Göbekli Tepe conspiracy theories: Rupert Soskin pushes back.

[@lee_clare]

I felt I needed to add a few things to the discussion, especially about my biggest concern, which is not that Jimmy Corsetti ignored a decade of research at Göbekli Tepe… My biggest worry is that Jimmy and people like him are actively sewing divisions in our society where there should be none. Archaeology must be inclusive; only through inclusion and public outreach (‘public archaeology’) can we ever hope to raise awareness to protect these ancient monuments. For this very reason, we actively seek to pass on our knowledge and insights to non-archaeologists. Indeed, this is why the project with Michael and Rupert (aka 'The Prehistory Guys') at Göbekli Tepe is so important. We all know where societal divisions can lead; we see it daily in the nationalist agendas of 'certain' political parties. So, what will happen when the archaeologists are finally 'neutralised'? Where will the narratives of our prehistory come from? I assure you that whatever narrative it is, it will not be based on hard scientific data, and it is unlikely that it will be open to public discussion. A final short point: Excavations have never stopped at Göbekli Tepe (except for 2020 due to the pandemic). Moreover, research progress at an archaeological site can never be measured in square metres. What good would it do us to uncover the entire site? Excavation is itself destruction. In other words, whatever is excavated must be preserved; protecting an unexcavated site is far easier than an excavated one. Of course, it would be amazing to see the new buildings, reliefs and sculptures buried beneath the surface. But what would the scientific value be? Would these discoveries bring us closer to answering the fundamental questions about this prehistoric society? Probably not, but they would provide some wonderful click-bate, precisely what these people are after.

[@HerreNeas]

Thank you.

[@ancientbuilds3764]

Yep. Agree100%. Instead of stuffing it in a museum, where we can do god knows what, leave it under the ground. It is a lot safer there. Study and return. Leave a note.

[@ancientbuilds3764]

Think of the Antikythera mechanism. Enclosed in a titanium box. With every record, every X-Ray downloaded into storage devices. Sealed against the ages. And put back exactly where it was found. As Freddie once said "Nobody lives forever" Maybe it is about time we realized that.

[@TheKingKongKola]

Started off making sense, until the conclusion diluted everything previously said. "Of course, it would be amazing to see the new buildings, reliefs and sculptures buried beneath the surface. But what would the scientific value be? Would these discoveries bring us closer to answering the fundamental questions about this prehistoric society? Probably not, but they would provide some wonderful click-bate, precisely what these people are after ". "Probably not" "these people", totally killed any respect you nearly built up. Very disappointing.

[@BrightInsight]

Wow. My biggest worry is that you, and Rupert have totally of ignored the reality of what's happening at Gobekli Tepe, and what I shared in my own video. Rupert pinned your uninformative instead of mine: 1.) I never stated excavations had ceased. I very explicitly stated otherwise. 2.) A FULL excavation has been deferred to "future generations" and may take 150 YEARS! (Direct quote from Dr. Mehmet Onal) 3.) You totally ignored the scope of destruction that occurred at this site, caused by the incompetent installation of infrastructure and roads over precious ancient relics. 4.) I never said the Trees were intentionally planted. But it is a confirmed FACT that they were indeed planted over ancient ruins, which is now hindering excavations of those relics. AND, there is currently NO plan to excavate underneath them. 5.) You totally omitted anything related to the Dogus Group, and the WEF affiliation. I do not think you understand their influence, nor the implications. Profits are the forefront of Gobekli Tepe, not appropriate excavation. 6.) You ignored that the 5% figure of total excavations has been the same for more than a DECADE. The entire emphasis of my video was to advocate for further excavations, and unearth the buried pillars. Although archaeology is not a quick process, you are making excuses for the reality of this unacceptable situation. Again, any meaningful plan to fully excavate this site has been deferred to "future generations". It's in writing. Lastly, a true enthusiast of ancient history would not be content living the rest of their life not knowing what is waiting to be unearthed at Gobekli Tepe.

[@ruthcherry3177]

As Terry Pratchett often said: "A lie is halfway round the world before the truth can get its boots on!". I love that quote, although not the fact that it is true!!!

[@ansfridaeyowulfsdottir8095]

That was common in America since 1820, long before Pratchett was born. Some say it was Winston Churchill. _"A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on"_ Others say it was Mark Twain. But, then, "pants" is an Americanism, and Churchill would have said "trousers". {:o:O:}

[@ruthcherry3177]

@@ansfridaeyowulfsdottir8095 , ah! thank you for that!!! I know TP used it a lot and also that it wasn't one of his sayings -but he liked it

[@sportsport9470]

random blabla quote and person thinks he is very smart.

[@theintegrator]

@@sportsport9470random negative comment and the guy thinks he’s clever.

[@sportsport9470]

@@theintegrator yes i am. most liked comment with such useless staff.

[@mossy_earth]

A lesson from our past in early archeology is Heinrich Schliemann finding Troy. He dug straight through Troy to the bottom and found items much earlier than Troy, thinking the bottom “had to be Troy”. This is a great lesson to the general public that archeologists have to go slow and methodically down a tail to see all the history.

[@Oddball5.0]

It was Troy, just not the end of the Bronze Age Troy.

[@petiaivailova2563]

In his time, archaeologists denied that Troy existed at all. They thought it was like Atlantis. We now know that the Romans visited the site as tourists and believed it to be ancient Troy. What Schliemann did was positive and useful, if crude.

[@Oddball5.0]

@@petiaivailova2563 Incorrect. You’re listening to the lies of the charlatans again. In Schliemann’s time the scholarly debate was over the location of Troy. And in fact others, along with Schliemann, deduced the correct location. The moral of the story here is, once again, don’t listen to KZbin charlatans.

[@PeachysMom]

@@petiaivailova2563it was useful yet also quite destructive. Schliemann was most,y concerned about finding treasure.

[@slaapliedje]

​​@PeachysMom Sadly, a lot of early archeologists were that way. It wasn't until later that the artefacts themselves became the treasure. Edit: Apparently, artefact is another one of those Anerican vs. British words that I am more used to than I should be, like grey...

[@PhillipNuernberger]

I saw the mentioned "movie" and was more than aghast. I formed my own response, but being a true nobody I could only inform myself. Thank you that SOMEBODY has decided to answer in a way that is coherent as well as kind. Thank you.

[@Anuta6675]

True words: A book about legit archaeological research will reach a 1000 people. A book about "THEM" hiding archaeological discoveries will sell millions of copies. And a guy who does max 5 minutes of research on YT has over a Million subscribers. --- Science needs better PR people !!!

[@Oddball5.0]

How about people take some goddam personal responsibility for the things they believe?

[@Anuta6675]

@@Oddball5.0 Can we really choose what we believe? Belief is not always rational after all. We accept something as true because it is presented in a way that speaks to our emotions and matches our level of understanding and/or education.

[@Oddball5.0]

@@Anuta6675 Yes, you can choose what you believe. That’s where personal responsibility comes into play.

[@Anuta6675]

@@Oddball5.0 Were you born with critical thinking and have never ever been swindled out of any money at all? Lucky you!

[@Oddball5.0]

@@Anuta6675 Straw man.

[@farmersdotter7]

I’m glad you’re addressing this. I’ve seen that video on my feed but have always scrolled right past it because it looked to me like a bunch of sensational rubbish. Now I’m very glad that I haven’t given it any of my time. Thank you Rupert. Have a great holiday. Watching from 🇨🇦

[@thhseeking]

I saw another one in my feed with the title something like "Why scientists aren't allowed at Gobekli Tepe". WTF??? And just to the right as I type this, there's an Ancient Aliens episode on Gobekli Tepe on the Aliens channel...sorry, the "History Channel".

[@CandideSchmyles]

Obviously there is a lot of cash to be made in "alternative" archeology (so 'alternative' that you never need to do any) and stirring up a controversy is good for business. Additionally the algorithms love it and youtube loves it all the way to the bank too. So it's not going to go away. A debunk like this also feeds into that same gravy train, which I guess is its point 😉

[@kevincollins1060]

As a commercial archaeologist of many years I find it incredible people are so stupid to believe such nonsense, this jimmy character should spend a few days on an archaeological site watching us fill in many hundreds of context sheets day after day, drawing plans and sections, taking soil samples etc etc 🙄

[@swirvinbirds1971]

I don't think it would matter as Jimmy is just a grifter. He doesn't care that he is misinforming people as he has made a good living off of it.

[@BrightInsight]

This video does a disservice to the reality of what's happening at Gobekli Tepe, and what I shared in my own video. 1.) I never stated excavations had ceased. I very explicitly stated otherwise. 2.) A FULL excavation has been deferred to "future generations" and may take 150 YEARS! (Direct quote from Dr. Mehmet Onal) 3.) You totally ignored the scope of destruction that occurred at this site, caused by the incompetent installation of infrastructure and roads over precious ancient relics. 4.) I NEVER said the Trees were intentionally planted. But it is a confirmed FACT that they were indeed planted over ancient ruins, which is now hindering excavations of those relics. AND, there is currently NO plan to excavate underneath them. 5.) You totally omitted anything related to the Dogus Group, and the WEF affiliation - which is undeniable. I do not think you understand their influence, nor the implications. Profits are the forefront of Gobekli Tepe, not appropriate excavation. 6.) You ignored that the 5% figure of total excavations has been the same for more than a DECADE. I could go on. But the entire emphasis of my video was to advocate for further excavations, and unearth the buried pillars. Although archaeology is not a quick process, you are making excuses for the reality of this unacceptable situation. Again, any meaningful plan to fully excavate this site has been deferred to "future generations". It's in writing. A true enthusiast of ancient history would not be content living the rest of their life not knowing what is waiting to be unearthed at Gobekli Tepe. - Jimmy

[@lenabreijer1311]

Lol. You don't know what you are talking about. You just want to make money off conspiracy nuts.

[@jnorman1986]

Corporations come in and think, "How can I make money off of this?" They want to prolong the project in order to get more funding and grants.. They could have NOT damaged the site by putting in that "infrastructure" and probably used half that funding to fully fund excavation and documentation.. Who knows? 🤷‍♂️ They already knew how large the site was before putting in that large tent.. "Archeologists" came in and gave their explanations of everything and claimed them as facts so no one else can ask questions.. If you see anything that doesn't match up to their explanations or point out similarities to the hand-bag carved into the pillar, you're a "Conspiracy Theorists".. Fine.. We will move on and keep the interest alive in knowing the truth about ancient societies while you lick the boot of your corporate overlords..

[@hazyhalfmoon]

He’ll never acknowledge your comment. He’s smugly already declared himself the brainiac wojack and you the tinfoil hat wojack, so he’ll turn his nose at your comment without even considering it

[@hazyhalfmoon]

@@BrightInsight Note: As of 5 minutes ago he was in the comments section replying to comments with smug responses like “I see you didn’t watch the video” but he has not responded to Jimmy’s comment

[@TheKingKongKola]

Have watched Jimmy from the start of his career. He has an undeniable interest and passion for finding the truth. Might get distracted and get things wrong but he always admits it and keeps trying to find the truth. I believe if Jimmy and grounded archaeologists actually worked together we will.always find the truth quicker. Truth always lies In the middle somewhere but constantly pushing both sides to the outer extremes (by their own actions - calling each other names etc) will always keep the "truths" fighting.. coz they are often both slightly wrong. Boths sides of the equation want the truth, so find the middle ground, work together towards that shared goal. Not that difficult.

[@youlemur]

the "grids" in digs are done mainly so that you can follow the stratigraphy throughout the whole dig - that would otherwise disappear... you can follow the "slices", or "layers" in 3D space.....

[@youlemur]

i.e. you find an object and you can record not just X and Y, but also a precise Z coordinate ... and much more :)

[@JonnyCobra]

I love a quiet but coherent academic rant. From a fan in Namibia, who also watched some of Jimmy's shows, but found him prone to leaping to confusions on scant evidence.

[@gladysseaman4346]

In my opinion, he caters to conspiracy theorists. I have watched a number of his videos. Some, especially his earlier ones, were quite interesting and useful to me.

[@NigelSmith72]

@@gladysseaman4346 Stirring up the conspiracy morons is his business model... it's easy to do, requires no knowledge of the subject matter, and attracts controversy (i.e. views). Imagine how much money YT is rewarding him with for that rubbish...

[@TheToxicWaltz121]

Bunkem.

[@stripeytawney822]

​@@NigelSmith72 meanwhile student dig for the academics... Dimmy is a leach.

[@dianapatterson1559]

Thank you for doing this. I watched that video you talk about and I was so livid with anger, I couldn't even leave a comment, much less a measured response.

[@domsanchez148]

What made you angry about it?

[@dianapatterson1559]

@@domsanchez148 Clearly the presenter knew little of archaeology. He knew nothing of the huge advancements in recent years that would suggest that if we leave things for the next generation, the world will know more. Plus why should we open all the presents and leave none for people to come? I think Rupert did an excellent job in refuting what the chap in the conspiracy video touted.

[@Pikkugen]

@@dianapatterson1559 Exactly. I was thinking of space exploration, of all things. The distances in space are so great that a probe we launch today will be "there" (wherever that is) in twenty or so years. I remember a probe being launched when I was a teen and very interested in space, and counted that I was going to be in my thirties when it would be wherever it was supposed to be, and Couldn't Wait, but when it finally got There, the information and the photos were AMAZING. Worth the wait. The same thing about archaeology, except we can't know what and when the next advances will be, but I know that the information will be just breathtaking when I'll be in my 70s and they find out something spectacular in Göbekli Tepe or anywhere else.

[@johnthomas845]

Thanks for this, Rupert. I came across Jimmy's video and started watching. After a few minutes I became a bit upset by the incorrect information and unfounded assertions. The kindest thing I can think of to say is that he is badly misinformed. Please keep up the good work. The truth is exciting enough.

[@alexhajnal107]

The original video can be partly debunked using information that it itself presents! The producer was seemingly so focused on instilling outrage that they overlooked the actual factual content of their video. Ignore the opinionated bits and it's a very different video.

[@nancycameron2608]

Thank you for providing an object lesson in critical thinking and communication. It’s so much satisfying to engage at this level vs relying on lazy thinkers who simply want to rack up ‘likes’.

[@Pseudo-Skeptic]

The Prehistory Guys response was lazy and didn't actually get to the point. Critical thinking was not part of it. They only make videos to get likes and money. It's their job now as Michael failed as a daytime TV actor and Rupert's photography is not that great.

[@TheFragrantClerk]

“…don’t know, we threw all that shit away.” LOLOLOL😂💚

[@yarenturkoglu9151]

Teşekkürler.

[@helenhershtjader5759]

Rupert, you’ve offered a full, cool-headed rebuttal. Brilliant! Hope the KZbin algorithm offers it up every time one of those conspiracy videos gets suggested in our feeds. Hope you now can get back into holiday mode. 🏝️

[@toucheturtle3840]

😂 the KZbin algorithm. 42 likes. The artificial intelligence solution to the problem.

[@user-co4xl7wx3q]

NO he didn’t! - No mention of all the destruction - No mention of WEF association - Ignored that the Trees are now preventing full excavation - Misrepresented what Jimmy I said (he never said excavations had ceased, he explicitly stated otherwise - He ignored that full excavations have been deferred to “future generations”, with a 150 YEAR figure cited. This is ridiculous.

[@majorbuzzkill9365]

⁠​⁠@@user-co4xl7wx3qI was coming to say the same general thing. Good job. I love that academia insiders/apologists never argue against the “pseudo-archeologists” like Graham Hancock, or “pseudo- scientists” like Rupert Sheldrake with logically sound or intellectually honest arguments, but rather immediately turn to strawmanning, ad hominem and childish snickering. “Hehehe, can you believe these “conspiracy theorists” think (insert thing they never said or implied) How silly…” *sips tea with chin up in air and pinky extended*

[@gaspersustarsic7874]

You heard what you wanted to hear from this dude. You are a coward. Now these words are harsh and I am sorry😂 But it is the truth, he didn't talk about a lot of stuff. You only hear what you want to hear.

[@waoashley7770]

Thank you. Please keep pushing back ! Have a great holiday!

[@user-co4xl7wx3q]

There was no pushback. He didn’t even mention some of the most serious concerns: WEF claws all over GT, - No mention of all the destruction - Ignored that the orchards are now preventing full excavation and causing untold damage to the ruins lies beneath He ignored that full excavations have been deferred to “future generations”, with a 150 YEAR figure cited

[@Isimud]

The one thing which prevented me from becoming an archeologist was my lack of patience. Therefore I have the utmost respect for people who actually do the painstaking work of basically cataloging the differences in soil structure. And few people I despise more then the kind of Graham Hancock and Joe Rogan who - like myself lack the patience to do the field work and analysis - but anyway exploit the results of this work to make a fortune by accusing the ones who did the work of malicious conspiracy to hide the truth. It is just so depressing that there are Millions lazy and naive enough to believe this nonsense.

[@petehoover6616]

@Isimud Graham Hancock postulates a worldwide culture from the Younger Dryas that got most of what it needed through mind control. Those would be dogs.

[@JH-6g5]

Follow the money. It's not the archeologists themselves hiding anything. It's the people who pay them.

[@peterthomas144]

Excellent rationalism using pragmatism against the worst of the over excited speculative nonsense that so many bloggers rely on to generate attention and therefore cash.

[@felixVanDiemen]

Thank you thank you thank you! We need to see more of these clear, engaging, lucid and entertaining presentations. I am a passionate amateur archaeologist and I don't subscribe to silly conspiracy theories, but in all honesty I have found it very difficult to find a clear and concise answer to the "deliberately buried" scenario. I have sought out clear information as to the 'were they deliberately buried' or not question. I know it feels like old news to the professionals working in the field, but as a lay person I found it very frustrating that this point was only occasionally mentioned in passing. As I, like many others in the general community do get a share of my information from the media. Anyway, this comment has started turning into an essay, so I'll leave it there. Thanks again 🙏

[@DarkFire515]

The video in question is unfortunately an illustration of the old adage that there's very little that's more dangerous than a little bit of knowledge. Huge thanks to this channel for doing what you do in the interests of actual science and archaeology.

[@Pseudo-Skeptic]

They are not scientists or archaeologists. They just suck up to those who have actual qualifications, yet still get many things wrong.

[@AL.N-music]

6:15 Who are they to say that only '5%' of the site has been excavated, who's to say that what's been excavated is only 5% of the whole? If the whole part is not known yet, what's their basis of that 'calculation'? These things take time, resources, and careful documentation.

[@kristybarker924]

They did Lidar

[@MarceloVolcato]

People make fake news about anything only to get views. It's sad, yet quite common.

[@alisonauchterlonie8212]

Yes, sadly it is, all the more reason they need calling out.

[@Pseudo-Skeptic]

Rupert's video has been proved to be fake news.

[@rosemarycrane5137]

Ha, ha!!! "Who were those people?" "I don't know we threw that shit away!" Perfect response!!!

[@BSWVI]

Boost the signal by liking, saving, downloading, and Sharing - even if you just email it to yourself! THANK YOU Rupert for your clear and patient refutation!

[@lee_clare]

Thank you so much, Rupert. I don’t usually comment publicly, but I just had to say that you hit the nail on the head! These so called “investigators” do not realise what damage they are doing. It’s been obvious to me for many years now that it’s not just about profit (though that’s definitely up there) but it’s also about their over-inflated egos. I could add so much to what you said, but it’ll keep until we next speak. Cheers

[@qui-gonjay2944]

I’m sure it has to be the most frustrating to you, the person who is there with boots on the ground doing the work. And to see these people completely ignoring your work to push their own narrative for clicks is downright insulting.

[@lee_clare]

​@@qui-gonjay2944 Yes, that's true, it can be quite frustrating; however, my main concern lies elsewhere. These individuals are sewing divisions in our society where there should be none. Archaeology must be inclusive; it is only through inclusion and public outreach ('public archaeology') that we can ever hope to raise awareness to protect these ancient monuments. It is for this very reason that we actively seek to pass on our knowledge and insights to non-archaeologists. Indeed, this is why the project with Michael and Rupert (aka 'The Prehistory Guys') at Göbekli Tepe is so very important. We all know where divisions in society can lead; we see it every day in the nationalist agendas of 'certain' political parties. So, what will happen when the archaeologists are finally 'neutralised'? Where will the narratives of our prehistory come from? I assure you that whatever narrative it is, it will not be based on hard scientific data, and it is unlikely that it will be open to public discussion. A final short point: Excavations have never stopped at Göbekli Tepe (except for 2020 due to the pandemic). What's more, the progress of research at an archaeological site can never be measured in square metres. What good would it do us to uncover the entire site? At the end of the day, excavation is itself destruction. In other words, whatever is excavated needs to be preserved; it is far easier to protect an unexcavated site than an excavated one. Of course, it would be amazing to see the new buildings, reliefs and sculptures that lie buried beneath the surface. But what would the scientific value be? Would these discoveries bring us any closer to answering the really important questions about this prehistoric society? Most probably not, but they would provide some wonderful click-bate, which is exactly what these people are after.

[@Pseudo-Skeptic]

Lee Clare has become the ultimate pseudo-archaeologist with the biggest ego of all. Tons of speculation, but little or no evidence to back up his narrative. He has been trying to discredit his dead mentor, Klaus Schmidt, to become the 'only voice' on Gobekli Tepe, as well as being funded by the WEF. Total hypocrite who uses The Prehistory Guys to spread his unproven theories.

[@helenamcginty4920]

Why on earth dont all these enthusiastic people just volunteer for a few archaeology digs. Ok they will start by pot washing but perhaps begin to understand the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes. There are even short courses. I went on a 3 day taster in a small school on Achill Island co Mayo. We learnt the very easiest of basics of trowelling and surveying. Having seen Mr Bright leaping around making wild assumptions somewhere I think this meticulous measuring and recording would be useful to him. Seriously.

[@Shelmerdine745]

They should start with teaching themselves about the scientific method. Actually, parents should teach their children about it early, it will help them in any aspect of life.

[@domsanchez148]

They're not allowing professional archeologists to excavate at Göbekli Tepe and you're asking why amateurs aren't excavating?

[@Shelmerdine745]

@@domsanchez148 Excavations everywhere needing a hand, actually. And professionals are working at all the tepes, stop lying.

[@suburbanbanshee]

In the US, it is rare to have volunteer opportunities at digs. You pretty much have to know someone, or be a sacrificial student taking Intro to Archaeology. (And that is one day of hard labor, not a whole summer.) Grad students do the work.

[@OrangeNash]

Because theres far more money to be made making conspiracy videos on the secrets *they* dont' want us to know! "Follow the money..." which is funny because the conspiracy theorists are always saying that. Projection? People who would say anything for money might assume everybody else is the same.

[@daveraeburn]

A much needed rebuttal. Too many American 'shock jocks' with little or no education grifting for subscribers.

[@felixVanDiemen]

Exactly, well said!

[@marshallharper3005]

These conspiracies were birthed by Graham Hancock. He is not American, so you can leave your nationalist BS at the door.

[@Eyes_Open]

Great job. The Bright Insight channel is ridiculous and like you say, there are so many subscribers.

[@GkPhotographic]

Hi from Dublin , i seen that vid and its wild accusations at best , but this gets shared and thats dangerous in the long term , thank Rupert you doing a service to humanity . be safe

[@barryconway]

Nicely done. Fortunately for the meticulous archaeologist, there is no pressure to bang out Clickbait, sorry: content, every week.

[@Shelmerdine745]

People are attracted to controversies. Nothing much you can do about it. People simply lack proper education to see through the garbage posted by conmen for money.

[@Lerie2010able]

Always a pleasure to hear your views, I've had so many of these "archaeological" videos on my feed - I block those channels. I empathise with your frustration and thank you for these videos that set the record straight with sound scientific and common sense explanations. I'm very much enjoying all the videos and look forward to many more.

[@Mirrorgirl492]

Yes, I have begun to block those channels, hoping the algorithm gets the message that I don't want this garbage.

[@MossyMozart]

@@Mirrorgirl492 - Life is way too short to spend a second on rancid baloney. >_< Reality is so enthralling, why do people feel the need to fabricate?

[@paulmorgancollings7833]

@Mossy... etc, perhaps they really do believe that EVERYTHING is nothing but deceitful propaganda, or are they paranoid nut nuts? Take your pick. Regards etc etc

[@katrinabillings7011]

Thanks Rupert! It's a shame the You Tube algorithms aren't as stringent about this type of misinformation.

[@BSWVI]

Like, share and save to boost Rupert's signal! Play the algorithm for Good!

[@MossyMozart]

@katrinabillings7011 - There are three horizontal dots usually located on the same line as the video's title. Pick it. One of the options is to REPORT a video. If enough people do that, maybe the algorithm will learn.

[@Moby79]

It’s (unfortunately) a sign of the times. Diligent, professional, hard working science is constantly being ridiculed and conspired against by sensationalists who are only interested in clicks, dollars and fame. Thank you for your work!

[@everythingability]

Bloody hell, great job! Always thought that not enough scientists did enough to prove science was more fascinating than fucking aliens

[@dabneyapplechunks]

Thank you so much! 😁 So many good arguments, delivered with passion, clarity and good humour. Great that this channel exists. ❤

[@adampascoe1084]

Hmm, one amazing revelation I picked up from the BBC documentary on “Britain’s Pompeii: A Village Lost In Time” (still on iplayer and well worth a watch) is that the British people living in this Bronze Age village 3000 years ago had a self sufficient, subsistence lifestyle, with cutting edge technology (bronze tools, wheeled carts), luxury clothing and exquisite jewellery. There was evidence of trade with renowned manufacturing communities of Central Europe. This was a community living in symbiosis with their environment with all the benefits of agriculture, fishing and free trade - without any central government control. If only we could all live in such utopia.

[@Archangelm127]

God bless you for trying to inject some logic into this stupid, stupid section of public discourse. ❤

[@terrabytesarcheology]

Hancock repeated the "deliberately filled in" myth recently in his last public talk.

[@steventhompson399]

I've heard him say that several times, but it's nothing surprising since he earns a good living on sensational fantastical pseudohistory rubbish

[@Pseudo-Skeptic]

Part of the site was deliberately filled in. Lee Clare has stated this! The slope slide only answers the lower section of the site. There is fill ABOVE this. Don't believe what The Prehistory Guys say. They are wrong, and Karahan Tepe (which was deliberately buried) they ignore. If only they listened to more than one archaeologist, like Necmi Karul perhaps.

[@terrabytesarcheology]

@@Pseudo-Skeptic bollox, kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4qbhaava5urodU 47 mins in.

[@theghostcore]

Much love. I have a question? Most artistic representations show the site with no earthen cover. In your professional opinion, was this structure covered as a mound structure? I had seen drawings of the site and noticed long entrances. The fact they made large support columns. From an engineering perspective that would make sense but again I wouldn't assume. Secondly, I understand your frustration. Sensation sells. You know how everyone is showing the pinecone and bucket from the plant fertilization ritual as some radical ancient technology...or quoting Stitchen 😑.

[@archaeoastronomy8429]

Thank you, Rupert! To keep this a positive comment, I will just say that I really appreciate videos where the people have done rigorous research and thereby help deepen knowledge orr that they read rigorous research and do their best to translate the ideas to the public. Another good method is to bring in the experts and let them speak for themselves (which I love about the Pre-History Guys!) I really appreciate your sense of humor that walks right beside your analyzing neurons.

[@rapistincel]

Chat gpt 💀💀

[@Anuta6675]

Oh thank you! This vid has been popping up in my recommendations, so annoying.

[@lindasue8719]

If you tap "the three dots" and select 'not interested' or 'don't recommend channel', it will stop coming up on your feed.

[@TheArcadeArchive]

So glad you put this video out Rupert because I did watch that video and it did have me wondering and questioning the site. What you’ve said makes logical sense and you articulated it perfectly. Thank you.

[@Pseudo-Skeptic]

In fact he has been called out for making many errors in his response.

[@seakayak4425]

Graham Hancock will be vibrating his way to his keyboard, have a great holiday Dude

[@thhseeking]

That brought up an image that I'd rather not have had!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 🤢🤮

[@allen394]

Fiction is stranger than the truth, but it is still only fiction and nothing like the truth. Rupert you rock.

[@powellkwd40]

Why has the WEF stopped all Archeology at Gobekly-Tepe and planted trees on top? They poured concrete and built tourist paths after only excavating 5%. What do they not want people to learn from their past?

[@Eyes_Open]

Who planted the trees? When is someone going to tell the on-site archaeologists that excavations have stopped? When is someone going to tell Jimmy to stick to topics that he actually knows. Obviously that is a limited list.

[@OrangeNash]

I don't know, what could we learn from the past at Gobekli Tepe? The secrets of cold fusion? Perpetual motion machines? Would love to know what it could be that is so important, "they" need to hide it from us.

[@acratone8300]

Shouted through the megaphone: "what do we want!?". "Wonders"!! "when do we want them!?". Now !!

[@bluebird3281]

"Thats it, we're done!" "Logical explanations are no fun!"

[@griffin5779]

No you would be right to call him a liar. He used to give information but has discovered sensationalism gets more view .. He gets worse and worse .. he is not a source for information

[@maggiemaloney8599]

I hope you publish this rebuttal broadly. These people are fantasists who prey on other fantasists. Thank you for keeping it honest!

[@danandyumi]

Really enjoyed this post. I wonder if the authors of this video have addressed the very real issue of governments that do NOT want to uncover certain aspects of history because it may undermine current cultural narratives. Examples might be Japan's reluctance to explore the possible influence of Korean culture in their ancient history, the tendency, in the US, for certain Naitive American nations to not want to discover the history of their land lest it reveal that different tribes had previously inhabited it, and the Chinese possibly limiting the discovery of ancient history that might elevate other Chinese ethnicities at the expense of the majority Han Chinese.

[@larryashman7258]

I landed on the doco under discussion a few days ago and to be honest, was swayed. Now having just watched your rebuttal I thank you, Mr. Soskin.

[@kp6215]

Your description of the archeology squares for later archeology study is exactly like "structured computer programming" taught that improved maintenance of that program after the person had left the project .

[@1916JAD]

Thanks Rupert. Such a lot of shite talked about this on X.

[@lifelearner47]

Thank you for watching that sensational rubbish so that we don't have to. I'm an ex-social anthropologist who only started to take an interest in prehistory about 10 years ago. Because I'm interest in people, I've searched and searched for more people based information covering the transition into the Neolithic. Luckily, thanks to Research Gate and Academia etc, I have read rather a lot of scientific papers! But looking for the same quality on YT is like looking for the perfect gift for your fussy Victoria grandmother in Woolworths. Any sensational title I refuse for my health's sake, not to raise my blood pressure. So thank you for your Vlogs, I love the nice quiet gets-you-thinking 'boring' stuff.

[@ChristophersMum]

I know that you are on holiday...however I got the impression that you enjoyed making this...righteous indignation in defence of all the hard work put in by archaeologists... I'm so glad you responded so well, I was waiting for it... ATB from Scotland...where it is raining...again😃🌠

[@637784285]

While I was working on a mineral exploration project in Nunavut, an archaeologist arrived to mitigate the site of some Inuit stone tent rings on the site. The project geologist quipped, “Finally, someone in camp who’s making less than us!” It was a sad testament to the truth …. and to think, that was the profession I’d long aspired to. You must love it or leave it to be good at it.

[@JohnBurman-l2l]

I remember a newspaper that had the headline "SHOCK...." everyday.

[@njaalsturlasson2351]

Thank you, Rupert. Good work!

[@RuralSpanishRetirement]

I believe the people making these conspiracy theory films know exactly what they’re doing. They’re in it for the money, and for that to work they need as many people as possible to view they’re film, so of course everything that can be is turned into a mystery, a conundrum and a deliberate attempt to pull the wool over your eyes, because nothing makes folk more angry.. and angry people engage (engagement =more money) This Jimmy chap is already making his next film which is going to be even more ridiculous. I did appreciate your description of how archaeological digs work.. that’s useful information that most folk probably don’t get unless they sign up for an actual course. 😀

[@SouthTexasGirl56]

Thank you! It is moments like this that remind me why I have such a crush on you two! Enjoy your holiday. :)

[@suburbanbanshee]

This kind of weird theory is not about "sowing divisions." It is about living in a society where trust in institutions is already broken, and where decisions of public interest are often capricious or unwise. In such a situation, of course archaeologists have to be ready to explain their practices. But how is this different? Isn't this what archaeologists always have to do, just to make sure the profession does not devolve into tomb robbery or vandalism of the past? Then why get upset about increased scrutiny? "We never excavate everything" is explained in every Intro class, so clearly it needs to be explained. Why look down on people for this, or ascribe bad motives to honest worries that are constantly coming up?

[@paultucker4923]

Perfect dissection Rupert. These conspiracy theorists really are , to quote the Prince Regent in Blackadder 3, "as thick as a whale omelette" ;

[@carolegarland8050]

Bless you Rupert! you dig deeper so we don't have to.

[@Pseudo-Skeptic]

He dug very shallow, much like Lee Clare at Gobekli Tepe!

[@RM-yf2lu]

As a Geologist, i can attest that archaeologists are just historians who wear hats to look cool

[@kp6215]

I am one of those "nerdy people" having the patience of Job if which Napoleon had the foresight to bring scientists to accompany his troops to Egypt and Middle East brought back the magnificent Rosetta Stone.

[@wiretamer5710]

YEP. The lack of respect for difficult painstaking specialised work in this modern high tech culture is breathtaking. The irony is the human experience of doing extreme detailed work is UNIVERSAL. It's not hard for an expert in any specialised field to appreciate the life challenges experienced by experts in any other specialised field. Sculptures can appreciate foundry pattern making, and dentistry and surgery and fossil conservation, and calligraphy, and satellite image interpretation, and computer chip design and wind tunnel testing. My hat always goes off to archeologists lying down in some bloody hole, working away with a BRUSH and a tiny trowel.

[@NeuroD369]

Uh, point of order: there hasn’t been any progress at Gobekli Tepe because they haven’t BEEN excavating. They have spent the last several years building on-site gift shops and covered metal catwalks drilled directly into the ruin. What are you even talking about? 🤷‍♂️

[@michaelhodge6779]

As an anthropologist from South Carolina, USA, this guy isn’t wrong about the grids. I haven’t seen this bright insights video but archaeologists do use grids. However, Gobekli Tepe has been at 5% completion since the mid 2000s when they were still at 5%. It’d be different if they had even gotten to 6% by now but they’re still at 5%; when one would expect them to be at least 75% done by now if not completed. The longest digs in history took place during the 20th century when technology and our understanding of the natural sciences involved with archaeological digs was infant. No dig really takes any longer than 20-30 years anymore. And Gobekli Tepe started in the mid 90s. It’s 2024 for those that don’t know. Even though what this man said about the longevity of archaeological digs and the deep layers of antiquity is accurate it doesn’t explain why not more than 5% has been completed/documented for the public to ascertain in 20 years. Having watched a couple other videos by this man, he and his accomplice are not very well educated. They don’t even know the significance of a bull and a snake in Neolithic, Iron Age and Bronze Age European culture, nor did they know the significance of a man grabbing his Johnson or shaking a snake at a bull to Indo-European culture. Any educated person would know that figure as the Celtic Cernunnos with a glance. Seems to me they just read archaeological news and convey it in videos. But they shouldn’t be making claims like this. And they want the public as well as academics to not even try to attempt educated guesses or even understandings on such matters. It is either that or they are very stupid and think everyone else is as well. Like nihilistic postmodernists they’d rather history be lost to the sands of ignorance and complacency due to its overall spiritual meaninglessness (as they see it) than for educated minds to inquire on such matters. In this video, he spent 3 points on one point, in actuality. Even though, his argument wasn’t correct in any of them. The one point I agreed with but don’t think bright insight even said after going and watching his video. And the other point, as a linguistic anthropologist educated at Oregon State, I can say he’s either propagandizing for some reason or he’s dumb and is also egotistical enough to think that everyone else is dumb. And after reading some comments it seems like being polite to each other and stroking each other is more important than conveying truth on this channel. But these are the differences we see between emerging anthropology and the anthropology of the 20th century. Eventually, these old ways of being egotistical propagandizers and being fake polite to people in order to be on their “side” will pass.

[@Pseudo-Skeptic]

The Prehistory Guys are narrow minded and consist of an amateur photographer and a failed daytime TV actor! Seriously! Yet they think they are experts. Hilarious.

[@chipflux]

thanks sir, im proud to say i did not click that link, despite a huge interest in the subject

[@billeib427]

Our ancestors were so clever, we owe them everything for helping we modern humans to exist. And the idea Art was one of the first uses of the imagination which came with the unique aspect of a form of consciousness which enlarged the world view and capabilities of people with an imagination. Art work, tools, cooking, Spirits as their first 'gods' not a 'moral god' but a protective one to 'pray' to for an extended life and abundance. Living was the sole concern as with all living things surrounding our ancestors. What a wonder thing to know, we were curious and did special things over and above the struggle to survive and the environment. Bless the ancestors.

[@lucianoabf]

To me, I don't see a real issue on these conspiracy theories, they are actually extremely positive. Graham Hancock brought thousands of people to watch more videos on these subjects that otherwise could not even hear of them. What matters is that these sites are being talked about due to curiosity, and we all know that a conspiracy theory spreads much better than reality. At the end, the more people talking about it, even if in the wrong, the more people go there, the more entrance tickets for sites, and the more money for further archaeological exploration. Speak the actual truth or not, at the end what matters is that because of them, we are talking a lot more about these places.

[@atomatogrowsinbushwick]

This is good, all the points of view are coming out online, and that is a good thing. The truth in time will resonate, just keep sharing, let the people discern for themselves

[@rivronjoker3]

So the pillars dug into the ground? Nothing? Or tearing up stuff for the con rete walkway? Nothing?

[@jwebb3337]

Great video!

[@scloftin8861]

I have a quibble with something said and then requoted in the discussion. "Sewing division" or "division sewing" ... As someone who actually sews, this is jarring as to sew generally means to put things together, generally with thread. I believe the correct term would be "sowing" ... which makes a lot more sense given what everyone is saying. I agree with InsousiantSoul ... we need more conversations before the vids are put together than accusations flung, and things sown, without ascertaining exactly what the initial presentation and presenter really meant and where they got their information.

[@kariannecrysler640]

I absolutely love when you put the genuine evidence into the spotlight on these conspiratorial prone site’s! Any time Rupert imo 💯💗 it

[@olivemd]

Thank you for the update. Now, enjoy your vacation.

[@ruthcherry3177]

@Rupert:- Eloquently stated, sir!!!

[@karmicpopcorn6440]

I do remember hearing Klaus talk about intentional backfill years ago when noise about the site starting circulating. I gathered that had changed by listening to you guys.

[@iboughtthishouse]

Good on you for breaking you holiday to share this, they're clearly just making clickbait videos because they know this site and other surrounding it are gaining worldwide attention and i'm sure they're not the only ones..

[@pegoneal797]

Thank you, Rupert. You are a treasure.

[@Pseudo-Skeptic]

In what way? He made many mistakes in the video and smugly made a fool of himself.

[@keithlevkoff8579]

I just finished watching your excellent analysis of that other annoying video... about Göbekli Tepe. I also noted, even from the footage he showed, that a reasonable effort was made to protect the site when they built the canopy... I agree with him that it would be NICE if the government funded all "important digs" with whatever they needed... And if we could keep the tourists at arms length - from what I've read just the proximity of traffic to the pyramids is taking its toll on them... But no... we WANT as many people to learn about all this as possible. BUT... as you were chuckling... "What do these folks think we're hiding?" They DO expect a major discovery to be made there some time soon... Perhaps a shiny metal tablet will be unearthed... And that tablet, clearly made using alien technology, will show our lizard overlords descending from a flying saucer... And they'll be handing a man the plans for something really cool and scary... But they're also sure that, when it's discovered, it will be locked away in a secret warehouse somewhere... (And, yes, I am coming to suspect that some of them actually BELIEVE this nonsense.)

[@ronniesunshine1115]

Thanks for this necessary, informative video. It's good to have the perspective of actual archaeology and the real reasons for things like tourist structures and reburials of sites. I'm rather tired of conspiracy theorists who don't care about the real work of scientific archaeology or what the information gleaned from sites tell us about the actual lives of the people who lived at the sites thousands of years ago. Guys like Hancock and imitators like Jimmy give us no information about the past, but only about their own fantasies.

[@weylinwebber4180]

Dear sir I follow you because of my love of prehistory and how absolutely bonkers some of the conspiracy theories are. The only thing I can understand being upset about on a grand conspiracy theory level would be that these priest Kings were probably the first to benefit from unequal hierarchy. And that's extremely extremely vague. And also considering heavy bias solely due to the fact this is the only evidence we have found and if people were doing it then there was likely different models that predated our initial discovery. But anyways I love you guys and this little niche that I found on the internet. Makes procrastinating on writing a whole lot more interesting

[@martianalligatorfarm3561]

Well you did clarify a lot of issues,not all,as far as reading papers we would ,I would if they weren't hidden behind pay walls. For me not affordable they can get pretty pricey prices me right out the most current info

[@craigvinet3883]

Thanks you for this, I saw the video and blocked the channel afterwards knowing it was filled with BS and simply looking for views. Appreciate your doing this!!

[@ivan55599]

MIsinformation would be relatively saying harmless by itself, but he makes money with it. And no, lm not talking about youtube revenue or donators.

[@oijosh6286]

All the videos on that channel are conspiracy woo woo.

[@suzylogan3524]

Richard I feel that you’ve let yourself down with this video, as it comes over as shaming and patronising. Academics such as yourself should not engage in character assassination through name calling. Calling people conspiracy theorists is an attempt to put down and discredit. It would have been more honourable and credible if you had simply commented upon the facts as you perceive them. It also reveals a naïveté on your part regarding both the potential influence of a large single sponsor upon the archeology and also the powerful ideological global role that the WEF play on the world stage. You accuse the video maker of ignorance yet you are revealing your own in regard to the WEF’s New World Order Agenda which is well documented in the public domain. I have always been a huge fan of your work so feel concerned that you seem to have let your emotions get the better of you with this response.

[@Pseudo-Skeptic]

Neither of the Prehistory Guys are 'academics'. One is a failed daytime TV actor and Rupert (not Richard) is an amateur photographer.

[@chriscodrington5464]

Well said Rupert, bravo!

[@WestonListener]

Wonderful. Lucid, informative and engaging. HL Mencken noted that for every problem there's an answer that's neat, simple and wrong. Good on you for destroying this one.

[@Pseudo-Skeptic]

Why don't you pin Jimmy's response? And respond to it? (Rupert's arrogance and smugness is nauseating to watch by the way.)

[@alisonalder7317]

Well said.

[@catalogueofwonders]

I've seen both 'films' and both have their own value regarding the discovery of information and the debunking of same. The inevitability of 'tourism' and the building of infrastructures for said tourism is a very false excuse, if I am allowed to say that, as it doesn't explain the coverage of what might be archaeologic terrain. It is explained that the money come from universities and little from government, as they do not care about these excavations. contradiction of terms, so. The destruction of such 'a' one important site by universities, then, it is not explained, and if it is true, it is a horrendous malpractice. The private companies involved for the 'exploitation' of 'tourism' have the approval from the governments, or I might be wrong. I find it incredible that this is not mentioned in the supra video essay. Where do we stand then? The destruction of such important site by companies, governments, World Monetary Fund or universities it is destruction, nevertheless, and do not deserve the approval or conniving, shrinking of shoulders, much less the disdainful smiling and patronizing tone of the presenter; destruction is destruction. I didn't like the tone and the way the 'facts' were presented by the original video of @Brightsight, allow me to witness, but the gentleman quotes and shows evidence of said destruction by someone very involved and known as eximious scientist in archaeology. It is that this destruction is so easily absorbed as 'nothing' that really perturbs me. All the best, avanti!

[@rosskreamer6993]

Well done, Rupert. A master class in debunking bunkum. Cheers, Ross

[@slawekwojtowicz]

It looks like Rupert is a liar. He made up a story claiming it was farmers who planted olive trees on top of the site. A lie. The planting of new trees at Göbekli Tepe is part of broader conservation and enhancement efforts for the site, overseen by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. These initiatives aim to preserve the site and improve its ecological balance, considering the historical and archaeological significance of the area. The landscape around Göbekli Tepe, located in the southeastern Şanlıurfa province, has seen various projects to prevent erosion and maintain natural beauty, including the planting of new vegetation. Göbekli Tepe, a Neolithic archaeological site, is recognized for its monumental circular structures and T-shaped pillars, which are some of the oldest known megaliths. Recent projects in the surrounding region, part of the “Stone Hills Project” (“Taş Tepeler Projesi”), have also uncovered new architectural elements and monumental statues at nearby sites like Karahan Tepe, indicating continued interest and investment in the region’s archaeological heritage. These efforts are crucial in maintaining the site’s integrity and ensuring that it remains a valuable source of historical and cultural knowledge for future generations .

[@pencilpauli9442]

I'm not a fan of the status quo either...not to be confused with Status Quo! lol But it is grounded in political and socio-economic history. When I rule the world, archaeological digs will be funded by the govt.

[@tionunez1854]

Thank you for the video. I find the conspiratorial video too sensational. However, there are a few important details that haven't been addressed. What about the accusations by Klaus Schmidt's wife regarding the poor job done by the workers in building the tourist infrastructure? Jimmy showed some photos of them using concrete, but the Turkish authorities denied that. Is this also a misinterpretation or was it made up? I understand that every archaeological excavation is an expensive undertaking, but is opening such an interesting site to tourism necessary? Building all these roads, paths, and digging deep into the site to build a huge roof seems excessive. Anyway, just a silly impression of a silly history fan:) Thank you for all your work, have a wonderful summer.