Original subtitles

The Valley of the Kings.

The Valley of the Kings.

The afterlife home of some of Egypt's most powerful rulers...

The afterlife home of some of Egypt's most powerful rulers...

The afterlife home of some of Egypt's most powerful rulers...

The sheer beauty of it is just one part of the story.

The sheer beauty of it is just one part of the story.

..and the repository of 3,000 years of ancient secrets.

..and the repository of 3,000 years of ancient secrets.

..and the repository of 3,000 years of ancient secrets.

There are places where we don't know what lies beneath the sand.

There are places where we don't know what lies beneath the sand.

Now an elite team of archaeologists has secured access

Now an elite team of archaeologists has secured access

to one of the Valley's most mysterious tombs -

to one of the Valley's most mysterious tombs -

the unexcavated burial chamber of Egypt's last great pharaoh...

the unexcavated burial chamber of Egypt's last great pharaoh...

the unexcavated burial chamber of Egypt's last great pharaoh...

..Ramesses III.

..Ramesses III.

Ramesses III is one of the towering figures of ancient Egyptian history.

Ramesses III is one of the towering figures of ancient Egyptian history.

Ramesses III is one of the towering figures of ancient Egyptian history.

Even the tiniest clues about Ramesses III's tomb

Even the tiniest clues about Ramesses III's tomb

would be an incredible find.

In three months of high stakes digging...

In three months of high stakes digging...

..the team has an unprecedented opportunity...

..the team has an unprecedented opportunity...

I'm very excited.

..to unearth the pharaoh's lost treasures...

..to unearth the pharaoh's lost treasures...

Wow. This is a very incredible find.

Wow. This is a very incredible find.

..discover brand-new evidence...

..discover brand-new evidence...

This is terrifying.

..of the murdered pharaoh's afterlife...

..of the murdered pharaoh's afterlife...

It's so dark in here.

..and even unravel a scandalous robbery involving Howard Carter,

..and even unravel a scandalous robbery involving Howard Carter,

..and even unravel a scandalous robbery involving Howard Carter,

the man who found the most famous pharaoh of all.

the man who found the most famous pharaoh of all.

This is the first hard proof

This is the first hard proof

that objects had been taken out of the tomb of Tutankhamun.

that objects had been taken out of the tomb of Tutankhamun.

that objects had been taken out of the tomb of Tutankhamun.

Deep beneath Egypt's golden sands,

Deep beneath Egypt's golden sands,

history is about to be rewritten.

history is about to be rewritten.

Only in ancient Egypt

Only in ancient Egypt

can you actually do this sort of thing.

can you actually do this sort of thing.

The west bank of the River Nile -

The west bank of the River Nile -

Ancient Egypt's land of the dead.

Ancient Egypt's land of the dead.

Some 3,000 years ago, the pharaohs of Egypt's golden age

Some 3,000 years ago, the pharaohs of Egypt's golden age

Some 3,000 years ago, the pharaohs of Egypt's golden age

abandoned pyramids

and chose to be interred deep underground, in secrecy.

and chose to be interred deep underground, in secrecy.

and chose to be interred deep underground, in secrecy.

Hundreds of miles south of the Giza Pyramids,

Hundreds of miles south of the Giza Pyramids,

the Valley of the Kings was meant to be an everlasting Paradise,

the Valley of the Kings was meant to be an everlasting Paradise,

the Valley of the Kings was meant to be an everlasting Paradise,

where Egyptian pharaohs could live out their afterlives

where Egyptian pharaohs could live out their afterlives

in peace and splendour.

in peace and splendour.

The Valley may be the world's most famous graveyard,

The Valley may be the world's most famous graveyard,

The Valley may be the world's most famous graveyard,

but, even today, some of its sacred burial chambers

but, even today, some of its sacred burial chambers

remain unexplored by professional archaeologists.

remain unexplored by professional archaeologists.

Cut deep into the Valley's rocky outcrops are some 60 royal tombs,

Cut deep into the Valley's rocky outcrops are some 60 royal tombs,

Cut deep into the Valley's rocky outcrops are some 60 royal tombs,

including the most famous archaeological discovery

including the most famous archaeological discovery

of all time - the tomb of Tutankhamun.

of all time - the tomb of Tutankhamun.

But within 30 metres of Tut's burial

But within 30 metres of Tut's burial

is the mysterious Tomb KV11.

is the mysterious Tomb KV11.

Its opulent corridors plunge deep into the mountain

Its opulent corridors plunge deep into the mountain

towards a secret burial chamber that has never been fully excavated.

towards a secret burial chamber that has never been fully excavated.

towards a secret burial chamber that has never been fully excavated.

The tomb of one of Egypt's last great pharaohs - Ramesses III.

The tomb of one of Egypt's last great pharaohs - Ramesses III.

The tomb of one of Egypt's last great pharaohs - Ramesses III.

Archaeologist Dr Anke Weber is leading an elite team

Archaeologist Dr Anke Weber is leading an elite team

Archaeologist Dr Anke Weber is leading an elite team

of specialist excavators on a landmark mission.

of specialist excavators on a landmark mission.

For two months, she has been clearing the remains

For two months, she has been clearing the remains

of the chamber's partially collapsed ceiling.

of the chamber's partially collapsed ceiling.

She wants to unravel 3,000 years of tumultuous history

She wants to unravel 3,000 years of tumultuous history

She wants to unravel 3,000 years of tumultuous history

that links Ramesses, his mummy,

that links Ramesses, his mummy,

and even the archaeologist who unearthed the tomb of Tutankhamun...

and even the archaeologist who unearthed the tomb of Tutankhamun...

and even the archaeologist who unearthed the tomb of Tutankhamun...

..Howard Carter.

So far, they have unearthed sacred ushabti

So far, they have unearthed sacred ushabti

that were meant to help the pharaoh in the afterlife,

that were meant to help the pharaoh in the afterlife,

and the body parts of other ancient elites.

and the body parts of other ancient elites.

and the body parts of other ancient elites.

But, critically, Anke believes she has found pieces

But, critically, Anke believes she has found pieces

of the most important burial artefact of all -

of the most important burial artefact of all -

the pharaoh's sarcophagus.

the pharaoh's sarcophagus.

We are following the traces of the past

We are following the traces of the past

to reveal the mysteries that are surrounding Ramesses III.

to reveal the mysteries that are surrounding Ramesses III.

to reveal the mysteries that are surrounding Ramesses III.

For me, he was a hero.

Ramesses III ruled Egypt for 31 years,

Ramesses III ruled Egypt for 31 years,

Ramesses III ruled Egypt for 31 years,

leaving an indelible mark.

leaving an indelible mark.

His vast monuments still rise from the desert floor,

His vast monuments still rise from the desert floor,

proclaiming his divine power.

proclaiming his divine power.

Ramesses III was perhaps the last great pharaoh of Egypt,

Ramesses III was perhaps the last great pharaoh of Egypt,

Ramesses III was perhaps the last great pharaoh of Egypt,

but he was one who was dealt a very difficult hand.

but he was one who was dealt a very difficult hand.

There was a lot of civil unrest, political turmoil

There was a lot of civil unrest, political turmoil

and attacks on Egypt from abroad,

and attacks on Egypt from abroad,

so, really, he had a very difficult reign.

so, really, he had a very difficult reign.

Just as his kingship was marked by brutal warfare,

Just as his kingship was marked by brutal warfare,

Ramesses' reign ended in violence,

Ramesses' reign ended in violence,

with an assassin's blade to the throat.

with an assassin's blade to the throat.

Archaeologists know this

Archaeologists know this

because although thieves destroyed his burial chamber in antiquity,

because although thieves destroyed his burial chamber in antiquity,

somehow, incredibly, his mummy survived.

somehow, incredibly, his mummy survived.

Rarely do you have someone famous from ancient history.

Rarely do you have someone famous from ancient history.

Rarely do you have someone famous from ancient history.

You can see what they look like. You know how tall they were.

You can see what they look like. You know how tall they were.

You can see what they look like. You know how tall they were.

It's amazing to look at the face of a pharaoh.

It's amazing to look at the face of a pharaoh.

It's truly remarkable.

What happened in Ramesses' crumbling burial chamber?

What happened in Ramesses' crumbling burial chamber?

How did Ramesses' mummy survive?

How did Ramesses' mummy survive?

And could the pharaoh's priceless treasures

And could the pharaoh's priceless treasures

still lie hidden beneath the debris?

still lie hidden beneath the debris?

Now, halfway through their three-month mission

Now, halfway through their three-month mission

inside Ramesses tomb,

Anke and her team are determined to unlock its secrets.

Anke and her team are determined to unlock its secrets.

Anke and her team are determined to unlock its secrets.

So far, we have found around about 29 pieces.

So far, we have found around about 29 pieces.

So far, we have found around about 29 pieces.

Large pieces of a sarcophagus.

Large pieces of a sarcophagus.

Anke is now sure there are at least two new sarcophagi

Anke is now sure there are at least two new sarcophagi

Anke is now sure there are at least two new sarcophagi

that have never been discovered or recorded before.

that have never been discovered or recorded before.

It's quite amazing because if we imagine what we have here,

It's quite amazing because if we imagine what we have here,

It's quite amazing because if we imagine what we have here,

this hill in front of us,

this hill in front of us,

there must be more below.

there must be more below.

With enough pieces, like a giant puzzle,

With enough pieces, like a giant puzzle,

the team could rebuild Ramesses' missing sarcophagi

the team could rebuild Ramesses' missing sarcophagi

the team could rebuild Ramesses' missing sarcophagi

and reveal to the world how this great king

and reveal to the world how this great king

was supposed to rest for eternity.

was supposed to rest for eternity.

In the heart of his tomb. Anke believes that Ramesses

In the heart of his tomb. Anke believes that Ramesses

In the heart of his tomb. Anke believes that Ramesses

would have laid cocooned inside two immense nested sarcophagi...

would have laid cocooned inside two immense nested sarcophagi...

would have laid cocooned inside two immense nested sarcophagi...

..all encased by a gigantic outer box.

..all encased by a gigantic outer box.

With the walls painted with religious spells...

With the walls painted with religious spells...

..and burial treasures filling every chamber...

..and burial treasures filling every chamber...

..Ramesses' tomb was designed to be the ultimate resurrection machine.

..Ramesses' tomb was designed to be the ultimate resurrection machine.

..Ramesses' tomb was designed to be the ultimate resurrection machine.

What Anke is slowly revealing square-by-square,

What Anke is slowly revealing square-by-square,

painstakingly, is an extraordinary insight

painstakingly, is an extraordinary insight

into what was deemed necessary for a king to reach the after-world.

into what was deemed necessary for a king to reach the after-world.

into what was deemed necessary for a king to reach the after-world.

For any pharaoh, their tomb is your gateway to eternal life,

For any pharaoh, their tomb is your gateway to eternal life,

For any pharaoh, their tomb is your gateway to eternal life,

so where your body is supposed to rest undisturbed,

so where your body is supposed to rest undisturbed,

where you are memorialised with the gods.

where you are memorialised with the gods.

where you are memorialised with the gods.

But Ramesses III's body was not undisturbed.

But Ramesses III's body was not undisturbed.

What used to be a glorious tomb today lies destroyed.

What used to be a glorious tomb today lies destroyed.

What used to be a glorious tomb today lies destroyed.

The once nested sarcophagi have been smashed to pieces,

The once nested sarcophagi have been smashed to pieces,

The once nested sarcophagi have been smashed to pieces,

which would have left Ramesses' mummy completely exposed.

which would have left Ramesses' mummy completely exposed.

which would have left Ramesses' mummy completely exposed.

Here's the big mystery.

If you were to go right now to Cairo,

If you were to go right now to Cairo,

you would see Ramesses III himself.

you would see Ramesses III himself.

His mummy - Ramesses III in the flesh.

His mummy - Ramesses III in the flesh.

So, then, what gives?

So, then, what gives?

If such a magnificent tomb

If such a magnificent tomb

has descended into chaos and destruction...

has descended into chaos and destruction...

..how did Ramesses III's mummy survive?

..how did Ramesses III's mummy survive?

Inside the tomb of Ramesses III,

Inside the tomb of Ramesses III,

Dr Lutz Popko is in charge of deciphering the hieroglyphic texts.

Dr Lutz Popko is in charge of deciphering the hieroglyphic texts.

Dr Lutz Popko is in charge of deciphering the hieroglyphic texts.

Just above the burial chamber are ancient inscriptions.

Just above the burial chamber are ancient inscriptions.

Just above the burial chamber are ancient inscriptions.

Graffiti carvings that record visits to the tomb after Ramesses' death.

Graffiti carvings that record visits to the tomb after Ramesses' death.

Graffiti carvings that record visits to the tomb after Ramesses' death.

It's basically a list of names.

It's basically a list of names.

So one name and one title per line.

So one name and one title per line.

Lutz decodes the texts...

Lutz decodes the texts...

HE READS THE INSCRIPTIONS

HE READS THE INSCRIPTIONS

..and one name stands out.

..and one name stands out.

..Butehamun.

Butehamun - scribe of the royal tombs.

Butehamun - scribe of the royal tombs.

Butehamun - scribe of the royal tombs.

It was a very famous person.

It was a very famous person.

Butehamun was born around 50 years after the death of Ramesses III,

Butehamun was born around 50 years after the death of Ramesses III,

Butehamun was born around 50 years after the death of Ramesses III,

Butehamun was born around 50 years after the death of Ramesses III,

erm, but he was strongly connected to him.

erm, but he was strongly connected to him.

Who was Butehamun?

Who was Butehamun?

And why was he in Ramesses' tomb after the king had died?

And why was he in Ramesses' tomb after the king had died?

And why was he in Ramesses' tomb after the king had died?

Ramesses III's death was a turning point in Egyptian history.

Ramesses III's death was a turning point in Egyptian history.

Ramesses III's death was a turning point in Egyptian history.

He stewarded Egypt to this successful point.

He stewarded Egypt to this successful point.

But, after him, everything seems to have caved.

But, after him, everything seems to have caved.

Whether it was as a military power, economically,

Whether it was as a military power, economically,

it really started to crumble.

The result was a lapse in public security, public safety,

The result was a lapse in public security, public safety,

The result was a lapse in public security, public safety,

such that the tombs in the Valley of the Kings

such that the tombs in the Valley of the Kings

began to suffer grievously from tomb robberies.

began to suffer grievously from tomb robberies.

Was Butehamun, whose name was written in the tomb graffiti,

Was Butehamun, whose name was written in the tomb graffiti,

Was Butehamun, whose name was written in the tomb graffiti,

robbing the tomb of Ramesses III?

robbing the tomb of Ramesses III?

Behind the great temple of Medinet Habu...

Behind the great temple of Medinet Habu...

..Meredith investigates the ruins of a once-magnificent pillared house...

..Meredith investigates the ruins of a once-magnificent pillared house...

..Meredith investigates the ruins of a once-magnificent pillared house...

..that could provide a missing clue.

..that could provide a missing clue.

It's vast, it has these huge columns and it's in this prime location.

It's vast, it has these huge columns and it's in this prime location.

It's vast, it has these huge columns and it's in this prime location.

It's clear the house belongs to a member of the wealthy elite

It's clear the house belongs to a member of the wealthy elite

It's clear the house belongs to a member of the wealthy elite

and Meredith finds the owner's name inscribed on the pillar.

and Meredith finds the owner's name inscribed on the pillar.

and Meredith finds the owner's name inscribed on the pillar.

It says here that his name is Butehamun

It says here that his name is Butehamun

It says here that his name is Butehamun

and he's an overseer of the royal treasury.

and he's an overseer of the royal treasury.

A code for the kings' tombs hidden just two kilometres away.

A code for the kings' tombs hidden just two kilometres away.

A code for the kings' tombs hidden just two kilometres away.

Ancient Egyptians didn't have coin money.

Ancient Egyptians didn't have coin money.

Rather, Butehamun's house was so close

Rather, Butehamun's house was so close

to an underground treasury for ancient Egypt.

to an underground treasury for ancient Egypt.

The tombs of the pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings

The tombs of the pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings

had a vast amount of wealth buried under the ground.

had a vast amount of wealth buried under the ground.

had a vast amount of wealth buried under the ground.

With the economy crumbling and the Valley's security failing,

With the economy crumbling and the Valley's security failing,

With the economy crumbling and the Valley's security failing,

the wealth is too much for the authorities to ignore.

the wealth is too much for the authorities to ignore.

Just 84 years after Ramesses III is buried,

Just 84 years after Ramesses III is buried,

Butehamun is sent orders from the top.

Butehamun is sent orders from the top.

"Inspect the royal tombs...

"Inspect the royal tombs...

"..unwrap the pharaoh's mummies...

"..unwrap the pharaoh's mummies...

"..and remove all of the treasures inside."

"..and remove all of the treasures inside."

What better way of getting gold than just going

What better way of getting gold than just going

and digging up the kings and taking what they could?

and digging up the kings and taking what they could?

Egyptologists are still trying to work out how Butehamun

Egyptologists are still trying to work out how Butehamun

Egyptologists are still trying to work out how Butehamun

actually carried out what he did,

actually carried out what he did,

how much he left behind, what he took.

how much he left behind, what he took.

But, for the most part, he was pretty thorough in what he removed.

But, for the most part, he was pretty thorough in what he removed.

But, for the most part, he was pretty thorough in what he removed.

Butehamun was no ordinary thief.

Butehamun was no ordinary thief.

He was in charge of a government plan

He was in charge of a government plan

to dismantle the Valley of the Kings

to dismantle the Valley of the Kings

and take the pharaohs' treasures from their tombs.

and take the pharaohs' treasures from their tombs.

Butehamun is such a fascinating figure

Butehamun is such a fascinating figure

because we really don't fully understand his motivations.

because we really don't fully understand his motivations.

We know he was in the Valley of the Kings,

We know he was in the Valley of the Kings,

we know he was rewrapping the mummies,

we know he was rewrapping the mummies,

but one of the biggest questions is, was Butehamun robbing the pharaohs

but one of the biggest questions is, was Butehamun robbing the pharaohs

but one of the biggest questions is, was Butehamun robbing the pharaohs

or was he saving them?

For 3,000 years, Ramesses' mummy was never seen again.

For 3,000 years, Ramesses' mummy was never seen again.

For 3,000 years, Ramesses' mummy was never seen again.

Everyone thought that these mummies - the kings and queens,

Everyone thought that these mummies - the kings and queens,

had been lost.

Until 1881.

Until 1881.

Authorities receive a tip-off from a local family of goat herders.

Authorities receive a tip-off from a local family of goat herders.

Authorities receive a tip-off from a local family of goat herders.

They had come upon a secret hidden tomb

They had come upon a secret hidden tomb

high in the mountains.

It was to become the greatest archaeological discovery

It was to become the greatest archaeological discovery

in Egypt's history.

CHATTER

Meredith has come to explore the secret tomb.

Meredith has come to explore the secret tomb.

This is incredible.

This is so remote.

No wonder it was hidden for 3,000 years.

No wonder it was hidden for 3,000 years.

Today, the tomb is only open to those with special access

Today, the tomb is only open to those with special access

Today, the tomb is only open to those with special access

and a way to scale down the precarious 12-metre shaft.

and a way to scale down the precarious 12-metre shaft.

and a way to scale down the precarious 12-metre shaft.

This is such a rare chance,

This is such a rare chance,

to go down this shaft, but it's a massive drop.

to go down this shaft, but it's a massive drop.

I'm a little bit scared.

All right.

MEREDITH LAUGHS

This is terrifying.

In the mountains above the Valley of the Kings...

In the mountains above the Valley of the Kings...

MEREDITH LAUGHS This is so crazy!

MEREDITH LAUGHS This is so crazy!

..Egyptologist Meredith Brand

..Egyptologist Meredith Brand

is following the trail of Ramesses III's mummy.

is following the trail of Ramesses III's mummy.

NERVOUS LAUGHTER

NERVOUS LAUGHTER

I never thought in a million years I'd do this.

I never thought in a million years I'd do this.

She's trying to uncover why his body wasn't found inside his tomb.

She's trying to uncover why his body wasn't found inside his tomb.

She's trying to uncover why his body wasn't found inside his tomb.

Ah!

Good job.

That was incredible.

That was incredible.

It's so high up. I can't believe I did that.

It's so high up. I can't believe I did that.

All right. It's so dark in here.

All right. It's so dark in here.

It's a bit eerie.

This is hacked out of the mountain.

This is hacked out of the mountain.

It seems like in a hurry.

There's absolutely nothing even here.

There's absolutely nothing even here.

There's no decoration, there's no... No nothing.

There's no decoration, there's no... No nothing.

It makes it feel like a cave,

not something that a human could have made.

not something that a human could have made.

Over 60 metres into the mountain...

Over 60 metres into the mountain...

..Meredith finally reaches an opening.

..Meredith finally reaches an opening.

Oh, wow.

This is amazing.

It's the site of a secret cache.

It's the site of a secret cache.

Oh, this is incredible. Wow.

Oh, this is incredible. Wow.

This was the hiding place of over 50 royal mummies,

This was the hiding place of over 50 royal mummies,

including the mummy of Ramesses III.

including the mummy of Ramesses III.

This tomb looks carved in a haste and a bit unplanned.

This tomb looks carved in a haste and a bit unplanned.

This tomb looks carved in a haste and a bit unplanned.

But the mummies were here for a reason.

But the mummies were here for a reason.

The king was a living god.

The king was a living god.

The mummy was vital.

The mummy was vital.

This was an official programme of removing the mummies from the tombs

This was an official programme of removing the mummies from the tombs

This was an official programme of removing the mummies from the tombs

in the Valley of the Kings and hiding them here.

in the Valley of the Kings and hiding them here.

Although Butehamun, overseer of the royal treasury,

Although Butehamun, overseer of the royal treasury,

strips the kings of their burial goods

strips the kings of their burial goods

to rescue the failing economy...

to rescue the failing economy...

..he also leads a mission to protect the kings and queens for eternity.

..he also leads a mission to protect the kings and queens for eternity.

..he also leads a mission to protect the kings and queens for eternity.

Eventually, the authorities hide over 50 mummies

Eventually, the authorities hide over 50 mummies

in labelled wooden coffins

to save their sacred bodies from destruction.

to save their sacred bodies from destruction.

The discovery of this cave, filled with the royal mummies of the kings,

The discovery of this cave, filled with the royal mummies of the kings,

is probably the most important discovery in all of Egyptology.

is probably the most important discovery in all of Egyptology.

is probably the most important discovery in all of Egyptology.

We can now look at Ramesses III. We have his mummy.

We can now look at Ramesses III. We have his mummy.

SALIMA IKRAM:To stand in front of the royal mummies,

SALIMA IKRAM:To stand in front of the royal mummies,

it's sort of a game-changer.

You are there with the most powerful people

You are there with the most powerful people

in the ancient world,

but also you are being able to, on some level,

but also you are being able to, on some level,

interact with them.

It is a telescoping of time.

It is a telescoping of time.

It is meeting an ancient Egyptian.

It is meeting an ancient Egyptian.

The mummy of Ramesses III lives on...

The mummy of Ramesses III lives on...

..and so, too, does his legacy in the Valley of the Kings.

..and so, too, does his legacy in the Valley of the Kings.

..and so, too, does his legacy in the Valley of the Kings.

Anke now has one crucial question.

Anke now has one crucial question.

Could there be lost burial treasures that belong to the great pharaoh

Could there be lost burial treasures that belong to the great pharaoh

still hidden inside his tomb?

still hidden inside his tomb?

Finding something like this would be so rare.

Finding something like this would be so rare.

It hasn't happened in over 100 years.

It hasn't happened in over 100 years.

Since the time of Howard Carter,

Since the time of Howard Carter,

since they were working in the tomb of Tutankhamun,

since they were working in the tomb of Tutankhamun,

no original burial equipment of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh

no original burial equipment of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh

no original burial equipment of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh

has been found here in the Valley of the Kings.

has been found here in the Valley of the Kings.

It would be amazing to find some pieces

It would be amazing to find some pieces

that belong to Ramesses III.

that belong to Ramesses III.

Anke is relying on the expertise and eagle eyes

Anke is relying on the expertise and eagle eyes

of her right-hand-man,

of her right-hand-man,

Rais Mahmoud Abu Diab.

Rais Mahmoud Abu Diab.

Our Egyptian workmen are a great team.

Our Egyptian workmen are a great team.

Believe me, it's very challenging.

Believe me, it's very challenging.

You have to lift very heavy limestones.

You have to lift very heavy limestones.

And on the other way around,

you are, like, brushing tiny pieces out of the sand.

you are, like, brushing tiny pieces out of the sand.

It's absolutely incredible.

After almost a month of heavy lifting,

After almost a month of heavy lifting,

the team has now cleared the top layers of limestone debris

the team has now cleared the top layers of limestone debris

from the tomb.

Beneath, the entire floor of the burial chamber

Beneath, the entire floor of the burial chamber

is encased in a rock-hard layer of dried out mud.

is encased in a rock-hard layer of dried out mud.

is encased in a rock-hard layer of dried out mud.

Evidence of intense flooding sometime in the recent past.

Evidence of intense flooding sometime in the recent past.

Evidence of intense flooding sometime in the recent past.

The team gives each clump of sediment an ID number

The team gives each clump of sediment an ID number

The team gives each clump of sediment an ID number

before hauling them out of the ground.

before hauling them out of the ground.

They will need to break apart and sift every one.

They will need to break apart and sift every one.

But it is what's beneath the mud that captures Anke's attention.

But it is what's beneath the mud that captures Anke's attention.

But it is what's beneath the mud that captures Anke's attention.

This is not normal.

An unexpected sand layer.

An unexpected sand layer.

It doesn't look like the same sand found in the Valley of the Kings,

It doesn't look like the same sand found in the Valley of the Kings,

and the layer, 30cm deep,

and the layer, 30cm deep,

is smoothed out across the entire floor of the burial chamber

is smoothed out across the entire floor of the burial chamber

as if it has been filled up by someone on purpose.

as if it has been filled up by someone on purpose.

as if it has been filled up by someone on purpose.

It's very intriguing and puzzling what this actually is.

It's very intriguing and puzzling what this actually is.

This is almost everywhere on the same level.

This is almost everywhere on the same level.

There's only a difference of a couple of centimetres,

There's only a difference of a couple of centimetres,

and this is quite mysterious.

and this is quite mysterious.

Anke takes the sand to the team for analysis.

Anke takes the sand to the team for analysis.

Under the microscope, the grains confirm her suspicions.

Under the microscope, the grains confirm her suspicions.

Under the microscope, the grains confirm her suspicions.

The sand doesn't come from the Valley of the Kings.

The sand doesn't come from the Valley of the Kings.

We are very curious about the sand.

We are very curious about the sand.

It's very clean and uniform.

It's very clean and uniform.

Not the typical, yeah, sand that you would expect.

Not the typical, yeah, sand that you would expect.

Not the typical, yeah, sand that you would expect.

Now we want to try to find out where this originates from

Now we want to try to find out where this originates from

and why it was brought there, in this area.

and why it was brought there, in this area.

Why would anybody bring over 20 tonnes of sand

Why would anybody bring over 20 tonnes of sand

into this burial chamber?

into this burial chamber?

Anke has one outlandish theory.

Anke has one outlandish theory.

It involves the most famous discovery

It involves the most famous discovery

of all time - Tutankhamun -

of all time - Tutankhamun -

and the man responsible - Howard Carter.

and the man responsible - Howard Carter.

There are many rumours surrounding the mystery of Howard Carter.

There are many rumours surrounding the mystery of Howard Carter.

There are many rumours surrounding the mystery of Howard Carter.

One of those describes that Carter actually hid some objects

One of those describes that Carter actually hid some objects

One of those describes that Carter actually hid some objects

from the tomb of Tutankhamun in order to keep them for himself.

from the tomb of Tutankhamun in order to keep them for himself.

from the tomb of Tutankhamun in order to keep them for himself.

We know that Howard Carter was a chief inspector

We know that Howard Carter was a chief inspector

inside the Valley of the Kings

inside the Valley of the Kings

and we know that he worked inside the tomb of Ramesses III.

and we know that he worked inside the tomb of Ramesses III.

and we know that he worked inside the tomb of Ramesses III.

We never know what we will find.

We never know what we will find.

Still there are mysteries to solve.

Still there are mysteries to solve.

Could this mysterious layer of sand have been brought here by Carter?

Could this mysterious layer of sand have been brought here by Carter?

Could this mysterious layer of sand have been brought here by Carter?

Did he use it to hide Tutankhamun's treasures inside Ramesses' tomb.

Did he use it to hide Tutankhamun's treasures inside Ramesses' tomb.

Did he use it to hide Tutankhamun's treasures inside Ramesses' tomb.

In the hills above Ramesses III's tomb in the Valley of the Kings...

In the hills above Ramesses III's tomb in the Valley of the Kings...

In the hills above Ramesses III's tomb in the Valley of the Kings...

..Egyptian heritage expert Sally El-Sabbahy

..Egyptian heritage expert Sally El-Sabbahy

is following Howard Carter's trail.

is following Howard Carter's trail.

She hikes to one of the most sacred lookouts in Egypt.

She hikes to one of the most sacred lookouts in Egypt.

No matter how many times I've come to the Valley of the Kings,

No matter how many times I've come to the Valley of the Kings,

I'm still always struck by just the scale of the place.

I'm still always struck by just the scale of the place.

I'm still always struck by just the scale of the place.

It just... It never gets old.

It just... It never gets old.

You just keep learning, you keep feeling humble.

You just keep learning, you keep feeling humble.

It's truly a really special place.

It's truly a really special place.

Sally examines photographs taken over 100 years ago.

Sally examines photographs taken over 100 years ago.

Sally examines photographs taken over 100 years ago.

They reveal the beginning of Carter's mission

They reveal the beginning of Carter's mission

to find the lost tomb of a forgotten pharaoh

to find the lost tomb of a forgotten pharaoh

to find the lost tomb of a forgotten pharaoh

named Tutankhamun.

named Tutankhamun.

From the valley floor,

Carter removes thousands of tonnes of rubble.

Carter removes thousands of tonnes of rubble.

Ancient floods have completely concealed any sign of a tomb.

Ancient floods have completely concealed any sign of a tomb.

Ancient floods have completely concealed any sign of a tomb.

Carter was dealing with almost impossible circumstances.

Carter was dealing with almost impossible circumstances.

You really get a sense from this photo of just the immense amount

You really get a sense from this photo of just the immense amount

of material there was to work through.

of material there was to work through.

After five years of digging,

After five years of digging,

Carter is still no closer to finding the tomb.

Carter is still no closer to finding the tomb.

By this point, he had one last season with funding secured,

By this point, he had one last season with funding secured,

By this point, he had one last season with funding secured,

so it was make or break.

If he hadn't found the tomb at that exact moment in time,

If he hadn't found the tomb at that exact moment in time,

he probably never would have.

On November the 4th, 1922, battling the heat and dust,

On November the 4th, 1922, battling the heat and dust,

On November the 4th, 1922, battling the heat and dust,

finally Carter finds what he's looking for.

finally Carter finds what he's looking for.

A buried staircase that leads to a sealed doorway.

A buried staircase that leads to a sealed doorway.

A buried staircase that leads to a sealed doorway.

And that's when he kind of carved out a little hole

And that's when he kind of carved out a little hole

and stuck a candlestick through and looked through,

and stuck a candlestick through and looked through,

and he made that famous statement that he had seen wonderful things

and he made that famous statement that he had seen wonderful things

because he basically saw a full tomb

because he basically saw a full tomb

with all of its funerary equipment, which is something

with all of its funerary equipment, which is something

that we had never seen before or since.

that we had never seen before or since.

Inside the tomb,

Carter finds a room crammed full of chariots...

Carter finds a room crammed full of chariots...

..thrones and gilded statues.

..thrones and gilded statues.

In the burial chamber...

..is an intricately carved sarcophagus

..is an intricately carved sarcophagus

and a coffin made of solid gold that housed the mummy of the king.

and a coffin made of solid gold that housed the mummy of the king.

and a coffin made of solid gold that housed the mummy of the king.

It's hard to understand now the magnitude of the discovery

It's hard to understand now the magnitude of the discovery

of the tomb of Tutankhamun,

but, in 1922, it was the biggest news story in the world,

but, in 1922, it was the biggest news story in the world,

but, in 1922, it was the biggest news story in the world,

and the gold, the glamour, the glitz,

and the gold, the glamour, the glitz,

it made everyone completely crazy about Ancient Egypt.

it made everyone completely crazy about Ancient Egypt.

it made everyone completely crazy about Ancient Egypt.

Finally we actually got a tomb in which all that wealth

Finally we actually got a tomb in which all that wealth

Finally we actually got a tomb in which all that wealth

of Ancient Egyptian kings came to full display.

of Ancient Egyptian kings came to full display.

Like, real actual objects,

Like, real actual objects,

reflecting the splendour of the kings of the New Kingdom.

reflecting the splendour of the kings of the New Kingdom.

The discovery was a game-changer for the Valley of the Kings,

The discovery was a game-changer for the Valley of the Kings,

archaeology and modern Egypt itself.

archaeology and modern Egypt itself.

Personally speaking, as an Egyptian, this was such an amazing moment

Personally speaking, as an Egyptian, this was such an amazing moment

Personally speaking, as an Egyptian, this was such an amazing moment

in our history because it was really...

in our history because it was really...

It took place at a turning point

when Egypt was forming its own independent identity,

when Egypt was forming its own independent identity,

and Tutankhamun literally was the face.

and Tutankhamun literally was the face.

He gave us that identity that was something of our own.

He gave us that identity that was something of our own.

But despite the earth-shattering find,

But despite the earth-shattering find,

Egypt's growing independence left Carter with a bombshell.

Egypt's growing independence left Carter with a bombshell.

Egypt's growing independence left Carter with a bombshell.

Until that point, what had dictated all of the discoveries

Until that point, what had dictated all of the discoveries

made by foreign nationals and missions in Egypt

made by foreign nationals and missions in Egypt

was a 50-50 split,

so Carter anticipated that they would be able to keep 50%

so Carter anticipated that they would be able to keep 50%

so Carter anticipated that they would be able to keep 50%

of whatever they found here,

and literally just mere weeks, actually,

and literally just mere weeks, actually,

before the discovery, the Antiquities Department

before the discovery, the Antiquities Department

changed that law and got rid of the 50-50 split.

changed that law and got rid of the 50-50 split.

I think this was a tough pill to swallow for a very long time

I think this was a tough pill to swallow for a very long time

and Carter did fight it for a while.

and Carter did fight it for a while.

Carter had no treasures to call his own

Carter had no treasures to call his own

and he was suspected of stealing.

and he was suspected of stealing.

There was always a concern from officials

There was always a concern from officials

that something could be taken without their knowledge,

that something could be taken without their knowledge,

and so, because of that, Carter had to tread very carefully.

and so, because of that, Carter had to tread very carefully.

and so, because of that, Carter had to tread very carefully.

Would Carter really have stolen from the tomb of Tutankhamun?

Would Carter really have stolen from the tomb of Tutankhamun?

Would Carter really have stolen from the tomb of Tutankhamun?

And if so, could he have buried treasures nearby,

And if so, could he have buried treasures nearby,

in the burial chamber of Ramesses III?

in the burial chamber of Ramesses III?

Inside the tomb...

..Anke finds a clue.

A fragment of glistening blue pottery.

A fragment of glistening blue pottery.

It's broken, but its vivid colour and decoration

It's broken, but its vivid colour and decoration

suggests something ancient and royal.

suggests something ancient and royal.

Wow. That's a beautiful piece.

Wow. That's a beautiful piece.

What is this treasure?

And, more importantly, which pharaoh does it belong to?

And, more importantly, which pharaoh does it belong to?

And, more importantly, which pharaoh does it belong to?

Sally El-Sabbahy investigates suspicions that Howard Carter

Sally El-Sabbahy investigates suspicions that Howard Carter

Sally El-Sabbahy investigates suspicions that Howard Carter

stole royal treasures and hid them in Ramesses III's tomb.

stole royal treasures and hid them in Ramesses III's tomb.

stole royal treasures and hid them in Ramesses III's tomb.

Just outside the Valley,

she explores his old dig house for clues.

she explores his old dig house for clues.

You really feel like you're in the home of somebody

You really feel like you're in the home of somebody

with a very strong personality and character.

with a very strong personality and character.

And I think that's such a critical part

And I think that's such a critical part

of understanding who this person was.

of understanding who this person was.

Inside the house,

Inside the house,

Carter's team had a darkroom

Carter's team had a darkroom

and created thousands of photographs of the dig

and created thousands of photographs of the dig

and its treasures.

Everything was photographed in excruciating detail.

Everything was photographed in excruciating detail.

That was unprecedented.

That was unprecedented.

By all measures, I think that we can safely consider Howard Carter

By all measures, I think that we can safely consider Howard Carter

a pioneer in terms of how he handled this discovery.

a pioneer in terms of how he handled this discovery.

And yet, despite his forensic approach, Carter had a secret.

And yet, despite his forensic approach, Carter had a secret.

And yet, despite his forensic approach, Carter had a secret.

Rumours of stealing treasures have followed Howard Carter

Rumours of stealing treasures have followed Howard Carter

for over a century.

Now, finally, hard evidence has come to light.

Now, finally, hard evidence has come to light.

Shown for the very first time are unpublished letters

Shown for the very first time are unpublished letters

from ten years after the discovery between one of Carter's colleagues,

from ten years after the discovery between one of Carter's colleagues,

from ten years after the discovery between one of Carter's colleagues,

Alan Gardiner, and other experts.

Alan Gardiner, and other experts.

It's apparently addressing an amulet

It's apparently addressing an amulet

that Carter gave to Gardiner as a gift.

that Carter gave to Gardiner as a gift.

So this letter opens with this really interesting sentence

So this letter opens with this really interesting sentence

So this letter opens with this really interesting sentence

that reads, "The whm amulet you showed me has undoubtedly been

that reads, "The whm amulet you showed me has undoubtedly been

"stolen from the tomb of Tutankhamun

"stolen from the tomb of Tutankhamun

"before the objects were sent to the museum."

"before the objects were sent to the museum."

The amulet, like this one,

The amulet, like this one,

was a perfect match with others that were kept at the Egyptian Museum.

was a perfect match with others that were kept at the Egyptian Museum.

was a perfect match with others that were kept at the Egyptian Museum.

Gardiner confronts Howard Carter in a letter.

Gardiner confronts Howard Carter in a letter.

"I deeply regret having been placed in so awkward a position."

"I deeply regret having been placed in so awkward a position."

The concern from Gardiner was probably to have an object

The concern from Gardiner was probably to have an object

like that in his possession,

and I think there also must have been a bit of embarrassment,

and I think there also must have been a bit of embarrassment,

knowing that he had also kind of outed Carter.

knowing that he had also kind of outed Carter.

What's really important about these letters

What's really important about these letters

is that this is the first not just written,

is that this is the first not just written,

but hard proof that objects had been taken

but hard proof that objects had been taken

out of the tomb of Tutankhamun,

out of the tomb of Tutankhamun,

apparently directly by Carter himself.

apparently directly by Carter himself.

So why was the theft covered up for almost 100 years?

So why was the theft covered up for almost 100 years?

So why was the theft covered up for almost 100 years?

What these letters really show me

What these letters really show me

is that there was really a concerted effort

is that there was really a concerted effort

to not tarnish this incredible discovery

to not tarnish this incredible discovery

by revealing unsavoury things about Carter,

by revealing unsavoury things about Carter,

because, at the end of the day, this was not about Carter.

because, at the end of the day, this was not about Carter.

He was the discoverer, yes,

but this was about Tutankhamun and his tomb

but this was about Tutankhamun and his tomb

and this incredible legacy of the Valley of the Kings.

and this incredible legacy of the Valley of the Kings.

Hero or villain,

Hero or villain,

the discovery raises a new possibility for Anke's mission.

the discovery raises a new possibility for Anke's mission.

There were over 5,000 artefacts found in the tomb of King Tut.

There were over 5,000 artefacts found in the tomb of King Tut.

There were over 5,000 artefacts found in the tomb of King Tut.

Maybe Howard Carter took some of these small finds

Maybe Howard Carter took some of these small finds

out of the tomb, and who knows where they are?

out of the tomb, and who knows where they are?

Carter once worked in Ramesses III's tomb,

Carter once worked in Ramesses III's tomb,

just 30 metres away from Tutankhamun's.

just 30 metres away from Tutankhamun's.

Did Carter hide stolen treasures beneath the unexpected sand

Did Carter hide stolen treasures beneath the unexpected sand

Did Carter hide stolen treasures beneath the unexpected sand

that Anke has found?

At the team's dig house,

At the team's dig house,

Anke and her colleague Lea Rees investigate.

Anke and her colleague Lea Rees investigate.

..bottom, but, as you can see...

..bottom, but, as you can see...

They want to find out when the sand was dumped there,

They want to find out when the sand was dumped there,

and they find a clue in notes left by an explorer from the late 1800s.

and they find a clue in notes left by an explorer from the late 1800s.

and they find a clue in notes left by an explorer from the late 1800s.

and they find a clue in notes left by an explorer from the late 1800s.

Here we have one from the year 1891.

Here we have one from the year 1891.

He is writing how vivid the colours are in the burial chamber.

He is writing how vivid the colours are in the burial chamber.

He is writing how vivid the colours are in the burial chamber.

As of 1891,

As of 1891,

the burial chamber was still in pristine condition.

the burial chamber was still in pristine condition.

And a couple of years later, in 1895,

And a couple of years later, in 1895,

And a couple of years later, in 1895,

he's writing here that "the rooms are much damaged

he's writing here that "the rooms are much damaged

"and need detain the traveller but a short time."

"and need detain the traveller but a short time."

So this means that already something must have happened

So this means that already something must have happened

So this means that already something must have happened

and destroyed the rear compartments so heavily

and destroyed the rear compartments so heavily

that they were inaccessible.

In just four years, by 1895,

In just four years, by 1895,

flooding must have already destroyed the chamber.

flooding must have already destroyed the chamber.

It means the sand must have been dumped

It means the sand must have been dumped

long before Carter worked in the Valley in the 1900s.

long before Carter worked in the Valley in the 1900s.

It would mean that Howard Carter is not the one

It would mean that Howard Carter is not the one

who could have brought the sand layer inside.

who could have brought the sand layer inside.

So the blue pottery doesn't belong to Tutankhamun,

So the blue pottery doesn't belong to Tutankhamun,

but could that mean something even more intriguing?

but could that mean something even more intriguing?

Could it belong to Ramesses III himself?

Could it belong to Ramesses III himself?

Inside Ramesses III's tomb, Anke Weber team has now unearthed

Inside Ramesses III's tomb, Anke Weber team has now unearthed

Inside Ramesses III's tomb, Anke Weber team has now unearthed

over 20 pieces of the mysterious blue pottery.

over 20 pieces of the mysterious blue pottery.

We have here some very dazzling, blue, shining, glazed fragments

We have here some very dazzling, blue, shining, glazed fragments

We have here some very dazzling, blue, shining, glazed fragments

that came out of the bottom from our excavation.

that came out of the bottom from our excavation.

that came out of the bottom from our excavation.

It could be the first royal burial treasure discovered

It could be the first royal burial treasure discovered

in a Valley of the Kings tomb in 100 years.

in a Valley of the Kings tomb in 100 years.

They begin the painstaking task

They begin the painstaking task

of trying to glue the fragments together.

of trying to glue the fragments together.

Anke thinks they once belonged to a set of vases

Anke thinks they once belonged to a set of vases

that held sacred oils and perfumes.

that held sacred oils and perfumes.

We are thinking that it must have been in the realm of beauty,

We are thinking that it must have been in the realm of beauty,

We are thinking that it must have been in the realm of beauty,

making yourself fresh in the morning.

making yourself fresh in the morning.

They are remarkable pieces.

They are remarkable pieces.

But Anke hasn't been able to prove the owner...

But Anke hasn't been able to prove the owner...

..until now.

We found a very, very special piece.

We found a very, very special piece.

So we can probably compare that here,

So we can probably compare that here,

on one of the pillars.

on one of the pillars.

The writing almost perfectly matches Ramesses III's name

The writing almost perfectly matches Ramesses III's name

on the walls of his tomb.

on the walls of his tomb.

The sign "heqa" means ruler.

The sign "heqa" means ruler.

Without any doubt, we have here

Without any doubt, we have here

a part of the original burial equipment of Ramesses III.

a part of the original burial equipment of Ramesses III.

It's amazing.

An original artefact that brings Anke closer to the great pharaoh

An original artefact that brings Anke closer to the great pharaoh

An original artefact that brings Anke closer to the great pharaoh

and his spectacular burial.

The fragments reveal Ramesses was buried

The fragments reveal Ramesses was buried

with at least four blue vases...

with at least four blue vases...

..designed to hold sacred perfumes and oils.

..designed to hold sacred perfumes and oils.

Placed within his tomb...

..they may be the last surviving treasures

..they may be the last surviving treasures

that belonged to Ramesses III.

that belonged to Ramesses III.

It's simply beautiful to have all these pieces here together,

It's simply beautiful to have all these pieces here together,

It's simply beautiful to have all these pieces here together,

to see them shining, and to know that you actually hold something

to see them shining, and to know that you actually hold something

that was supposed to be with Ramesses III in his afterlife.

that was supposed to be with Ramesses III in his afterlife.

that was supposed to be with Ramesses III in his afterlife.

It's an incredibly rare find - the kind of which

It's an incredibly rare find - the kind of which

hasn't been seen in the Valley of the Kings for over 100 years.

hasn't been seen in the Valley of the Kings for over 100 years.

hasn't been seen in the Valley of the Kings for over 100 years.

To now be finding actual burial equipment of the king

To now be finding actual burial equipment of the king

whose tomb you're excavating is pretty damn cool,

whose tomb you're excavating is pretty damn cool,

and it really does add a huge amount of information

and it really does add a huge amount of information

about what was being buried with these kings.

about what was being buried with these kings.

Dr Anke Weber and her team have just two more weeks

Dr Anke Weber and her team have just two more weeks

to try to excavate Ramesses III's burial chamber.

to try to excavate Ramesses III's burial chamber.

The last mystery to unravel is why almost everything

The last mystery to unravel is why almost everything

they have found so far has been damaged or destroyed.

they have found so far has been damaged or destroyed.

We collect everything, we take notes, pictures,

We collect everything, we take notes, pictures,

to see the wider context of an area.

to see the wider context of an area.

All the finds must be meticulously recorded.

All the finds must be meticulously recorded.

Once something is excavated, it is gone forever.

Once something is excavated, it is gone forever.

This is why it's so important to do a decent job with that.

This is why it's so important to do a decent job with that.

With the end of the dig approaching, the team hits a major milestone.

With the end of the dig approaching, the team hits a major milestone.

With the end of the dig approaching, the team hits a major milestone.

We are reaching parts of the original floor level

We are reaching parts of the original floor level

of the burial chamber.

This is absolutely amazing.

This is absolutely amazing.

Some parts of the tomb's original floor

Some parts of the tomb's original floor

may not have been seen for hundreds, even thousands of years.

may not have been seen for hundreds, even thousands of years.

But everywhere Anke looks, she spots something odd.

But everywhere Anke looks, she spots something odd.

But everywhere Anke looks, she spots something odd.

These are burnt traces.

These are burnt traces.

It's a mixture of the burned wood, limestone and ashes.

It's a mixture of the burned wood, limestone and ashes.

It's a mixture of the burned wood, limestone and ashes.

A fine layer of ash coats many stones

A fine layer of ash coats many stones

on the burial chamber floor.

We have actually a lot of evidence for burning here

We have actually a lot of evidence for burning here

inside the burial chamber that tell us a story about,

inside the burial chamber that tell us a story about,

like, large fires with immense heat.

like, large fires with immense heat.

The heat was so intense,

The heat was so intense,

it's broken down the limestone the burial chamber is carved from.

it's broken down the limestone the burial chamber is carved from.

As soon as you touch it, it starts chipping from all sides.

As soon as you touch it, it starts chipping from all sides.

As soon as you touch it, it starts chipping from all sides.

You can, like, crack it open like a cake,

You can, like, crack it open like a cake,

so it's in very, very bad shape.

so it's in very, very bad shape.

It's puzzling because nobody brought charcoal or wood from outside.

It's puzzling because nobody brought charcoal or wood from outside.

It's puzzling because nobody brought charcoal or wood from outside.

What has been burning inside the burial chamber?

What has been burning inside the burial chamber?

The team finds small pieces of wood scattered around.

The team finds small pieces of wood scattered around.

The team finds small pieces of wood scattered around.

Pieces of coffins, including the bodies that were once inside.

Pieces of coffins, including the bodies that were once inside.

Pieces of coffins, including the bodies that were once inside.

We didn't find a complete mummy.

We didn't find a complete mummy.

All the remains that we find are only pieces.

All the remains that we find are only pieces.

This is quite suspicious, but we also found traces of burning.

This is quite suspicious, but we also found traces of burning.

This is quite suspicious, but we also found traces of burning.

It leads Anke to one gruesome conclusion.

It leads Anke to one gruesome conclusion.

We know that in the 18th and 19th century, mummies served as fuel.

We know that in the 18th and 19th century, mummies served as fuel.

We know that in the 18th and 19th century, mummies served as fuel.

We have to imagine that there was no electricity,

We have to imagine that there was no electricity,

so the individuals who visited needed light

so the individuals who visited needed light

in order to experience the tomb and to have a look at the artefacts.

in order to experience the tomb and to have a look at the artefacts.

We believe that these are firing places

We believe that these are firing places

that were used to enlighten the darkness of the burial chamber.

that were used to enlighten the darkness of the burial chamber.

that were used to enlighten the darkness of the burial chamber.

Robbers and modern explorers would have lit huge fires in the tomb...

Robbers and modern explorers would have lit huge fires in the tomb...

Robbers and modern explorers would have lit huge fires in the tomb...

..burning everything and anything they could find.

..burning everything and anything they could find.

Anke Weber's project in KV11

Anke Weber's project in KV11

is cutting edge and innovative.

is cutting edge and innovative.

Using modern technology to explore the tiny, minute remains

Using modern technology to explore the tiny, minute remains

Using modern technology to explore the tiny, minute remains

Using modern technology to explore the tiny, minute remains

is telling us so much about the tomb of Ramesses III.

is telling us so much about the tomb of Ramesses III.

The paintings and this kind of sheer beauty of it

The paintings and this kind of sheer beauty of it

is just one part of the story.

is just one part of the story.

It's really a 3,000-year history of activity

It's really a 3,000-year history of activity

It's really a 3,000-year history of activity

that begins with the king and ends with our modern time.

that begins with the king and ends with our modern time.

Layer-by-layer, Anke and the team can now finally piece together

Layer-by-layer, Anke and the team can now finally piece together

Layer-by-layer, Anke and the team can now finally piece together

the complete story of the tomb.

the complete story of the tomb.

Inside a nested sarcophagus,

Inside a nested sarcophagus,

Ramesses III lay in peace for less than 100 years...

Ramesses III lay in peace for less than 100 years...

..before his mummy was moved into the safety of the mountains.

..before his mummy was moved into the safety of the mountains.

Now empty, others used Ramesses' tomb for their burials.

Now empty, others used Ramesses' tomb for their burials.

Now empty, others used Ramesses' tomb for their burials.

Then came nearly 3,000 years of destruction.

Then came nearly 3,000 years of destruction.

Fires, brute force,

Fires, brute force,

robbers and explorers

robbers and explorers

all scarred the king's tomb...

all scarred the king's tomb...

..until finally floods inundated the chamber

..until finally floods inundated the chamber

..until finally floods inundated the chamber

and brought its roof crashing down.

and brought its roof crashing down.

And the history of the tomb is still evolving.

And the history of the tomb is still evolving.

After three months of nonstop digging,

After three months of nonstop digging,

the team has cleared two shipping containers' worth of debris...

the team has cleared two shipping containers' worth of debris...

..discovered original burial treasures,

..discovered original burial treasures,

and opened a new chapter in the story of Ancient Egypt.

and opened a new chapter in the story of Ancient Egypt.

and opened a new chapter in the story of Ancient Egypt.

It feels absolutely incredible

It feels absolutely incredible

to have achieved so much.

to have achieved so much.

We finally excavated it, we cleared it from rubble and debris,

We finally excavated it, we cleared it from rubble and debris,

and we found so many amazing and wonderful things inside.

and we found so many amazing and wonderful things inside.

Now, at the end of the field season,

Now, at the end of the field season,

I feel like I became part of the history of the tomb.

I feel like I became part of the history of the tomb.

I feel like I became part of the history of the tomb.

We grew closer to this ancient pharaoh.

We grew closer to this ancient pharaoh.

It's a long life dream that came true.

It's a long life dream that came true.

The last great pharaoh of Ancient Egypt...

The last great pharaoh of Ancient Egypt...

..who was brutally murdered...

..came to be buried in a spectacular tomb.

..came to be buried in a spectacular tomb.

With an army of servants

With an army of servants

and nested sarcophagi...

and nested sarcophagi...

..the tomb was Ramesses' portal to eternal life...

..the tomb was Ramesses' portal to eternal life...

..in the heart of the Valley of the Kings.

..in the heart of the Valley of the Kings.

There is still a lot of work to be done in the Valley.

There is still a lot of work to be done in the Valley.

Even now, there are places where we don't know

Even now, there are places where we don't know

what lies beneath the sand.

There is so much more out there to find,

There is so much more out there to find,

there's so much more to excavate. This is a never-ending quest.

there's so much more to excavate. This is a never-ending quest.

Now Anke's goal is to restore and conserve the structure

Now Anke's goal is to restore and conserve the structure

Now Anke's goal is to restore and conserve the structure

of the burial chamber

and make it safe for visitors to enter

and make it safe for visitors to enter

so that the world can bear witness to the greatness of Ramesses III.

so that the world can bear witness to the greatness of Ramesses III.

so that the world can bear witness to the greatness of Ramesses III.

We are the connecting point.

We are the connecting point.

Everything that we excavate that tells us something about our history

Everything that we excavate that tells us something about our history

will bring us to a past that can shape a better future.

will bring us to a past that can shape a better future.

will bring us to a past that can shape a better future.

It's a quest that will fulfil the pharaoh's ultimate wish -

It's a quest that will fulfil the pharaoh's ultimate wish -

It's a quest that will fulfil the pharaoh's ultimate wish -

speak the name of the dead and make them live again.

speak the name of the dead and make them live again.

speak the name of the dead and make them live again.

Ramesses III lives on.

Ramesses III lives on.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media