Archaeologist Ed Barnhart on Lost Maya Cities and Alien Claims

This one isn't about guns, but it's a good watch if you're into history and exploration. The Shawn Ryan Show sits down with archaeologist Dr. Ed Barnhart for a wide-ranging talk about the ancient civilizations of the Americas, how real archaeology works, and how pop culture twists it.

Key points

• The find that made his career: Barnhart explains how, at 25 and leading a small student crew, he located a Maya city in Belize by reading topography maps and guessing where ancient builders would settle.
• Aliens: despite appearing on Ancient Aliens roughly 25 times, Barnhart says he has seen no archaeological evidence of alien contact with the Maya.
• Still looking: he notes thousands of smaller communities remain undiscovered in the jungle.
• From Indiana Jones to the field: Barnhart traces his path from a childhood obsession to studying under Linda Schele at the University of Texas.

Quick take

Barnhart separates showmanship from substance, happy to go on alien-themed shows while being blunt that the evidence doesn't back the theory.

Watch the full video: Shawn Ryan Show