Oct 6 2016

Why Did Easter Island's Civilization Collapse?

57 min 11 movies discussed
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When the first Europeans landed on Rapa Nui, which they renamed Easter Island, they were puzzled by what happened there. Only a few thousand people lived there but there were signs of a massive civilization that once flourished. What happened there?

AI Summary

# Summary

In this episode, Josh and Chuck explore the enduring mystery of Easter Island (Rapa Nui), examining how the Polynesian settlers built and transported nearly 900 massive Moai statues despite limited resources, and investigating what really caused the island's population to decline from thousands to just a few hundred by the time Europeans arrived. The hosts break down the popular theory popularized by Jared Diamond about ecological collapse and resource depletion, but tease that new archaeological research suggests this long-accepted narrative might not be the whole story—so stick around to hear what Dr. Maro Mulruni's groundbreaking study reveals about what actually happened on this remote island.


Movies Discussed

Fandango
Fandango
1985 PG 1h 31m
★ 6.7
"No, he did Fandango. Oh, that was a good one. — Additional Kevin Reynolds film mentioned as part of his filmography." — Chuck
Joe Versus the Volcano
Joe Versus the Volcano
1990 1h 42m
★ 5.8
"Are you alluding to Joe versus the volcano? No. Oh, okay. That's the Waponi woos. — Josh references the film when Chuck mentions 'Rapa Nui' and the fictional island setting." — Josh
Rapa Nui
Rapa Nui
1994 R 1h 47m
★ 6.4
"Did you see the movie Rapa Nui? No, the Kevin Reynolds movie. — The hosts discuss Kevin Reynolds' film about Easter Island and its fictional narrative wrapped around real historical events." — Chuck
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
1991 2h 23m
★ 6.9
"He directed Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves, a lot of Kevin Costner movies. — Kevin Reynolds' directorial work is being catalogued during the discussion of his career."
Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!
Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!
1969
★ 7.8
"He also did great turns on Scooby-Doo. Oh, sure, and Threes Company. — Don Knotts' television appearances are mentioned as part of his career discussion." — Chuck
The Andy Griffith Show
The Andy Griffith Show
1960
★ 7.6
"I don't know, I was, I'm not sure what that was. Started off as me, but then it went into Barney Fife or something. — Barney Fife, Don Knotts' iconic character from The Andy Griffith Show, is referenced in conversation." — Chuck
The Ghost and Mr. Chicken
The Ghost and Mr. Chicken
1966 G 1h 30m
★ 6.8
"Or Mr. Chicken. The ghost of Mr. Chicken, another good one. — Don Knotts film referenced as example of his classic roles." — Josh
The Incredible Mr. Limpet
The Incredible Mr. Limpet
1964 G 1h 39m
★ 6.2
"Mr. Limpit. Yeah. Boy, that ages us. — Don Knotts film mentioned as a classic role that might not be recognized by younger listeners." — Chuck
The Postman
The Postman
1997 2h 58m
★ 6.3
"Probably The Postman, too. No, he did Fandango. — Kevin Reynolds films being discussed during conversation about his directorial work." — Josh
Three's Company
Three's Company
1977
★ 7.6
"He also did great turns on Scooby-Doo. Oh, sure, and Threes Company. — Don Knotts appeared in this popular sitcom as part of his extensive television work." — Josh
Waterworld
Waterworld
1995 2h 15m
★ 6.2
"Was he Waterworld? No, that's Kevin Costner. Well, no, he was in it. I think he directed it as well. — Discussion of Kevin Reynolds' filmography and his work directing Kevin Costner films." — Josh

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