Lore Legends Episode 42: "Written in Stone"
Released on December 9, 2024
Host: Aaron Mahnke
Description: In this episode of Lore Legends, host Aaron Mahnke delves into the enduring legacy of stone as humanity's primary medium for recording history, law, art, and even deceit. From ancient graffiti to elaborate hoaxes, the episode explores how stone has been both a vessel for truth and a canvas for deception.
The Enduring Legacy of Stone
Aaron Mahnke opens the episode by reflecting on humanity's intrinsic desire to leave a lasting mark on the world. He states, "We all want our mark on the world to last forever" (04:07), highlighting stone's suitability for this purpose due to its permanence. Mahnke discusses how, long before the advent of paper, humans used stone to document significant events, laws, and personal expressions.
Ancient Graffiti: The Prehistoric Scribbles
The episode transitions into the world of ancient graffiti, tracing its origins back to the first cave drawings made thousands of years ago. Mahnke notes, "In Egypt, for example, the tomb of Ramses VI is covered in thousands of inscriptions made by tourists" (05:04). These early scribbles ranged from mundane complaints to personal declarations, demonstrating that the impulse to document one's experiences is deeply rooted in human history.
One particularly vivid example comes from Pompeii, where crude and lewd graffiti have been discovered. For instance, one message reads, "I hope your hemorrhoids rub together so much that they hurt worse than they ever have before" (05:58). These inscriptions provide a candid glimpse into the everyday lives and humor of ancient civilizations.
Stones as Legal Records: The Code of Hammurabi
Mahnke then explores how stone has been instrumental in preserving legal codes. He references the Code of Hammurabi, carved into a four-ton stone slab around 1750 BC. "It's this very set of laws that gave us the phrase 'an eye for an eye'" (08:35), Mahnke explains. This monumental work outlined 282 legal precedents, covering everything from criminal punishments to family law, underscoring stone's role in maintaining societal order.
The Lascaux Cave Discovery: A Window into Prehistory
Shifting focus, Mahnke recounts the accidental discovery of the Lascaux Cave by a group of French teenagers in 1940. Initially searching for a secret passageway, they instead uncovered nearly 6,000 prehistoric paintings depicting wild horses, oxen, mammoths, and humans (09:03). Dubbed the "Sistine Chapel of prehistory," Lascaux offers invaluable insights into the lives of Paleolithic humans, demonstrating the artistic prowess preserved through stone.
The Newark Holy Stones: A Tale of Hoaxes and Prejudice
One of the most intriguing segments of the episode covers the Newark Holy Stones, including the Decalogue Stone and the Keystone, discovered by David Weirich in Ohio in the 1860s. These stones featured Hebrew inscriptions and carvings that some claimed linked Native Americans to the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel—a theory rooted in racial prejudice.
Mahnke explains, "The discovery of these Hebrew stones in Ohio seemed to change all of that. Suddenly, here was evidence, it seems, that a Hebrew-speaking community had once been in North America long, long ago" (11:24). However, closer examination revealed discrepancies in the Hebrew script and the weathering of the stones, leading academics to debunk them as hoaxes (12:01). The revelation that the stones were fabricated by members of the Davenport Academy of Sciences to support a biased agenda underscores how stone can be manipulated to perpetuate false narratives.
The Curse of the Petrified Forest: Conscience Letters and Misfortune
The episode culminates with the legend of the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, where visitors who took petrified wood began receiving "conscience letters" pleading for the return of stolen rocks (29:00). These letters, filled with tales of misfortune attributed to the theft, embody the park's supposed curse: "the curse of the Petrified Forest" (29:26). Mahnke explores the psychological impact of attributing bad luck to such actions, tracing its origins to similar legends like the Hawaiian curse on stealing lava rocks.
Stone: A Double-Edged Sword
Throughout the episode, Mahnke emphasizes stone's dual nature as both a keeper of truth and a tool for deception. He reflects, "Just because something is carved into stone doesn't mean that it's true" (21:13), reminding listeners that permanence does not equate to authenticity. The stories of the Newark Holy Stones and the conscience letters at the Petrified Forest illustrate how stone can be exploited to manipulate beliefs and enforce moral lessons.
Conclusion: Moving Beyond the Past
In wrapping up, Mahnke urges listeners to learn from history's misuse of stone and strive for a future built on verified knowledge and integrity. "Our future is certainly not [carved in stone]," he remarks (21:48), encouraging ongoing improvement and progress over the static legacies of the past.
Notable Quotes:
- "We all want our mark on the world to last forever." – Aaron Mahnke (04:07)
- "It's this very set of laws that gave us the phrase 'an eye for an eye'." – Aaron Mahnke (08:35)
- "Just because something is carved into stone doesn't mean that it's true." – Aaron Mahnke (21:13)
Final Thoughts:
"Written in Stone" offers a captivating exploration of how humanity has utilized stone to narrate its journey, preserve laws, express creativity, and even propagate falsehoods. Through engaging storytelling and well-researched historical accounts, Aaron Mahnke invites listeners to ponder the lasting impact of their own legacies and the mediums they choose to immortalize them.