Joe Rogan Clashes with Archaeologist Over Egyptian Pyramid’s Secret Chambers: ‘Worst Guest Ever!’
Joe Rogan’s Podcast Clash Over Controversial Pyramid “Discovery”
(Condensed to ~600 words)
Archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass, Egypt’s former Antiquities Minister, sparked controversy on The Joe Rogan Experience this week after dismissing claims of a massive underground discovery near the Giza pyramids as “bulls***.” The debate centered on satellite images released in March by Italian researchers suggesting vertical shafts and chambers over 2,000 feet beneath the Khafre pyramid.
[Image: Joe Rogan and Dr. Hawass in a tense discussion on the podcast.]
Caption: Rogan grilled Hawass about the Italian team’s underground pyramid claims.
The Italian team, led by Corrado Malanga (University of Pisa), Filippo Biondi (University of Strathclyde), and Egyptologist Armando Mei, used tomographic radar—a technology creating 3D underground maps—to identify what they called potential hidden structures. Their findings, not yet peer-reviewed, ignited speculation about ancient cities or burial chambers beneath Giza.
Hawass, a prominent figure in Egyptology, called the claims baseless: “I asked experts about this radar—everyone said it’s bulls**. It’s impossible.” Rogan countered, noting the technology mapped the Tomb of Osiris, a site Hawass himself explored. “But they confirmed structures you* discovered,” Rogan pressed. Hawass shot back: “I found it. Their scans are wrong.”
[Image: Satellite images showing alleged shafts beneath the Khafre pyramid.]
Caption: Italian researchers’ scans suggest deep underground features (circled).
The exchange turned heated as Rogan questioned Hawass’s dismissal. Hawass admitted he wasn’t a radar expert but insisted Egyptian scientists deemed the data unreliable. Rogan pushed: “But these are scientists too. Why dismiss them outright?” Hawass cited Khafre Pyramid’s 28-foot bedrock base as proof nothing lies beneath.
[Image: The Osiris Shaft, a three-level burial complex.]
Caption: The Tomb of Osiris, rediscovered by Hawass, fueled debate about underground mapping.
Critics online blasted Hawass’s stance, with fans calling him “rattled” and “a failure.” The Italian team clarified they’d reached out to Egypt’s Ministry of Culture for dialogue but received no response. Biondi stated, “We’re professionals seeking historical truth—controversy isn’t our goal.”
[Image: Armando Mei’s team presenting their findings.]
Caption: The Italian researchers stand by their radar-based conclusions.
Rogan questioned potential bias, noting scientists often disagree. Hawass doubled down: “My experts are the top in the world. I trust them, not the Italians.” While the feud remains unresolved, the clash highlights tensions between traditional archaeology and emerging technologies.
Key Takeaways:
- Contested Claims: Unpeer-reviewed radar data vs. Hawass’s bedrock-based skepticism.
- Tech vs. Tradition: Can satellite imaging rewrite ancient history, or is fieldwork irreplaceable?
- Viral Drama: Social media sided with Rogan, criticizing Hawass’s rigidity.
Whether the shafts exist or not, the debate proves ancient Egypt’s mysteries still captivate—and divide—experts and fans alike.
[Image: Rogan podcast clip screenshot with bold text: “Scientists are wrong all the time.”]
Caption: Rogan challenges Hawass’s dismissal of the Italian team’s methods.
For brevity, some quotes and details were condensed; full episode and research papers referenced in original article.
