Joe Rogan Experience #2546 - Michael Button · Aired Aug 26, 2026
Claim summary · not a verbatim quotation
Researchers found a proto-writing script dating to 40,000 years ago with complexity levels similar to 3,000 BC Sumerian scripts.
The finding
What the evidence shows
The actual research here, a 2023 study of markings in over 400 European caves, dates the symbols to about 20,000 years old, not 40,000. The study also describes them as a simple lunar and seasonal notation system tracking animal breeding cycles, not something with the complexity of 3,000 BCE Sumerian writing.
Read the supporting source · en.wikipedia.org ↗Quick answer & review status
Quick answer
Is it true that Researchers found a proto-writing script dating to 40,000 years ago with complexity levels similar to 3,000 BC Sumerian scripts?
No, not as stated. The actual research here, a 2023 study of markings in over 400 European caves, dates the symbols to about 20,000 years old, not 40,000. The study also describes them as a simple lunar and seasonal notation system tracking animal breeding cycles, not something with the complexity of 3,000 BCE Sumerian writing. Michael Button said it (matched by voice) on Joe Rogan Experience #2546 - Michael Button, aired Aug 26, 2026, at 2:26:04. The supporting source is en.wikipedia.org, linked below.
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