CHASING RAIDERS
THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF INDIANA JONES
A real archaeologist’s globe-trotting quest for the incredible reality behind the cinema classic Raiders of the Lost Ark
Follow in the footsteps
of Indiana Jones
Just how much is for real in the adventures of cinema hero Indiana Jones? More than you might ever imagine! And one dauntless archaeologist wanted to see it all for himself.
Real-life Ph.D and New York Times #1 best-selling Lucasfilm writer Dr. David West Reynolds was inspired by Indiana Jones to track down the true history and archaeology behind Indy’s debut in Raiders of the Lost Ark. He found more than he bargained for: From forbidding tomb monument “demons” in the jungles of Peru to a real Nazi flying wing, Reynolds turned up one surprise after another.
His illustrated journal reveals remarkable realities behind seemingly everything in the film, from ancient model cities and Egyptian solar architecture to the fabulous double-decker China Clipper luxury flying boat.
Go beyond the
cinematic fantasy
Reynolds not only sought out Raiders filming locations—in Tunisia, California, and Hawaii—he set out to see for himself the places where the “real” Indiana Jones was supposed to have been in 1936, in Peru and Cairo—even when that meant traveling beyond roads to reach remote jungle ruins on horseback.
Seek out the Indiana Jones experience
From swinging on the same jungle river vine Indy used to exploring a real government warehouse holding secrets outside Washington, DC, David West Reynolds followed the trail, “chasing Raiders” wherever it led him, until the project became a quest worthy of Indiana Jones himself.
Help us bring this great story to video!
Dr. Reynolds has been invited to present his exploration of the Archaeology of Indiana Jones at museums, IMAX Raiders screenings, official Lucasfilm conventions, and even the Explorers Club in New York City, but the only way to hear the whole story was to see him in person—until now.
After many requests for a video, a documentary will finally allow you to travel with Dr. Reynolds on this remarkable journey into the borderlands between Hollywood myth and thrilling reality.
Join the adventure
With your support, a Kickstarter campaign will make this exciting vision a reality. Launch was on November 27, 2024. Back the campaign before 5:00 p.m. on December 27th, and set out with us on a mission to prove there is more in Raiders of the Lost Ark than the world ever guessed!
Sign up for the Adventure Chasers mailing list
Calling all stalwart adventurers! What diabolical temple traps and jungle pitfalls await our courageous campaign? Don’t miss out on our gripping news updates from the field. Join your fellow cinema archaeologists on our mailing list to receive bulletins about Chasing Raiders and the Kickstarter campaign, which launched November 27, 2024, and ends on December 27, 2024.
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