with a critical point in history and that there is much to be learned about what caused it. Continuation of this dialogue is highly valued to gain further insights.

There is substantial evidence supporting the hypothesis of a cosmic impact, although the exact nature of the impact remains uncertain. While there are criticisms and questions surrounding the evidence, several independent studies have replicated key findings, such as the presence of magnetic microspheres and platinum group elements. These findings suggest an extraterrestrial origin and align with the characteristics of an asteroid impact. However, it is important to differentiate between impact spheryls and similar terrestrial processes to ensure accurate analysis. The evidence continues to accumulate and further research is necessary to fully understand the nature and implications of the impact event.

There is compelling evidence for an impact event occurring 12,900 years ago. This evidence includes various proxies such as impacts furls, platinum group elements, milk glass, and nano diamonds, which have been consistently replicated in multiple studies. Those who claim that this work has been completely debunked are not familiar with the literature or are being disingenuous. The images and comparisons shown further support the existence of this impact event, with distinct similarities seen between known impact proxies and objects found in the younger driest boundary layer. While there may be other ways to produce certain materials like trinitite, the presence of high-temperature features like melted zircons and chromite strongly suggest an impact event.

The evidence of a significant event, possibly an impact from a meteorite, during the younger dryas boundary is mounting. This event seems to have had a widespread impact, with evidence found in multiple locations including South America, Syria, the Pacific Ocean, and Europe. While proving an impact is challenging, the presence of specific materials like scoria-like objects and calcium oxide-rich substances in various layers provides support for this theory. Additionally, this event may have contributed to the extinction of the megafauna, although other factors like human hunting also played a role. It is important to continue research and gather more evidence to fully understand the extent and implications of this event.

The extinction of the megafauna may have been influenced by both environmental factors and human activity. While some believe that the blitzkrieg hypothesis of humans wiping out the megafauna has holes in it, others suggest that a combination of reduced population due to environmental stressors, such as extraterrestrial impacts, and hunting by humans led to their decline. The killing of pregnant females was particularly detrimental to the breeding population of megafauna. Additionally, evidence is emerging that suggests that religion may have played a role in the extinction, as there may have been a religious belief system built around it. This topic presents a fascinating subject for further investigation and debate.

The scab land landscapes in Eastern Washington hold fascinating evidence of past geological events. Randall Carlson, along with Joe Rogan and Graham Hancock, explore the cliffs and riverbanks that reveal the impact of water pouring over ridges and the erosion of river banks. They discuss the discoveries of bone deposits and fossilized remains, including mastodons and woolly mammoths, that point to rapid preservation during catastrophic events. The permafrost in the area has helped preserve these remains for thousands of years. These findings suggest the existence of other mechanisms of extinction besides human hunting and emphasize the importance of rapid removal of fossils from any destructive forces for preservation.

The preservation of ancient animal specimens, such as the mammoth and mastodon, provides valuable insights into past climate change and human history. The well-preserved mammoth carcass with undigested stomach contents indicates rapid freezing and suggests a significant climate shift. Additionally, the discovery of arrow points and defensive wounds on the mastodon's remains suggests that humans may have been responsible for its death, challenging previous assumptions about prehistoric interactions. This highlights the importance of ongoing research and the role of outsiders in questioning established beliefs. As evidence continues to emerge, it is crucial to remain open-minded and consider alternative explanations, pushing the boundaries of our understanding and furthering scientific progress.

There is evidence of powerful forces, whether from natural catastrophes or human predation, that have caused significant destruction and burial of mammoths and other ancient creatures. Randall Carlson discusses how mastodons and dinosaur bones have been shattered and broken, suggesting immense forces were exerted upon them. Additionally, the presence of mammoth ivory in vast quantities, as shown in the 19th-century scene of the London docks, raises questions about how these tusks ended up buried in permafrost. The discussion highlights the need to consider various possibilities and explore the origins of such phenomena. Ultimately, this reminds us that our planet's history is filled with fascinating mysteries waiting to be unravelled.