5/31/2018
This podcast delves deep into the intriguing world of ancient Egypt, exploring the possibility that some of its iconic structures are far older than conventional wisdom suggests. The conversation revolves around provocative topics like the Sphinx water erosion hypothesis, the dating of ancient Egyptian civilization, and the potential impact of a cataclysmic solar event on past and present civilizations. Underneath these specific topics, a captivating discussion emerges about the limitations of accepted paradigms, the importance of open-minded scientific inquiry, and the enduring fascination with the mysteries of our shared past.
1. Redating the Sphinx: A Geological Challenge to Conventional Egyptology
Robert Schoch, a geologist, challenges the traditional dating of the Sphinx, arguing that its distinctive weathering patterns indicate exposure to significant rainfall, a scenario incompatible with the arid climate of the past 5,000 years. This suggests that the Sphinx might be much older than previously believed, dating back to the end of the last ice age.
Schoch’s initial skepticism toward the Sphinx’s age quickly dissipated upon seeing the structures in person. The erosion patterns, visible on the Sphinx’s core body and the walls of its enclosure, were inconsistent with wind and sand erosion, suggesting rainfall as the primary weathering agent. This observation alone prompted Schoch to consider a significantly earlier date for the Sphinx’s construction.
Furthermore, Schoch highlights the intricate carving techniques employed for the Sphinx and its associated temples, suggesting a level of technological sophistication that challenges the commonly held notion of a “primitive” ancient Egypt. The Sphinx’s head, noticeably smaller than the body, further adds to the evidence for later alterations and repairs, further complicating the picture of its construction history.
2. The Solar Outburst Hypothesis: A Catastrophic Event Reshaping Ancient Civilizations
Schoch presents a compelling hypothesis that a massive solar outburst, possibly triggered by a comet diving into the sun, occurred at the end of the last ice age around 9700 BC. This cataclysmic event, far exceeding the magnitude of the Carrington event of 1859, would have caused widespread climatic changes, massive precipitation, volcanic eruptions, and potentially lethal radiation levels.
Schoch argues that this solar event serves as a plausible explanation for the vitrification of rock, the presence of shocked quartz, and the widespread evidence of catastrophic floods at the end of the last ice age. He suggests that this event may have been a significant factor in the demise of ancient civilizations, leading to a “solar induced dark age” that lasted for thousands of years.
The potential impact of such an event on present-day technology is a sobering reminder of our vulnerability. Schoch highlights the potential damage to power grids, communication systems, and satellites, underlining the need to consider such cosmic events as a tangible threat.
3. The Sphinx as a Guardian of Secrets: A Hidden Chamber and the Goddess MetHit
Schoch and his colleagues have uncovered evidence suggesting that the Sphinx might have originally been a lioness, not a lion with a human head. This lioness, identified as the goddess MetHit, is depicted in ancient hieroglyphs as a guardian of an archive. This discovery challenges the accepted understanding of the Sphinx’s symbolism and purpose.
The presence of a chamber beneath the Sphinx’s paws, detected through seismic surveying, further supports the idea of a hidden archive. The hieroglyphic evidence, dating back to 3600 BC, predates the conventional dating of the Sphinx’s construction, further bolstering Schoch’s arguments. This suggests that the Sphinx might have served as a marker for a much earlier civilization.
Schoch’s research also highlights the resistance encountered from some Egyptologists, who dismiss his findings and actively obstruct further exploration of the chamber beneath the Sphinx. This resistance, Schoch argues, stems from the potential disruption of established paradigms and the discomfort of considering alternative interpretations of ancient Egyptian history.
4. The Great Pyramid: A Multi-Layered Structure Encompassing a Shared Past
Schoch challenges the traditional understanding of the Great Pyramid’s construction, suggesting that it might be built over an older structure, potentially dating back to the period before the cataclysmic solar event. The presence of a sacred mound beneath the pyramid and the use of granite in its construction further supports the idea of a layered history.
Schoch emphasizes the incredibly precise construction methods employed for the Great Pyramid, a feat that challenges even modern engineering capabilities. This complexity, he argues, points towards the possibility of a shared cultural memory and knowledge that survived the cataclysmic event, allowing for the reconstruction of such impressive structures in later periods.
Schoch’s work also underscores the remarkable longevity of human ingenuity and the enduring power of shared cultural memory. He points out that while we may not fully comprehend the construction methods of the ancient Egyptians, the existence of these structures is a testament to the resilience and creativity of past civilizations.
5. Gobekli Tepe: A Testament to a Lost Civilization and the Importance of Open-Minded Inquiry
Schoch discusses Gobekli Tepe, a remarkable archaeological site in Turkey, as a powerful example of a highly sophisticated civilization predating the last ice age. The site’s intricate carvings, massive stone pillars, and evidence of catastrophic events offer a glimpse into a lost civilization that challenges traditional views of human prehistory.
Schoch highlights the resistance encountered from some archaeologists who dismiss Gobekli Tepe as a “primitive” site, despite the evidence of complex construction methods and symbolism. This resistance, Schoch argues, reflects the ingrained biases and paradigms that often hinder a truly open-minded approach to understanding the past.
The ongoing excavations at Gobekli Tepe offer a vital opportunity to rewrite our understanding of human prehistory. Schoch’s work underscores the importance of embracing evidence, challenging accepted paradigms, and embracing the possibilities that lie hidden beneath the surface of our shared past.
6. The Importance of Evidence-Based Inquiry and Challenging Accepted Paradigms
Schoch’s work serves as a compelling argument for the importance of evidence-based inquiry and the need to challenge accepted paradigms. He highlights the dangers of blind adherence to established narratives and the potential for innovation and discovery when we embrace open-minded inquiry.
Schoch’s research demonstrates the crucial role of interdisciplinary collaboration in furthering our understanding of the past. By combining geological, archaeological, and linguistic evidence, he offers a richer and more nuanced interpretation of ancient Egyptian history.
Schoch’s unwavering commitment to evidence, despite the resistance he has faced, serves as an inspiration to others who dare to question conventional wisdom and explore the uncharted territories of human history.
7. The Enduring Mysteries of Ancient Construction Methods and the Potential for Technological Breakthroughs
The podcast delves into the enduring mystery surrounding the construction methods employed for ancient structures like the Sphinx and the Great Pyramid. While Schoch does not offer definitive explanations, he raises intriguing questions about the potential for advanced technologies and techniques that may have been lost or forgotten.
Schoch’s focus on the intricacies of carving, drilling, and shaping massive stones points towards a level of technological sophistication that challenges our understanding of ancient civilizations. This mystery, Schoch argues, serves as a reminder of the vast knowledge that may have been lost over time.
The ongoing efforts to uncover and interpret ancient structures hold the potential for groundbreaking discoveries and technological advancements. Schoch’s work inspires a renewed sense of wonder and possibility, encouraging us to consider the untapped potential of the past as a source of inspiration for the future.
8. A Cautionary Tale: The Potential Threat of Solar Outbursts and the Importance of Preparation
Schoch’s exploration of the solar outburst hypothesis serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the potential for catastrophic events that could disrupt our way of life and threaten our existence. He underlines the need for increased awareness and preparation for such events.
Schoch’s insights into the vulnerability of modern technology to solar events emphasize the importance of developing safeguards and contingency plans. He stresses the need to reconsider our reliance on complex systems and explore alternative ways of living and interacting with the environment.
The podcast concludes on a note of hope, encouraging listeners to embrace the mysteries of the past as a source of wisdom and inspiration. Schoch’s work underscores the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and striving for a future that is both informed by the lessons of the past and prepared for the challenges of the future.
Memorable Quotes:
“When I first went to Egypt, I thought I would just prove West wrong. I would just prove that the Egyptologists knew what they were talking about. But, and this is important. But, I was also trained in many ways both as a graduate student and going back to my grandmother who I had great respect for and was also very, should we say, liberal and open minded, but critical, you always have to follow the evidence wherever it goes and that’s always been my rule of thumb that not everything is always the way people say it is, even if they’re, quote, authorities. ” – Schoch reflects on his journey of discovery, emphasizing the importance of open-minded skepticism and following the evidence.
“And all of that changed literally within 30 without exaggerating 30 to a hundred and 20 seconds of first scene.” – Schoch vividly describes his immediate realization upon seeing the Sphinx, suggesting the erosion patterns contradicted the accepted narrative.
“I think that there is a not so remote possibility that they knew things that we don’t know, that they may have understood things that we don’t understand, they may have had a worldview that would benefit us to at least have a feel for it. ” – Schoch acknowledges the potential for ancient wisdom to hold valuable lessons for present-day society.
“We’ve been in relative solar equilibrium for thousands of years now, but it goes through disequilibrium and has we’ll call it hiccups and spurts and has to recalibrate itself, if you would. And we feel the effects on earth. ” – Schoch highlights the sun’s cyclical nature and the potential for unexpected disruptions.
“I don’t know. I told you, I am not going to try to get into how they did. I’m that’s they did it. It’s there, you know, it’s it’s have I thought about it a lot? Yes. ” – Schoch humbly acknowledges the limitations of our current understanding of ancient construction methods, highlighting the profound mysteries that remain.