It’s not every day that the world of archaeology crashes into the wild world of podcasting — but that’s exactly what happened when Egypt’s famous archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass sat down with Joe Rogan.
What was supposed to be a deep dive into the mysteries of ancient Egypt quickly spiraled into a clash of personalities, leaving fans buzzing and Dr. Hawass defending his legacy.
Joe Rogan, known for giving his guests room to explore big ideas, called the episode “the worst podcast he has ever done.”
And now, Dr. Hawass is finally breaking his silence.
Dr. Hawass Says Rogan Had an Agenda
Speaking on Egyptian television this week, Dr. Hawass didn’t hold back.
He claimed Joe Rogan was out to damage his reputation, not have a genuine intellectual conversation.
“He came in with a bias,” Dr. Hawass argued.
“He wanted to talk about things like Atlantis and aliens — topics I’ve spent decades debunking.”
According to the archaeologist, he’s spent 25 years challenging pseudo-historical claims made by figures like Graham Hancock and Robert Bauval.
Hawass made it clear he told Rogan upfront: “I have nothing to do with these fringe theories.”
The Viral Interview That Sparked a Firestorm
The May 13th episode started off rocky and only got worse.
When Rogan mentioned new satellite images that appear to show deep vertical shafts beneath the Khafre pyramid in Giza, Hawass dismissed the findings with one word: “bulls***.”
Italian researchers had recently shared those satellite scans — showing what they believed were structures extending 2,000 feet beneath one of Egypt’s most iconic pyramids. But Hawass wasn’t impressed.
When Rogan tried to ask about tools used to build the pyramids or verify those findings, Hawass often brushed it off with, “It’s in my book.”
That response — repeated multiple times — didn’t sit well with listeners.
Frustration on Both Sides
Rogan fans were quick to point out that Hawass seemed combative throughout.
Some said he interrupted Rogan constantly and didn’t let him finish a thought.
“Why would my confidence offend him?” Hawass asked on Egyptian TV.
“They’re attacking me because I didn’t let Rogan take over the conversation?”
According to him, his tone wasn’t arrogance — it was self-assurance.
“I was prepared. I brought my expertise. How could Joe Rogan not even read my book before inviting me?”
The Debate Over the Giza Discovery
The real controversy centers around new findings by researchers Corrado Malanga, Filippo Biondi, and Egyptologist Armando Mei.
Their satellite-based data suggests there might be unexplored shafts beneath the Khafre pyramid.
Though these findings haven’t been peer-reviewed yet, they’ve stirred up big questions.
Rogan leaned into the excitement. He pointed to how similar techniques had been used to map the Tomb of Osiris — a site Hawass himself discovered.
When Rogan noted that the scans support existing knowledge, Hawass quickly interjected: “I discovered it.”
Hawass Isn’t Buying the Tech
Hawass pushed back hard, saying radar technology can’t see that deep — only about 50 feet under the surface.
And when Rogan pointed out that even 50 feet of accurate imaging is still notable, Hawass stood his ground.
“The scientists I trust say the tech is unreliable,” he said.
Rogan fired back: “But these are scientists too. Why not hear them out?”
Hawass admitted he hadn’t spoken with the Italian team — though one of them, Biondi, said they reached out to Egypt’s Ministry of Culture and never heard back.
A Clash of Worlds: Science vs. Speculation
For Rogan, the conversation was about exploring new ideas, even if they’re controversial.
For Hawass, it was about defending established archaeology from speculation and pseudoscience.
At the heart of their clash? Two very different approaches to truth.
Rogan pressed him again: “Why dismiss it completely? Scientists are wrong all the time — even the ‘top’ ones. Especially when they’re biased.”
But Hawass remained firm. “I trust the experts I’ve worked with for years. Not the Italians.”
Fallout and Fan Reactions
As the episode went viral, social media lit up. On X (formerly Twitter), many criticized Hawass for being combative.
One account posted: “Zahi Hawass is full of it. Joe Rogan exposed him.”
Others defended Hawass, saying he was right to stand firm against conspiracy theories.
Still, the backlash left an impression. Hawass believes he’s being targeted for refusing to go along with the Atlantis-style theories Rogan often entertains.
So, Who Was in the Right?
That depends on who you ask. Rogan fans saw a missed opportunity for open discussion.
Hawass supporters saw a scholar refusing to entertain ideas without hard evidence.
What’s clear is that both men came into that studio with different expectations — and neither was ready to budge.
Whether you side with the podcast king or the pyramid expert, one thing’s certain: ancient Egypt still knows how to stir up modern drama.