Egyptian archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass's recent appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience has ignited widespread controversy on social media platforms, particularly in Egypt, over the construction of the pyramids and claims of extraterrestrial intervention, according to BBC News.
Many people in Egypt celebrated the episode, while some directed their criticism at Hawass, with opinions varying on his performance.
Joe Rogan, host of one of the most influential podcasts on the internet, described the episode as "the worst podcast he has ever produced" and indicated that he did not feel comfortable during the dialogue, according to BBC News. Rogan is known for his open and controversial interview style, which represents a real media challenge for any guest.
Hawass, a prominent Egyptian archaeologist and former Minister of State for Antiquities, appeared on the podcast after Rogan's request over a year ago. "The truth is that I used to go to their channels and discuss them in their own territory, on American television itself," he stated, addressing accusations of monopolizing the media space to discuss ancient Egyptian civilization.
"The Joe Rogan episode aimed to promote an agenda that Egyptians are not the builders of the pyramids, and I confronted that," said Hawass in a statement to Sky News Arabia. He added, "Joe Rogan did not expect that I would show the world the evidence, whether archaeological or written, that proves that Egyptians are the builders of the pyramids."
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"I told him if I had one piece of evidence that the builders of the pyramid were not Egyptians, I would admit it immediately," said Hawass, emphasizing his commitment to scientific evidence. He cited the tombs of the Egyptian workers who built the pyramid as the clearest evidence.
Supporters praised Hawass's stance. "Agree or disagree with Zahi Hawass, but what he did in Joe Rogan's podcast was a respectable stand against the myths they are trying to promote about our pyramids," wrote one user on the platform X (formerly Twitter), according to BBC News.
"When a person like Joe Rogan says that the episode was the worst, then Dr. Zahi definitely did his part and stated the facts as they are," commented another supporter, as reported by BBC News.
Some users felt that Hawass did not take into account modern technology in dealing with ancient Egyptian history and considered him stubborn in the recent interview. Others thought the style of dialogue was unsuccessful. "The episode was hard to follow. Zahi Hawass was very harsh, and Joe Rogan lost his temper. Both were not at their best," commented one user, according to BBC News.
Hawass responded to his critics, asserting, "Those who criticized my appearance are not Egyptians, because I was defending Egyptian civilization," according to Sky News Arabia. He emphasized that he does not try to monopolize the discussion about Egyptian civilization or control the discoveries. "There was an attempt to insert information, but I confronted it," he continued.
Addressing the claims of extraterrestrial involvement in the construction of the pyramids, Hawass explained that Joe Rogan was influenced by Graham Hancock, who promotes the idea that the stones of the pyramids came from another continent and that they were not built by Egyptians. "Joe Rogan was waiting for any signal from me that extraterrestrial beings built the pyramids, but I presented him with all the scientific evidence that denies that completely," said Hawass, according to Al-Masry Al-Youm.
Hawass dismissed unscientific theories, stating, "I use modern technology and programs relied upon in archaeological discoveries and research," as reported by Sky News Arabia. He added, "My achievements and my work are the evidence, and it is not logical for me to follow myths whose science is wrong," according to Al-Masry Al-Youm.
Following his appearance, Hawass's name trended on X, with many expressing pride in having an Egyptian figure on a global platform. He is known for his firm defense of Egypt's Pharaonic identity and has played a role in recovering many Egyptian artifacts from abroad. He has held several positions, including Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities and Minister of State for Antiquities.
"He invited me to a cigar, and that's the reason that made me smoke during the episode," said Hawass, according to Al-Masry Al-Youm.