cover of episode Piltdown Man: History's Greatest Hoaxes

Piltdown Man: History's Greatest Hoaxes

2024/10/22
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Forbidden History

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The discovery of the Piltdown Man in 1912 was initially hailed as a groundbreaking find, but questions soon arose about its authenticity. Charles Dawson, a local solicitor and amateur archaeologist, claimed to have found the skull fragments, which were presented as evidence of a missing link in human evolution.
  • The Piltdown Man was claimed to be a missing link between apes and humans.
  • Charles Dawson discovered the skull fragments and contacted Arthur Smith Woodward for further examination.
  • The find was presented to the Geological Society of London in 1912, causing a sensation.

Shownotes Transcript

In 1912 the discovery of an unusual skull and jawbone in Sussex, England, led many to believe that a 'missing link' had finally been found. The revelation of a hoax, however, had wide reaching impact on anthropology and science.

__Cast List: __

**Guy Walters: **A British author, historian, and journalist who has written several books on WWII. As a journalist for The Times, he writes on historical topics for the national press.

Dr. Linda Papadopoulos: Author & Psychologist

Miles Russell: Archaeologist & Charles Dawson Biographer

Alex Boese: Author, The World's Greatest Hoaxes

**Marcus Brigstocke: **Author & Comedian

Joe Nickell: Paranormal Investigator

Keith Moore: Head Librarian, Royal Society

Cathy Walling: Curator, Hastings Museum & Art Gallery

Jo Hatton: Keeper of Natural History, Horniman Museum

**Eric Meyers: **Narrator

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