Meaning: The quote "We have always been taught that navigation is the result of civilization, but modern archeology has demonstrated very clearly that this is not so" by Thor Heyerdahl, a Norwegian explorer, challenges our traditional understanding of navigation and civilization. Heyerdahl was best known for his Kon-Tiki expedition in 1947, where he sailed across the Pacific Ocean on a hand-built raft to demonstrate that ancient South American civilizations could have reached Polynesia. His work in ethnography and archaeology often focused on challenging established narratives and exploring alternative theories about the history of human civilization.

Heyerdahl's quote challenges the assumption that navigation is a product of civilization. Traditionally, the development of sophisticated navigation techniques and technologies has been seen as a hallmark of advanced civilizations. The prevailing belief has been that as societies developed, they acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the seas and explore distant lands. This view aligns with the idea of progress and linear development in human history, where advanced civilizations are seen as the pinnacle of human achievement.

However, Heyerdahl's statement suggests that this understanding may be flawed. He implies that navigation may have been practiced by societies that predate what we typically consider as "civilized." This challenges us to reconsider the relationship between navigation and civilization and to explore the possibility that navigation could have been an integral part of early human societies.

Modern archaeology has indeed provided evidence to support Heyerdahl's assertion. Discoveries such as the ancient Phoenician shipwrecks in the Mediterranean and the seafaring capabilities of early Pacific islanders have shown that navigation was practiced by cultures that may not fit the traditional definition of "civilization." These findings have led researchers to reconsider the timelines and mechanisms through which navigation developed in human history.

Furthermore, Heyerdahl's own work with the Kon-Tiki expedition and subsequent voyages aimed to demonstrate that ancient civilizations had the knowledge and technology to undertake long-distance sea voyages. By replicating these journeys using only the materials and techniques available to ancient peoples, Heyerdahl sought to challenge the prevailing assumptions about the limitations of early navigation.

In addition to his specific research, Heyerdahl's quote speaks to the broader theme of challenging established narratives in history and archaeology. It encourages us to critically examine the assumptions and biases that underpin our understanding of human development and to consider alternative perspectives and evidence.

Overall, Heyerdahl's quote prompts us to reconsider the relationship between navigation and civilization and to explore the possibility that navigation may have been practiced by societies that existed outside of the conventional narrative of human progress. It encourages us to engage with the complexities of human history and to remain open to alternative interpretations and evidence that may challenge our existing beliefs about the past.