Joe Rogan’s Influence Fuels Gobekli Tepe Conspiracy Theories, Archaeologists Push Back

GOBEKLI TEPE, Turkey – An ancient archaeological site, Gobekli Tepe, is at the center of a burgeoning conflict between meticulous scientific inquiry and widespread conspiracy theories, amplified by popular platforms like Joe Rogan’s podcast. Dating back nearly 12,000 years, this site in the Urfa plain, one of Earth’s oldest known archaeological discoveries, continues to yield mysteries that scientists are painstakingly working to unravel.

However, the slow pace of archaeological excavation has opened the door for sensational claims. British journalist Graham Hancock, known for the controversial Netflix series ‘Ancient Apocalypse,’ has theorized, without empirical evidence, that Gobekli Tepe was built by a ‘lost civilization.’ These fringe theories have gained significant mainstream traction, notably after YouTuber Jimmy Corsetti, an ‘ancient history investigator,’ appeared on Joe Rogan’s massively popular podcast in November 2024, propagating speculations and accusing archaeologists of intentionally hindering discoveries.

Archaeologist Lee Clare, who has led excavations at Gobekli Tepe for over a decade, strongly refutes these accusations. He emphasizes that the slow, methodical process of archaeology is crucial for protection and accurate understanding. “You can’t just bulldoze a site to get everything out. That’s the wrong approach,” Clare states, highlighting that each excavated layer is permanently gone, and rushing the process would destroy invaluable information for future generations. Clare expressed personal frustration with the spread of misinformation, which has led him to delete his social media accounts.

Scientists acknowledge the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Gobekli Tepe’s exact purpose, with interpretations evolving from a ‘world’s oldest temple’ to a ceremonial gathering or social hub. However, they stress that the real danger lies in competing, baseless narratives overshadowing the genuine scientific pursuit of understanding humanity’s earliest storytellers, whose tales are etched into the site’s ancient pillars.

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