Haunted Cosmos: Mines of Ophir - Season 5, Episode 3 Summary

Release Date: July 23, 2025

Hosts: Ben Garrett & Brian Sauvé
Podcast Description: Investigating a world that isn't just stuff.

1. Cold Open: Mysteries and Legends

The episode kicks off with Brian Sauvé humorously declaring that Nicolas Cage movies are now considered canonical in American history. He also teases listeners about Ben Garrett’s adventurous but mishap-filled quest for Solomon's mines and the enigmatic secrets of the Grand Canyon.

Notable Quote:
Benjamin Garette: "The world is not just stuff."
[00:20]

2. The Legend of GE Kincaid and the Grand Canyon

Ben Garrett narrates a gripping tale of GE Kincaid, an intrepid explorer who embarked on a perilous journey down the Colorado River in search of adventure. Battling the harsh sun and treacherous rapids, Kincaid discovers an unusual cave adorned with mysterious hieroglyphics reminiscent of ancient Egyptian scripts.

Key Points:

• Kincaid's relentless pursuit leads him to a cave sealed with ancient stairs, suggesting a deliberate architectural feat.
• Inside, he finds a network of chambers filled with artifacts, mummies, and intricate carvings depicting mythological interactions between gods and men.
• His findings prompt the Smithsonian to launch an expedition, led by a man named Jordan, involving 40 scientists to further explore and document the site.

Notable Quote:
Benjamin Garette: "It was what they thought Atlantis may have looked like."
[04:30]

3. The Smithsonian Expedition and the Vanishing

The Smithsonian's team meticulously maps out the cavernous complex, uncovering symmetrical layouts and a central chamber dominated by a golden Buddha-like statue. Despite their discoveries, both Kincaid and Jordan mysteriously disappear, leaving behind only two obscure articles in the Arizona Gazette dated April 5, 1909.

Key Points:

• Speculations arise about the Smithsonian covering up the findings to preserve their historical narratives and financial interests.
• The absence of physical evidence or corroborating records casts doubt on the authenticity of Kincaid’s and Jordan’s adventures.
• The mystery deepens as no additional expeditions or artifacts related to the Grand Canyon cave have surfaced.

Notable Quote:
Benjamin Garette: "Was it all a ruse? No. Was it real? The ruse coming in afterward in the form of a conspiracy to erase the find from history?"
[09:45]

4. Ophir: Searching for Solomon’s Mythical Land

The discussion shifts to the ancient land of Ophir, a biblical location renowned for its wealth in gold, ivory, and exotic animals. Various theories about its location are examined, with historical accounts placing Ophir in regions like India, the Arabian Peninsula, and sub-Saharan Africa. However, geographical and temporal inconsistencies challenge these placements.

Key Points:

• India Theory: Supported by Josephus and Father Jerome but criticized for proximity issues concerning Solomon’s maritime journey timeframe.
• Arabian Peninsula: Linked by association with Sheba and Havilah from Genesis 10 but lacks essential resources like ivory and peacocks.
• Sub-Saharan Africa: Considered due to parallels with the ancient city of Zimbabwe, though dating discrepancies weaken the argument.

Notable Quote:
Benjamin Garette: "What if Ophir was a land of brightness to the ancients, separated from them by a dark sea?"
[27:08]

5. The Bat Creek Stone: A Controversial Artifact

Ben introduces the Bat Creek Stone, discovered in the late 19th century, which purportedly bears Paleo Hebrew inscriptions. Initially dismissed by Cyrus Thomas and his team at the Smithsonian, further scrutiny by Semitic language experts suggested possible authentic ancient Semitic script, fueling debates about pre-Columbian transatlantic contact.

Key Points:

• Discovery: Found in earthen mounds near the Tennessee River by Cyrus Thomas's expedition.
• Initial Analysis: Thought to be in the Cherokee Alphabet but later studies hinted at Paleo Hebrew script.
• Controversy: Lacks corroborative evidence, raising suspicions of it being a hoax orchestrated to support the Smithsonian’s theories on pre-Columbian contact.
• Similarities with Los Lunas Decalogue: Both artifacts suggest ancient Semitic presence in North America but remain unproven.

Notable Quote:
Benjamin Garette: "The Bat Creek stone remains one of the greatest mysteries of American archaeology."
[34:07]

6. Conspiracy Theories and Suppression Claims

The hosts delve into theories suggesting the Smithsonian may have deliberately suppressed or discredited evidence supporting ancient Semitic presence in North America to maintain established historical narratives and financial interests.

Key Points:

• Lack of Official Proclamations: Despite being subjects of debate, neither the Bat Creek Stone nor the Los Lunas Decalogue have been officially declared hoaxes by academic institutions.
• Academic Skepticism: Predominantly due to the absence of additional supporting evidence and the complex logistics required to fabricate such artifacts convincingly.
• Potential Motivations: Preserving the integrity of mainstream historical accounts and preventing disruptions to established timelines regarding human migration and technological development.

Notable Quote:
Brian Sauvé: "Who’s to say we actually don’t know?"
[73:20]

7. Linking Mythology and Ancient Texts

Ben and Brian explore connections between various myths, ancient texts, and legendary figures like Sir Walter Raleigh’s quest for El Dorado. They ponder the possibility of these legends intertwining with biblical accounts, suggesting a deeper, perhaps undiscovered, historical truth.

Key Points:

• Sir Walter Raleigh: His expeditions in search of El Dorado were inspired by reports of golden cities, paralleling the quest for Ophir.
• Mythological Integration: Stories like the Muisca’s Lake Guatavita rituals reflect similar themes of sacrifice and lost paradises filled with gold.
• Biblical Corroborations: Instances where archaeological discoveries later validated biblical locations (e.g., Nazareth) hint at the potential for undiscovered truths within ancient scriptures.

Notable Quote:
Benjamin Garette: "It's never too late to find these places and actually see not only our hunger for mystery and curiosity sated but also the Bible vindicated yet again."
[55:28]

8. Conclusion: The Endless Quest for Ophir

The episode concludes with a reflection on the enduring allure of Ophir and similar myths, emphasizing the human fascination with uncovering hidden histories and the allure of lost treasures. Ben and Brian encourage listeners to remain open-minded yet critical, balancing curiosity with skepticism.

Key Points:

• Unresolved Mysteries: Ophir’s true location remains elusive, symbolizing the broader quest for understanding humanity’s ancient past.
• Call for Exploration: Encourages continued investigation and open dialogue about unconventional archaeological findings.
• Balancing Belief and Evidence: Advocates for a thoughtful approach, recognizing the value of myths while demanding rigorous proof.

Notable Quote:
Benjamin Garette: "But in the face of such wonderful stories, it never hurts to ask the question, could it all be real? And to that we say, maybe."
[09:35]

Final Thoughts:
In this episode of Haunted Cosmos, Ben Garrett and Brian Sauvé navigate the intricate web of myths, archaeological mysteries, and historical conjectures surrounding the legendary Mines of Ophir. Through engaging storytelling and thought-provoking discussions, they invite listeners to ponder the tantalizing possibility that some of history’s greatest mysteries may still be waiting to be unearthed.