NOTE from TED: Please be aware that this talk contains outdated and counterfactual assertions, and should not be understood as a representation of modern scholarship on ancient civilizations. If ancient civilizations interest you, TEDx Talks contain many fascinating and well-researched talks such as: Sarah Parcak's talk on space arachaeology at TEDxYale: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GKzsr6i6kI Leslie van Gelder's talk on cave art at TEDxQueenstown: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYGPc0hf5Ss Sarah Kenderdine's talk on museums of the future at TEDxGateway: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXhtwFCA_Kc Since 2007, compelling evidence has been published in leading scientific journals confirming that fragments of a disintegrating giant comet struck the earth around 12,800 years ago. The impacts set in motion a mysterious 1,200-year global deep freeze that caused worldwide extinctions of species. Established theories about the emergence of civilization cite the invention of agriculture and monumental architecture some 11,600 years ago—immediately after the freeze. In this controversial presentation, best-selling author Graham Hancock argues that archaeologists, by not accounting for the cataclysm, have gravely misinterpreted history. What the record attests to is not the sudden invention of technology, but a transfer of technology to hunter-gatherers from a more advanced civilization. British writer and journalist, Hancock specialises in unconventional theories involving ancient civilisations, stone monuments or megaliths, altered states of consciousness, ancient myths and astronomical/astrological data from the past. One of the main themes running through many of his books is a posited global connection with a "mother culture" from which he believes all ancient historical civilisations sprang. Graham sees himself as a journalist who asks questions based upon observation and as someone who provides a counterbalance to what he perceives as the "unquestioned" acceptance and support given to orthodox views by the education system, the media, and by society at large. His books have sold more than five million copies worldwide and have been translated to 27 languages. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx