Final answer:
Charles Hapgood argued that ancient maps, including the Piri Reis Map, clearly show the influence of a pre-Ice Age civilization capable of mapping the world.
Step-by-step explanation:
Charles Hapgood, in his book "Maps of the Ancient Sea Kings" published in 1966, proposed the theory that certain ancient maps, such as the Piri Reis Map, exhibited advanced cartographic knowledge that surpassed the capabilities of known ancient civilizations. The Piri Reis Map, attributed to the Ottoman admiral and cartographer Piri Reis, depicts accurate coastlines of South America, Africa, and Europe. Hapgood argued that this level of precision suggested access to advanced mapping techniques predating the last Ice Age.
Hapgood's theory was based on the idea of crustal displacement, proposing that the Earth's crust could shift, altering the positions of continents. While Hapgood's ideas have been controversial and not widely accepted in mainstream archaeology, he influenced later authors like Graham Hancock, who continued exploring unconventional theories about ancient civilizations and advanced knowledge.
In summary, Charles Hapgood was the proponent of the theory suggesting a pre-Ice Age civilization's influence on ancient maps, with the Piri Reis Map being a notable example according to his perspective.