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
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As featured in the New York Post!
UPDATE: We have just been featured in the New York Post!
The article delves into David West Reynolds’ journey from academic archaeologist to Lucasfilm insider, tracing the surprising path to Indiana Jones that began with his rediscovery of the lost Star Wars filming sites in Tunisia. Working at the Lucasfilm Archives gave Dr. Reynolds the opportunity to see how remarkably authentic some of the Indy props were—and inspired this project.
Our thanks to the New York Post and reporter Alex Oliveira for this coverage! (Yes, he did slip in a photo of DWR’s DeLorean at Skywalker Ranch!)
To learn more about the project—read on! This website will give you the whole story.
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
A Kickstarter campaign will make this exciting vision a reality—with your support! Launch is planned for January 2025. Sign up for email updates (above) so you can back the campaign, and join us on a mission to prove there is more in Raiders of the Lost Ark than the world ever guessed!