Are lost ancient civilizations real?

Archaeology textbooks tell a familiar story about human history: Stone tools, cave art, nomadic life, then civilization.  

But a growing number of voices think we're missing a chapter—signs of an earlier advanced culture, lost to time.  

This episode explores the question underneath it all: Is there really a forgotten era of human ingenuity, or are we inventing a more epic past because it makes the human story feel bigger? 

💬 Join the conversation in the comments. 

Featuring: 

• Eduardo Góes Neves: Professor of archeology, University of Sao Paulo  

• Edwin Barnhart: Director, Maya Exploration Center 

• Flint Dibble: Teacher in archaeology, Cardiff University 

• Sarah Parcak: Professor of anthropology, University of Alabama at Birmingham