DeepSummary
In this episode, Dr. Judd Burton, an archaeologist and historian, presents a new theory challenging the traditional location of the biblical Tower of Babel. He argues that linguistic evidence suggests the Tower was likely located in northern Mesopotamia (modern-day Turkey), rather than the commonly accepted site in lower Mesopotamia (southern Iraq). Burton cites the Proto-Indo-European language shift that occurred around 6000-4000 BCE as evidence for the magnitude of language dispersal described in Genesis 11.
Burton explains that the Proto-Indo-European language shift, which gave birth to most European and Asian language families, better aligns with the 'confusion of tongues' described in the biblical account. He contrasts this with the lack of a comparable linguistic event in lower Mesopotamia during the later 4th millennium BCE when the Tower is traditionally dated. Burton also notes that the Neolithic engineering capabilities in northern Mesopotamia support the construction of such a massive tower.
The episode discusses the significance of ancient Turkey (Anatolia) in biblical history, from the location of Eden to the eventual scattering of peoples after the Flood. Burton suggests the Tower may have been an affront to God, built near the location of Eden as the post-Flood civilizations sought to recreate the connection between heaven and earth that existed in the Garden.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Dr. Judd Burton, an archaeologist and historian, challenges the traditional location of the biblical Tower of Babel, arguing it was more likely situated in northern Mesopotamia (modern-day Turkey) based on linguistic evidence.
- Burton cites the Proto-Indo-European language shift around 6000-4000 BCE as better aligning with the biblical account of the 'confusion of tongues' and dispersal of peoples described in Genesis 11.
- The episode discusses the biblical significance of ancient Turkey (Anatolia), from the location of Eden to the post-Flood scattering, suggesting the Tower may have been an attempt to reconnect with the heavenly realm near Eden.
- Burton theorizes the Tower was potentially a ziggurat-like structure built as an affront to God by post-Flood civilizations seeking to recreate the connection between heaven and earth.
- The extra-biblical book of Jasher is mentioned as potentially providing additional context about the Tower of Babel story, though its authenticity is debated by scholars.
- Burton argues that the linguistic evidence does not support a 4th millennium BCE date for the Tower in southern Mesopotamia, as there was no comparable language dispersal event in that region during that time period.
- The construction capabilities of Neolithic cultures in northern Mesopotamia, including the use of baked bricks mentioned in Genesis 11, are cited as evidence for the feasibility of building such a massive tower in that region.
- The episode explores the broader implications of rethinking the Tower of Babel's location and timing within the biblical narrative and ancient history.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Well, most people, students of the Bible or otherwise, because it's become such a part of our cultural vernacular, most people will recognize the story of the Tower of Babel that's referenced in Genesis chapter eleven, right on the heels of the table of nations in Genesis chapter ten and the telling of the emergence of Nimrod and his kingdom in Shinar. And traditionally, Babel has been associated with Babylon and middle Mesopotamia, lower Mesopotamia.“ by Judd Burton
- “And again, you know, just. Just given the importance of ancient Anatolia, ancient Turkey, the people. The people that God ends up using, you know, especially early on. Yeah. It's an affront to God, you know, whatever the structure is, whether it's a ziggurat or some sort of earthen structure, it seems to be that it probably was a kind of ziggurat or proto ziggurat because they're making brick to build this thing, so.“ by Judd Burton
- “What I'm saying is that the traditional location for Babel is off, because it doesn't. It doesn't make sense in terms of the confusion of languages and scattering of peoples. That, to me, seems like a very. That's a significant event, because if people were speaking the same language, the people that lived in the world at the time speaking mutually intelligible dialects of the same language, and then all of a sudden, you have this massive, you know, confusion of languages.“ by Judd Burton
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Episode Information
Blurry Creatures
Blurry Creatures
4/17/24
In a bold departure from traditional beliefs, Dr. Judd Burton, renowned archaeologist and historian, challenges the age-old narrative of the Tower of Babel's location. Join us as we delve into his groundbreaking theory that places this iconic biblical structure not in Lower Mesopotamia but in the heart of Turkey. Uncover the evidence, unravel the mysteries, and embark on a journey that redefines ancient history. Tune in to explore the mystery of the Tower of Babel like never before, only on Blurry Creatures.
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Opening Track: PYLOT "Locke"
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Music Kyle Monroe: tinytaperoom.com
Outro Song: TimeCop1983: timecop1983.com
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