Episode 99. Rapa Nui's Collapse: Mike Pitts

Episode 99. Rapa Nui's Collapse: Mike Pitts

From Science History Podcast by 그것이 알고 싶다SBS

February 11, 2026 · 1h 55m · Season 1 · Episode 99

About this episode

Mike Pitts joins to discuss the myths surrounding the societal collapse of Easter Island and the scientific findings that challenge these narratives.

Often in the history of science, myths overrun scientific findings and take hold with such force that they are difficult or nearly impossible to dislodge from public understanding. Perhaps no example of this phenomenon is more pronounced than that of the societal collapse of Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui. With us to unravel the myth from the science is Mike Pitts. Mike is a writer and broadcaster (a frequent voice on BBC radio), archaeologist (directing excavations at Stonehenge), and one-time museum curator. He has written for The Times, Telegraph, Sunday Times, Observer, and Guardian, and many magazines including New Scientist, Archaeology, and BBC History. He edited British Archaeology magazine for 20 years and has written books on topics ranging from the discovery of Richard III's grave to How to Build Stonehenge. His original research has been published in peer-reviewed journals such as Nature, World Archaeology, and Antiquity. He is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries.

People in this episode

Guest: Mike Pitts

Topics covered

  • societal collapse
  • Easter Island
  • myth vs science
  • archaeology
  • cultural history

Keywords

  • Easter Island
  • Rapa Nui
  • Mike Pitts
  • societal collapse
  • archaeology
  • myth
  • science

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC, The Times, Telegraph, Sunday Times, Observer, Guardian, New Scientist, Archaeology, BBC History, British Archaeology

Books & works: Nature, World Archaeology, Antiquity

Places: Easter Island, Rapa Nui

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