Plato’s Atlantis, The Great Pyramid

The discussion begins with the host welcoming Flint Dibble, who acknowledges the invitation. The conversation focuses on various topics, including a previous podcast appearance on Joe Rogan’s show. The host highlights Flint’s extensive background in archaeology, commending his deep knowledge and hands-on experience in the field.

Flint Dibble’s Archaeological Work

Flint Dibble shares his extensive experience in archaeology, emphasizing his direct involvement in fieldwork. He contrasts this with other popular figures, like Graham Hancock, who write about ancient civilizations but lack a hands-on approach. Flint expresses understanding of the public’s fascination with Hancock’s theories, noting that while he disagrees with many of them, Hancock’s work has drawn interest in archaeology from a broad audience.

Debate on Ancient Civilizations

The conversation shifts to the topic of advanced ancient civilizations, a recurring theme in Hancock’s books. Flint acknowledges the allure of such theories but points out that archaeological evidence does not support the existence of a lost Ice Age civilization, as posited by Hancock and others. He discusses the importance of relying on material evidence and scientific rigor in evaluating these claims.

Plato’s Story of Atlantis

Flint introduces the topic of Plato’s story of Atlantis, a subject of fascination in both historical and modern contexts. He provides a scholarly perspective on the myth, explaining that Plato likely intended Atlantis as a fictional creation to serve as a philosophical tool, rather than a historical account. Flint elaborates on how Plato used Atlantis to illustrate moral and political ideas, including the downfall of a corrupt society.

Flint also critiques modern interpretations of Atlantis, which often depict it as a highly advanced civilization. He argues that Plato’s original depiction was not of an idealized, utopian society, but rather a corrupt and doomed one. Flint supports this argument by analyzing Plato’s descriptions and comparing them with archaeological and geological evidence from the Athens region.

The Role of Evidence in Archaeology

Throughout the discussion, Flint emphasizes the importance of working from known facts and evidence. He uses the example of Athens, where archaeological digs have provided extensive material evidence, to show that no traces of a 9,000-year-old city exist, as Plato described.

Flint explains the process of excavation in the Athens region, detailing how the area has been thoroughly explored down to the bedrock, with no signs of human activity from the time period Plato referenced.

Conclusion of the Discussion

The conversation concludes with Flint reiterating the need for a critical approach to historical claims. He highlights the role of archaeologists in uncovering material evidence that can support or refute long-held myths and theories. The discussion underscores the value of evidence-based research in understanding human history and ancient civilizations.

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Here is a list of the historical events mentioned in the discussion between Flint Dibble and Danny Jones:

1. Plato’s Account of Atlantis (circa 360 BCE)
   Plato’s dialogue describes Atlantis as a powerful and corrupt civilization that fought against ancient Athens and was eventually destroyed. Flint discusses how this story is widely considered a fictional creation for philosophical purposes rather than a historical account.
2. Excavations in Athens (over the last 200 years)
   Flint references extensive archaeological work carried out in Athens over the past two centuries, noting that excavations have reached bedrock in many areas, revealing no evidence of a city as old as Plato’s fictionalized 9,000-year-old Athens.
3. Greek Classical Period (5th–4th Century BCE)
   Flint touches on the Classical period in Greece, particularly in connection to Athens, as this period is relevant to much of the archaeological evidence found, and the discussions around Plato’s writings.
4. Plato’s “Republic” and “Timaeus” Dialogues (circa 360 BCE)
   These philosophical works are referenced in the discussion, particularly in relation to Plato’s use of Atlantis as a hypothetical society to contrast with his ideas of an ideal city-state in “Republic.”