Latest news with #GreatPyramidsofGiza
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Joe Rogan's "Worst Podcast" Guest Hits Back
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Prominent Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass has accused podcaster Joe Rogan of pushing a false narrative that denies Egyptians built the pyramids—an agenda he told Newsweek he had confronted head-on with evidence. Responding to Rogan's description of their episode on The Joe Rogan Experience as possibly his "worst podcast," Hawass said he "was not bothered" by the negative comment—as long as he didn't allow the host to push a "nonsense" narrative on ancient Egyptian civilization. Newsweek has reached out to Joe Rogan's team via email for comment. The Context The two-hour episode of Joe Rogan's podcast on ancient Egypt aired on May 14 and has also been viewed by over a million people on YouTube. Hawass—cigar in hand—cited detailed archaeological evidence supporting the view that massive monuments such as the Great Pyramids of Giza were built by ancient Egyptians thousands of years ago and rejected theories that others could have built them. Speaking to Newsweek from the United States, where he is currently on a lecture tour, Hawass, the former minister of antiquities said: "I was direct and firm. What matters to me is defending Egyptian civilization." "Egypt's Indiana Jones" Hawass, who has embraced the nickname "Egypt's Indiana Jones", is an internationally recognized leading Egyptologist, but his critics—among them Egyptians—accuse him of self-promotion and monopolizing the field. Many Egyptians criticized his tone on Rogan's show as well as the content of the podcast. Hawass began the conversation with Rogan by dismissing the claims of late radio host Art Bell that Egyptians couldn't have moved the stones to build the pyramids, recounting how he showed Bell skilled quarrying techniques. Rogan then questioned him—asking how the stones were moved 5,000 years ago. At one point, Rogan asked if papyrus was made of animal skin — rather than the papyrus reeds used by ancient Egyptians. Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass speaks to journalists during a conference to announce a series of archaeological discoveries on January 8, 2025 in Luxor, Egypt. Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass speaks to journalists during a conference to announce a series of archaeological discoveries on January 8, 2025 in Luxor, Egypt. Photo byWhile Rogan praised Egypt's monumental achievements, achknowledging he'd never visited the country, their exchange centered on Rogan asking, "How do you know?" and Hawass replying, "I found it—I wrote it." Who Built The Pyramids? A week later, Rogan mocked Hawass and weighed in again on skeptical theories over who built the pyramids. "This is this closed-minded fellow that's been in charge of gatekeeping all of the knowledge," said Rogan, who has millions of followers and has interviewed President Donald Trump among numerous top figures. "That might have been the worst podcast I've ever done, but maybe a good one too," Rogan commented. Hawass has dismissed recent Italian research using Synthetic Aperture Radar tomography, which suggested the presence of massive vertical shafts beneath the Khafre pyramid. "I'm not concerned about attacks, even from others. I've been dealing with criticism my entire life; I've been working in archaeology and on the pyramids for over 50 years," Hawass told Newsweek. What People Are Saying Dr. Zahi Hawass told Newsweek: "The man clearly has an agenda aimed at denying that Egyptians built the pyramids. At the very least, that's nonsense. I didn't let him push that narrative—I responded with all the evidence. He produced a podcast about the pyramids featuring Zahi Hawass, but he didn't even read." Joe Rogan mockingly told Aaron Rogers on The Joe Rogan Experience episode of May 21: "He's discovered everything, basically. He's the best." Egyptian comedian and satirist Bassem Youssef wrote on Facebook, translated from Arabic: "The topic of Zahi Hawass and Joe Rogan has many angles that could be discussed. But from a scientific standpoint—and regardless of what might be said about Zahi Hawass's career (most of which would likely be negative)—Zahi Hawass, whether we agree with him or not, was clearly more knowledgeable in history and related fields than Joe Rogan, who's more of a blabbermouth and conspiracy theorist."
Daily Record
16-05-2025
- Daily Record
Beautiful Scottish isle was home to Neolithic villages older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids
Orkney's stunning islands were home to advanced Neolithic communities who built monuments older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids The islands of Orkney off the northern coast of Scotland are known for their striking natural beauty, but they also hold proof of a remarkable ancient past. This area was home to developed Neolithic communities thousands of years ago, creating settlements and monuments that were built even before world-famous sites like Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza existed. Orkney is home to a collection of Stone Age sites that are recognised internationally. Together, these form a UNESCO World Heritage site called the "Heart of Neolithic Orkney." These locations give us significant insight into the lives and society of people who lived in northern Scotland around 5,000 years ago. The condition and detail of these structures are particularly impressive. One of the most important sites is the village of Skara Brae, situated by the Bay of Skaill. Information about Orkney's Neolithic past indicates that Skara Brae was built around 3500 BCE. This timeline confirms that the stone-built houses and connecting passages of Skara Brae were constructed earlier than Stonehenge, which was started later, and long before the Pyramids of Giza, built primarily between 2580 and 2560 BCE. Skara Brae is widely considered Northern Europe's best-preserved Neolithic village, offering a clear view of the homes, hearths, and even some internal features used by its ancient residents. Beyond the village, Orkney features notable ceremonial and burial sites from the same period. The Ring of Brodgar is a large stone circle that remains standing today, showing the collective efforts and potential spiritual practices of the people. Some of the stones in this circle are over five metres tall. Nearby is another ancient stone circle, the Stones of Stenness. Research suggests these stones were put in place as early as 3300 BCE. Another key structure is Maeshowe, a Chambered Cairn built about 5,000 years ago. It is recognised as the finest chambered tomb of its kind in Western Europe. Its construction includes precise features, such as a passage that aligns with the setting sun during the winter solstice, demonstrating the building skills and likely astronomical understanding of its builders. The number and scale of these Neolithic structures in Orkney have led experts to suggest the area may have served as an important place for ancient gatherings or possibly pilgrimages. This could mean Orkney held a similar significance in its time to sites like Stonehenge. While the Neolithic sites are the oldest and form the core of Orkney's ancient fame, the islands' history spans many different periods. Later structures also dot the landscape, showing centuries of subsequent human activity. For instance, the Broch of Gurness, located on a headland, is an important Iron Age site. This fortified tower, dating back about 2200 years, is a strong example of the defensive structures used by island communities in that era. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Moving forward in time, Orkney also holds ruins from the Viking era and later periods. On the Brough of Birsay, an island accessible on foot at low tide, stand extensive Viking ruins, including the remains of longhouses and a church from the 12th century. On the mainland, the ruins of the Earl's Palace, built in 1606 by Patrick Stewart, represent a later stage in the islands' history. Travelling to Orkney is possible by ferry or air. Ferries operate from the Scottish mainland to ports in Kirkwall and Stromness. Kirkwall also has an airport served by Loganair flights from various cities across the UK. Once on the islands, visitors can get around by hiring a car or renting a bike from local providers in Kirkwall or Stromness. Local bus services are also available.
