From: lexfridman
The possibility of a lost ancient civilization existing during the last Ice Age has intrigued historians, archaeologists, and enthusiasts alike. This hypothesis gained notable recognition through the work of Graham Hancock, a journalist and author who explores the idea that an advanced civilization might have existed during the Ice Age and subsequently got destroyed by a global cataclysm around 12,000 years ago. Hancock’s theories have sparked widespread interest as well as critique from mainstream archaeology.
Conceptual Foundation
Core Idea
The hypothesis posits that there was an advanced Ice Age civilization that predated what is traditionally recognized as the beginnings of civilization around 5,000 to 6,000 years ago. This civilization may have seeded later cultures in regions known as the six cradles of civilization: Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, the Indies, and Mesoamerica [00:02:53].
Hancock suggests that there is a foundational sense of puzzlement and incompleteness in the orthodox narrative of human history, especially considering the static nature of human evolution before the sudden, simultaneous emergence of advanced civilizations across the globe approximately 6,000 years ago [00:03:06].
Archaeological Anomalies
Göbekli Tepe: A Game Changer
Göbekli Tepe, discovered in modern-day Turkey, serves as a significant piece in this puzzle. Dated to 11,600 years ago, it is considered one of the oldest megalithic sites globally [00:10:04]. This site was created by hunter-foragers and possibly indicates a sophisticated understanding of megalithic architecture and symbolism far earlier than previously recognized [00:17:07].
The Younger Dryas Cataclysm
Hancock attributes the mysterious disappearance of this hypothesized civilization to the Younger Dryas event, a cataclysmic global event occurring between 12,800 and 11,600 years ago [00:07:16]. His assertion is supported by the Younger Dryas Impact Hypothesis, which proposes that this period resulted in widespread disruptions, potentially leading to the rapid environmental changes that could have buried evidence of early advanced societies [00:39:28].
Alternative History and Challenges
The narrative Hancock presents challenges orthodox archaeological assumptions by proposing that human civilization may have a much more extended and interconnected history than generally accepted. Critics of Hancock’s theories often point to the absence of physical evidence and accuse the hypothesis of being speculative. However, Hancock emphasizes the possibility of “missing pieces” due to unexplored or underwater remains in areas like the Sahara, Amazon rainforest, and submerged coastal regions [01:17:03].
Speculative Maritime Evidence
Hancock suggests that possible fragments of this civilization’s knowledge might have survived by maritime explorers who could have contributed cartographically, with ancient maps such as the Piri Reis Map showing accurate longitudes well before it was possible with the technology historically available [00:51:51].
Implications and Cultural Reflections
The hypothesis of a lost civilization implies a matter of reconsidering the potential impacts such a civilization might have had on the evolution and survival of subsequent cultures. It encourages a reinterpretation of historical narratives, ancient myths, and archaeological endeavors, urging a broader exploration into areas underexplored by traditional archaeology Archaeological challenges in detecting ancient civilizations.
Reflecting on the past possibly offers insights into how cultures evolve and adapt, encouraging societies to preserve their knowledge in the face of potential future cataclysms.
As of today, the discussion around Hancock’s ideas serves as a reminder of the continuous allure and mystique surrounding the origins of human civilization and the quest to uncover our deepest ancient histories.