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Narrator: 2,000 years ago,
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00:00:03,237 --> 00:00:05,137
The mountain fortress of masada
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00:00:05,139 --> 00:00:08,240
Witnesses the final battle
of an apocalyptic war...
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00:00:08,242 --> 00:00:10,409
♪
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00:00:10,411 --> 00:00:14,847
...Between the jews of judea
and the roman empire.
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00:00:14,849 --> 00:00:17,716
Once they were faced
with the romans,
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00:00:17,718 --> 00:00:19,785
It was life or death.
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00:00:19,787 --> 00:00:21,687
Narrator: A few hundred rebels
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00:00:21,689 --> 00:00:25,357
Defy the mightiest empire
of the ancient world.
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00:00:25,359 --> 00:00:26,658
It's gonna take you out
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00:00:26,660 --> 00:00:28,027
Whether it's a killing blow
or not.
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00:00:28,029 --> 00:00:30,963
♪
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00:00:30,965 --> 00:00:34,066
Narrator: Is the war foretold
in these mysterious texts
14
00:00:34,068 --> 00:00:36,201
From the time of christ?
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00:00:36,203 --> 00:00:39,104
The dead sea scrolls.
16
00:00:39,106 --> 00:00:40,606
What was in those caves
17
00:00:40,608 --> 00:00:44,143
Was the greatest archaeological
discovery of the 20th century.
18
00:00:44,145 --> 00:00:47,112
Narrator: Today, revolutionary
findings in a tunnel
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00:00:47,114 --> 00:00:48,814
Deep beneath jerusalem
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00:00:48,816 --> 00:00:52,785
Revealed the deadly secrets
of these cataclysmic events.
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00:00:52,787 --> 00:00:56,488
The romans destroyed jerusalem
down to its foundations.
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00:00:56,490 --> 00:01:00,059
Narrator: Who are the people
defying the will of rome?
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00:01:00,061 --> 00:01:02,327
What truth is contained
in their scrolls'
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00:01:02,329 --> 00:01:05,764
Doomsday prophecy?
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00:01:05,766 --> 00:01:10,436
To solve these mysteries, we'll
venture deep into desert caves,
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00:01:10,438 --> 00:01:14,306
Reconstruct a king's
mountain lair,
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00:01:14,308 --> 00:01:18,310
And unearth new evidence
of an epic conflict
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00:01:18,312 --> 00:01:23,415
To reveal the dark secrets
of the dead sea scrolls.
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00:01:23,417 --> 00:01:26,418
-- Captions by vitac --
www.Vitac.Com
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Captions paid for by
discovery communications
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This is masada
in modern day israel,
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A magnificent royal palace
perched 1,500 feet
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00:01:37,098 --> 00:01:41,133
Above the shores
of the dead sea.
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00:01:41,135 --> 00:01:43,702
The palace was built
in the first century b.C.
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00:01:43,704 --> 00:01:46,205
By the king of judea,
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00:01:46,207 --> 00:01:49,041
Herod the great.
37
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What we have here is not
only palace, palatial fortress,
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00:01:53,013 --> 00:01:57,816
But it's actually a villa
in the middle of nowhere.
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00:01:57,818 --> 00:01:59,251
Narrator: Masada is
an extraordinary
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Mountain top mega structure.
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00:02:02,223 --> 00:02:06,625
A hanging palace
sits inside the fortress.
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00:02:06,627 --> 00:02:09,461
It is constructed
on three terraces above cliffs
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00:02:09,463 --> 00:02:13,532
Nearly 1,500 feet high.
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00:02:13,534 --> 00:02:17,536
It houses a barracks
and armory.
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00:02:17,538 --> 00:02:20,105
Even a centrally
heated bathhouse.
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00:02:20,107 --> 00:02:22,774
♪
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The palace is testament
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To the huge ambitions
of its ruler --
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Herod.
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00:02:30,651 --> 00:02:35,854
♪
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00:02:35,856 --> 00:02:41,793
And buried within the palace,
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00:02:41,795 --> 00:02:46,965
Texts of strange holy jewish
verse written in hebrew
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00:02:46,967 --> 00:02:51,136
Dating back 2,000 years.
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00:02:51,138 --> 00:02:56,575
Secret documents
left by a mysterious people
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00:02:56,577 --> 00:02:58,710
Who write
a terrifying prophecy
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00:02:58,712 --> 00:03:03,282
Of a coming apocalyptic war.
57
00:03:03,284 --> 00:03:06,084
Dr. Guy stiebel
from tel aviv university,
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00:03:06,086 --> 00:03:09,821
Investigates the secrets
of herod's palace.
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00:03:09,823 --> 00:03:13,492
He wants to uncover the meaning
of the doomsday prophecy
60
00:03:13,494 --> 00:03:18,463
And what it foretells of
a cataclysmic event at masada.
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00:03:18,465 --> 00:03:22,935
The fact that we have here
a remnant few scrolls
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00:03:22,937 --> 00:03:25,370
That ended up here at masada,
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00:03:25,372 --> 00:03:28,640
We can correlate it
with archaeological find
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That shed new light
on our understanding.
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00:03:32,112 --> 00:03:36,848
♪
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Narrator:
The year is 73 a.D.
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Herod has now been dead
for seven decades.
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00:03:45,092 --> 00:03:48,193
Masada is no longer
a royal palace.
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00:03:48,195 --> 00:03:51,296
It's in the hands of jewish
rebels holding out
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00:03:51,298 --> 00:03:52,598
Against the most powerful
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00:03:52,600 --> 00:03:56,401
Fighting force
in the ancient world --
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00:03:56,403 --> 00:04:00,305
The roman army.
73
00:04:00,307 --> 00:04:04,509
What causes this
extraordinary transformation?
74
00:04:04,511 --> 00:04:09,748
And what is the truth
behind this mysterious prophecy?
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00:04:09,750 --> 00:04:11,383
Guy believes clues lie
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00:04:11,385 --> 00:04:14,987
With an astonishing engineering
achievement that allows herod
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00:04:14,989 --> 00:04:20,726
To spend as long as he wants
in his mountain fortress.
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00:04:20,728 --> 00:04:23,829
Herod's palace has
an extraordinary water supply
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00:04:23,831 --> 00:04:28,066
Built into the belly
of the mountain.
80
00:04:28,068 --> 00:04:32,004
Cut deep into the rocks
are 12 mighty cisterns,
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Each the size of a house.
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00:04:36,043 --> 00:04:39,278
An aqueduct feeds the cisterns
with floodwater
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00:04:39,280 --> 00:04:42,114
Collected
during the winter rains.
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The aqueduct is covered
by a waterproof render.
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00:04:46,520 --> 00:04:51,456
The cisterns can hold 10 million
gallons of water in total.
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00:04:51,458 --> 00:04:55,961
They fill herod's luxurious
baths and swimming pools,
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Providing him with an almost
never ending source of water.
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♪
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King herod the great did it
in a very grand and lavish way
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00:05:12,946 --> 00:05:15,280
Building here, five palaces.
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00:05:15,282 --> 00:05:18,250
Just imagine, three bathhouses.
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00:05:18,252 --> 00:05:22,054
Even the swimming pool
on top of masada.
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00:05:22,056 --> 00:05:23,789
♪
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00:05:23,791 --> 00:05:27,492
Narrator: Guy wants to know if
strange finds within the palace
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Are connected
to this engineering marvel.
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00:05:30,898 --> 00:05:33,065
And help explain
what happens here
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00:05:33,067 --> 00:05:37,736
To turn history on its head.
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00:05:37,738 --> 00:05:40,138
You need to look for something
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That looked like a mikvah,
an immersion pool.
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00:05:44,345 --> 00:05:46,778
Narrator: A mikvah,
a jewish immersion pool
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00:05:46,780 --> 00:05:50,882
Is used to achieve ritual purity
vital before worshiping god.
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♪
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In the center of the ruins,
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Guy examines a mysterious
stepped structure.
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Stiebel: What we can see
is a huge mikvah for here.
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00:06:00,627 --> 00:06:05,530
We have the steps that can
allow me going all the way down.
107
00:06:05,532 --> 00:06:08,100
Narrator: Guy believes these
ritual baths are evidence
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00:06:08,102 --> 00:06:13,572
That the rebels belonged to
a strict jewish religious sect.
109
00:06:13,574 --> 00:06:16,675
But who are these rebels
and how are they connected
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00:06:16,677 --> 00:06:22,414
To the prophecy
of a coming apocalyptic war?
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Clues may lie
just a few miles away.
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♪
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This is the dead sea.
The lowest point on earth.
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♪
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Here in 1946,
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A local bedouin makes
an extraordinary discovery.
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It will transform
our understanding
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Of what happens at masada.
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He was looking for a lost goat
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00:06:50,511 --> 00:06:52,577
When he came to the entrance
to a cave.
121
00:06:52,579 --> 00:06:54,413
He decided to throw a stone
into the cave
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00:06:54,415 --> 00:06:56,648
To see if he could
flush out the goat.
123
00:06:56,650 --> 00:07:00,118
Narrator: Instead of hearing
the stone hit rock,
124
00:07:00,120 --> 00:07:02,754
He hears it smash pottery.
125
00:07:02,756 --> 00:07:05,991
He enters the cave
to investigate.
126
00:07:05,993 --> 00:07:08,026
What was in those caves
was the greatest
127
00:07:08,028 --> 00:07:10,762
Archaeological discovery
of the 20th century.
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00:07:10,764 --> 00:07:13,632
♪
129
00:07:13,634 --> 00:07:15,333
Narrator: Hidden behind
a narrow entrance,
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00:07:15,335 --> 00:07:20,071
Lies strangely shaped
ceramic jars.
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00:07:20,073 --> 00:07:23,408
Curled up inside
are ancient treasures,
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00:07:23,410 --> 00:07:26,745
Delicate scrolls
of hebrew writing.
133
00:07:26,747 --> 00:07:30,782
Some date from 200 years
before jesus.
134
00:07:30,784 --> 00:07:34,319
Others are written
during his lifetime.
135
00:07:34,321 --> 00:07:37,355
One of them is over 20 feet long
and contains
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00:07:37,357 --> 00:07:42,694
Almost the entire book of isaiah
from the old testament.
137
00:07:42,696 --> 00:07:43,995
These battered parchments
138
00:07:43,997 --> 00:07:48,066
Become known
as the dead sea scrolls,
139
00:07:48,068 --> 00:07:51,236
The oldest biblical texts
in the world.
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00:07:51,238 --> 00:07:57,008
♪
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00:07:57,010 --> 00:07:59,845
Today, the dead sea scrolls
are here
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00:07:59,847 --> 00:08:04,282
In the shrine of the book
at the israel museum.
143
00:08:04,284 --> 00:08:07,986
Almost one million people visit
this museum to see the scrolls
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00:08:07,988 --> 00:08:10,055
Each year.
145
00:08:10,057 --> 00:08:14,726
The giant isaiah scroll
has a place of honor.
146
00:08:14,728 --> 00:08:16,461
Can clues to solve the mystery
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00:08:16,463 --> 00:08:20,999
Of what happens at masada
be found here?
148
00:08:21,001 --> 00:08:23,969
Pnina shor from the israel
antiquities authority
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00:08:23,971 --> 00:08:26,805
Is the curator
of the dead sea scrolls.
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00:08:26,807 --> 00:08:30,041
Shor: This is a sample of one
of the big scrolls.
151
00:08:30,043 --> 00:08:34,913
We have five of them
really well preserved.
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00:08:34,915 --> 00:08:37,282
Narrator:
The scrolls are 1,000 years
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00:08:37,284 --> 00:08:41,386
Older than any other existing
biblical text.
154
00:08:41,388 --> 00:08:43,321
Shor: The first seven scrolls
that were found
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00:08:43,323 --> 00:08:45,557
Were in a very good condition.
156
00:08:45,559 --> 00:08:48,693
And the reason for that
is that they were found in jars,
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00:08:48,695 --> 00:08:51,496
Wrapped in linen,
158
00:08:51,498 --> 00:08:55,667
And therefore,
this is what preserved them.
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00:08:55,669 --> 00:08:57,335
Narrator:
The almost perfect conditions
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00:08:57,337 --> 00:08:59,337
Inside the desert caves
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00:08:59,339 --> 00:09:04,209
Also helped the scrolls
to survive 2,000 years.
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00:09:04,211 --> 00:09:06,144
Today, pnina and her team
163
00:09:06,146 --> 00:09:10,815
Are deciphering every last word
and mark on them.
164
00:09:10,817 --> 00:09:14,953
They make surprising
new discoveries.
165
00:09:14,955 --> 00:09:16,154
We're now going
through material
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00:09:16,156 --> 00:09:17,822
That has not been deciphered yet
167
00:09:17,824 --> 00:09:21,159
Because we couldn't see any of
the ink on these fragments
168
00:09:21,161 --> 00:09:25,330
And we are discovering
new fragments.
169
00:09:25,332 --> 00:09:26,531
Narrator:
They photograph the scrolls
170
00:09:26,533 --> 00:09:30,435
With a special camera
developed by nasa.
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00:09:30,437 --> 00:09:32,037
It allows them to analyze
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00:09:32,039 --> 00:09:34,973
The parchment under different
light conditions.
173
00:09:34,975 --> 00:09:37,676
Sacred words lost
for centuries emerge
174
00:09:37,678 --> 00:09:39,544
When they combine the images.
175
00:09:39,546 --> 00:09:42,347
Can you please show me
from both sides?
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00:09:42,349 --> 00:09:45,350
Narrator: Today, 70 years
after their discovery,
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00:09:45,352 --> 00:09:48,119
The scrolls are still
giving up new secrets.
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00:09:48,121 --> 00:09:49,354
Here.
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00:09:49,356 --> 00:09:51,423
Yeah, as you can see,
this is pretty clear.
180
00:09:51,425 --> 00:09:53,458
Narrator: This fragment
reveals a word missing
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00:09:53,460 --> 00:09:55,226
From a biblical scroll.
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00:09:55,228 --> 00:09:56,861
It's the word israel.
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00:09:56,863 --> 00:09:59,431
-Ah, israel?
-Yeah.
184
00:09:59,433 --> 00:10:00,699
Narrator: The scrolls
are the greatest
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00:10:00,701 --> 00:10:03,368
Biblical treasures of all time.
186
00:10:03,370 --> 00:10:06,438
It shows us
how a minute fragment
187
00:10:06,440 --> 00:10:09,174
Can actually help
biblical studies
188
00:10:09,176 --> 00:10:13,011
And biblical research today.
189
00:10:13,013 --> 00:10:17,816
Narrator: But who wrote these
mysterious scrolls?
190
00:10:17,818 --> 00:10:22,287
And what do they reveal
of the mysterious prophecy
191
00:10:22,289 --> 00:10:26,758
Of an apocalyptic battle
at masada?
192
00:10:26,760 --> 00:10:30,028
The discovery of the scrolls
raised a number of questions.
193
00:10:30,030 --> 00:10:33,264
Who wrote the scrolls?
Where were they brought from?
194
00:10:33,266 --> 00:10:35,500
Why were they deposited
in the caves?
195
00:10:35,502 --> 00:10:38,269
It was only further
archaeological exploration
196
00:10:38,271 --> 00:10:42,273
Of this area that is excavating
more of the archeological sites
197
00:10:42,275 --> 00:10:46,378
That we would be able
to answer those questions.
198
00:10:46,380 --> 00:10:48,613
Narrator: Archaeologists
discover more caves
199
00:10:48,615 --> 00:10:53,318
And more scrolls
along the dead sea.
200
00:10:53,320 --> 00:10:57,722
One cave is a treasure trove
of intriguing clues.
201
00:10:57,724 --> 00:11:00,458
Magness: This is the opening
to cave 11.
202
00:11:00,460 --> 00:11:03,995
This cave, typical of the caves
in the limestone cliffs
203
00:11:03,997 --> 00:11:07,499
Along the shore of the dead sea
is a natural cave,
204
00:11:07,501 --> 00:11:10,769
Which is very rugged.
205
00:11:10,771 --> 00:11:14,372
Narrator: Here, explorers find
traditional biblical scrolls,
206
00:11:14,374 --> 00:11:18,443
But also discover ancient texts
that never make the bible,
207
00:11:18,445 --> 00:11:23,214
Including a scroll
predicting a violent cataclysm.
208
00:11:23,216 --> 00:11:25,116
One of the scrolls
that was found here
209
00:11:25,118 --> 00:11:27,318
Is a copy of the war scroll,
210
00:11:27,320 --> 00:11:31,189
Which describes the apocalyptic
war at the end of days
211
00:11:31,191 --> 00:11:35,927
Between the sons of light
and the sons of darkness.
212
00:11:35,929 --> 00:11:37,595
Narrator:
Does this doomsday prophecy
213
00:11:37,597 --> 00:11:39,531
Explain why jewish rebels
214
00:11:39,533 --> 00:11:44,836
Hold masada against
the mast ranks of romans?
215
00:11:44,838 --> 00:11:47,439
And what does it foretell
of an apocalyptic war
216
00:11:47,441 --> 00:11:50,175
Between the forces of good
217
00:11:50,177 --> 00:11:52,844
And the forces of evil?
218
00:11:52,846 --> 00:11:58,016
♪
219
00:11:59,953 --> 00:12:03,988
♪
220
00:12:03,990 --> 00:12:06,157
Narrator: The dead sea, israel.
221
00:12:06,159 --> 00:12:07,692
2,000 years ago
222
00:12:07,694 --> 00:12:10,962
A mysterious people
hide their holiest documents,
223
00:12:10,964 --> 00:12:16,167
Ancient biblical texts
on its shores.
224
00:12:16,169 --> 00:12:20,405
The scrolls are never retrieved.
225
00:12:20,407 --> 00:12:23,074
Does a doomsday prophecy
found in a text
226
00:12:23,076 --> 00:12:28,146
Called the war scroll
help explain why?
227
00:12:28,148 --> 00:12:30,515
To find out,
investigators first need
228
00:12:30,517 --> 00:12:33,418
To identify the writers
of the scrolls.
229
00:12:33,420 --> 00:12:38,656
♪
230
00:12:38,658 --> 00:12:41,192
They believe clues
can be found in caves
231
00:12:41,194 --> 00:12:43,962
Along the dead sea.
232
00:12:43,964 --> 00:12:47,465
The remains of approximately
1,000 different scrolls
233
00:12:47,467 --> 00:12:51,069
Were found in 11 caves
in this area.
234
00:12:51,071 --> 00:12:52,570
Narrator: A cave a half mile
235
00:12:52,572 --> 00:12:54,973
From where the scrolls
are first discovered
236
00:12:54,975 --> 00:12:57,776
Proves to be
the richest of them all.
237
00:12:57,778 --> 00:13:02,080
♪
238
00:13:02,082 --> 00:13:03,448
Inside it,
239
00:13:03,450 --> 00:13:09,254
The earliest copy of the 10
commandments in existence.
240
00:13:09,256 --> 00:13:12,524
And around it,
15,000 scattered fragments
241
00:13:12,526 --> 00:13:14,993
Of more than 600 scrolls.
242
00:13:14,995 --> 00:13:17,562
Some can be assembled
and deciphered
243
00:13:17,564 --> 00:13:20,365
Like the first three chapters
of the book of genesis.
244
00:13:20,367 --> 00:13:24,302
♪
245
00:13:24,304 --> 00:13:26,004
Others have crumbled into pieces
246
00:13:26,006 --> 00:13:30,675
So small they still
elude descriptions.
247
00:13:30,677 --> 00:13:34,612
Could they hold clues to who
writes the dead sea scrolls
248
00:13:34,614 --> 00:13:37,282
And their prophecy
of apocalyptic doom?
249
00:13:37,284 --> 00:13:42,387
♪
250
00:13:42,389 --> 00:13:46,658
Dr. Eshbal ratzon from haifa
and ariel universities,
251
00:13:46,660 --> 00:13:48,359
Is part of
an international team
252
00:13:48,361 --> 00:13:52,063
Racing to decipher
two fragmented scrolls.
253
00:13:52,065 --> 00:13:53,798
♪
254
00:13:53,800 --> 00:13:58,102
She's working on 66 mysterious
pieces that could contain clues
255
00:13:58,104 --> 00:14:02,006
To identify the writers
of the scrolls.
256
00:14:02,008 --> 00:14:04,876
Ratzon: My work is
working with puzzles.
257
00:14:04,878 --> 00:14:10,114
This particular puzzle gives us
a glimpse into a document
258
00:14:10,116 --> 00:14:14,352
That was preserved
for 2,000 years in the desert.
259
00:14:14,354 --> 00:14:16,821
Narrator: Pioneering ultra
high-resolution photography
260
00:14:16,823 --> 00:14:19,090
Means eshbal
can now read the words
261
00:14:19,092 --> 00:14:23,695
Of even the tiniest
scroll fragments.
262
00:14:23,697 --> 00:14:26,364
She moves the pieces around
on her computer screen
263
00:14:26,366 --> 00:14:29,767
To try to put them
back together.
264
00:14:29,769 --> 00:14:33,705
It's a 2,000-year-old
electronic jigsaw puzzle.
265
00:14:33,707 --> 00:14:37,842
We got lucky because we got
most of the fragments
266
00:14:37,844 --> 00:14:41,079
From the edges of the puzzle.
267
00:14:41,081 --> 00:14:43,781
Narrator: Eshbal discovers that
the writer of this scroll
268
00:14:43,783 --> 00:14:47,852
Is leaving mysterious notes
between the columns.
269
00:14:47,854 --> 00:14:52,190
I just had a hunch that these
two notes were connected.
270
00:14:52,192 --> 00:14:56,794
Maybe just the scribe just ran
out of space and he turned.
271
00:14:56,796 --> 00:15:01,499
So it was able to join
these bunch of fragments
272
00:15:01,501 --> 00:15:03,401
With these bunch fragments.
273
00:15:03,403 --> 00:15:07,772
I got a whole column
from margin to margin.
274
00:15:07,774 --> 00:15:09,540
Narrator:
This pioneering technology
275
00:15:09,542 --> 00:15:14,045
And eshbal's intuition leads
to a vital breakthrough,
276
00:15:14,047 --> 00:15:17,548
Revealing that the scroll
one of the last to be deciphered
277
00:15:17,550 --> 00:15:20,518
Is a religious calendar.
278
00:15:20,520 --> 00:15:21,853
Ratzon:
It's a very unique calendar.
279
00:15:21,855 --> 00:15:23,821
We don't know it from elsewhere
280
00:15:23,823 --> 00:15:28,426
Except from
the dead sea scrolls.
281
00:15:28,428 --> 00:15:29,994
Narrator:
This calendar is a clue
282
00:15:29,996 --> 00:15:32,664
That can reveal
who writes the scrolls.
283
00:15:32,666 --> 00:15:36,334
♪
284
00:15:36,336 --> 00:15:38,970
The ruling jewish priests
in the temple of jerusalem
285
00:15:38,972 --> 00:15:43,508
Follow a lunar calendar
with 354 days and a year.
286
00:15:43,510 --> 00:15:45,843
♪
287
00:15:45,845 --> 00:15:47,879
On the new moon, high priests
288
00:15:47,881 --> 00:15:50,214
Make offerings of fruit
and grains
289
00:15:50,216 --> 00:15:52,884
And sacrifice animals
to please their god.
290
00:15:52,886 --> 00:15:56,621
♪
291
00:15:56,623 --> 00:15:59,324
The writers of the scrolls
reject these offerings
292
00:15:59,326 --> 00:16:02,593
And instead become obsessed
with purification,
293
00:16:02,595 --> 00:16:05,563
Immersing in cold water
at least twice a day.
294
00:16:05,565 --> 00:16:08,633
♪
295
00:16:08,635 --> 00:16:13,171
They decide to follow
their own calendar with 364 days
296
00:16:13,173 --> 00:16:15,740
In a year based
on the movement of the sun.
297
00:16:15,742 --> 00:16:20,511
♪
298
00:16:20,513 --> 00:16:22,213
Ratzon: This was a huge step.
299
00:16:22,215 --> 00:16:27,485
It made this sect separate from
the rest of the jewish groups.
300
00:16:27,487 --> 00:16:30,154
♪
301
00:16:30,156 --> 00:16:34,158
Narrator: With the calendar,
eshbal can solve the puzzle
302
00:16:34,160 --> 00:16:38,596
Of who wrote
the dead sea scrolls.
303
00:16:38,598 --> 00:16:42,166
The group that is associated
with these calendar refers
304
00:16:42,168 --> 00:16:46,738
To themselves in other
dead sea scrolls as the yahad
305
00:16:46,740 --> 00:16:51,743
Or the sons of righteousness
or the sons of light.
306
00:16:51,745 --> 00:16:53,845
Narrator:
But who are the sons of light?
307
00:16:53,847 --> 00:16:55,480
And what happens to them?
308
00:16:55,482 --> 00:16:59,517
♪
309
00:16:59,519 --> 00:17:02,053
2,000 years ago, the sect,
310
00:17:02,055 --> 00:17:04,355
Just like the very first
christians
311
00:17:04,357 --> 00:17:08,059
Believe the world
is about to end.
312
00:17:08,061 --> 00:17:10,895
They prepare for a conflict
at the end of days
313
00:17:10,897 --> 00:17:14,465
And preach about
the coming apocalypse.
314
00:17:14,467 --> 00:17:17,201
They outline this doomsday
prophecy in a text
315
00:17:17,203 --> 00:17:20,171
Known as the war scroll.
316
00:17:20,173 --> 00:17:23,074
And now it looks like
their prediction is coming true.
317
00:17:23,076 --> 00:17:28,112
♪
318
00:17:28,114 --> 00:17:30,148
The people of judea
are on the brink
319
00:17:30,150 --> 00:17:33,718
Of an uprising
against their roman masters,
320
00:17:33,720 --> 00:17:35,920
One that will culminate
in a final battle
321
00:17:35,922 --> 00:17:39,824
At herod's
one time palace, masada.
322
00:17:39,826 --> 00:17:42,527
What causes this huge revolt?
323
00:17:42,529 --> 00:17:44,929
♪
324
00:17:44,931 --> 00:17:47,598
Can clues be found
70 miles away
325
00:17:47,600 --> 00:17:50,034
On the mediterranean coast
of israel?
326
00:17:50,036 --> 00:17:54,772
♪
327
00:17:54,774 --> 00:17:56,240
Is this jewish revolt
328
00:17:56,242 --> 00:17:59,177
The prophesied battle
between the sons of light
329
00:17:59,179 --> 00:18:01,512
And the sons of darkness?
330
00:18:01,514 --> 00:18:05,950
♪
331
00:18:07,954 --> 00:18:10,955
♪
332
00:18:10,957 --> 00:18:13,524
Narrator: The dead sea scrolls
333
00:18:13,526 --> 00:18:18,529
Hundreds of sacred texts
dating to the time of christ.
334
00:18:18,531 --> 00:18:20,665
Today, new technology
is deciphering
335
00:18:20,667 --> 00:18:22,934
The last of the scrolls,
336
00:18:22,936 --> 00:18:27,138
Proving they belong
to a mysterious jewish sect --
337
00:18:27,140 --> 00:18:30,808
The sons of light.
338
00:18:30,810 --> 00:18:33,611
One of their texts,
the war scroll,
339
00:18:33,613 --> 00:18:36,080
Prophesizes
an apocalyptic showdown
340
00:18:36,082 --> 00:18:41,119
Between the forces
of good and evil.
341
00:18:41,121 --> 00:18:44,522
Is a final battle at masada
that conflict?
342
00:18:44,524 --> 00:18:48,493
♪
343
00:18:48,495 --> 00:18:51,762
Clues may be found here
70 miles
344
00:18:51,764 --> 00:18:55,833
From where the scrolls
are discovered.
345
00:18:55,835 --> 00:19:00,438
This is the city of caesarea
on israel's mediterranean coast.
346
00:19:00,440 --> 00:19:04,876
It is built by king herod
in the first century b.C.
347
00:19:04,878 --> 00:19:09,013
Herod named the city's caesarea
in honor of his imperial master,
348
00:19:09,015 --> 00:19:13,017
Caesar augustus.
349
00:19:13,019 --> 00:19:14,952
Today, this ancient port city
350
00:19:14,954 --> 00:19:19,690
Is one of the largest
archaeological sites in israel.
351
00:19:19,692 --> 00:19:22,760
Peter gendleman from
the israel antiquities authority
352
00:19:22,762 --> 00:19:25,930
Excavates a part of the city.
353
00:19:25,932 --> 00:19:31,936
♪
354
00:19:31,938 --> 00:19:34,305
You see the new piece
from the temple.
355
00:19:34,307 --> 00:19:36,507
Look, you see
it's only small portion,
356
00:19:36,509 --> 00:19:39,610
Let's say a tenth
of the original days.
357
00:19:39,612 --> 00:19:42,213
Narrator: His dig unearthed
the remains of a temple.
358
00:19:42,215 --> 00:19:47,185
Look how big...
[ speaks indistinctly ]
359
00:19:47,187 --> 00:19:49,720
So it's originally,
360
00:19:49,722 --> 00:19:53,257
It was more or less that big.
361
00:19:53,259 --> 00:19:56,060
Narrator: The size of the base
tells peter the original column
362
00:19:56,062 --> 00:20:00,932
Must be huge compared with
any other column on the site.
363
00:20:00,934 --> 00:20:04,535
It's one of the largest columns
that was found in caesarea.
364
00:20:04,537 --> 00:20:05,970
And the temple itself,
365
00:20:05,972 --> 00:20:09,373
It's one of the largest
that was built in this area.
366
00:20:09,375 --> 00:20:12,610
♪
367
00:20:12,612 --> 00:20:14,845
Narrator: This is only one
among many
368
00:20:14,847 --> 00:20:18,349
Imperial roman buildings here.
369
00:20:18,351 --> 00:20:20,084
During the first century a.D.,
370
00:20:20,086 --> 00:20:25,389
The roman empire takes judea
under direct rule.
371
00:20:25,391 --> 00:20:28,025
This vast city
becomes its base.
372
00:20:28,027 --> 00:20:31,529
Peter's excavation reveals
how much the romans invest
373
00:20:31,531 --> 00:20:35,466
In their new headquarters.
374
00:20:35,468 --> 00:20:40,304
It's remains of the floor
made of roman concrete
375
00:20:40,306 --> 00:20:42,540
With imported with
volcanic material
376
00:20:42,542 --> 00:20:45,543
Brought from the napoli bay.
377
00:20:45,545 --> 00:20:47,178
Narrator: The romans import
the ingredients
378
00:20:47,180 --> 00:20:50,348
For this concrete
from as far away as Italy
379
00:20:50,350 --> 00:20:52,650
And bring the know how
to use it.
380
00:20:52,652 --> 00:20:57,154
Let's try to put it together
and see footprints
381
00:20:57,156 --> 00:20:58,723
Still be seen on the top of it.
382
00:20:58,725 --> 00:21:02,293
It's a footprint of special
kind of boots
383
00:21:02,295 --> 00:21:05,096
That was used
by roman legionnaires.
384
00:21:05,098 --> 00:21:07,965
So clearly evidence
of the new technologies
385
00:21:07,967 --> 00:21:11,269
That come with the roman
to the east.
386
00:21:11,271 --> 00:21:14,372
♪
387
00:21:14,374 --> 00:21:16,274
Narrator: The scale
of the roman occupation
388
00:21:16,276 --> 00:21:20,511
Can be seen at caesarea.
389
00:21:20,513 --> 00:21:26,050
Here, the romans build
on a grand scale.
390
00:21:26,052 --> 00:21:29,353
Just like in rome, where
the empire shows off its wealth
391
00:21:29,355 --> 00:21:33,357
And power
with lavish public buildings.
392
00:21:33,359 --> 00:21:35,159
But peter thinks
not all the buildings
393
00:21:35,161 --> 00:21:38,095
Are for roman citizens.
394
00:21:38,097 --> 00:21:42,667
He investigates the ruins
of a mysterious structure.
395
00:21:42,669 --> 00:21:46,037
Can see it was
a sizable building.
396
00:21:46,039 --> 00:21:50,207
Very good masonry, not look
like private dwelling,
397
00:21:50,209 --> 00:21:54,478
But most like
some public building.
398
00:21:54,480 --> 00:21:56,347
Narrator: Peter believes
this is one of the main
399
00:21:56,349 --> 00:21:58,683
Synagogues of the city.
400
00:21:58,685 --> 00:22:03,521
All this area probably
was inhabited by jews.
401
00:22:03,523 --> 00:22:07,124
Narrator: It shows caesarea is
a multi-cultural metropolis
402
00:22:07,126 --> 00:22:10,528
Where each group can worship
their own gods.
403
00:22:10,530 --> 00:22:13,731
But peter thinks the jewish
population resent being treated
404
00:22:13,733 --> 00:22:16,901
As second class citizens
by the romans.
405
00:22:16,903 --> 00:22:21,038
There was start some struggle
between the jewish community
406
00:22:21,040 --> 00:22:23,341
And the romans in the city.
407
00:22:23,343 --> 00:22:29,180
They want to be equal
roman citizens.
408
00:22:29,182 --> 00:22:31,449
Narrator: Jewish resentment
turns to violence.
409
00:22:31,451 --> 00:22:36,654
In 66 a.D.,
the caesarean jews riot.
410
00:22:36,656 --> 00:22:39,824
The romans will not
tolerate that.
411
00:22:39,826 --> 00:22:43,427
It's finished by killing
of most of caesarean jews
412
00:22:43,429 --> 00:22:45,496
And rest was expelled
from the city
413
00:22:45,498 --> 00:22:47,365
For more than generation.
414
00:22:47,367 --> 00:22:51,335
♪
415
00:22:51,337 --> 00:22:56,774
Narrator: The romans rule their
vast empire with an iron fist.
416
00:22:56,776 --> 00:22:58,909
And following the events
in caesarea
417
00:22:58,911 --> 00:23:03,147
The province of judea
becomes a hotbed of dissent,
418
00:23:03,149 --> 00:23:06,751
Jewish rebels wipe out
the roman garrison in jerusalem
419
00:23:06,753 --> 00:23:09,286
And declare
an independent jewish state.
420
00:23:09,288 --> 00:23:12,790
♪
421
00:23:12,792 --> 00:23:15,993
The revolt spreads
like wildfire.
422
00:23:15,995 --> 00:23:19,864
So the romans send 60,000
troops to crush the rebellion.
423
00:23:19,866 --> 00:23:24,335
♪
424
00:23:24,337 --> 00:23:27,738
They rampaged through judea,
425
00:23:27,740 --> 00:23:30,307
Slaughtering hundreds
of thousands of people.
426
00:23:30,309 --> 00:23:34,044
♪
427
00:23:34,046 --> 00:23:37,381
Is this the war between good
and evil foretold
428
00:23:37,383 --> 00:23:41,452
In the dead sea scrolls
prophecy?
429
00:23:41,454 --> 00:23:44,655
What clues are revealed
by another strange discovery
430
00:23:44,657 --> 00:23:46,957
Alongside the dead sea?
431
00:23:46,959 --> 00:23:51,929
♪
432
00:23:53,866 --> 00:23:58,869
♪
433
00:23:58,871 --> 00:24:02,006
Narrator: A brutal war rages
between the jews of judea
434
00:24:02,008 --> 00:24:04,675
And the roman empire.
435
00:24:04,677 --> 00:24:07,912
Does a doomsday prophecy
and one of the dead sea scrolls
436
00:24:07,914 --> 00:24:13,284
Predict the final outcome
of this war?
437
00:24:13,286 --> 00:24:17,087
Clues may lie here.
438
00:24:17,089 --> 00:24:19,690
Next to the cave,
where most scrolls are found
439
00:24:19,692 --> 00:24:22,760
Are the ruins of an unusual
walled settlement.
440
00:24:22,762 --> 00:24:25,563
It's called qumran.
441
00:24:25,565 --> 00:24:29,767
Beside it, row upon row of
mysterious stone mounds.
442
00:24:29,769 --> 00:24:32,770
♪
443
00:24:32,772 --> 00:24:35,973
Beneath the mounds,
444
00:24:35,975 --> 00:24:39,477
Archaeologists unearth
more than 70 skeletons,
445
00:24:39,479 --> 00:24:43,414
Each buried in
the same distinctive way.
446
00:24:43,416 --> 00:24:47,284
The bodies lie all alone
in six-foot deep pits
447
00:24:47,286 --> 00:24:52,089
Without any grave goods.
448
00:24:52,091 --> 00:24:55,192
All lie on their backs
with their hands
449
00:24:55,194 --> 00:25:00,064
Resting on their hips.
450
00:25:00,066 --> 00:25:02,733
And their heads pointing south
451
00:25:02,735 --> 00:25:07,271
Towards the scorching
midday sun.
452
00:25:07,273 --> 00:25:09,306
Are these the sons of light,
453
00:25:09,308 --> 00:25:12,076
The authors of the dead
sea scrolls prophecy?
454
00:25:12,078 --> 00:25:17,181
♪
455
00:25:17,183 --> 00:25:19,884
There are graves all over here.
456
00:25:19,886 --> 00:25:24,522
Here, look,
look at this structure here.
457
00:25:24,524 --> 00:25:27,825
Yossi nagar from
the israel antiquities authority
458
00:25:27,827 --> 00:25:31,662
Investigates these newly
discovered skeletons.
459
00:25:31,664 --> 00:25:35,566
He excavates 33 of the graves.
460
00:25:35,568 --> 00:25:38,536
Nagar: I've found no children
and no women.
461
00:25:38,538 --> 00:25:39,737
Only males.
462
00:25:39,739 --> 00:25:42,740
So I say, okay, that's weird.
463
00:25:42,742 --> 00:25:45,943
Narrator: Is this mass burial
a military cemetery?
464
00:25:45,945 --> 00:25:47,711
Are the soldiers
of the sons of light
465
00:25:47,713 --> 00:25:50,848
Fighting in the jewish revolt?
466
00:25:50,850 --> 00:25:54,618
A clue may lie
in the age of the men.
467
00:25:54,620 --> 00:26:00,024
Most of the soldiers
are from the same age group.
468
00:26:00,026 --> 00:26:02,493
There are people around 18,
469
00:26:02,495 --> 00:26:06,630
20, mostly maybe 30.
470
00:26:06,632 --> 00:26:08,732
Narrator: Yossi examines
the skeletons, teeth,
471
00:26:08,734 --> 00:26:11,168
And vertebrae to discover
the age of the men
472
00:26:11,170 --> 00:26:13,337
When they died.
473
00:26:13,339 --> 00:26:15,472
The people that were
buried here,
474
00:26:15,474 --> 00:26:18,576
The average age of death
is much higher
475
00:26:18,578 --> 00:26:24,248
Than the regular cemetery
or a regular village.
476
00:26:24,250 --> 00:26:28,452
Narrator: The age range of
the men is between 20 and 50.
477
00:26:28,454 --> 00:26:32,957
It's unlikely
that they're rebel soldiers.
478
00:26:32,959 --> 00:26:34,391
But is there
another connection
479
00:26:34,393 --> 00:26:38,662
Between the men buried here
and the doomsday prophecy?
480
00:26:38,664 --> 00:26:40,898
Yossi investigates
if they were alive
481
00:26:40,900 --> 00:26:43,834
When the scrolls were hidden
in the first century a.D.
482
00:26:43,836 --> 00:26:45,069
For me, it's great.
483
00:26:45,071 --> 00:26:47,438
I'm an anthropologist
I only look on the bones,
484
00:26:47,440 --> 00:26:51,709
But the archaeologists want
to know from which period it is
485
00:26:51,711 --> 00:26:54,278
And it's hard to tell the date
486
00:26:54,280 --> 00:26:56,680
When there are
no artifacts inside.
487
00:26:56,682 --> 00:27:01,251
You can only guess
so we must take a bone sample
488
00:27:01,253 --> 00:27:02,753
For carbon dating.
489
00:27:02,755 --> 00:27:06,123
That's a good way
of telling the age of samples.
490
00:27:06,125 --> 00:27:08,792
♪
491
00:27:08,794 --> 00:27:10,828
Narrator: Jewish respect
for human remains
492
00:27:10,830 --> 00:27:14,231
Means all the skeletons
are reburied
493
00:27:14,233 --> 00:27:17,434
Except for this one thigh bone.
494
00:27:17,436 --> 00:27:20,504
Professor elisabetta boaretto
of the weizmann institute
495
00:27:20,506 --> 00:27:24,875
Of science extracts samples
from the bones.
496
00:27:24,877 --> 00:27:27,044
She uses radiocarbon
technology
497
00:27:27,046 --> 00:27:29,213
To date the human remains
from qumran
498
00:27:29,215 --> 00:27:30,614
For the first time.
499
00:27:30,616 --> 00:27:32,316
To calculate the date,
500
00:27:32,318 --> 00:27:34,985
She needs to extract
a substance from the bone
501
00:27:34,987 --> 00:27:40,557
That is once
living tissue -- collagen.
502
00:27:40,559 --> 00:27:44,728
Collagen is a protein which is
very important for the bones
503
00:27:44,730 --> 00:27:48,432
To be elastic
and a live tissue.
504
00:27:48,434 --> 00:27:51,735
Narrator: But the bones from
qumran are very degraded.
505
00:27:51,737 --> 00:27:55,773
There is almost none
of the vital collagen.
506
00:27:55,775 --> 00:27:58,275
Normally, you would give up
about these bones,
507
00:27:58,277 --> 00:28:01,145
And just say nothing to do.
508
00:28:01,147 --> 00:28:02,513
Narrator:
Elisabetta has pioneered
509
00:28:02,515 --> 00:28:04,148
A groundbreaking technique
510
00:28:04,150 --> 00:28:08,786
To extract dissolved collagen.
511
00:28:08,788 --> 00:28:13,223
Boaretto: Hopefully, we will
get the date out of this.
512
00:28:13,225 --> 00:28:14,825
Narrator:
The tiny samples of collagen
513
00:28:14,827 --> 00:28:19,463
Will be reduced to raw carbon.
514
00:28:19,465 --> 00:28:21,799
If this is successful,
515
00:28:21,801 --> 00:28:24,735
It'll allow her to calculate
a date for the bone.
516
00:28:24,737 --> 00:28:30,274
♪
517
00:28:30,276 --> 00:28:33,644
Here we are. Wow.
It's first century a.D.
518
00:28:33,646 --> 00:28:38,082
That's really what --
what we expected for qumran
519
00:28:38,084 --> 00:28:42,319
But now we have an real data
for this person
520
00:28:42,321 --> 00:28:46,356
Because so you see, it covered
the first century a.D.
521
00:28:46,358 --> 00:28:49,660
-Mm-hmm.
-Fantastic.
522
00:28:49,662 --> 00:28:51,195
Narrator: The test reveals
that this bone
523
00:28:51,197 --> 00:28:55,632
Is almost 2,000 years old.
524
00:28:55,634 --> 00:29:00,971
The men date to the time
the scrolls are written.
525
00:29:00,973 --> 00:29:05,576
Finding these
first century a.D. Data
526
00:29:05,578 --> 00:29:08,512
Is super important.
527
00:29:08,514 --> 00:29:10,180
Narrator: They are buried next
to the caves
528
00:29:10,182 --> 00:29:13,183
Where the scrolls
are discovered.
529
00:29:13,185 --> 00:29:16,954
Are they the writers
of the dead sea scrolls,
530
00:29:16,956 --> 00:29:22,092
The authors
of its doomsday prophecy?
531
00:29:22,094 --> 00:29:25,429
Can discoveries here throw light
on an apocalyptic battle
532
00:29:25,431 --> 00:29:27,898
Between jewish rebels
and the roman army
533
00:29:27,900 --> 00:29:33,871
At herod's palace masada?
534
00:29:33,873 --> 00:29:37,007
Are further clues revealed
by a unique discovery
535
00:29:37,009 --> 00:29:40,444
In the holiest city in judea --
536
00:29:40,446 --> 00:29:41,879
Jerusalem.
537
00:29:41,881 --> 00:29:47,885
♪
538
00:29:49,822 --> 00:29:53,357
♪
539
00:29:53,359 --> 00:29:58,061
Narrator: Qumran on
the dead sea, israel.
540
00:29:58,063 --> 00:30:02,399
The site lies next to
a mysterious all-male cemetery
541
00:30:02,401 --> 00:30:07,371
Where the skeletons align
with the midday sun.
542
00:30:07,373 --> 00:30:10,808
We have no other site
like qumran anywhere.
543
00:30:10,810 --> 00:30:14,244
It is a unique
archaeological site.
544
00:30:14,246 --> 00:30:16,013
Narrator: Archaeologist
jodi magness
545
00:30:16,015 --> 00:30:19,349
Is from the university
of north carolina.
546
00:30:19,351 --> 00:30:22,052
She searches qumran
for evidence that this area
547
00:30:22,054 --> 00:30:26,757
Might be the home
of the sons of light,
548
00:30:26,759 --> 00:30:30,961
The authors of the dead sea
scrolls doomsday prophecy.
549
00:30:30,963 --> 00:30:33,363
Based on the information
that we have in the scrolls,
550
00:30:33,365 --> 00:30:36,967
What we would expect to find
at qumran is a settlement
551
00:30:36,969 --> 00:30:39,937
That is not an ordinary town
or a village,
552
00:30:39,939 --> 00:30:44,508
But rather is
a community center.
553
00:30:44,510 --> 00:30:47,311
Narrator: Jodi wants to make
a connection between qumran
554
00:30:47,313 --> 00:30:52,282
And the strict religious rules
followed by the sons of light.
555
00:30:52,284 --> 00:30:55,419
She starts with something
used by all observant jews --
556
00:30:55,421 --> 00:30:58,555
A mikvah or ritual bath.
557
00:30:58,557 --> 00:31:01,358
Right behind me is a jewish
ritual bath
558
00:31:01,360 --> 00:31:02,893
Where jews would immerse
559
00:31:02,895 --> 00:31:06,430
In order to ritually
purify themselves in the water.
560
00:31:06,432 --> 00:31:09,366
♪
561
00:31:09,368 --> 00:31:11,568
Sometimes you also
see partitions
562
00:31:11,570 --> 00:31:13,637
Running down the length
of the steps
563
00:31:13,639 --> 00:31:17,641
Which symbolically separate
the impure from the pure meaning
564
00:31:17,643 --> 00:31:19,843
That someone would go down
one side of the steps,
565
00:31:19,845 --> 00:31:21,812
Impure, immersed in the water,
566
00:31:21,814 --> 00:31:25,515
And come back up
on the other side, purified.
567
00:31:25,517 --> 00:31:28,619
Narrator: The many large ritual
baths at qumran is evidence
568
00:31:28,621 --> 00:31:31,822
That people living here follow
the strictest religious rules.
569
00:31:31,824 --> 00:31:36,026
♪
570
00:31:36,028 --> 00:31:39,263
The god of israel demanded
that everyone in his presence
571
00:31:39,265 --> 00:31:40,597
Be ritually pure,
572
00:31:40,599 --> 00:31:43,233
And so even jesus and paul,
for example,
573
00:31:43,235 --> 00:31:45,402
Before entering
the jerusalem temple,
574
00:31:45,404 --> 00:31:49,573
Would've ritually immerse
themselves in a pool like this.
575
00:31:49,575 --> 00:31:50,874
Narrator:
We know from the scrolls
576
00:31:50,876 --> 00:31:55,045
That the sons of light
must ritually bathe twice a day.
577
00:31:55,047 --> 00:31:57,814
Qumran has 10 ritual baths.
578
00:31:57,816 --> 00:32:02,219
♪
579
00:32:02,221 --> 00:32:04,187
The scrolls say
that the sons of light
580
00:32:04,189 --> 00:32:08,692
Must always gather at meal
times to eat together.
581
00:32:08,694 --> 00:32:13,196
So this room is the largest
room in the qumran settlement.
582
00:32:13,198 --> 00:32:14,765
In a room adjacent to it,
583
00:32:14,767 --> 00:32:17,167
A pantry of dishes
with over a thousand
584
00:32:17,169 --> 00:32:19,102
Dining dishes was found.
585
00:32:19,104 --> 00:32:20,771
This large room also apparently
586
00:32:20,773 --> 00:32:25,709
Was used as
a communal dining room.
587
00:32:25,711 --> 00:32:27,544
Narrator:
Qumran has all the facilities
588
00:32:27,546 --> 00:32:32,716
Required by the strict
religious laws of the sect.
589
00:32:32,718 --> 00:32:35,786
And jodi has evidence qumran
is where the sect wrote
590
00:32:35,788 --> 00:32:39,189
Some of the dead sea scrolls.
591
00:32:39,191 --> 00:32:43,160
It's been identified as
a scriptorium or writing room.
592
00:32:43,162 --> 00:32:45,295
At the second story level
of this room,
593
00:32:45,297 --> 00:32:48,598
Originally there was furniture
and mixed in with the debris
594
00:32:48,600 --> 00:32:51,435
Of this furniture
were inkwells.
595
00:32:51,437 --> 00:32:55,339
♪
596
00:32:55,341 --> 00:32:56,740
Narrator:
From the evidence found here,
597
00:32:56,742 --> 00:32:59,609
Jodi has no doubt
that qumran is the home
598
00:32:59,611 --> 00:33:01,311
Of the sons of light,
599
00:33:01,313 --> 00:33:04,581
The authors of the dead sea
scrolls prophecy.
600
00:33:04,583 --> 00:33:08,518
History also has another name
for the sect.
601
00:33:08,520 --> 00:33:12,723
We do have sources
that tell us who this sect was.
602
00:33:12,725 --> 00:33:16,193
All of these sources
talk about a jewish sect
603
00:33:16,195 --> 00:33:19,496
That lived on the northwest
shore of the dead sea
604
00:33:19,498 --> 00:33:21,832
In the area
where qumran is located
605
00:33:21,834 --> 00:33:25,235
Called the essenes.
606
00:33:25,237 --> 00:33:28,338
Narrator: Ancient sources tell
the story of the essenes.
607
00:33:28,340 --> 00:33:32,042
♪
608
00:33:32,044 --> 00:33:34,177
The essenes hail from jerusalem,
609
00:33:34,179 --> 00:33:36,546
But so detest
its religious rulers
610
00:33:36,548 --> 00:33:38,849
That they abandoned the city.
611
00:33:38,851 --> 00:33:43,920
♪
612
00:33:43,922 --> 00:33:46,757
They build a community
near the dead sea
613
00:33:46,759 --> 00:33:49,459
Where they can worship
in their own way.
614
00:33:49,461 --> 00:33:53,663
♪
615
00:33:53,665 --> 00:33:55,032
Obsessed with writing,
616
00:33:55,034 --> 00:33:57,868
Copying,
and collecting scripture,
617
00:33:57,870 --> 00:33:59,503
They have someone reading
the bible
618
00:33:59,505 --> 00:34:01,538
Every minute of the day.
619
00:34:01,540 --> 00:34:04,975
♪
620
00:34:04,977 --> 00:34:08,045
They write the rules
of the community on scrolls
621
00:34:08,047 --> 00:34:11,648
And store them alongside
copies of their holy scriptures.
622
00:34:11,650 --> 00:34:14,885
♪
623
00:34:14,887 --> 00:34:16,153
In the time of jesus,
624
00:34:16,155 --> 00:34:18,822
We know that there were many
different jewish groups,
625
00:34:18,824 --> 00:34:20,957
Movements, and sects.
626
00:34:20,959 --> 00:34:23,226
So the essenes were
part of this mosaic
627
00:34:23,228 --> 00:34:25,228
Of different jewish groups
and movements.
628
00:34:25,230 --> 00:34:28,932
♪
629
00:34:28,934 --> 00:34:31,201
Narrator: The essenes,
the sons of light,
630
00:34:31,203 --> 00:34:32,836
Prepare for the apocalypse
631
00:34:32,838 --> 00:34:36,373
Their dead sea scrolls
prophecy foretells
632
00:34:36,375 --> 00:34:38,408
As the romans
stormed through judea
633
00:34:38,410 --> 00:34:41,845
A brutally reasserting
imperial control.
634
00:34:41,847 --> 00:34:44,214
They quickly get to qumran.
635
00:34:44,216 --> 00:34:47,350
In the middle of the revolt
in the year 68 a.D.,
636
00:34:47,352 --> 00:34:50,854
The site of qumran
was destroyed.
637
00:34:50,856 --> 00:34:55,725
The excavations revealed
roman arrowheads.
638
00:34:55,727 --> 00:34:58,428
Now, could it be that
the scenes here at qumran
639
00:34:58,430 --> 00:34:59,796
Thought that this was,
640
00:34:59,798 --> 00:35:05,635
In fact, this apocalypse
that they were awaiting?
641
00:35:05,637 --> 00:35:09,639
Narrator: Is this
the essenes's doomsday?
642
00:35:09,641 --> 00:35:12,976
Jodi searches caves
near qumran for answers.
643
00:35:12,978 --> 00:35:15,846
♪
644
00:35:15,848 --> 00:35:18,115
Magness: K4 is the one cave
645
00:35:18,117 --> 00:35:20,584
That yielded
the lion's share of the scrolls.
646
00:35:20,586 --> 00:35:23,920
We have the remains
of approximately 600
647
00:35:23,922 --> 00:35:26,523
To 700 different scrolls.
648
00:35:26,525 --> 00:35:30,794
Now, unlike in some of the other
caves, the scrolls and k4
649
00:35:30,796 --> 00:35:33,497
Were in a very poor state
of preservation.
650
00:35:33,499 --> 00:35:34,764
They had disintegrated
651
00:35:34,766 --> 00:35:40,003
Into tens of thousands
of little fragments.
652
00:35:40,005 --> 00:35:42,772
Narrator: The condition of
the scrolls left here are clues
653
00:35:42,774 --> 00:35:45,275
They are left in a hurry.
654
00:35:45,277 --> 00:35:48,912
♪
655
00:35:48,914 --> 00:35:50,847
I believe that there
can be little doubt
656
00:35:50,849 --> 00:35:52,916
That at least some
of the scrolls were deposited
657
00:35:52,918 --> 00:35:55,085
In the cave for safekeeping
658
00:35:55,087 --> 00:35:57,854
On the eve of the roman
destruction of the settlement
659
00:35:57,856 --> 00:36:01,291
In the year 68 a.D.
660
00:36:01,293 --> 00:36:03,360
Narrator: It's evidence of
a last minute flight
661
00:36:03,362 --> 00:36:06,563
From the roman destruction
of qumran.
662
00:36:06,565 --> 00:36:09,366
The essenes
escape their doomsday.
663
00:36:09,368 --> 00:36:14,004
Where do they go?
664
00:36:14,006 --> 00:36:19,109
Just 20 miles west of qumran
is jerusalem.
665
00:36:19,111 --> 00:36:21,912
Clues to this mystery
could lie here.
666
00:36:21,914 --> 00:36:24,314
[ church bells ringing ]
667
00:36:24,316 --> 00:36:26,550
Jerusalem is the most
holy city
668
00:36:26,552 --> 00:36:30,053
In the roman province of judea.
669
00:36:30,055 --> 00:36:35,292
It is also the original home
of the essenes.
670
00:36:35,294 --> 00:36:38,428
This is an area of jerusalem
called mount zion.
671
00:36:38,430 --> 00:36:41,198
♪
672
00:36:41,200 --> 00:36:45,535
Dr. Rafi lewis is from
the ashkelon academic college.
673
00:36:45,537 --> 00:36:48,171
He and a team from
the university of north carolina
674
00:36:48,173 --> 00:36:51,975
At charlotte
excavate a site here.
675
00:36:51,977 --> 00:36:53,710
They unearth buildings
inhabited
676
00:36:53,712 --> 00:36:58,181
At the time
of the jewish revolt.
677
00:36:58,183 --> 00:37:00,517
Lewis: Excavating in jerusalem
is fascinating.
678
00:37:00,519 --> 00:37:02,419
It's a very complicated
city today
679
00:37:02,421 --> 00:37:05,322
And it was also a very
complicated city in the past,
680
00:37:05,324 --> 00:37:08,325
Specifically in the site where
I'm excavating the over
681
00:37:08,327 --> 00:37:10,527
2,800 years of occupation.
682
00:37:10,529 --> 00:37:13,129
We have many different
religions, many cultures,
683
00:37:13,131 --> 00:37:15,732
Many different ideas.
684
00:37:15,734 --> 00:37:17,601
Narrator:
Rafi's excavations reveal
685
00:37:17,603 --> 00:37:20,537
Evidence of a wealthy home.
686
00:37:20,539 --> 00:37:23,039
His dig unearthed
some extraordinary rooms
687
00:37:23,041 --> 00:37:25,342
That are sealed 2,000 years ago
688
00:37:25,344 --> 00:37:29,579
At the time
of the jewish revolt.
689
00:37:29,581 --> 00:37:34,150
This is probably a blocked
window that if we open it,
690
00:37:34,152 --> 00:37:36,586
We'll be able
to enter another room
691
00:37:36,588 --> 00:37:38,321
Which belonged to this house.
692
00:37:38,323 --> 00:37:40,090
Now, this is quite exciting
693
00:37:40,092 --> 00:37:41,458
When we're thinking
about the period
694
00:37:41,460 --> 00:37:43,426
With many interesting events,
695
00:37:43,428 --> 00:37:45,829
Including the hiding
of the dead sea scrolls.
696
00:37:45,831 --> 00:37:50,133
♪
697
00:37:50,135 --> 00:37:52,869
Narrator: As the team unearths
the ritual bathing pool
698
00:37:52,871 --> 00:37:54,604
Of the house,
699
00:37:54,606 --> 00:37:59,676
They find a possible link
to the dead sea scrolls.
700
00:37:59,678 --> 00:38:04,080
They extract four fragments
from the rubble.
701
00:38:04,082 --> 00:38:08,918
Parts of a carved limestone cup
used in purification rituals.
702
00:38:08,920 --> 00:38:11,721
♪
703
00:38:11,723 --> 00:38:13,390
Scratched into its surface
704
00:38:13,392 --> 00:38:17,594
Are three types
of mysterious scripts.
705
00:38:17,596 --> 00:38:20,030
One of them is unique
to the dead sea scrolls.
706
00:38:20,032 --> 00:38:23,733
♪
707
00:38:23,735 --> 00:38:26,803
Could this cup
belong to the essenes?
708
00:38:26,805 --> 00:38:32,609
If so, what's it doing in
a city they have long abandoned?
709
00:38:32,611 --> 00:38:34,344
This is one of the most
exciting finds
710
00:38:34,346 --> 00:38:36,479
We've ever made in jerusalem.
711
00:38:36,481 --> 00:38:41,618
It's a stone cup made from
a very soft kind of limestone.
712
00:38:41,620 --> 00:38:42,986
It was handmade.
713
00:38:42,988 --> 00:38:46,990
Can actually still see
the scraping or the chisel marks
714
00:38:46,992 --> 00:38:51,895
In here like the knife
has just made those lines.
715
00:38:51,897 --> 00:38:53,630
Narrator:
Stone cups like this are used
716
00:38:53,632 --> 00:38:56,399
For cleansing the hands
not for drinking.
717
00:38:56,401 --> 00:38:59,536
♪
718
00:38:59,538 --> 00:39:02,439
Ritual cleansing with these cups
is common practice
719
00:39:02,441 --> 00:39:04,941
During the time of the essenes.
720
00:39:04,943 --> 00:39:07,277
But writing inscriptions
on them is not.
721
00:39:07,279 --> 00:39:11,314
♪
722
00:39:11,316 --> 00:39:14,017
Lewis: Out of the 11 lines
of inscription,
723
00:39:14,019 --> 00:39:17,020
We can only make out one line.
724
00:39:17,022 --> 00:39:21,524
This line is basically saying...
[ speaking foreign language ]
725
00:39:21,526 --> 00:39:25,662
"I returned
to the house of the lord."
726
00:39:25,664 --> 00:39:28,998
Narrator: Can this be
an essenes inscription?
727
00:39:29,000 --> 00:39:30,266
Is the cup evidence
728
00:39:30,268 --> 00:39:33,136
That the essenes flee
the destruction of qumran
729
00:39:33,138 --> 00:39:37,674
And returned to their
original home, jerusalem?
730
00:39:37,676 --> 00:39:39,843
Lewis: It might be holding
an answer for us.
731
00:39:39,845 --> 00:39:41,878
He comes back to the house
of the lord.
732
00:39:41,880 --> 00:39:43,847
He's very excited about it.
733
00:39:43,849 --> 00:39:46,015
He picks up the first thing
that comes into his hand,
734
00:39:46,017 --> 00:39:47,717
And that's his stone cup.
735
00:39:47,719 --> 00:39:48,985
He's writing the script,
736
00:39:48,987 --> 00:39:51,621
"I return to the house
of the lord."
737
00:39:51,623 --> 00:39:54,057
Narrator:
It's an intriguing discovery.
738
00:39:54,059 --> 00:39:56,893
Lewis: There is a possibility
that this was actually made
739
00:39:56,895 --> 00:40:00,697
By someone who came back to
jerusalem after being in qumran.
740
00:40:00,699 --> 00:40:05,001
Nothing like this was
ever found in jerusalem.
741
00:40:05,003 --> 00:40:07,070
♪
742
00:40:07,072 --> 00:40:08,605
Narrator:
The cup suggests to rafi
743
00:40:08,607 --> 00:40:11,741
That at least some essenes
make it back to jerusalem...
744
00:40:11,743 --> 00:40:14,611
♪
745
00:40:14,613 --> 00:40:18,448
...And escape their own prophecy
of a coming apocalypse.
746
00:40:18,450 --> 00:40:21,284
♪
747
00:40:21,286 --> 00:40:25,221
But are the essenes safe here
or will jerusalem
748
00:40:25,223 --> 00:40:27,457
Be the scene
of the final apocalypse?
749
00:40:27,459 --> 00:40:31,261
♪
750
00:40:31,263 --> 00:40:34,631
Can further clues be found
in an underground tunnel
751
00:40:34,633 --> 00:40:36,833
Deep beneath jerusalem?
752
00:40:36,835 --> 00:40:40,303
♪
753
00:40:42,240 --> 00:40:45,074
♪
754
00:40:45,076 --> 00:40:46,709
Narrator:
A jewish religious sect,
755
00:40:46,711 --> 00:40:50,346
The essenes, escaped the roman
destruction of their home
756
00:40:50,348 --> 00:40:52,315
Qumran by the dead sea
757
00:40:52,317 --> 00:40:55,919
And flee to the holy city
of jerusalem.
758
00:40:55,921 --> 00:40:59,322
Their own doomsday scroll
prophesizes a final battle
759
00:40:59,324 --> 00:41:02,225
Between the forces
of good and evil.
760
00:41:02,227 --> 00:41:05,662
♪
761
00:41:05,664 --> 00:41:10,133
70 a.D. -- After four years
of the jewish revolt,
762
00:41:10,135 --> 00:41:14,137
The roman army turns its sights
on the rebel capital, jerusalem.
763
00:41:14,139 --> 00:41:18,241
♪
764
00:41:18,243 --> 00:41:21,344
Under the streets of the city,
765
00:41:21,346 --> 00:41:25,782
Dark secrets of jerusalem's
past are being unearthed.
766
00:41:25,784 --> 00:41:28,051
This is one of the world's
most ambitious
767
00:41:28,053 --> 00:41:30,186
Archeological projects.
768
00:41:30,188 --> 00:41:32,589
We're beneath the streets
of jerusalem
769
00:41:32,591 --> 00:41:35,558
And we're excavating this window
770
00:41:35,560 --> 00:41:38,595
In order to expose
not the modern streets,
771
00:41:38,597 --> 00:41:39,796
But the ancient streets
772
00:41:39,798 --> 00:41:44,467
And the elements
that were alongside it.
773
00:41:44,469 --> 00:41:47,704
Narrator: Joe uziel from
the israel antiquities authority
774
00:41:47,706 --> 00:41:49,939
And a team of engineers
and archaeologists
775
00:41:49,941 --> 00:41:52,509
Are burrowing beneath the city.
776
00:41:52,511 --> 00:41:55,478
Each time we dig in
about a meter
777
00:41:55,480 --> 00:41:58,014
And this way we can follow
778
00:41:58,016 --> 00:41:59,649
The layer across
the entire area.
779
00:41:59,651 --> 00:42:00,950
But peeling it away,
780
00:42:00,952 --> 00:42:05,321
Sort of like a salami
one meter at a time.
781
00:42:05,323 --> 00:42:08,758
Narrator: Joe and his team use
advanced structural engineering
782
00:42:08,760 --> 00:42:12,462
To allow an excavation
many feet below the surface.
783
00:42:12,464 --> 00:42:15,431
We have to make sure
that we're not doing anything
784
00:42:15,433 --> 00:42:16,766
That can damage
785
00:42:16,768 --> 00:42:19,736
Or upset the existing framework
above our heads.
786
00:42:19,738 --> 00:42:23,606
And so, alongside us,
a team of engineers follows
787
00:42:23,608 --> 00:42:26,175
And makes sure that we're
putting in the right supports,
788
00:42:26,177 --> 00:42:28,845
Making sure that no structural
damage occurs
789
00:42:28,847 --> 00:42:33,216
To what's above our heads.
790
00:42:33,218 --> 00:42:35,485
Narrator: Today,
modern jerusalem bustles
791
00:42:35,487 --> 00:42:40,023
On top of layers
of ancient occupation.
792
00:42:40,025 --> 00:42:43,459
Between those layers are clues
to the fate of the authors
793
00:42:43,461 --> 00:42:48,498
Of the dead sea scrolls
doomsday prophecy.
794
00:42:48,500 --> 00:42:51,200
So we're walking now
on the original pavement
795
00:42:51,202 --> 00:42:54,904
Built here some 2,000 years ago.
796
00:42:54,906 --> 00:42:57,006
The pavement,
which was part of the street
797
00:42:57,008 --> 00:43:00,643
That led up to the temple mound.
798
00:43:00,645 --> 00:43:02,645
Narrator: Joe's excavations
have revealed
799
00:43:02,647 --> 00:43:06,382
The main processional route
to jerusalem's iconic temple.
800
00:43:06,384 --> 00:43:08,685
♪
801
00:43:08,687 --> 00:43:11,921
Now I'm standing along
the edge of the street,
802
00:43:11,923 --> 00:43:15,224
Which separates the street
from the buildings alongside
803
00:43:15,226 --> 00:43:19,095
Of it here, if I walk just
a little bit further down,
804
00:43:19,097 --> 00:43:22,298
I have an opening
into a building
805
00:43:22,300 --> 00:43:24,834
Which stood along the side
of the street
806
00:43:24,836 --> 00:43:28,004
And would have had its entrance
way onto the street.
807
00:43:28,006 --> 00:43:31,507
♪
808
00:43:31,509 --> 00:43:35,612
Narrator: When joe and his team
excavate here,
809
00:43:35,614 --> 00:43:40,617
They make shocking discoveries.
810
00:43:40,619 --> 00:43:43,419
Joe believes these finds
may explain the fate
811
00:43:43,421 --> 00:43:47,457
Of any essenes
that seek sanctuary in jerusalem
812
00:43:47,459 --> 00:43:51,127
And reveal why this street
is buried on a single day
813
00:43:51,129 --> 00:43:53,262
In 70 a.D.
814
00:43:53,264 --> 00:43:55,498
We know that the romans
destroyed jerusalem
815
00:43:55,500 --> 00:43:57,066
Down to its foundations.
816
00:43:57,068 --> 00:44:00,169
They don't just burn down
one point here, one point there.
817
00:44:00,171 --> 00:44:02,271
They tear down its temple.
818
00:44:02,273 --> 00:44:04,841
They knocked down part
of the temple mount walls.
819
00:44:04,843 --> 00:44:07,410
They tear down the bridges
leading to the temple.
820
00:44:07,412 --> 00:44:09,145
They rip apart the streets
821
00:44:09,147 --> 00:44:12,482
And they burn the city
to a ground.
822
00:44:12,484 --> 00:44:15,218
Narrator: Joe uncovers
a destruction layer of burning
823
00:44:15,220 --> 00:44:17,754
And smashed buildings.
824
00:44:17,756 --> 00:44:19,956
So what we have
in our excavations
825
00:44:19,958 --> 00:44:24,227
Are basically the street,
which is built in 30 a.D.
826
00:44:24,229 --> 00:44:26,596
And then the days
of the destruction
827
00:44:26,598 --> 00:44:29,966
With the thick destruction layer
and above that,
828
00:44:29,968 --> 00:44:32,001
The collapse of the buildings
829
00:44:32,003 --> 00:44:37,073
Which stood alongside the street
and covered it over.
830
00:44:37,075 --> 00:44:38,808
Narrator:
Within the destruction layer,
831
00:44:38,810 --> 00:44:41,878
Joe discovers physical evidence
of the deadly force
832
00:44:41,880 --> 00:44:44,614
Unleashed by the romans.
833
00:44:44,616 --> 00:44:48,151
This stone which I'm holding,
which is part of a ballista,
834
00:44:48,153 --> 00:44:50,653
Basically a very,
very large sling stone,
835
00:44:50,655 --> 00:44:54,123
Which would have been shot
using maybe a catapult.
836
00:44:54,125 --> 00:44:55,324
It's been broken.
837
00:44:55,326 --> 00:44:57,960
So it would have been
roughly the size of
838
00:44:57,962 --> 00:45:00,196
Maybe a small basketball,
839
00:45:00,198 --> 00:45:03,232
A stone so large
could have easily done damage
840
00:45:03,234 --> 00:45:07,036
To a building,
let alone a person.
841
00:45:07,038 --> 00:45:08,905
Narrator: Is the destruction
of jerusalem,
842
00:45:08,907 --> 00:45:12,709
The cataclysm prophesied
in the doomsday scroll?
843
00:45:12,711 --> 00:45:14,444
♪
844
00:45:14,446 --> 00:45:15,845
The destruction of jerusalem
845
00:45:15,847 --> 00:45:18,481
Is the bloodiest event
of the jewish revolt.
846
00:45:18,483 --> 00:45:21,517
♪
847
00:45:21,519 --> 00:45:26,389
20,000 roman soldiers
surround the city
848
00:45:26,391 --> 00:45:28,791
Which is packed with
over a million people.
849
00:45:28,793 --> 00:45:33,329
♪
850
00:45:33,331 --> 00:45:35,198
To conquer the city's
mighty walls,
851
00:45:35,200 --> 00:45:37,200
The romans release
the full power
852
00:45:37,202 --> 00:45:39,235
Of their awesome war machine.
853
00:45:39,237 --> 00:45:42,872
♪
854
00:45:42,874 --> 00:45:46,008
Bit by bit,
they conquered jerusalem.
855
00:45:46,010 --> 00:45:50,613
They kill everyone in their path
and ransack every building.
856
00:45:50,615 --> 00:45:53,816
♪
857
00:45:53,818 --> 00:45:58,554
Many jews, including essenes
take refuge in the temple.
858
00:45:58,556 --> 00:46:01,491
But the romans
simply burn it down.
859
00:46:01,493 --> 00:46:05,728
Jerusalem becomes a death trap.
860
00:46:05,730 --> 00:46:07,163
Uziel: At this point in time,
861
00:46:07,165 --> 00:46:10,666
The roman army is the most
powerful army in the world.
862
00:46:10,668 --> 00:46:14,203
They're saying you misbehaved
and if you misbehave,
863
00:46:14,205 --> 00:46:16,706
This is what happens
if you're in the roman empire.
864
00:46:16,708 --> 00:46:19,375
We wipe you away.
865
00:46:19,377 --> 00:46:22,311
Narrator: But more finds
unearthed by the excavation
866
00:46:22,313 --> 00:46:25,448
Indicate that for some of
the jews trapped in jerusalem,
867
00:46:25,450 --> 00:46:27,884
There is a chance of survival.
868
00:46:27,886 --> 00:46:30,987
♪
869
00:46:30,989 --> 00:46:32,722
Hidden beneath
the ancient street
870
00:46:32,724 --> 00:46:35,424
Is a narrow sewer tunnel
871
00:46:35,426 --> 00:46:38,628
That leads from the temple
to the edge of the city.
872
00:46:38,630 --> 00:46:40,696
♪
873
00:46:40,698 --> 00:46:44,300
In here, archaeologists
find a golden bell
874
00:46:44,302 --> 00:46:48,271
Like the ones high priest
use at the temple
875
00:46:48,273 --> 00:46:51,474
And further along
a half shekels silver coin
876
00:46:51,476 --> 00:46:56,078
That dates back
to the time of the revolt
877
00:46:56,080 --> 00:46:58,080
Evidence some rebels
tried to escape
878
00:46:58,082 --> 00:47:02,418
From the violence
in the streets above.
879
00:47:02,420 --> 00:47:05,021
But a roman sword
found in the tunnel
880
00:47:05,023 --> 00:47:08,424
May mean that some jews
had to fight their way out.
881
00:47:08,426 --> 00:47:15,031
♪
882
00:47:15,033 --> 00:47:17,266
These tunnels may be
an escape route
883
00:47:17,268 --> 00:47:22,238
For the authors of
the dead sea scrolls prophecy.
884
00:47:22,240 --> 00:47:24,740
Some of them succeeded
escaping jerusalem
885
00:47:24,742 --> 00:47:27,677
And some would have
even fled towards the desert,
886
00:47:27,679 --> 00:47:32,048
But others found their fate
in these tunnels.
887
00:47:32,050 --> 00:47:34,951
Narrator: The roman destruction
of jerusalem is total.
888
00:47:34,953 --> 00:47:38,454
♪
889
00:47:38,456 --> 00:47:41,624
Today, little remains
890
00:47:41,626 --> 00:47:43,893
Only a portion
of the temple's western wall
891
00:47:43,895 --> 00:47:47,196
Survives bearing witness
to this day.
892
00:47:47,198 --> 00:47:50,933
♪
893
00:47:50,935 --> 00:47:52,869
So what is the fate
of the essenes,
894
00:47:52,871 --> 00:47:58,708
As the authors of the scrolls
doomsday prophecy?
895
00:47:58,710 --> 00:48:03,279
Their headquarters, qumran,
has been destroyed.
896
00:48:03,281 --> 00:48:06,182
♪
897
00:48:06,184 --> 00:48:10,086
And their home city,
jerusalem, razed to the ground.
898
00:48:10,088 --> 00:48:16,259
♪
899
00:48:16,261 --> 00:48:18,928
The discovery of more scrolls
at masada
900
00:48:18,930 --> 00:48:21,864
Indicates that at least
some essenes make it here
901
00:48:21,866 --> 00:48:25,167
In a dramatic escape,
902
00:48:25,169 --> 00:48:28,471
Bringing a few precious
scrolls with them.
903
00:48:28,473 --> 00:48:30,273
♪
904
00:48:30,275 --> 00:48:32,308
Does the discovery
of dead sea scrolls
905
00:48:32,310 --> 00:48:34,911
Here mean that the prophecy
of a final battle
906
00:48:34,913 --> 00:48:40,516
Between the forces of light
and darkness comes true?
907
00:48:40,518 --> 00:48:44,553
Not in jerusalem, but at
herod's mountain fortress.
908
00:48:44,555 --> 00:48:50,793
♪
909
00:48:52,697 --> 00:48:56,766
♪
910
00:48:56,768 --> 00:49:00,269
Narrator: The dead sea scrolls
hidden in desert caves
911
00:49:00,271 --> 00:49:03,673
Since the time
of the jewish revolt.
912
00:49:03,675 --> 00:49:07,076
One of the scrolls contains
a terrifying prophecy
913
00:49:07,078 --> 00:49:10,980
Of an apocalyptic battle between
the forces of light and darkness
914
00:49:10,982 --> 00:49:16,319
That will mark the end times.
915
00:49:16,321 --> 00:49:18,387
Where will that
battle be fought?
916
00:49:18,389 --> 00:49:23,993
♪
917
00:49:23,995 --> 00:49:26,162
Masada is once
the mountaintop palace
918
00:49:26,164 --> 00:49:29,465
Of king herod.
919
00:49:29,467 --> 00:49:32,001
Historical accounts from
the time of the roman war
920
00:49:32,003 --> 00:49:35,805
Report that the palaces held
by violent jewish extremists.
921
00:49:35,807 --> 00:49:38,240
♪
922
00:49:38,242 --> 00:49:40,743
They are called the sicarii.
923
00:49:40,745 --> 00:49:45,715
♪
924
00:49:45,717 --> 00:49:47,817
The sicarii or jewish assassins
925
00:49:47,819 --> 00:49:50,219
Who take their name
from the sica,
926
00:49:50,221 --> 00:49:52,855
A deadly dagger
they hide in their cloaks.
927
00:49:52,857 --> 00:49:56,826
♪
928
00:49:56,828 --> 00:50:00,730
They're notorious for killing
roman occupiers in public places
929
00:50:00,732 --> 00:50:02,431
And vanishing into the crowd.
930
00:50:02,433 --> 00:50:07,236
[ distant screaming ]
931
00:50:07,238 --> 00:50:09,271
At the start
of the jewish revolt,
932
00:50:09,273 --> 00:50:12,375
Sicarii rebels capture herod's
palace from the romans.
933
00:50:12,377 --> 00:50:15,478
[ screaming ]
934
00:50:15,480 --> 00:50:18,781
♪
935
00:50:18,783 --> 00:50:22,184
From their desert hideout,
they can survive in safety
936
00:50:22,186 --> 00:50:25,121
While the romans devastate
the rest of judea.
937
00:50:25,123 --> 00:50:30,126
♪
938
00:50:30,128 --> 00:50:33,162
Dr. Guy stiebel
from tel aviv university
939
00:50:33,164 --> 00:50:36,465
Investigates who else occupies
this vast fortress
940
00:50:36,467 --> 00:50:38,434
During the revolt
against the romans.
941
00:50:38,436 --> 00:50:43,372
♪
942
00:50:43,374 --> 00:50:44,673
I'm sure that the sicarii,
943
00:50:44,675 --> 00:50:47,476
You were the most dominant
group here at masada,
944
00:50:47,478 --> 00:50:50,346
But they were not the only one.
945
00:50:50,348 --> 00:50:53,416
Narrator: Guy believes that
ordinary jews from across judea
946
00:50:53,418 --> 00:50:56,919
Are also seeking refuge
in this mountaintop fortress.
947
00:50:56,921 --> 00:50:58,721
Actually,
I'm really thrilled because
948
00:50:58,723 --> 00:51:02,291
We just pick out of the ground,
a beautiful discovery.
949
00:51:02,293 --> 00:51:05,528
What we have here
is what we call a cabochon,
950
00:51:05,530 --> 00:51:10,466
The gemstone, for me,
this is a truly big story.
951
00:51:10,468 --> 00:51:13,969
Narrator: This tiny gemstone
is only partially cut.
952
00:51:13,971 --> 00:51:15,971
This means that the owner
hasn't had time
953
00:51:15,973 --> 00:51:17,706
To finish working on it.
954
00:51:17,708 --> 00:51:19,575
Imagine the romans
are out there.
955
00:51:19,577 --> 00:51:21,444
You need to leave your home.
956
00:51:21,446 --> 00:51:23,012
What do you take along?
957
00:51:23,014 --> 00:51:27,216
The jewelry is something that is
small enough to be carried
958
00:51:27,218 --> 00:51:31,854
In your pocket or in your purse.
959
00:51:31,856 --> 00:51:33,823
Narrator: Guy wants to know
if the essenes,
960
00:51:33,825 --> 00:51:36,459
The authors of the dead sea
scrolls prophecy,
961
00:51:36,461 --> 00:51:40,629
Are also here at masada.
962
00:51:40,631 --> 00:51:42,765
When archaeologists
excavate this site,
963
00:51:42,767 --> 00:51:45,234
They make an astonishing
discovery.
964
00:51:45,236 --> 00:51:51,373
♪
965
00:51:51,375 --> 00:51:55,377
Buried within the ruins
of masada's perimeter wall,
966
00:51:55,379 --> 00:52:01,016
Archaeologists discover
fragments of ancient scrolls.
967
00:52:01,018 --> 00:52:03,185
One of them is a copy
of holy verse
968
00:52:03,187 --> 00:52:07,123
Only ever seen
in the dead sea scrolls
969
00:52:07,125 --> 00:52:11,093
Called songs
of the sabbath sacrifice.
970
00:52:11,095 --> 00:52:15,931
A clue the essenes
are also here at masada
971
00:52:15,933 --> 00:52:19,001
Taking refuge
in king herod's old palace...
972
00:52:19,003 --> 00:52:21,770
♪
973
00:52:21,772 --> 00:52:24,640
...Seeking sanctuary
in the one place in judea
974
00:52:24,642 --> 00:52:27,576
Yet to fall
to the roman reconquest.
975
00:52:27,578 --> 00:52:34,383
♪
976
00:52:34,385 --> 00:52:38,354
Guy hunts for more
traces of the essenes,
977
00:52:38,356 --> 00:52:40,055
He measures a building
that resembles
978
00:52:40,057 --> 00:52:45,661
One of the communal structures
at qumran
979
00:52:45,663 --> 00:52:49,498
Where the dead sea scrolls
are written.
980
00:52:49,500 --> 00:52:54,069
The width of this hole
is identical by the millimeter
981
00:52:54,071 --> 00:52:55,571
To what we have at qumran,
982
00:52:55,573 --> 00:53:00,209
The length is exactly half
the size of what we have there.
983
00:53:00,211 --> 00:53:03,479
For me, this led me
to crack a riddle that
984
00:53:03,481 --> 00:53:06,182
We had about the location of
the essenes here
985
00:53:06,184 --> 00:53:08,350
On top of masada.
986
00:53:08,352 --> 00:53:11,153
Narrator: Guy thinks that this
structure proves some essenes
987
00:53:11,155 --> 00:53:14,190
Are taking refuge at masada
988
00:53:14,192 --> 00:53:17,960
And rebuilding
their community here.
989
00:53:17,962 --> 00:53:20,396
Is masada the location
of the final battle
990
00:53:20,398 --> 00:53:22,464
Between the forces
of good and evil
991
00:53:22,466 --> 00:53:25,034
Foretold in the essenes'
doomsday prophecy?
992
00:53:25,036 --> 00:53:30,539
♪
993
00:53:30,541 --> 00:53:32,474
His team
excavates two buildings
994
00:53:32,476 --> 00:53:36,912
Constructed into the wall of
the fortress during the revolt.
995
00:53:36,914 --> 00:53:39,949
It's a coin. It's what we call
quarters or shekels.
996
00:53:39,951 --> 00:53:43,552
From the time of the revolt
on the floor.
997
00:53:43,554 --> 00:53:45,955
Nice.
998
00:53:45,957 --> 00:53:48,591
Narrator: They unearth huge
amounts of everyday artifacts
999
00:53:48,593 --> 00:53:50,492
From the two buildings.
1000
00:53:50,494 --> 00:53:55,331
It's basically a one cup
to drink made of glass.
1001
00:53:55,333 --> 00:53:59,368
And see, it fits perfectly.
1002
00:53:59,370 --> 00:54:00,936
Narrator:
Guy believes identifying
1003
00:54:00,938 --> 00:54:03,339
So many household finds proves
1004
00:54:03,341 --> 00:54:06,175
That the desperate rebels,
including the essenes,
1005
00:54:06,177 --> 00:54:10,045
Are trying to live a normal life
within the walls of masada,
1006
00:54:10,047 --> 00:54:13,249
Safe from the romans.
1007
00:54:13,251 --> 00:54:16,252
There are many,
many, many artifacts.
1008
00:54:16,254 --> 00:54:19,221
And we want to not
only to find them,
1009
00:54:19,223 --> 00:54:21,357
But to know exactly
the location of them
1010
00:54:21,359 --> 00:54:24,093
Because then you can
actually reconstruct
1011
00:54:24,095 --> 00:54:26,095
The activity within the house.
1012
00:54:26,097 --> 00:54:28,097
What we call household
archaeology.
1013
00:54:28,099 --> 00:54:32,067
♪
1014
00:54:32,069 --> 00:54:34,336
Narrator: Masada is
the last place in judea
1015
00:54:34,338 --> 00:54:38,841
That is still free
and independent of roman rule.
1016
00:54:38,843 --> 00:54:42,378
If you want to find shelter
from the romans,
1017
00:54:42,380 --> 00:54:44,380
This was a place to come.
1018
00:54:44,382 --> 00:54:46,849
Everyone was accepted
on top of masada.
1019
00:54:46,851 --> 00:54:49,385
♪
1020
00:54:49,387 --> 00:54:51,587
Narrator:
But how can 1,000 refugees
1021
00:54:51,589 --> 00:54:54,790
Survive on top of a mountain
in the desert wilderness?
1022
00:54:54,792 --> 00:55:00,396
♪
1023
00:55:02,466 --> 00:55:08,671
♪
1024
00:55:08,673 --> 00:55:11,373
Narrator: Archeological
discoveries at masada suggest
1025
00:55:11,375 --> 00:55:14,109
That hundreds of jews
have taken refuge here,
1026
00:55:14,111 --> 00:55:17,379
Fleeing the avenging
roman legions.
1027
00:55:17,381 --> 00:55:19,148
They include the essenes,
1028
00:55:19,150 --> 00:55:23,852
The authors of the dead sea
scrolls doomsday prophecy.
1029
00:55:23,854 --> 00:55:25,854
How long can they hold out here
1030
00:55:25,856 --> 00:55:29,024
On top of a mountain
in the desert?
1031
00:55:29,026 --> 00:55:32,161
For answers, guy stiebel
examines the innovations
1032
00:55:32,163 --> 00:55:35,130
Of the original builder
of this mountain palace --
1033
00:55:35,132 --> 00:55:39,034
King herod the great.
1034
00:55:39,036 --> 00:55:44,306
100 years before the revolt,
1035
00:55:44,308 --> 00:55:46,809
Herod built a water supply
into the mountain...
1036
00:55:46,811 --> 00:55:50,646
♪
1037
00:55:50,648 --> 00:55:54,083
...Transforming what was once
an arid desert mountain top...
1038
00:55:54,085 --> 00:55:58,287
♪
1039
00:55:58,289 --> 00:56:01,990
...Into a lavish royal palace
1040
00:56:01,992 --> 00:56:06,795
Supplied by 10 million
gallons of water
1041
00:56:06,797 --> 00:56:10,232
Enabling people to live
in comfort in this remote spot.
1042
00:56:10,234 --> 00:56:14,903
♪
1043
00:56:14,905 --> 00:56:17,773
It is one of the engineering
marvels of the ancient world.
1044
00:56:17,775 --> 00:56:23,479
♪
1045
00:56:23,481 --> 00:56:25,080
By the time of the revolt,
1046
00:56:25,082 --> 00:56:28,984
Herod has been dead
for seven decades.
1047
00:56:28,986 --> 00:56:31,754
Is his incredible system
still intact,
1048
00:56:31,756 --> 00:56:35,991
Allowing the refugees
a chance to survive?
1049
00:56:35,993 --> 00:56:39,261
Guy searches the top
of masada for clues.
1050
00:56:39,263 --> 00:56:41,930
He investigates a mysterious
aerial photograph
1051
00:56:41,932 --> 00:56:44,233
Found in a dusty archive.
1052
00:56:44,235 --> 00:56:47,836
This is actually one of
my favorite discoveries.
1053
00:56:47,838 --> 00:56:50,739
I'm holding here printouts.
1054
00:56:50,741 --> 00:56:53,909
A treasure map, if you wish.
1055
00:56:53,911 --> 00:56:55,377
Narrator:
Guy uses the photograph
1056
00:56:55,379 --> 00:56:59,848
To look for clues now hidden
by restoration work at masada.
1057
00:56:59,850 --> 00:57:01,483
What we discovered here
1058
00:57:01,485 --> 00:57:04,920
Is an aerial photograph
of masada.
1059
00:57:04,922 --> 00:57:07,623
It was taken,
as is clearly written here,
1060
00:57:07,625 --> 00:57:11,693
Masada, 29th of December 1924
1061
00:57:11,695 --> 00:57:13,695
At 12:15,
1062
00:57:13,697 --> 00:57:17,399
A pilots from squadron 14
of the royal force
1063
00:57:17,401 --> 00:57:21,904
Took off from amman in jordan,
flew to over masada
1064
00:57:21,906 --> 00:57:26,475
And recorded the site
just before the excavation.
1065
00:57:26,477 --> 00:57:27,910
♪
1066
00:57:27,912 --> 00:57:29,745
Narrator: Looking carefully
at the image,
1067
00:57:29,747 --> 00:57:33,215
Guy identifies two strange
and mysterious dark patches
1068
00:57:33,217 --> 00:57:36,151
That no one
had ever noticed before.
1069
00:57:36,153 --> 00:57:40,189
What are these
bizarre shadows?
1070
00:57:40,191 --> 00:57:43,192
In the middle of this split,
actually discover
1071
00:57:43,194 --> 00:57:46,061
The black holes
that I was not aware of,
1072
00:57:46,063 --> 00:57:51,400
And this led us to excavate here
in the last two years.
1073
00:57:51,402 --> 00:57:52,868
Narrator:
Thanks to this photograph,
1074
00:57:52,870 --> 00:57:56,905
Guy makes
a completely new discovery.
1075
00:57:56,907 --> 00:57:58,640
Stiebel:
Once we start to excavate,
1076
00:57:58,642 --> 00:58:01,944
We immediately hit
a water cistern.
1077
00:58:01,946 --> 00:58:03,645
Narrator:
His excavation unearths
1078
00:58:03,647 --> 00:58:07,082
A water cistern right
at the heart of masada.
1079
00:58:07,084 --> 00:58:08,317
Built by herod,
1080
00:58:08,319 --> 00:58:12,621
But still in use
at the time of the revolt.
1081
00:58:12,623 --> 00:58:14,656
With a cistern actually unable,
1082
00:58:14,658 --> 00:58:16,959
The rebels on top of masada
1083
00:58:16,961 --> 00:58:21,029
To provides themself
with drinking water.
1084
00:58:21,031 --> 00:58:23,599
♪
1085
00:58:23,601 --> 00:58:24,800
Narrator:
There is enough water here
1086
00:58:24,802 --> 00:58:29,571
To last 1,000 people
10 years.
1087
00:58:29,573 --> 00:58:31,507
What is exciting here
is the fact
1088
00:58:31,509 --> 00:58:35,444
That we have here story
of survival of the people.
1089
00:58:35,446 --> 00:58:36,845
And you need water.
1090
00:58:36,847 --> 00:58:40,182
So a water system from the time
of king herod the great
1091
00:58:40,184 --> 00:58:43,619
Was reused again by the rebels.
1092
00:58:43,621 --> 00:58:46,788
Narrator: But the rebels
also need to eat.
1093
00:58:46,790 --> 00:58:51,727
Today, almost nothing
grows here.
1094
00:58:51,729 --> 00:58:57,065
Guy's team take soil samples
from the palace for analysis.
1095
00:58:57,067 --> 00:58:59,568
Dr. Dafna langgut
from tel aviv university
1096
00:58:59,570 --> 00:59:02,371
Examines them.
1097
00:59:02,373 --> 00:59:05,440
Dafna looks for evidence
of agriculture at masada.
1098
00:59:05,442 --> 00:59:08,911
♪
1099
00:59:08,913 --> 00:59:12,981
Pollen is the most durable
organic substance in nature
1100
00:59:12,983 --> 00:59:15,050
And it can be preserved
in sediments
1101
00:59:15,052 --> 00:59:18,687
For hundreds of thousands
of years.
1102
00:59:18,689 --> 00:59:20,222
Narrator:
Ancient pollen in the soil
1103
00:59:20,224 --> 00:59:24,126
Will identify plant species.
1104
00:59:24,128 --> 00:59:28,196
So basically this grains
are the fingerprints of plants.
1105
00:59:28,198 --> 00:59:29,531
For example,
1106
00:59:29,533 --> 00:59:35,070
Now I have identified a pollen
grain of cypress tree.
1107
00:59:35,072 --> 00:59:37,673
Narrator: These grains reveal
that a huge number of plants
1108
00:59:37,675 --> 00:59:40,475
Are grown
on top of the mountain.
1109
00:59:40,477 --> 00:59:46,615
We manage to identify pollen
such as olives, grapes,
1110
00:59:46,617 --> 00:59:49,384
Sycamores, fig, pomegranate,
1111
00:59:49,386 --> 00:59:53,221
And cypress trees as well.
1112
00:59:53,223 --> 00:59:56,358
Narrator: Dafna believes herod
originally brings fertile soil
1113
00:59:56,360 --> 00:59:58,093
To the top of the mountain
1114
00:59:58,095 --> 01:00:01,697
Turning the arid landscape
into a lush, productive garden.
1115
01:00:01,699 --> 01:00:09,538
♪
1116
01:00:09,540 --> 01:00:12,574
Water is channeled from
the cisterns onto the plateau
1117
01:00:12,576 --> 01:00:15,477
To grow grapes,
date palms, and fruit trees.
1118
01:00:15,479 --> 01:00:19,681
♪
1119
01:00:19,683 --> 01:00:21,950
And the harvest laid out
to dry in the sun
1120
01:00:21,952 --> 01:00:24,019
To preserve it.
1121
01:00:24,021 --> 01:00:31,026
♪
1122
01:00:31,028 --> 01:00:32,427
In the fort's store rooms,
1123
01:00:32,429 --> 01:00:36,365
There are reserves of water
and stockpiles of grain
1124
01:00:36,367 --> 01:00:40,435
That can be used to bake bread
1125
01:00:40,437 --> 01:00:42,571
And dove cuts within the walls
1126
01:00:42,573 --> 01:00:45,807
Allow the refugees
to breed birds for food
1127
01:00:45,809 --> 01:00:47,876
And harvest fertilizer
for their crops.
1128
01:00:47,878 --> 01:00:52,447
♪
1129
01:00:52,449 --> 01:00:57,219
Herod builds all this
when it was his palace.
1130
01:00:57,221 --> 01:00:59,655
Just imagine that
70 years later,
1131
01:00:59,657 --> 01:01:01,857
This was a perfect location
1132
01:01:01,859 --> 01:01:05,794
For the rebels
to find asylum in.
1133
01:01:05,796 --> 01:01:08,363
♪
1134
01:01:08,365 --> 01:01:10,265
Narrator: Discoveries reveal
that rebels,
1135
01:01:10,267 --> 01:01:13,101
Refugees, and essenes at masada
1136
01:01:13,103 --> 01:01:15,704
Have all the water
and food they need
1137
01:01:15,706 --> 01:01:19,307
Giving them a shot at survival.
1138
01:01:19,309 --> 01:01:22,344
They try to rebuild
from the broken
1139
01:01:22,346 --> 01:01:24,046
Remains of their lives,
1140
01:01:24,048 --> 01:01:27,349
They're trying to recreate
something new.
1141
01:01:27,351 --> 01:01:32,154
♪
1142
01:01:32,156 --> 01:01:33,922
Narrator: But herod's
mountaintop fortress
1143
01:01:33,924 --> 01:01:38,960
Is not as safe as the rebels,
refugees, and essenes hope.
1144
01:01:38,962 --> 01:01:41,863
Three years after
the destruction of jerusalem,
1145
01:01:41,865 --> 01:01:45,734
Masada is the last rebel
stronghold left standing.
1146
01:01:45,736 --> 01:01:48,637
But the romans will never cease
until all of judea
1147
01:01:48,639 --> 01:01:51,073
Is brought to heel.
1148
01:01:51,075 --> 01:01:53,475
In the spring of 73 a.D.,
1149
01:01:53,477 --> 01:01:57,979
A roman legion descends
on the mighty fortress.
1150
01:01:57,981 --> 01:02:01,183
Stiebel: Seeing the roman scouts
appearing on the horizon
1151
01:02:01,185 --> 01:02:04,519
Would be terrifying.
1152
01:02:04,521 --> 01:02:07,022
Narrator: No one on top of
masada can be in any doubt
1153
01:02:07,024 --> 01:02:08,957
About what is coming.
1154
01:02:08,959 --> 01:02:10,892
Stiebel:
This was not the fair game.
1155
01:02:10,894 --> 01:02:12,828
You don't mess with the romans.
1156
01:02:12,830 --> 01:02:15,564
We're talking about
the most powerful army
1157
01:02:15,566 --> 01:02:18,533
In the ancient world.
1158
01:02:18,535 --> 01:02:20,402
Narrator: Does the roman March
on masada
1159
01:02:20,404 --> 01:02:24,973
Finally signal the arrival
of the apocalypse long foretold
1160
01:02:24,975 --> 01:02:28,243
In the essenes dead sea scrolls
doomsday prophecy?
1161
01:02:28,245 --> 01:02:33,348
♪
1162
01:02:35,419 --> 01:02:39,821
♪
1163
01:02:39,823 --> 01:02:41,923
Narrator: The writers of
the dead sea scrolls,
1164
01:02:41,925 --> 01:02:46,495
The essenes, hold out at masada.
1165
01:02:46,497 --> 01:02:49,364
With them, jewish rebels
and hundreds of refugees
1166
01:02:49,366 --> 01:02:52,968
From the roman
reconquest of judea.
1167
01:02:52,970 --> 01:02:56,805
The jews have held out here
for three years.
1168
01:02:56,807 --> 01:03:00,742
Now 1,500 feet below,
a vast roman army gathers.
1169
01:03:00,744 --> 01:03:03,879
♪
1170
01:03:03,881 --> 01:03:05,547
But how did the romans
lay siege
1171
01:03:05,549 --> 01:03:08,583
To a mountain fortress
like masada?
1172
01:03:08,585 --> 01:03:12,454
Investigator guy stiebel
and his team look for answers.
1173
01:03:12,456 --> 01:03:15,390
♪
1174
01:03:15,392 --> 01:03:17,959
They use innovative drone
mapping technology
1175
01:03:17,961 --> 01:03:21,596
To capture a complete
3d model of the roman siege.
1176
01:03:21,598 --> 01:03:23,899
♪
1177
01:03:23,901 --> 01:03:27,269
Their new survey reveals
the assault of masada
1178
01:03:27,271 --> 01:03:32,007
In unprecedented detail.
1179
01:03:32,009 --> 01:03:36,044
Once the romans decided
to besiege masada
1180
01:03:36,046 --> 01:03:37,579
And to send to the desert
1181
01:03:37,581 --> 01:03:42,184
Between six to 8,000 soldiers,
they mean business.
1182
01:03:42,186 --> 01:03:44,853
-Can you zoom in?
-Yeah, yeah.
1183
01:03:44,855 --> 01:03:46,054
Narrator: Guy and his team
1184
01:03:46,056 --> 01:03:48,423
Used the results
of the drone survey
1185
01:03:48,425 --> 01:03:50,759
To examine
the roman siege system.
1186
01:03:50,761 --> 01:03:52,761
It's a very, very steep.
1187
01:03:52,763 --> 01:03:55,730
So in a lot of places you
cannot take picture of that.
1188
01:03:55,732 --> 01:03:59,334
So what we're doing
is photogrammetry.
1189
01:03:59,336 --> 01:04:01,469
Narrator: The drone captures
hundreds of still images
1190
01:04:01,471 --> 01:04:03,538
From many different angles.
1191
01:04:03,540 --> 01:04:06,107
Afterwards we put it
into the software
1192
01:04:06,109 --> 01:04:08,877
And it makes a 3d model.
1193
01:04:08,879 --> 01:04:11,146
Narrator: The new technology
allows the archeologist
1194
01:04:11,148 --> 01:04:15,750
To survey a virtual model
of the whole site.
1195
01:04:15,752 --> 01:04:17,118
-We can see two stages here.
-Indeed.
1196
01:04:17,120 --> 01:04:19,254
We have these walls
and that wall
1197
01:04:19,256 --> 01:04:22,090
And you can see how
steep it is.
1198
01:04:22,092 --> 01:04:24,392
Now you can see a difference.
Yeah, yeah.
1199
01:04:24,394 --> 01:04:27,863
Having now is 3d
modeling and all the data
1200
01:04:27,865 --> 01:04:32,100
Actually allow me
to reconstruct the actual arena,
1201
01:04:32,102 --> 01:04:37,339
Where this very important
siege actually took place.
1202
01:04:37,341 --> 01:04:39,107
Narrator: Roman siege systems
are built using
1203
01:04:39,109 --> 01:04:43,278
A standardized plan
and construction technique,
1204
01:04:43,280 --> 01:04:46,081
But guy's survey reveals
that at masada
1205
01:04:46,083 --> 01:04:50,685
They use a unique approach.
1206
01:04:50,687 --> 01:04:55,624
Stone blocks reveal the remains
of a roman siege fort.
1207
01:04:55,626 --> 01:04:58,226
Behind its
six foot perimeter wall,
1208
01:04:58,228 --> 01:05:01,396
The romans set up 100 tents
to house their legions.
1209
01:05:01,398 --> 01:05:04,833
♪
1210
01:05:04,835 --> 01:05:08,303
They assemble
eight of these forts
1211
01:05:08,305 --> 01:05:11,539
And build a six-foot
high siege wall to connect them.
1212
01:05:11,541 --> 01:05:14,376
♪
1213
01:05:14,378 --> 01:05:16,478
12 tall towers along the wall
1214
01:05:16,480 --> 01:05:19,581
Allow legionnaires
to keep watch 24/7.
1215
01:05:19,583 --> 01:05:22,584
♪
1216
01:05:22,586 --> 01:05:24,753
The romans build
a two-mile long wall
1217
01:05:24,755 --> 01:05:28,156
That wraps around
the entire mountain,
1218
01:05:28,158 --> 01:05:32,727
Locking the rebels inside.
1219
01:05:32,729 --> 01:05:35,964
There was no way out
for the rebels whatsoever.
1220
01:05:35,966 --> 01:05:37,766
♪
1221
01:05:37,768 --> 01:05:40,335
Narrator: The refuge of masada
is now a prison.
1222
01:05:40,337 --> 01:05:43,171
♪
1223
01:05:43,173 --> 01:05:44,739
From the wrong point of view,
1224
01:05:44,741 --> 01:05:48,143
There was like a drill set
in advance
1225
01:05:48,145 --> 01:05:50,712
Of what we were going
to do step by step.
1226
01:05:50,714 --> 01:05:55,083
This plan a, plan b,
and plan c.
1227
01:05:55,085 --> 01:05:57,452
Narrator: Each roman camp
is highly organized
1228
01:05:57,454 --> 01:06:01,323
And operates
like a miniature settlement.
1229
01:06:01,325 --> 01:06:02,657
At the heart of each camp
1230
01:06:02,659 --> 01:06:05,760
Lies the commander's tent
and control center,
1231
01:06:05,762 --> 01:06:09,064
Military court,
and guard station,
1232
01:06:09,066 --> 01:06:13,001
And shrines
to worship the gods.
1233
01:06:13,003 --> 01:06:17,172
The regular legionnaires
live in stonewalled tents,
1234
01:06:17,174 --> 01:06:18,673
Where up to eight men sleep
1235
01:06:18,675 --> 01:06:20,909
And eat together
in a tight knit unit.
1236
01:06:20,911 --> 01:06:24,980
♪
1237
01:06:24,982 --> 01:06:28,917
A legionaries daily duties
include a three-hour guard watch
1238
01:06:28,919 --> 01:06:34,189
And rigorous drills
and combat training.
1239
01:06:34,191 --> 01:06:36,524
But at masada, they spend
most of their day
1240
01:06:36,526 --> 01:06:39,828
Building siege structures
under the baking desert sun.
1241
01:06:39,830 --> 01:06:46,167
♪
1242
01:06:46,169 --> 01:06:47,635
The rebels have the means
1243
01:06:47,637 --> 01:06:51,706
To survive
the roman siege indefinitely.
1244
01:06:51,708 --> 01:06:55,210
But the romans are eager
to end the stalemate quickly.
1245
01:06:55,212 --> 01:06:59,247
♪
1246
01:06:59,249 --> 01:07:03,585
The essenes war scroll
prophesizes a final battle
1247
01:07:03,587 --> 01:07:06,921
Between the sons of light
and the sons of darkness.
1248
01:07:06,923 --> 01:07:11,126
A battle in which
the sons of light will triumph.
1249
01:07:11,128 --> 01:07:12,794
Can the defenders hold out
1250
01:07:12,796 --> 01:07:17,032
And scatter the roman army
to the winds
1251
01:07:17,034 --> 01:07:18,366
Fulfilling the prophecy
1252
01:07:18,368 --> 01:07:21,870
By finally defeating
the ancient world's superpower.
1253
01:07:21,872 --> 01:07:26,841
♪
1254
01:07:28,745 --> 01:07:32,380
♪
1255
01:07:32,382 --> 01:07:37,452
Narrator: The last stronghold
of the jewish rebellion, masada.
1256
01:07:37,454 --> 01:07:40,622
In the desert sands below
a huge roman army
1257
01:07:40,624 --> 01:07:42,891
Prepares its assault.
1258
01:07:42,893 --> 01:07:45,460
The doomsday prophecy
comes to a climax.
1259
01:07:45,462 --> 01:07:48,730
♪
1260
01:07:48,732 --> 01:07:52,300
The romans are experts
in siege warfare.
1261
01:07:52,302 --> 01:07:54,202
But they have never
attempted to storm
1262
01:07:54,204 --> 01:07:56,337
Anywhere like herod's palace.
1263
01:07:56,339 --> 01:08:00,742
♪
1264
01:08:00,744 --> 01:08:02,510
The 8,000 roman soldiers
1265
01:08:02,512 --> 01:08:06,581
Besieging masada face
a daunting task.
1266
01:08:06,583 --> 01:08:09,284
Steep, slippery inclines
and sheer cliffs
1267
01:08:09,286 --> 01:08:10,985
Surround the jewish stronghold.
1268
01:08:10,987 --> 01:08:15,090
♪
1269
01:08:15,092 --> 01:08:18,159
The rebels have an almost
unlimited supply of water
1270
01:08:18,161 --> 01:08:21,262
From huge cisterns inside
and on top of the mountain.
1271
01:08:21,264 --> 01:08:24,632
♪
1272
01:08:24,634 --> 01:08:27,335
Around the citadel is a tall
double wall
1273
01:08:27,337 --> 01:08:30,772
Over six feet thick with
30 towers guarding the approach.
1274
01:08:30,774 --> 01:08:34,275
♪
1275
01:08:34,277 --> 01:08:36,945
Can the rebels
survive the siege?
1276
01:08:36,947 --> 01:08:41,983
Or will the romans finally
extinguish the jewish revolt?
1277
01:08:41,985 --> 01:08:44,552
They couldn't use
the classical technique
1278
01:08:44,554 --> 01:08:49,090
Of just rolling a battering ram
on top of a tower.
1279
01:08:49,092 --> 01:08:52,694
♪
1280
01:08:52,696 --> 01:08:54,963
Narrator: The romans must find
a way to overcome
1281
01:08:54,965 --> 01:08:59,367
Almost 1,500 feet
of sheer cliff.
1282
01:08:59,369 --> 01:09:02,804
Their answer to build
this giant ramp.
1283
01:09:02,806 --> 01:09:06,975
♪
1284
01:09:06,977 --> 01:09:10,311
Guy investigates why
the romans build it here.
1285
01:09:10,313 --> 01:09:11,813
They decided to take
advantage...
1286
01:09:11,815 --> 01:09:13,681
[ speaks indistinctly ]
1287
01:09:13,683 --> 01:09:16,017
That we're standing
on top of.
1288
01:09:16,019 --> 01:09:17,285
Narrator: The romans,
choose this spot
1289
01:09:17,287 --> 01:09:21,222
To cut by half the height
they must build the ramp.
1290
01:09:21,224 --> 01:09:24,526
Even so, building
an almost 500-foot ramp
1291
01:09:24,528 --> 01:09:27,962
In desert heat tests roman
military expertise to the limit.
1292
01:09:27,964 --> 01:09:33,601
♪
1293
01:09:33,603 --> 01:09:35,003
The romans must shift
1294
01:09:35,005 --> 01:09:37,572
Hundreds of thousands of tons
of rubble
1295
01:09:37,574 --> 01:09:39,841
Before the ramp reaches
the fortress.
1296
01:09:39,843 --> 01:09:43,378
♪
1297
01:09:43,380 --> 01:09:46,414
Only then can they finally
move their siege towers
1298
01:09:46,416 --> 01:09:49,184
Up to the defensive walls
and begin an assault.
1299
01:09:49,186 --> 01:09:52,020
♪
1300
01:09:52,022 --> 01:09:55,456
Guy believes the romans
work surprisingly fast.
1301
01:09:55,458 --> 01:09:59,360
We do know from the american
army, from second world war,
1302
01:09:59,362 --> 01:10:01,996
How many stones,
what is a volume of stone,
1303
01:10:01,998 --> 01:10:04,866
A soldier,
a fit soldier can move a day.
1304
01:10:04,868 --> 01:10:07,368
We can actually calculate
the minimum,
1305
01:10:07,370 --> 01:10:09,404
Maximum time it would take
the roman
1306
01:10:09,406 --> 01:10:13,441
To build the siege system.
1307
01:10:13,443 --> 01:10:14,809
Narrator:
Using these calculations,
1308
01:10:14,811 --> 01:10:16,844
Guy works out
that the romans build the ramp
1309
01:10:16,846 --> 01:10:18,880
In less than nine weeks.
1310
01:10:18,882 --> 01:10:24,485
♪
1311
01:10:24,487 --> 01:10:27,288
It's an astonishing achievement.
1312
01:10:27,290 --> 01:10:29,224
But how do they build it
so quickly
1313
01:10:29,226 --> 01:10:32,327
In the fierce summer heat?
1314
01:10:32,329 --> 01:10:34,963
Stiebel: We're in the middle
of the desert. It is hot.
1315
01:10:34,965 --> 01:10:36,998
Every day that
you stay down here,
1316
01:10:37,000 --> 01:10:40,835
You need to provide yourself
with more food, with more water.
1317
01:10:40,837 --> 01:10:43,905
The quicker you finish,
your soldier will be happier,
1318
01:10:43,907 --> 01:10:46,341
You will lose less life.
1319
01:10:46,343 --> 01:10:48,276
So it is, indeed, imperative
1320
01:10:48,278 --> 01:10:50,945
For them to get up there
as quickly as possible.
1321
01:10:50,947 --> 01:10:53,915
♪
1322
01:10:53,917 --> 01:10:56,584
Narrator: Guy investigates
mysterious wooden fragments
1323
01:10:56,586 --> 01:10:59,120
Sticking out of the ramp.
1324
01:10:59,122 --> 01:11:04,392
He thinks they are a clue
to its rapid construction.
1325
01:11:04,394 --> 01:11:06,027
What is pretty amazing is that
1326
01:11:06,029 --> 01:11:10,498
We have here a organic remains
of branches and trees
1327
01:11:10,500 --> 01:11:14,836
That are laid here
that they survived 2,000 years.
1328
01:11:14,838 --> 01:11:17,739
We can actually see
the line here.
1329
01:11:17,741 --> 01:11:19,707
One after the other.
1330
01:11:19,709 --> 01:11:23,611
And if you go another meter up,
you can see few mores.
1331
01:11:23,613 --> 01:11:26,681
By that, you're creating
kind of shelves and boxes
1332
01:11:26,683 --> 01:11:29,517
That supported the rocks
and the soil,
1333
01:11:29,519 --> 01:11:31,286
It was done quickly here,
1334
01:11:31,288 --> 01:11:36,424
Allowing the romans
to storm masada.
1335
01:11:36,426 --> 01:11:39,093
Narrator: The roman attack now
centers on the defensive wall
1336
01:11:39,095 --> 01:11:43,364
Of the fortress at the very top
of the giant ramp,
1337
01:11:43,366 --> 01:11:45,800
So the entire story
1338
01:11:45,802 --> 01:11:49,504
Actually focus into 25 meters,
1339
01:11:49,506 --> 01:11:51,673
Just the penetration
points and bridge
1340
01:11:51,675 --> 01:11:57,245
To which the roman ramp
actually led.
1341
01:11:57,247 --> 01:12:02,150
Narrator: The romans prepare
their final onslaught.
1342
01:12:02,152 --> 01:12:03,951
But the essenes's
doomsday prophecy
1343
01:12:03,953 --> 01:12:08,189
Reveals the defenders of masada
are ready to fight.
1344
01:12:08,191 --> 01:12:10,258
There is a public image of them,
1345
01:12:10,260 --> 01:12:13,127
A sort of an indian ashram
in the middle of nowhere,
1346
01:12:13,129 --> 01:12:15,496
People that look
for peace and quiet.
1347
01:12:15,498 --> 01:12:17,765
But when you actually read
the war scroll,
1348
01:12:17,767 --> 01:12:22,303
You can see that the writer
knew much about the art of war.
1349
01:12:22,305 --> 01:12:24,939
♪
1350
01:12:24,941 --> 01:12:27,642
Narrator: The war scroll
dictates that essene priests
1351
01:12:27,644 --> 01:12:30,178
Should lead the sons of light
into a giant battle
1352
01:12:30,180 --> 01:12:34,015
Against the sons of darkness.
1353
01:12:34,017 --> 01:12:36,918
It's a military plan
that even details the music
1354
01:12:36,920 --> 01:12:40,455
That should herald
the start of combat.
1355
01:12:40,457 --> 01:12:43,024
So certainly some
of the essenes
1356
01:12:43,026 --> 01:12:46,928
Were actually very capable
of carrying arms
1357
01:12:46,930 --> 01:12:51,466
And using them
against the romans.
1358
01:12:51,468 --> 01:12:53,434
Narrator: And high above
the roman troops,
1359
01:12:53,436 --> 01:12:57,805
The rebels seemed
to hold all the cards.
1360
01:12:57,807 --> 01:13:01,242
The rebels provided
themselves with ammunition,
1361
01:13:01,244 --> 01:13:05,980
Rolling stones, big stones.
1362
01:13:05,982 --> 01:13:08,082
Narrator:
This stone barrage rains down
1363
01:13:08,084 --> 01:13:09,484
On roman siege engineers
1364
01:13:09,486 --> 01:13:14,155
At the foot
of masada's massive walls.
1365
01:13:14,157 --> 01:13:16,057
How do the romans
protect themselves
1366
01:13:16,059 --> 01:13:17,992
From the rebels
on the ramparts above?
1367
01:13:17,994 --> 01:13:22,663
♪
1368
01:13:22,665 --> 01:13:26,801
Guy's excavations
may reveal the answer.
1369
01:13:26,803 --> 01:13:29,036
What you see here is
a ballista ball
1370
01:13:29,038 --> 01:13:31,506
Made of limestone,
a local limestone.
1371
01:13:31,508 --> 01:13:35,510
The weight is what we call
two pounds, two roman pounds,
1372
01:13:35,512 --> 01:13:37,578
Roughly 600 grams.
1373
01:13:37,580 --> 01:13:39,580
And just imagine
something like that
1374
01:13:39,582 --> 01:13:42,750
Flying from a distance
of 400 meters.
1375
01:13:42,752 --> 01:13:47,555
This was meant to kill
or harm human beings.
1376
01:13:47,557 --> 01:13:49,991
♪
1377
01:13:49,993 --> 01:13:52,727
Narrator: This ballista ball
is evidence the roman artillery
1378
01:13:52,729 --> 01:13:56,597
Protects its engineers
with volleys of covering fire.
1379
01:13:56,599 --> 01:14:02,770
♪
1380
01:14:02,772 --> 01:14:04,872
Len morgan is an expert
in building
1381
01:14:04,874 --> 01:14:07,575
And testing ancient
roman weaponry.
1382
01:14:07,577 --> 01:14:10,411
He's investigating how
the fearsome weapons are used
1383
01:14:10,413 --> 01:14:12,280
By the roman legions at masada.
1384
01:14:12,282 --> 01:14:17,218
♪
1385
01:14:17,220 --> 01:14:20,154
Within a legion,
you would have 60 bolt shooters
1386
01:14:20,156 --> 01:14:22,657
Or arrow shooters
called catapultas.
1387
01:14:22,659 --> 01:14:25,460
You would also have
10 larger machines
1388
01:14:25,462 --> 01:14:27,028
Called the ballista.
1389
01:14:27,030 --> 01:14:29,297
Towards james. Lift it up.
1390
01:14:29,299 --> 01:14:34,469
Narrator: Ballista and catapulta
work in a similar way.
1391
01:14:34,471 --> 01:14:38,005
Len tests catapulta
that fires iron tip bolts.
1392
01:14:38,007 --> 01:14:40,942
♪
1393
01:14:40,944 --> 01:14:42,610
Morgan: The main source
of the power
1394
01:14:42,612 --> 01:14:43,978
Is the rope...
[ speaks indistinctly ]
1395
01:14:43,980 --> 01:14:47,315
On either side
of the front of the machine.
1396
01:14:47,317 --> 01:14:49,984
When it's twisted,
that's the spring.
1397
01:14:49,986 --> 01:14:55,022
That's what projects the bolt
from the bow string.
1398
01:14:55,024 --> 01:14:57,325
Narrator: The bolts are deadly.
1399
01:14:57,327 --> 01:15:00,561
It uses a bolt
like this iron headed,
1400
01:15:00,563 --> 01:15:04,332
Sharp pointed, designed
to penetrate through shields,
1401
01:15:04,334 --> 01:15:05,933
Through body armor.
1402
01:15:05,935 --> 01:15:07,568
Right, bolt in.
1403
01:15:07,570 --> 01:15:10,338
Go.
1404
01:15:10,340 --> 01:15:12,306
Narrator:
Len uses a speed radar gun
1405
01:15:12,308 --> 01:15:16,744
To measure the velocity
and killing power of the bolt.
1406
01:15:16,746 --> 01:15:18,012
Morgan: What we want to know
1407
01:15:18,014 --> 01:15:20,681
Is the speed of the bolt
through the air.
1408
01:15:20,683 --> 01:15:23,251
And ideally,
we want to be pushing up to
1409
01:15:23,253 --> 01:15:25,553
About 100 miles an hour.
1410
01:15:25,555 --> 01:15:27,622
[ speaks indistinctly ]
1411
01:15:27,624 --> 01:15:28,789
Len, I got 83.
1412
01:15:28,791 --> 01:15:31,926
Well, I'm sure
we can do better than that.
1413
01:15:31,928 --> 01:15:33,961
-91.
-Well, that's better.
1414
01:15:33,963 --> 01:15:35,396
At the present moment,
1415
01:15:35,398 --> 01:15:38,900
We've achieved about 90 that
I think can be improved on,
1416
01:15:38,902 --> 01:15:41,335
Especially if we do some more
tensioning up on the machines.
1417
01:15:41,337 --> 01:15:43,938
[ speaks indistinctly ]
1418
01:15:43,940 --> 01:15:45,206
Okay, bolt in.
1419
01:15:45,208 --> 01:15:47,108
It caused
an awful lot of trauma,
1420
01:15:47,110 --> 01:15:48,609
A bit like a modern bullet.
1421
01:15:48,611 --> 01:15:49,710
It's going to take you out
1422
01:15:49,712 --> 01:15:51,245
Whether it's a killing blow
or not.
1423
01:15:51,247 --> 01:15:55,650
♪
1424
01:15:55,652 --> 01:15:57,552
Narrator:
Fully tensioned catapultas
1425
01:15:57,554 --> 01:16:01,155
Have a range of up to 400 yards
1426
01:16:01,157 --> 01:16:03,457
Easily enough
to reach the ramparts of masada
1427
01:16:03,459 --> 01:16:06,761
From a safe distance
while the ramp is constructed.
1428
01:16:06,763 --> 01:16:09,497
They'll be dropping down in
various places within the walls
1429
01:16:09,499 --> 01:16:11,432
And possibly causing casualties
for people
1430
01:16:11,434 --> 01:16:13,534
Moving around
within the fortifications.
1431
01:16:13,536 --> 01:16:18,105
♪
1432
01:16:18,107 --> 01:16:20,408
Narrator: At masada, the romans
used their artillery
1433
01:16:20,410 --> 01:16:22,743
To lay down suppressing fire.
1434
01:16:22,745 --> 01:16:26,747
How many missiles can a roman
artillery crew fire per minute?
1435
01:16:26,749 --> 01:16:29,850
Right, the object to
the exercise is get many bolts
1436
01:16:29,852 --> 01:16:32,653
Away as we can,
operate as a team.
1437
01:16:32,655 --> 01:16:35,389
Start!
1438
01:16:35,391 --> 01:16:36,857
Drop any two.
1439
01:16:36,859 --> 01:16:39,260
[ speaks indistinctly ]
1440
01:16:39,262 --> 01:16:41,963
Slide the forward, wind back.
1441
01:16:41,965 --> 01:16:43,631
30 seconds.
1442
01:16:43,633 --> 01:16:44,699
[ speaks indistinctly ]
1443
01:16:44,701 --> 01:16:46,968
In they go, straight in.
1444
01:16:46,970 --> 01:16:49,670
[ speaks indistinctly ]
1445
01:16:49,672 --> 01:16:52,540
One minute, 20.
1446
01:16:52,542 --> 01:16:56,811
♪
1447
01:16:56,813 --> 01:16:58,512
All right,
how we doing with time?
1448
01:16:58,514 --> 01:17:00,081
One minute, 30 seconds.
1449
01:17:00,083 --> 01:17:03,684
1 1/2 minutes
to get full bolts away.
1450
01:17:03,686 --> 01:17:05,586
Really top trained crew,
1451
01:17:05,588 --> 01:17:09,190
Could be pushing out five,
maybe six bolts in a minute.
1452
01:17:09,192 --> 01:17:11,025
Especially when you're
under the stress of action,
1453
01:17:11,027 --> 01:17:12,627
When you've got enemy
charging up on you
1454
01:17:12,629 --> 01:17:16,564
And you're gonna go flat out,
hit it.
1455
01:17:16,566 --> 01:17:20,234
Narrator: Each roman legion has
up to 60 machines like this
1456
01:17:20,236 --> 01:17:24,472
And legionnaires are drilled
to work to maximum efficiency.
1457
01:17:24,474 --> 01:17:25,973
You've got a volley of these
1458
01:17:25,975 --> 01:17:29,944
From a legionary machines
of 60 machines.
1459
01:17:29,946 --> 01:17:31,679
You get them crashing around
all around you
1460
01:17:31,681 --> 01:17:34,215
And people going down,
screaming and shouting,
1461
01:17:34,217 --> 01:17:36,450
It's going to cause
utter panic within the ranks.
1462
01:17:36,452 --> 01:17:39,620
♪
1463
01:17:39,622 --> 01:17:41,188
Narrator:
The rebels defending masada
1464
01:17:41,190 --> 01:17:45,059
Face devastating firepower.
1465
01:17:45,061 --> 01:17:48,562
10 ballistas down
the every minute there is
1466
01:17:48,564 --> 01:17:53,267
A stone in the air, catapultas
shooting constantly.
1467
01:17:53,269 --> 01:17:57,138
So you can just imagine how
difficult it was for the jews,
1468
01:17:57,140 --> 01:17:59,807
Even just to raise their head.
1469
01:17:59,809 --> 01:18:02,777
The entire ammunition
of the romans
1470
01:18:02,779 --> 01:18:05,513
Were directed to unleash hell.
1471
01:18:05,515 --> 01:18:12,053
♪
1472
01:18:12,055 --> 01:18:14,455
Narrator: The rebels can do
nothing to stop the romans
1473
01:18:14,457 --> 01:18:15,956
Erecting their siege towers
1474
01:18:15,958 --> 01:18:18,392
And slowly climbing
the masada's walls.
1475
01:18:18,394 --> 01:18:26,000
♪
1476
01:18:26,002 --> 01:18:28,302
Only the fortress ramparts
now stand
1477
01:18:28,304 --> 01:18:31,472
Between the defenders
of masada and death
1478
01:18:31,474 --> 01:18:34,341
At the hands of the romans.
1479
01:18:34,343 --> 01:18:36,711
For the jews, it was, in a way,
1480
01:18:36,713 --> 01:18:39,046
The ultimate clash,
the sons of light
1481
01:18:39,048 --> 01:18:43,050
Against the son of darkness.
1482
01:18:43,052 --> 01:18:45,186
Narrator: The essenes
have escaped doomsday
1483
01:18:45,188 --> 01:18:47,521
At qumran and jerusalem.
1484
01:18:47,523 --> 01:18:51,025
Do they face it now at masada?
1485
01:18:51,027 --> 01:18:54,328
In the final battle
1486
01:18:54,330 --> 01:18:57,598
Between the sons of light
and the sons of darkness.
1487
01:18:57,600 --> 01:19:02,770
♪
1488
01:19:04,774 --> 01:19:10,010
♪
1489
01:19:10,012 --> 01:19:11,479
Narrator: 2,000 years ago,
1490
01:19:11,481 --> 01:19:13,514
The writers
of the dead sea scrolls
1491
01:19:13,516 --> 01:19:16,550
Hide their sacred texts
in remote desert caves.
1492
01:19:16,552 --> 01:19:20,755
♪
1493
01:19:20,757 --> 01:19:22,389
Known as the essenes,
1494
01:19:22,391 --> 01:19:26,961
They never return
to retrieve them.
1495
01:19:26,963 --> 01:19:29,363
One of their scrolls,
the war scroll,
1496
01:19:29,365 --> 01:19:31,465
Prophesizes
is a doomsday battle
1497
01:19:31,467 --> 01:19:34,468
Between the forces of light
and darkness.
1498
01:19:34,470 --> 01:19:37,571
Now the essenes
are gathered at masada
1499
01:19:37,573 --> 01:19:42,309
As the romans prepare to launch
their final attack.
1500
01:19:42,311 --> 01:19:45,112
Once they were faced
with the romans,
1501
01:19:45,114 --> 01:19:47,982
It was very clear
it was life or death.
1502
01:19:47,984 --> 01:19:51,218
There was no other option.
1503
01:19:51,220 --> 01:19:53,254
Narrator: The romans now use
their battering rams
1504
01:19:53,256 --> 01:19:56,924
And siege towers
to crush the fortress walls.
1505
01:19:56,926 --> 01:20:02,096
♪
1506
01:20:02,098 --> 01:20:03,964
And to remove
a second barricade
1507
01:20:03,966 --> 01:20:06,400
The defenders have built up,
1508
01:20:06,402 --> 01:20:11,672
The romans set fire to it.
1509
01:20:11,674 --> 01:20:14,608
As the sun goes down,
the romans pause their attack.
1510
01:20:14,610 --> 01:20:18,012
♪
1511
01:20:18,014 --> 01:20:20,748
Stiebel: And it's a very
symbolic sunset.
1512
01:20:20,750 --> 01:20:24,785
It was very clear
that the end was near.
1513
01:20:24,787 --> 01:20:26,187
Narrator:
Guy turns to an account
1514
01:20:26,189 --> 01:20:30,624
By an ancient roman
jewish historian, josephus.
1515
01:20:30,626 --> 01:20:35,529
There was one act only that
you can still do and die
1516
01:20:35,531 --> 01:20:39,834
As pride man and that is
to commit suicide.
1517
01:20:39,836 --> 01:20:43,170
Narrator: 10 rebels take
the lives of the other 900 men,
1518
01:20:43,172 --> 01:20:45,005
Women, and children
1519
01:20:45,007 --> 01:20:48,776
Before one kills the final nine
and sets fire to the fort.
1520
01:20:48,778 --> 01:20:51,145
♪
1521
01:20:51,147 --> 01:20:53,447
And takes his own life.
1522
01:20:53,449 --> 01:20:57,451
♪
1523
01:20:57,453 --> 01:21:03,090
When the romans enter masada,
all the inhabitants are dead.
1524
01:21:03,092 --> 01:21:06,026
The apocalypse, the essenes
predict in their scrolls
1525
01:21:06,028 --> 01:21:09,463
Becomes reality.
1526
01:21:09,465 --> 01:21:11,866
But it's the sons
of darkness that win,
1527
01:21:11,868 --> 01:21:15,669
Not the sons of light.
1528
01:21:15,671 --> 01:21:19,173
Guy stiebel believes the sect
perform one last significant act
1529
01:21:19,175 --> 01:21:22,810
Before they die.
1530
01:21:22,812 --> 01:21:25,512
His excavations at masada
unearth a cave
1531
01:21:25,514 --> 01:21:27,982
Just like those at qumran.
1532
01:21:27,984 --> 01:21:33,454
The people of qumran used
to place their scrolls in jars
1533
01:21:33,456 --> 01:21:38,259
And put it in caves.
1534
01:21:38,261 --> 01:21:39,593
Narrator: In the fines lab,
1535
01:21:39,595 --> 01:21:41,996
Guy examines
this remarkable piece of pottery
1536
01:21:41,998 --> 01:21:44,398
Found among the cave debris.
1537
01:21:44,400 --> 01:21:48,602
He identifies the fragment
of a pot from its shape.
1538
01:21:48,604 --> 01:21:49,870
Actually, we are very thrilled.
1539
01:21:49,872 --> 01:21:52,940
We just discover a fragment
of what we believe
1540
01:21:52,942 --> 01:21:57,077
Is a cylindrical jar
of the type,
1541
01:21:57,079 --> 01:21:58,913
The ones that the essene,
1542
01:21:58,915 --> 01:22:02,349
People of qumran used to store
their scroll in
1543
01:22:02,351 --> 01:22:06,754
And it was found in the cave
just next to the dining hall.
1544
01:22:06,756 --> 01:22:07,988
Narrator:
He believes that this pot
1545
01:22:07,990 --> 01:22:11,392
Matches the design of the jars
found in qumran
1546
01:22:11,394 --> 01:22:13,961
That contain
the dead sea scrolls.
1547
01:22:13,963 --> 01:22:17,131
♪
1548
01:22:17,133 --> 01:22:20,234
Is this evidence that
the essenes is facing death,
1549
01:22:20,236 --> 01:22:24,004
Hide their last sacred scrolls
in a cave at masada,
1550
01:22:24,006 --> 01:22:26,807
Just like they do at qumran?
1551
01:22:26,809 --> 01:22:31,278
For us to have that on top
of masada in context in the cave
1552
01:22:31,280 --> 01:22:34,915
Is extremely,
extremely significant.
1553
01:22:34,917 --> 01:22:38,585
Narrator: After masada,
the essenes vanish from history,
1554
01:22:38,587 --> 01:22:41,288
An end foretold
in a remarkable prophecy
1555
01:22:41,290 --> 01:22:45,859
That survives 2,000 years
in a desert cave.
1556
01:22:45,861 --> 01:22:49,263
The essenes that were here
on top of masada died.
1557
01:22:49,265 --> 01:22:52,533
But their ideas
clearly continued.
1558
01:22:52,535 --> 01:23:00,708
♪
1559
01:23:00,710 --> 01:23:04,478
The essenes left us an enormous
amount of information
1560
01:23:04,480 --> 01:23:07,948
That tells us about the world
of jesus,
1561
01:23:07,950 --> 01:23:11,685
Judaism in this period,
and ultimately the context
1562
01:23:11,687 --> 01:23:16,657
From which early christianity
would emerge.
1563
01:23:16,659 --> 01:23:18,292
Narrator: Without the discovery
of these caves
1564
01:23:18,294 --> 01:23:20,327
And ancient scrolls,
1565
01:23:20,329 --> 01:23:21,895
The oldest bible in the world
1566
01:23:21,897 --> 01:23:24,865
Would remain lost
in the judean desert
1567
01:23:24,867 --> 01:23:29,036
And the essenes would have been
consigned to oblivion.
1568
01:23:29,038 --> 01:23:33,907
But today, the whole world
can read the dead sea scrolls
1569
01:23:33,909 --> 01:23:37,077
And its terrifying
prophecy of doomsday.
1570
01:23:37,079 --> 01:23:46,453
♪
1571
01:23:46,455 --> 01:23:55,629
♪
1572
01:23:55,631 --> 01:24:05,039
♪
1573
01:24:05,041 --> 01:24:08,509
♪
136416
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