446 Ed Barnhart¶

Edwin Barnhart

TV personality

Edwin Lawrence Barnhart is an American archaeologist and explorer specializing in ancient civilizations of the Americas. He is the founder and Director of the Maya Exploration Center, President of Ancient Explorations and fellow of the Explorers...

Source: Wikipedia

Born: 1968 , Englewood, NJ

The main arguments¶

Existence of Lost Civilizations: Ed Barnhart argues that many lost civilizations, particularly in the Amazon rainforest, remain undiscovered. He references archaeological findings like Gobekli Tepe and Amazonian geoglyphs to illustrate that our understanding of ancient civilizations is still evolving, challenging the notion that human history is fully mapped out. This argument emphasizes the potential for future discoveries that could reshape our understanding of human history.
Migration to the Americas: Barnhart suggests that the first humans migrated to the Americas much earlier than previously believed, possibly as far back as 60,000 years ago. This challenges traditional timelines and highlights the adaptability of early humans in harsh environments, suggesting a more complex narrative of human migration and settlement.
Pyramids in South America: The discussion includes how pyramids in Peru, such as Huaca Prieta, were constructed hundreds of years before those in Egypt, dating back to 6000 BCE. This shifts the narrative of civilization's origins and architectural achievements away from the Old World, suggesting that significant advancements occurred independently in the Americas.
Role of Religion and Shamanism: Barnhart emphasizes the importance of religion, particularly shamanism, in the development of early South American civilizations. He posits that the Amazon may have been a cultural cradle for religious ideas that influenced various cultures across the continent, highlighting the interconnectedness of spiritual beliefs and societal development.
Cultural Commonalities and Language Evolution: Barnhart raises questions about the rapid diversification of languages in the Maya region, suggesting that a common writing system may have allowed for the coexistence of multiple languages. He speculates on the mechanics of language evolution during periods of acculturation and disease, indicating that there is still much to learn about the linguistic history of the Americas.

Any notable quotes¶

"For the vast majority of human existence, we’ve been nomadic... once humans figured out how to stay in a place, that’s the initial trigger to what would become civilization."
This quote highlights the pivotal transition from nomadic lifestyles to settled communities, marking a significant moment in human history.
"I think there are civilizations that are just under the ocean, and just the wave action have destroyed them and what they haven’t destroyed buried deep."
Barnhart emphasizes the destructive power of nature on historical evidence, suggesting that much of our past may be lost to time.
"There must have been a way that multiple languages understood the same writing system."
This reflects Barnhart's belief in the complexity of language evolution and the potential for shared linguistic systems among ancient cultures.
"I think religion in South America began in the Amazon."
This statement underscores the Amazon's significance as a cultural and spiritual hub, challenging the focus on coastal civilizations.
"The Inca had the quipu, this knotted string records, but it was definitely encoding more than just math."
Barnhart discusses the complexity of the quipu system, suggesting it served as a form of written language beyond mere numerical records.

Relevant topics or themes¶

Archaeological Discoveries: The episode discusses recent archaeological findings that challenge established timelines and narratives about ancient civilizations, particularly in South America. Barnhart's insights into sites like Caral and Huaca Prieta illustrate the rich history that remains to be uncovered.
Human Migration and Adaptation: The conversation explores the migration patterns of early humans, emphasizing their adaptability and resilience in the face of environmental challenges. This theme connects to broader discussions about human evolution and the development of societies.
Cultural Exchange and Influence: Barnhart discusses how ideas, particularly religious ones, may have spread across different cultures in South America. This theme highlights the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations and the importance of trade and pilgrimage in cultural development.
The Role of Religion: The significance of religion, particularly shamanism, in shaping early civilizations is a recurring theme. Barnhart argues that religious practices and beliefs were foundational to the development of social structures and cultural identities.
Language Evolution: The episode delves into the complexities of language development in the Maya region, particularly in light of historical events like acculturation and disease. Barnhart's insights suggest that the evolution of language is a multifaceted process influenced by various social and environmental factors.
Inca Society and Governance: Barnhart contrasts the governance structures of the Inca and Aztec civilizations, highlighting the Inca's community-oriented approach and sophisticated record-keeping systems, such as the quipu, which facilitated their expansive empire.
Impact of European Colonization: The discussion touches on the devastating effects of European colonization, particularly the spread of diseases that decimated indigenous populations. Barnhart emphasizes the loss of knowledge and cultural continuity resulting from these events, framing it as a tragic moment in history.

Overall, the episode presents a comprehensive exploration of ancient civilizations in the Americas, challenging conventional narratives and highlighting the complexity of human history. Barnhart's expertise and insights provide a fresh perspective on the interconnectedness of cultures and the enduring impact of environmental factors on civilization development.