Historian Responds to Joe Rogan’s ‘Worst Guest’ Critique, Clarifies Podcast Exchange
Archaeologist Zahi Hawass Clashes with Joe Rogan Over Giza Pyramid Claims
Renowned archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass has responded to criticism following his contentious appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast, where he was labeled Rogan’s “worst guest.” The debate centered on ancient Egyptian history, with Hawass dismissing Rogan’s questions about the Giza pyramids and a controversial underground discovery, sparking a fiery exchange.
The Podcast Clash
During the May 2024 episode, Hawass, Egypt’s former Minister of Antiquities, repeatedly redirected Rogan to his books and interrupted questions, leading Rogan to call the interview “the worst podcast” he’d ever done. Rogan criticized Hawass as “closed-minded” and accused him of gatekeeping Egypt’s historical narrative.
Hawass later fired back, claiming Rogan aimed to undermine his credibility. On an Egyptian talk show, he argued that Rogan focused on “pseudoscience” like the lost city of Atlantis, which Hawass has long dismissed. “I’ve spent decades debunking such myths,” he stated, referencing debates with figures like Graham Hancock.
The Giza Pyramid Controversy
The tension peaked when Rogan cited a study by Italian researchers who used radar to map structures beneath the Khafre Pyramid, including the Osiris Shaft. Hawass dismissed the findings as “bulls***,” insisting the technology couldn’t penetrate that deep. Rogan countered, noting the team’s methods validated known sites like the Osiris Shaft, which Hawass himself discovered.
[Image suggestion: Satellite image of Giza pyramids with highlighted underground structures]
Public Reaction and Credibility Debate
The podcast sparked online backlash, with critics calling Hawass “arrogant.” Rogan’s supporters praised him for challenging the archaeologist’s dismissiveness. Hawass defended his stance, stating, “Why should I trust unverified claims over Egypt’s leading scientists?”
[Image suggestion: Split-screen of Rogan and Hawass during the podcast]
The Science Behind the Feud
The Italian team, led by Armando Mei and geophysicist Filippo Biondi, claimed their radar revealed a 2,000-foot vertical shaft under the Khafre Pyramid. While their findings are unpublished, Rogan highlighted their innovative approach. Hawass, however, argued the radar only reached 50 feet, not the depths the team suggested.
[Image suggestion: Diagram of the Osiris Shaft and radar imaging process]
Conclusion
The clash underscores a broader debate between traditional archaeology and alternative theories. While Hawass stands by his scientific rigor, Rogan’s platform amplifies voices challenging mainstream narratives. As the Italian team awaits peer review, the mystery beneath Giza continues to fuel speculation.
[Image suggestion: Ancient Egyptian artifacts or the Giza plateau at sunset for closing visual]
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