6. Easter Island - Where Giants Walked

On one of the world’s most isolated islands, hundreds of vast stone statues lie mouldering in the grass.

In this episode, we take a look at one of archaeology’s most enduring puzzles: the mystery of Easter Island. Find out how this unique community grew up in complete isolation, severed from the rest of the world by a vast expanse of ocean. Discover the incredible story of how it survived for so many centuries, and examine the evidence about what happened to finally bring this society, and its statues, crashing down.

This episode, we're joined by children from the Toki School of Music and Arts on Easter Island, who were kind enough to record some traditional ancestral chants especially for the podcast.

Since 2012, Toki has offered children & adolescents free classes in classical and traditional music, with the aim of keeping the traditions of the island alive.

Credits:

Sound engineering by Thomas Ntinas

Voice Actors:

Jake Barrett-Mills
Jacob Rollinson
Annie Kelly
Shem Jacobs

[adenaden-farah]

This one struck me as the most tragic one. Not only were the poor people hit with everything the outside world was capable off but afterwards history painted them as having fallen victim to their own stupidity.

[persebra]

I was not going to watch this episode because I thought I knew what happened to Easter Island.. I had no idea there were better theories on what happened. Thank you for this work. It's wonderful!

[DietwaldClaus]

One of the saddest events in history. Thank you for giving the amazing civilization of Rapa Nui its due.

[AucklandSC]

Outstanding but very tragic slice of history. Being a maori I love the Polynesian story and this is some of the best content available. Please tell us more about these austronesian adventurers.

[trumpetmano]

You are one seriously talented story teller. You dig deeper and present every side possible. For Rapa Nui, I have always believed the European story of it's demise. I first visited there in 1982. I have been back 6 times since then.

[leighness]

This is the saddest things I’ve heard on this podcast yet. Brilliantly done. Pardon me while I got picket outside the British museum

[TheNyatzAnger]

Brilliantly done again Paul! I've learnt so much throughout all the different episodes you've done. I know I once suggested you do an episode on Alexander The Great, but I now realise the purpose of this podcast is much more valuable in illuminating the intricate details of cultures that otherwise don't get the same attention as the Eurasian cultures. Highly appreciate the painstaking work that goes into preparing these podcasts.

[ChrisSmith-roev]

I love Dan Carling HH but this is on another level. Besides being informative and entertaining it gives me a heartache. Incredible work Mr.Paul Cooper!

[michaellynch]

Wow. This podcast nearly brought me to tears with this truly tragic story. This must be the most complete example of humanity’s tendency to destroy its own heritage. It always shocks me just how barbarous these “civilized” explorers can be.

[somethinginteresting]

This retelling bought me to tears several times. I’m pleased and grateful the history and reputation of the Easter Islanders is corrected here and thank you for giving us the opportunity to contribute to their community now.

[lottiemellor]

I actually can’t thank you enough for this content. I need documentaries on to fall asleep to, but the adverts always wake me up, and for you to make these is just incredible. You have yourself a loyal subscriber!

[lindalee]

This is the very BEST documentary about the people, their lives, culture, navigation, and history. This has been a joy to listen to from beginning to end.
Thank you so much for sharing your research with us. I've listened to many of your uploads.
God bless you.

[tonymessinajr]

in line with Carl Sagan, David Attenborough, Steven Hawking, only that pleasant and informative voice, no visual distractions to fog the mind, just pure history it appears... pure history... pleasant....

[alexiaingham]

Absolutely adore these podcasts... this one in particular saddened my heart at the end

[Istehomo]

A brilliant piece of historical research - extremely well detailed.

[ML-rzhb]

Well done. Well written. Some of the very best history on YouTube. Do more.

[clivetimbrell]

I have recently found this channel and found the content intriguing but this episode had me close to tears listening to the litany of thoughtlessness and greed to which these people were subjected.

[corrincrellin]

By far the best podcast I've ever listened too... I built an entire bronze statue while listening to these, it was an amazing experience.


I hope this podcast blows up and gets the recognition it deserves!

[Geordiicus]

Absolutely brilliant mate, loads of info.
And the title, inspired; where giants walked.
At first I thought it was gonna have something to do with an outlandish idea of actual giants living there first. 🤣

[NewYorkPickers]

Wow! You presented the drama and history with a kindness and sympathy that made the Easter Island come alive and then die.