In this episode, we journey deep into the mysteries of ancient Peru with Raul from the Pillars of the Past. Raul shares his passion for uncovering forgotten archaeological sites, fueled by a lifetime of personal connections to Peru and a knack for finding what others have overlooked. We explore the hidden history of the Andes, the challenges of mainstream archaeology, and tantalizing clues suggesting advanced civilizations far older than traditionally believed. From geoglyphs to ancient trade networks, this episode is packed with intrigue, speculation, and a dash of conspiracy mode.

https://www.pillarsofthepast.com/

Timestamps:
00:50 Introducing Raul from Pillars of the Past
01:30 Raul's personal connection to Peru
03:10 Discovering seashells at Machu Picchu as a child
04:45 Exploring ancient sites in Peru
05:35 Theories about the origins of ancient South American peoples
07:54 Impact of LIDAR and modern technology on archaeology
09:20 Discussing Graham Hancock's influence
10:13 Balancing speculation with evidence in archaeology
12:30 Challenges faced by archaeologists outside the mainstream
14:50 Mapping and discovering undocumented ancient sites
17:13 Issues of looting and site preservation
19:29 Revisiting and redating ancient Peruvian sites
21:56 Environmental challenges to preserving ancient sites
24:10 Tracing cultural connections through pottery and iconography
26:34 Oral traditions and lost writing systems of Peru
29:01 Mystery of the Khipus and lost knowledge
31:22 Plans for future expeditions and research in Peru
33:43 Discovering geoglyphs in Norte Chico
36:05 Encounter with Luis and discovering ancient sites
38:22 Finding the oldest stone monolithic calendar in the Americas
40:44 Challenges of archaeological orthodoxy and new discoveries
43:05 Effects of cataclysmic events on ancient coastal settlements
45:18 Speculating on the impact of new discoveries on mainstream theories
47:41 Future plans for more expeditions and research in Peru
49:30 Conclusion and encouragement to support Raul's work