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all 30 comments

[–][deleted] 5 points6 points ago

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My thought is that many of these ancient structures were actually the result of pre-history WPA-style projects. I think ancient rulers realized their populaces needed something to do so they would create these huge projects, pay them a little money or simply feed them. This kept the civilizations busy, fed, and most important to the leaders - not rising in revolt.

[–]onemoreclick 0 points1 point ago

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I like that idea. It puts a lot nicer less slave driven picture in my head.

[–]Indigoh 0 points1 point ago

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Didn't Obama do pretty much that same thing with rail roads or highways...?

[–]JessDombro 7 points8 points ago

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somebody already posted..

[–]locoenchilada 2 points3 points ago

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[–]iamhusband[S] -5 points-4 points ago

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[–]redleader 5 points6 points ago

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Circle of life. Reddit -> Facebook -> Reddit and the circle goes on

[–]xXxTrollxXx 1 point2 points ago

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Makes you wonder how the hell they got there

[–]wut999 0 points1 point ago

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[–]xXxTrollxXx 1 point2 points ago

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I still think aliens did it

[–]fuckYOUswan 1 point2 points ago

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Doesn't it say somewhere in the rules of TIL that submissions can't just be pictures? explanation is needed usually. also this shit was on r/pics less than a week ago.

[–]Mr_Wendal 1 point2 points ago

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Heres the scoop:

They are not "bodies" or any artistic addition to the statue. This is the ONLY possible way to erect a monument this size with the technology they had.

Much like this picture shows - it is in a pit. The Islanders would carve the statue, and then use a log/pull system to get it to the erection site. They would dig a pit to the right depth, and have a ramp to slide the statue down. Then using rope they would erect the statue so it was level, then back fill the pit with the dirt from the excavation. This way they could use basic physics to put these statues into place without the need of any sort of additional lifting apparatus.

[–]libertasmens 3 points4 points ago

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Heh heh "erection site"

[–]cyclenaut -1 points0 points ago

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Its totally amazing that you witnessed them do this..

[–]Mr_Wendal 0 points1 point ago

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Its the known scientific explanation on how they erected these statues. I really don't know what else to say. I could tell the OP he is right about them being discovered, but they know what it is for, and it hasn't been news for quite some time. I'll refrain from making reddit a place to learn and share next time.

[–]artificialcheese -2 points-1 points ago

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No, please continue making reddit a place to learn and share. It's just that "This is the ONLY possible way" and "The known scientific explanation" are two very different things.

[–]Mr_Wendal 0 points1 point ago

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My choice of grammar is usually flawed towards the end of my nightshift. I should have said "the only known scientific explanation".

[–]roraborealis03 0 points1 point ago*

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They were ancestors and they are all facing inward, though most photos elude to them looking out. They originally had eyes but because of corruption, misdeeds and general human's being fuck ups with power and resources, the people didn't want to be watched and ashamed of their actions. So what better way to solve your guilt issues with your abuse of power then pluck out the eyes of your ancestors watching you.

[–]Thecardinal74 0 points1 point ago

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Doesn't his violate the first rule of posting in this subreddit?

[–]doctorscurvy 0 points1 point ago

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Sam and Max taught me this years ago

[–]SwedishFishy 0 points1 point ago

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If anybody is interested: my dad told me of a great book, "The Statues that Walked", which apparently explains the history of the statues and Easter Island brilliantly (5/5 stars on Amazon :D).

[–]meltdownup 0 points1 point ago

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Actually, many of them ARE just heads and have been moved within the last 50 years to various other locations around the island.

[–]Misiok 0 points1 point ago

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Yeah, I saw this picture some days ago, but what's the story? Why did they suddenly excavate it now?

[–]mintyhorse 6 points7 points ago

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The picture looks like it's from the 70's.

[–]Killerbunny123 0 points1 point ago

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Why am I just finding out about it now? I wasn't even alive in the 70's.

[–]wut999 0 points1 point ago

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The man standing at the top looks... out of place, almost as if he's been shooped in.

[–][deleted] -2 points-1 points ago

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There's a really great article by Jared Diamond that uses the collapse of Easter Island as a parellel to what might happen to the rest of the world in the future if we keep consuming our resources without thinking of the future.

[–]Mr_Wendal 0 points1 point ago

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His book "Collapse" is a great read. Many civilizations are discussed.

[–]SuperDayv -2 points-1 points ago

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Was this discovered recently?

[–]andyjim -3 points-2 points ago

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There was ancient city there i bet ya