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Corey jaskolski: On a scale
from one to ten,
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00:00:06,574 --> 00:00:08,107
If those anomalies
are voids or passageways,
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00:00:08,109 --> 00:00:09,908
It's an absolute ten.
4
00:00:09,910 --> 00:00:11,577
Narrator: A revolution
in technology
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00:00:11,579 --> 00:00:16,315
Is opening up a golden age
of archaeological discovery.
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00:00:16,317 --> 00:00:18,317
Corey: This is it,
this hole here drops off
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A good 60 feet deep,
totally fatal to fall down.
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00:00:21,422 --> 00:00:23,389
Guillermo "memo" de anda:
Let's do it.
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00:00:23,391 --> 00:00:25,824
Narrator:
And national geographic
has exclusive access
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00:00:25,826 --> 00:00:28,327
To document
this groundbreaking journey.
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00:00:28,329 --> 00:00:30,229
Corey: Anytime you do a dive
with a bunch of new technology
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00:00:30,231 --> 00:00:33,565
And you come back with all the
technology, that's a win, right?
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00:00:33,567 --> 00:00:35,200
Narrator:
This team of explorers,
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00:00:35,202 --> 00:00:38,537
Led by one of the world's
foremost experts on the maya,
15
00:00:38,539 --> 00:00:41,940
Are embarking on
an unprecedented expedition...
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00:00:41,942 --> 00:00:43,208
Chris millbern:
I'm definitely seeing stuff.
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00:00:43,210 --> 00:00:45,110
I'm pretty wildly excited
right now.
18
00:00:45,112 --> 00:00:47,279
Narrator: ...On a quest
to stare deep underneath
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00:00:47,281 --> 00:00:50,049
The hallowed grounds
of chichén itzá...
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00:00:50,051 --> 00:00:54,887
Using lasers, drones,
and digital 3d modeling.
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00:00:54,889 --> 00:00:59,091
Corey: That's a big anomaly that
I didn't expect to be there.
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00:00:59,093 --> 00:01:00,826
Narrator: All in an effort
to unearth
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One of the world's
most epic mysteries
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00:01:03,197 --> 00:01:07,132
Beneath one of the greatest
civilizations:
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The buried truth of the maya.
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00:01:12,306 --> 00:01:16,141
65 million years ago,
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00:01:16,143 --> 00:01:18,811
An asteroid
careened toward earth,
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00:01:18,813 --> 00:01:23,515
And smashed into
mexico's yucatán peninsula.
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00:01:23,517 --> 00:01:30,122
Its apocalyptic impact
wiped out the dinosaurs
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And killed 75%
of all life on earth.
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Over time
thousands of sinkholes
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And underground caverns formed
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Through the cracks
in the limestone.
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Filled with water,
these cenotes set the stage
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For life to take hold
once more.
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00:01:57,485 --> 00:02:01,353
Many millions of years later,
a highly advanced civilization
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00:02:01,355 --> 00:02:04,256
Formed around
these water sources.
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00:02:04,258 --> 00:02:08,360
This life-sustaining resource
fueled the rise of the maya,
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00:02:08,362 --> 00:02:11,830
The largest civilization in the
western hemisphere at the time.
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00:02:16,070 --> 00:02:18,070
One of the most central
and sacred sites
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In the entire maya kingdom
was called...
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Chichén itzá.
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Memo: Maya is a fascinating
civilization.
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00:02:30,084 --> 00:02:31,450
They're in the middle
of the jungle,
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They were so wise,
they did astronomical science,
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And they do sacrifices
or they do offerings into caves.
47
00:02:41,695 --> 00:02:43,562
Narrator: Perhaps
the ancient maya understood
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00:02:43,564 --> 00:02:46,465
This region's cataclysmic past.
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00:02:48,335 --> 00:02:52,204
Because they also thought
that to bring about water,
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And life itself,
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00:02:55,209 --> 00:02:57,709
Chaac, the maya god of rain,
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Required offerings
such as jewels, bloodletting,
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And sometimes human sacrifice.
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00:03:05,152 --> 00:03:07,352
Memo: Scholars have said
that this is the place
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To deposit the hearts
of victims.
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00:03:12,126 --> 00:03:14,526
Narrator: Today,
we're in a rare moment
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00:03:14,528 --> 00:03:19,831
Of archaeological discovery in
the world of the ancient maya.
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00:03:19,833 --> 00:03:22,501
Recent scientific surveys
suggest that the maya
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00:03:22,503 --> 00:03:24,970
Could have built
secret underground tunnels
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00:03:24,972 --> 00:03:27,973
And chambers
beneath chichén itzá.
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00:03:30,344 --> 00:03:34,413
According to maya folklore,
the most sacred cave,
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Possibly full of generations
worth of jewels, gold, bones,
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00:03:38,485 --> 00:03:41,620
And other lost treasures
sacrificed to the gods,
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Could lie beneath one of their
holiest temples, el castillo.
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00:03:48,128 --> 00:03:51,296
But to this day,
this underground cave remains
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One of the greatest
unsolved mysteries
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At the heart of chichén itzá.
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Finding an entrance
into this potential crypt
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Under el castillo
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00:04:01,175 --> 00:04:02,874
Would be one of
the biggest discoveries
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00:04:02,876 --> 00:04:05,410
Of the 21st century,
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00:04:05,412 --> 00:04:07,579
And could yield
untold discoveries
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00:04:07,581 --> 00:04:10,582
And archaeological treasures.
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Corey: This is a massive cavern.
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00:04:12,886 --> 00:04:14,052
Chris: Yeah, no, that's huge.
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Corey: Memo!
Memo: Hey, what's up?
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Chris: Hey, man!
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00:04:16,724 --> 00:04:19,391
Corey: How's it going?
Good, buddy. Good to see you.
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00:04:19,393 --> 00:04:20,659
Chris: Long time no see, man!
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00:04:20,661 --> 00:04:22,527
Narrator: Uncovering it
is bringing two teams
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Of archaeologists and
technologists together.
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00:04:25,899 --> 00:04:27,065
Chris: Hey, we got
something to show you.
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00:04:27,067 --> 00:04:30,068
Corey: Yeah, yeah.
Check this out.
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00:04:30,070 --> 00:04:33,071
Narrator: Guillermo de anda,
aka "memo,"
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00:04:33,073 --> 00:04:36,675
Is an inah archaeologist,
a national geographic explorer,
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00:04:36,677 --> 00:04:40,145
And one of the world's foremost
experts on maya archaeology
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00:04:40,147 --> 00:04:42,047
And their underground secrets.
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Memo: I have been told
for years in this area
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That there is a huge cavern
beneath el castillo.
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00:04:48,355 --> 00:04:53,091
We know that caves have
this big preservation factor.
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00:04:53,093 --> 00:04:54,993
It's going to be big news
for the world,
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It's going to be
big news for mayanists,
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If we find a way to get into
the cave beneath el castillo.
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00:05:02,403 --> 00:05:05,904
Corey: This is from the droning,
the lidar and the camera work
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Around el castillo.
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00:05:07,107 --> 00:05:09,641
Memo: This is an amazing model,
huh? The detail.
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Corey: Yeah, it's really
coming together, hey?
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Narrator: Joining memo is the
pioneering technology company
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00:05:14,481 --> 00:05:16,281
Virtual wonders.
100
00:05:16,283 --> 00:05:19,318
Together, they're creating
a high-tech 3d model
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00:05:19,320 --> 00:05:23,088
Of chichén itzá, in the hopes
of pinpointing an entrance
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Into the hidden well
beneath the central pyramid.
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Corey: My name is
corey jaskolski.
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00:05:27,961 --> 00:05:30,395
At virtual wonders I'm
the chief technology officer,
105
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So, responsible for getting
all these crazy technologies
106
00:05:32,900 --> 00:05:35,200
To work and come together
and play well in the field.
107
00:05:35,202 --> 00:05:36,802
Virtual wonders
goes around the world
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00:05:36,804 --> 00:05:39,805
To cultural and natural places,
and tries to 3d scan them,
109
00:05:39,807 --> 00:05:42,107
So that we can preserve
and share these places
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With the entire world.
111
00:05:43,977 --> 00:05:46,878
Working in these ancient sites
that are thousands of years old,
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00:05:46,880 --> 00:05:49,614
With a ground-penetrating radar
or laser scanner
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00:05:49,616 --> 00:05:51,717
That scans
a million points per second,
114
00:05:51,719 --> 00:05:53,618
You can only imagine what
the people of those times
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00:05:53,620 --> 00:05:55,220
Would have thought
of these technologies.
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They would've thought we brought
down gifts from the gods
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00:05:57,157 --> 00:05:59,324
To help understand
the world better,
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00:05:59,326 --> 00:06:01,626
And, in a way, that's true.
119
00:06:01,628 --> 00:06:03,528
Things that I get probably
most excited about,
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00:06:03,530 --> 00:06:05,731
Even far more than this data,
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00:06:05,733 --> 00:06:07,699
Is el castillo not being aligned
122
00:06:07,701 --> 00:06:09,801
Between cenote sagrado
and xtoloc.
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00:06:09,803 --> 00:06:12,637
Memo: And we know the maya
didn't leave anything to chance.
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00:06:12,639 --> 00:06:16,641
What we believe is they are
trying to put el castillo...
125
00:06:16,643 --> 00:06:19,144
Corey: On top of
something important.
126
00:06:19,146 --> 00:06:20,879
Narrator: The city planners
erected the pyramids
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00:06:20,881 --> 00:06:22,447
At the proximate intersection
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00:06:22,449 --> 00:06:28,186
Between four giant underground
water wells called "cenotes,"
129
00:06:28,188 --> 00:06:31,957
To the north, south,
east, and west.
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00:06:31,959 --> 00:06:34,393
Curiously,
the maya built this pyramid
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52 and a half feet off center,
132
00:06:37,865 --> 00:06:40,198
Leaving it mysteriously
unaligned,
133
00:06:40,200 --> 00:06:41,767
Which is unimaginable,
134
00:06:41,769 --> 00:06:43,135
Given the maya's legendary
135
00:06:43,137 --> 00:06:46,271
Mathematical and
architectural precision.
136
00:06:46,273 --> 00:06:49,007
Some scientists believe that
the maya built this pyramid
137
00:06:49,009 --> 00:06:53,545
Off-center to tower above
a pre-existing sacred cave,
138
00:06:53,547 --> 00:06:56,782
Forming a link to the spirits
of the underworld.
139
00:06:56,784 --> 00:06:59,518
Could this cave be filled
with undiscovered treasures
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00:06:59,520 --> 00:07:02,854
And sacrificial offerings
left for the gods?
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00:07:02,856 --> 00:07:04,089
Corey: I would have put this,
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00:07:04,091 --> 00:07:05,590
El castillo right between
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00:07:05,592 --> 00:07:07,392
Xtoloc and sagrado,
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00:07:07,394 --> 00:07:08,693
Not, you know,
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00:07:08,695 --> 00:07:10,095
Not offset between the two.
146
00:07:10,097 --> 00:07:12,531
The fact that el castillo
is not well aligned
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00:07:12,533 --> 00:07:14,366
With cenote sagrado and xtoloc,
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00:07:14,368 --> 00:07:17,436
Which as an engineer, I look
at that and I say to myself,
149
00:07:17,438 --> 00:07:19,538
You know, if you asked me
to build our biggest,
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00:07:19,540 --> 00:07:21,740
Most important building
for our culture,
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00:07:21,742 --> 00:07:24,075
I would have aligned it well
between the cenotes.
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00:07:24,077 --> 00:07:25,710
It's off by about 16 meters,
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00:07:25,712 --> 00:07:28,280
Which is a pretty big
margin of error for the maya.
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00:07:28,282 --> 00:07:30,382
Memo: We have to look
very, very hard on this
155
00:07:30,384 --> 00:07:35,787
And work very hard on this
because, corey, I want us there.
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♪ ♪
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Narrator: The ancient maya's
prowess in engineering,
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00:07:45,199 --> 00:07:48,533
Mathematics, and astronomy
is legendary.
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00:07:48,535 --> 00:07:51,369
They invented the mathematical
concept of zero,
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00:07:51,371 --> 00:07:52,871
And they designed
their buildings
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With the heavens in mind.
162
00:07:55,676 --> 00:08:00,278
This can be seen twice a year
during the equinox,
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00:08:00,280 --> 00:08:04,282
When, on the northern staircase
of el castillo,
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00:08:04,284 --> 00:08:07,152
The movement of shadows gives
the impression of a serpent
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00:08:07,154 --> 00:08:09,855
Slithering down
into the underworld.
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00:08:14,428 --> 00:08:15,927
Corey: Not everyone
would climb this, right?
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00:08:15,929 --> 00:08:19,030
It was only the priests would
have, or the rulers, right?
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00:08:19,032 --> 00:08:22,267
Memo: Yes, yes. Only them.
169
00:08:22,269 --> 00:08:24,135
Narrator: Towering
to impressive heights,
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00:08:24,137 --> 00:08:28,907
Each of the pyramid's sides
has 91 perilous steps.
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00:08:28,909 --> 00:08:34,012
Including all four sides,
the number of steps totals 364.
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The final step into the sacred
temple on top totals 365,
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The same number of days
in the year.
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00:08:41,355 --> 00:08:43,488
Memo: Wow!
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Corey: This is something.
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00:08:45,359 --> 00:08:48,827
You really get a sense of its
power, which is why it existed,
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00:08:48,829 --> 00:08:50,161
To get closer to the gods
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And show the power
of the civilization.
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00:08:52,966 --> 00:08:55,400
Memo: We're closer to heaven.
180
00:08:55,402 --> 00:08:58,803
We're on top of the big,
sacred mountain of the maya.
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Holtun right in front of us,
sacred cenote to the north,
182
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Xtoloc to the south,
xkanjuyum to the east.
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00:09:06,980 --> 00:09:08,013
Corey: To go up there with memo
184
00:09:08,015 --> 00:09:09,648
And to, you know,
survey the land
185
00:09:09,650 --> 00:09:11,850
And look at what we're doing
is incredibly important.
186
00:09:11,852 --> 00:09:15,487
So, I think there's definitely
something under el castillo,
187
00:09:15,489 --> 00:09:17,889
We don't know what,
and I think a lot more studies
188
00:09:17,891 --> 00:09:20,825
Need to be done in order
to tell us for sure.
189
00:09:23,397 --> 00:09:25,597
Narrator: To dig deeper
into this mystery,
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00:09:25,599 --> 00:09:27,666
Memo and the virtual wonders
team are looking
191
00:09:27,668 --> 00:09:31,036
To a recent study for clues
to find any entrance
192
00:09:31,038 --> 00:09:35,473
Into the potential cave
under el castillo.
193
00:09:35,475 --> 00:09:37,042
With their new technology,
194
00:09:37,044 --> 00:09:39,878
Can they crack the code
and find an entry point?
195
00:09:39,880 --> 00:09:41,246
Corey: Memo, you'll remember
this data,
196
00:09:41,248 --> 00:09:42,881
This is from rene chavez.
197
00:09:42,883 --> 00:09:45,216
Memo: I remember this well,
this is what started it all.
198
00:09:45,218 --> 00:09:48,053
Corey: They put probes all over
the ground around el castillo,
199
00:09:48,055 --> 00:09:49,888
And they measured the,
basically how well
200
00:09:49,890 --> 00:09:51,723
Electricity flowed
through the ground.
201
00:09:51,725 --> 00:09:53,191
Narrator:
Modern electrical systems
202
00:09:53,193 --> 00:09:56,328
Generally employ metal wire
to conduct electricity,
203
00:09:56,330 --> 00:09:57,929
But depending
on the circumstances,
204
00:09:57,931 --> 00:10:00,765
Electricity can also
conduct through soil.
205
00:10:00,767 --> 00:10:04,869
Corey: What he found was
these, these anomalies.
206
00:10:04,871 --> 00:10:08,139
What he shows is an area
of higher conductivity,
207
00:10:08,141 --> 00:10:10,842
They think maybe a cenote
under el castillo.
208
00:10:10,844 --> 00:10:13,078
This is what sort of started it,
all this was the...
209
00:10:13,080 --> 00:10:15,413
There were a lot of media
that were saying,
210
00:10:15,415 --> 00:10:17,349
"they found a cenote for sure
under el castillo."
211
00:10:17,351 --> 00:10:18,817
Memo: Yes, I know, I know,
this was a big thing.
212
00:10:18,819 --> 00:10:19,851
Narrator: Various materials
213
00:10:19,853 --> 00:10:21,920
Conduct electricity
differently,
214
00:10:21,922 --> 00:10:25,423
So what could be causing these
areas of higher conductivity?
215
00:10:25,425 --> 00:10:28,393
And could this be connected
to an actual subsurface world
216
00:10:28,395 --> 00:10:30,395
Beneath el castillo?
217
00:10:30,397 --> 00:10:31,529
Memo: It's not confirmed data,
218
00:10:31,531 --> 00:10:34,265
But it makes sense
under the perspective
219
00:10:34,267 --> 00:10:35,900
Of the oral tradition,
the legends,
220
00:10:35,902 --> 00:10:37,369
The myths around here
221
00:10:37,371 --> 00:10:40,338
That have always said there's
something under castillo.
222
00:10:40,340 --> 00:10:41,339
Corey: Right.
223
00:10:41,341 --> 00:10:42,674
Memo: If we can find the cenote,
224
00:10:42,676 --> 00:10:44,075
If there is a cenote
or a cave down there,
225
00:10:44,077 --> 00:10:47,078
Which I personally
believe it is,
226
00:10:47,080 --> 00:10:50,582
We are going to find
an amazing offering.
227
00:10:50,584 --> 00:10:53,218
Narrator: Because of chichén
itzá's historic standing,
228
00:10:53,220 --> 00:10:55,920
The team can't physically
excavate the grounds.
229
00:10:55,922 --> 00:10:58,523
However,
by analyzing these data,
230
00:10:58,525 --> 00:11:00,091
The teams develop a strategy
231
00:11:00,093 --> 00:11:03,061
To search for
a long-lost entrance.
232
00:11:03,063 --> 00:11:04,929
Memo: The best chance is to go
233
00:11:04,931 --> 00:11:06,731
Right to the center
of el castillo.
234
00:11:06,733 --> 00:11:07,866
Corey: I agree.
235
00:11:07,868 --> 00:11:09,100
Memo: And see if we can get
better results
236
00:11:09,102 --> 00:11:13,638
And find a way to understand
this thing better.
237
00:11:13,640 --> 00:11:14,739
Corey: It needs
a lot more exploration
238
00:11:14,741 --> 00:11:16,541
To figure out what it really is.
239
00:11:16,543 --> 00:11:22,213
♪ ♪
240
00:11:22,215 --> 00:11:25,884
Akasha sutherland: Today's the
gpr, ground-penetrating radar.
241
00:11:25,886 --> 00:11:28,720
You're moving this lawn mower
back and forth,
242
00:11:28,722 --> 00:11:30,221
And so while we're moving,
243
00:11:30,223 --> 00:11:33,425
Then at the end we get this
nice, clear picture of voids,
244
00:11:33,427 --> 00:11:35,760
Or if there are any
reflective spaces
245
00:11:35,762 --> 00:11:38,997
That we don't know exactly
what's below there.
246
00:11:38,999 --> 00:11:41,566
Corey: So, we're actually,
we're looking about 25 feet deep
247
00:11:41,568 --> 00:11:43,034
Through the ground
here right now.
248
00:11:43,036 --> 00:11:44,569
Akasha: Yeah.
249
00:11:44,571 --> 00:11:46,237
Narrator: With the hopes
of tracking down an entrance,
250
00:11:46,239 --> 00:11:48,740
This device gives them
basically x-ray vision
251
00:11:48,742 --> 00:11:51,376
Below the earth
without physically altering it.
252
00:11:51,378 --> 00:11:52,644
Akasha: Slow?
253
00:11:52,646 --> 00:11:53,912
Corey: Yeah, a little slower,
yup, there you go,
254
00:11:53,914 --> 00:11:54,946
There's the pace, yeah.
255
00:11:54,948 --> 00:11:57,215
Akasha is our
chief communications
256
00:11:57,217 --> 00:11:58,717
And outreach officer.
257
00:11:58,719 --> 00:12:01,019
She's the reason that a lot
of our field stuff runs smooth.
258
00:12:01,021 --> 00:12:03,121
Akasha: I know how to use
the lidar systems.
259
00:12:03,123 --> 00:12:05,890
I am a strobe goddess.
260
00:12:05,892 --> 00:12:08,460
So this takes
thousands of images
261
00:12:08,462 --> 00:12:11,963
To create a perfect 3d model
of the structure.
262
00:12:11,965 --> 00:12:13,398
It's all about
hitting the ground,
263
00:12:13,400 --> 00:12:14,699
Just feeling comfortable
with yourself,
264
00:12:14,701 --> 00:12:16,835
And once you have
that established,
265
00:12:16,837 --> 00:12:18,970
Then everything else
is kind of cake.
266
00:12:18,972 --> 00:12:20,939
Corey: I mean, her spirit
is just unstoppable,
267
00:12:20,941 --> 00:12:22,874
She is always happy,
always smiling.
268
00:12:22,876 --> 00:12:24,042
It doesn't matter
what's happening,
269
00:12:24,044 --> 00:12:26,478
It doesn't matter if,
you know, we're injured
270
00:12:26,480 --> 00:12:29,147
And going to the er, she's got
a big smile on her face
271
00:12:29,149 --> 00:12:32,517
And is trying to lift
everybody up around her.
272
00:12:32,519 --> 00:12:33,518
Akasha: How's it looking?
273
00:12:33,520 --> 00:12:34,552
Corey: Looking good.
274
00:12:34,554 --> 00:12:35,954
Akasha: Yeah?
275
00:12:35,956 --> 00:12:37,021
Corey: There's actually
a little anomaly
276
00:12:37,023 --> 00:12:38,656
At the beginning
of those stairs.
277
00:12:38,658 --> 00:12:40,291
Akasha: Alright,
I'm marking it right now.
278
00:12:40,293 --> 00:12:41,793
Corey: Alright. Cool.
Got the mark.
279
00:12:41,795 --> 00:12:43,161
Akasha: Got it?
280
00:12:43,163 --> 00:12:45,296
Narrator: The gpr
immediately finds something.
281
00:12:45,298 --> 00:12:48,833
Hints of a mysterious
subterranean world rise up.
282
00:12:48,835 --> 00:12:51,002
Akasha: We don't know exactly
what's below there.
283
00:12:51,004 --> 00:12:55,006
We get this nice, clear picture
of voids or reflective spaces.
284
00:12:55,008 --> 00:12:56,341
Corey: Alright!
285
00:12:56,343 --> 00:12:59,644
And now we can go inside
and catch the inside bit.
286
00:12:59,646 --> 00:13:00,945
Akasha: Let's go in!
287
00:13:00,947 --> 00:13:03,615
Corey: Cool!
288
00:13:03,617 --> 00:13:06,117
Try to bang that right up
against the wall.
289
00:13:06,119 --> 00:13:07,519
Just nice and slow,
nice and slow!
290
00:13:07,521 --> 00:13:09,287
(beep)
cool.
291
00:13:09,289 --> 00:13:10,955
Whoa, I'm seeing stuff,
keep going.
292
00:13:10,957 --> 00:13:11,956
(akasha gasps)
293
00:13:11,958 --> 00:13:13,558
Narrator: This mysterious void,
294
00:13:13,560 --> 00:13:16,561
Found only a few feet away
from el castillo,
295
00:13:16,563 --> 00:13:19,364
Might connect to
the hidden chamber below.
296
00:13:19,366 --> 00:13:21,900
And if it does,
could this void lead the team
297
00:13:21,902 --> 00:13:23,768
To an undiscovered entrance?
298
00:13:23,770 --> 00:13:26,604
And possibly generations'
worth of ancient treasures
299
00:13:26,606 --> 00:13:28,807
Sacrificed to the maya gods?
300
00:13:40,487 --> 00:13:44,489
Narrator: Chichén itzá...
301
00:13:44,491 --> 00:13:49,360
Was a dominant capital
of the maya world.
302
00:13:49,362 --> 00:13:51,996
Recent scientific evidence
suggests the existence
303
00:13:51,998 --> 00:13:53,364
Of a mysterious chamber
304
00:13:53,366 --> 00:13:55,800
Beneath the massive ruin
of el castillo.
305
00:13:55,802 --> 00:13:56,901
Corey: Whoa, I'm seeing stuff,
keep going.
306
00:13:56,903 --> 00:13:58,002
(akasha gasps)
307
00:13:58,004 --> 00:13:59,437
Narrator:
And using high-tech tools,
308
00:13:59,439 --> 00:14:02,740
The virtual wonders team,
alongside maya experts,
309
00:14:02,742 --> 00:14:05,443
Are trying to find
an entrance into it.
310
00:14:10,750 --> 00:14:12,383
Corey: The biggest anomaly
was definitely
311
00:14:12,385 --> 00:14:13,585
On the entry over there.
312
00:14:13,587 --> 00:14:14,719
Akasha: Ok.
313
00:14:14,721 --> 00:14:16,554
Corey: We are indeed
the first to do the gpr
314
00:14:16,556 --> 00:14:19,591
Directly under el castillo,
that's a huge deal.
315
00:14:19,593 --> 00:14:22,660
Nice and slow and steady,
if you can.
316
00:14:26,600 --> 00:14:31,035
Yeah, we're seeing real good
about 15 feet deep or so.
317
00:14:31,037 --> 00:14:32,503
Past that it gets
a little noisy,
318
00:14:32,505 --> 00:14:33,671
But there's a lot we can do
319
00:14:33,673 --> 00:14:35,006
To clean this up
in the software, too.
320
00:14:35,008 --> 00:14:36,407
Akasha: Awesome.
321
00:14:36,409 --> 00:14:38,376
Corey: Yeah, it seems like
maybe three feet down or so
322
00:14:38,378 --> 00:14:41,312
There's probably a layer of rock
that might be either natural
323
00:14:41,314 --> 00:14:44,315
Or it might be like
the base that they built on.
324
00:14:44,317 --> 00:14:46,484
Akasha: Like the substructure?
Corey: Right.
325
00:14:46,486 --> 00:14:50,021
Corey: To be able to actually
image what's beneath that floor
326
00:14:50,023 --> 00:14:51,489
Is amazing.
327
00:14:51,491 --> 00:14:52,824
You know, on a scale
of one to ten,
328
00:14:52,826 --> 00:14:55,994
If those anomalies
are voids or passageways,
329
00:14:55,996 --> 00:14:57,929
It's an absolute ten.
330
00:15:01,268 --> 00:15:03,534
So we'll have to analyze the
data and see what it looks like.
331
00:15:03,536 --> 00:15:05,103
Akasha: Check it out.
332
00:15:07,874 --> 00:15:12,143
Narrator: While corey
processes the data,
333
00:15:12,145 --> 00:15:14,479
Memo brings another member
of virtual wonders
334
00:15:14,481 --> 00:15:17,148
Into the restricted areas
of el castillo...
335
00:15:17,150 --> 00:15:19,217
Kenny broad: When was the last
time you were in here?
336
00:15:19,219 --> 00:15:21,486
Memo: Well, it was about
a month ago, I believe.
337
00:15:21,488 --> 00:15:26,758
Narrator: ...Looking for any
clues about the chamber below.
338
00:15:26,760 --> 00:15:28,893
Memo: It's magical
just to be here,
339
00:15:28,895 --> 00:15:32,497
And thinking about how many
thousands of stone
340
00:15:32,499 --> 00:15:35,099
Are on top of our heads, man.
341
00:15:35,101 --> 00:15:38,069
So, let's not think
a lot about that. (laughs)
342
00:15:38,071 --> 00:15:41,139
Kenny: My name is kenny broad.
I'm the mission specialist.
343
00:15:41,141 --> 00:15:43,775
Narrator: Kenny broad is
a national geographic explorer
344
00:15:43,777 --> 00:15:46,945
And chief exploration officer
of the virtual wonders team.
345
00:15:46,947 --> 00:15:50,281
Corey: I would describe
kenny broad as a mad scientist.
346
00:15:50,283 --> 00:15:51,549
Narrator: As an expert caver,
347
00:15:51,551 --> 00:15:53,818
He and memo may be able
to add crucial insight
348
00:15:53,820 --> 00:15:56,421
On how to access the chamber
below the pyramid.
349
00:15:56,423 --> 00:15:57,422
Memo: There's very few people
350
00:15:57,424 --> 00:15:58,990
That have the privilege
to go in here.
351
00:15:58,992 --> 00:15:59,991
Kenny: I don't wanna wait.
352
00:15:59,993 --> 00:16:01,960
Memo: Alright, let's go!
353
00:16:01,962 --> 00:16:03,795
Kenny: Being involved
in a new discovery,
354
00:16:03,797 --> 00:16:06,331
It gives you this feeling
that you're doing something
355
00:16:06,333 --> 00:16:09,534
Larger than just yourself.
356
00:16:09,536 --> 00:16:11,336
Narrator: While there are
no portals to the underworld
357
00:16:11,338 --> 00:16:14,706
On the ground floor, they hike
up to a sacred chamber,
358
00:16:14,708 --> 00:16:17,208
Which holds some
intriguing clues.
359
00:16:17,210 --> 00:16:22,246
Memo: And this is the...
Amazing room.
360
00:16:24,484 --> 00:16:25,483
Kenny: Oh!
361
00:16:25,485 --> 00:16:26,551
Memo: Here we are.
362
00:16:26,553 --> 00:16:29,187
Kenny: Wow! Oh, my gosh,
that's incredible.
363
00:16:29,189 --> 00:16:34,792
Memo: Yeah, this is where
the king use to sit.
364
00:16:34,794 --> 00:16:37,962
Narrator: This is
the jaguar throne.
365
00:16:37,964 --> 00:16:39,831
Kenny: So the king
used to sit here?
366
00:16:39,833 --> 00:16:41,666
I mean, it really sticks out,
367
00:16:41,668 --> 00:16:44,502
Because it still has, I assume,
the original paint?
368
00:16:44,504 --> 00:16:45,970
Memo: Yes.
369
00:16:45,972 --> 00:16:47,505
Narrator: From this
royal throne,
370
00:16:47,507 --> 00:16:49,374
Kings watched countless humans
371
00:16:49,376 --> 00:16:54,345
Sacrificed to the rain god,
chaac, at this nearby altar.
372
00:16:57,550 --> 00:17:02,353
Could their remains lie
in the veiled crypt below?
373
00:17:02,355 --> 00:17:05,957
Kenny: And those are the
original insets. Is that jade?
374
00:17:05,959 --> 00:17:07,892
Memo: This is jade.
375
00:17:07,894 --> 00:17:10,862
Narrator: To the maya,
jade was a royal resource
376
00:17:10,864 --> 00:17:13,531
Used to communicate
with the gods.
377
00:17:13,533 --> 00:17:15,166
Kenny: But there's
no local jade, so.
378
00:17:15,168 --> 00:17:16,334
Memo: Exactly, yeah.
379
00:17:16,336 --> 00:17:18,703
They bring it all the way
from guatemala.
380
00:17:18,705 --> 00:17:24,409
It was one very important item,
only royalty had access to it.
381
00:17:24,411 --> 00:17:27,378
This context is not only
a royal context
382
00:17:27,380 --> 00:17:33,017
Where the king used to rest and
sit, it's also a funerary one.
383
00:17:33,019 --> 00:17:37,255
There's a relationship
with death here, and life.
384
00:17:37,257 --> 00:17:38,790
Kenny: Resurrection.
Memo: Resurrection.
385
00:17:38,792 --> 00:17:41,125
Kenny: The cycle.
Memo: The jaguar is a cycle.
386
00:17:41,127 --> 00:17:43,194
Narrator: The ornate
jaguar throne sits in front
387
00:17:43,196 --> 00:17:49,000
Of something even more
grim and ominous.
388
00:17:49,002 --> 00:17:51,269
Memo: This is an amazing wall
for a number of reasons,
389
00:17:51,271 --> 00:17:55,873
And what we see here,
it's embedded bones.
390
00:17:55,875 --> 00:18:02,480
They are long, long human bones
that are embedded on the wall.
391
00:18:02,482 --> 00:18:09,420
There's one there,
another one here, and there.
392
00:18:09,422 --> 00:18:11,456
My assumption
as a bioarchaeologist,
393
00:18:11,458 --> 00:18:14,092
I believe these are leg bones.
394
00:18:14,094 --> 00:18:15,827
Kenny: Looks like it would be
a femur or maybe...
395
00:18:15,829 --> 00:18:17,929
Memo: Exactly, or tibias.
396
00:18:17,931 --> 00:18:19,664
If you ask me I would say, yeah,
397
00:18:19,666 --> 00:18:22,500
That might represent
bones of ancestors.
398
00:18:22,502 --> 00:18:23,734
Kenny: Right.
399
00:18:23,736 --> 00:18:25,636
Memo: Or people very powerful.
400
00:18:25,638 --> 00:18:27,839
Kenny: What's your sense of
what could be behind this wall?
401
00:18:27,841 --> 00:18:32,643
Memo: Well, I do really believe
that there is something
402
00:18:32,645 --> 00:18:35,279
Intentionally deposited there,
403
00:18:35,281 --> 00:18:38,149
Given the sacredness
of the site,
404
00:18:38,151 --> 00:18:41,119
The importance of the place
within chichén itzá,
405
00:18:41,121 --> 00:18:44,088
I believe it could be
a burial back there.
406
00:18:44,090 --> 00:18:45,857
Kenny: I mean,
it makes logical sense.
407
00:18:45,859 --> 00:18:47,592
Memo: It makes sense, yes.
408
00:18:47,594 --> 00:18:49,961
Yeah, if somebody is buried here
409
00:18:49,963 --> 00:18:54,832
It was for sure
a very important person, a king.
410
00:18:54,834 --> 00:18:57,335
Narrator: Could the chamber
behind this wall of bones
411
00:18:57,337 --> 00:19:02,473
Have once provided a gateway
to the cave below?
412
00:19:02,475 --> 00:19:03,908
Kenny: I can feel the wind
coming through here.
413
00:19:03,910 --> 00:19:05,476
It's like you've...
414
00:19:05,478 --> 00:19:06,511
Memo: Oh, yeah.
You feel that? You feel that?
415
00:19:06,513 --> 00:19:07,845
Kenny: Yeah.
416
00:19:07,847 --> 00:19:11,015
Memo: That could be
a caving system down there.
417
00:19:11,017 --> 00:19:12,683
Kenny: No, and right,
when we explore caves,
418
00:19:12,685 --> 00:19:16,721
We look for that kind of breeze
as a, it's a sign.
419
00:19:16,723 --> 00:19:18,523
Memo: When we feel that breeze,
it's, "let's go."
420
00:19:18,525 --> 00:19:20,224
Kenny: Yeah.
421
00:19:20,226 --> 00:19:22,393
Some more evidence that
there's something beneath.
422
00:19:22,395 --> 00:19:25,363
Memo: And I think this means
that the cenote
423
00:19:25,365 --> 00:19:27,365
That we're looking for
might be down there.
424
00:19:27,367 --> 00:19:28,499
Kenny: Wow.
425
00:19:28,501 --> 00:19:30,201
Memo: Or maybe an entrance.
Kenny: Right.
426
00:19:30,203 --> 00:19:31,335
Memo: And you can see
some, some voids.
427
00:19:31,337 --> 00:19:33,871
Kenny: Right.
428
00:19:33,873 --> 00:19:35,973
Narrator: Because they can't
physically alter anything
429
00:19:35,975 --> 00:19:39,710
Inside el castillo,
kenny and memo carry on
430
00:19:39,712 --> 00:19:44,081
Looking for other ways in,
to no avail.
431
00:19:44,083 --> 00:19:47,051
But back at the
virtual wonders headquarters,
432
00:19:47,053 --> 00:19:50,321
Corey and akasha have processed
their gpr findings
433
00:19:50,323 --> 00:19:53,157
And discover
something promising.
434
00:19:53,159 --> 00:19:56,427
Corey: So we did this north face
first and went along this way,
435
00:19:56,429 --> 00:19:58,930
Right along the fence line,
about about a half meter
436
00:19:58,932 --> 00:20:02,033
From the fence line,
and then this way and this way.
437
00:20:02,035 --> 00:20:03,868
But what we're seeing here,
438
00:20:03,870 --> 00:20:06,137
These areas of
black-white-black like this
439
00:20:06,139 --> 00:20:08,072
Are very strong radar returns.
440
00:20:08,074 --> 00:20:09,674
I don't think they indicate
a void to me,
441
00:20:09,676 --> 00:20:11,742
But I think they indicate rock.
442
00:20:11,744 --> 00:20:15,313
There's nothing that interesting
on the north side to me.
443
00:20:15,315 --> 00:20:18,683
We then started over here
and dragged the south side
444
00:20:18,685 --> 00:20:21,018
Of the gpr
right on the corner here.
445
00:20:21,020 --> 00:20:23,054
Again, seems like
there's a rock base,
446
00:20:23,056 --> 00:20:25,590
But what's really interesting
to me is this return.
447
00:20:25,592 --> 00:20:29,827
So this is in the southeast
corner of el castillo,
448
00:20:29,829 --> 00:20:31,395
'cause this is between three
and four meters deep over here.
449
00:20:31,397 --> 00:20:32,897
Memo: Oh, wow,
that's deep enough.
450
00:20:32,899 --> 00:20:37,068
Corey: And there is what looks
like a really strong return.
451
00:20:37,070 --> 00:20:40,304
Memo: It looks like
a very irregular cavity, right?
452
00:20:40,306 --> 00:20:43,641
Corey: It looks, I mean, from a
single gpr radar-gram like that,
453
00:20:43,643 --> 00:20:45,710
Yeah, I would say
that looks like a cavity.
454
00:20:45,712 --> 00:20:47,078
Memo: So, like,
a natural cavity, I mean?
455
00:20:47,080 --> 00:20:48,346
Corey: It's hard to say,
456
00:20:48,348 --> 00:20:50,014
It's hard to say if
it's natural or man-made.
457
00:20:50,016 --> 00:20:52,183
All you can really say is
it's a really strong return
458
00:20:52,185 --> 00:20:53,751
That looks like a void.
459
00:20:53,753 --> 00:20:56,887
Memo: How far actually
from the corner?
460
00:20:56,889 --> 00:21:00,491
Corey: It's almost
exactly on the corner.
461
00:21:00,493 --> 00:21:02,927
Memo: Ok, that's
very, very interesting.
462
00:21:02,929 --> 00:21:03,928
Corey: Yeah.
Memo: Wow.
463
00:21:03,930 --> 00:21:05,329
Corey: What I now want
to show you,
464
00:21:05,331 --> 00:21:09,800
Kash and I took the gpr in this
excavated archaeology part
465
00:21:09,802 --> 00:21:12,903
Underneath here, this doorway,
and we dragged it back,
466
00:21:12,905 --> 00:21:16,407
And then the hallway turns
and goes into el castillo
467
00:21:16,409 --> 00:21:17,541
Towards that rock fall.
468
00:21:17,543 --> 00:21:18,709
Memo: Towards the center
of el castillo?
469
00:21:18,711 --> 00:21:20,111
Corey: Right.
470
00:21:20,113 --> 00:21:23,547
This right here is the brightest
radar reflection I've seen
471
00:21:23,549 --> 00:21:25,249
Anywhere in chichén itzá.
472
00:21:25,251 --> 00:21:26,484
Memo: It looks amazing.
473
00:21:26,486 --> 00:21:27,652
Corey: I've been dragging
this radar around.
474
00:21:27,654 --> 00:21:30,254
This to me is
a pretty clear void
475
00:21:30,256 --> 00:21:33,157
At, look at that,
three to four meters deep.
476
00:21:33,159 --> 00:21:34,225
Memo: Corey, I think
this is amazing,
477
00:21:34,227 --> 00:21:36,894
But what I think
what amazes me even more
478
00:21:36,896 --> 00:21:40,064
Is that both anomalies
are the same depth.
479
00:21:40,066 --> 00:21:41,465
Corey: Yup.
480
00:21:41,467 --> 00:21:46,470
Memo: So it might be a tunnel,
and that's very promising.
481
00:21:46,472 --> 00:21:48,873
Narrator: Could this potential
tunnel be the gateway
482
00:21:48,875 --> 00:21:50,975
To the proposed cenote below?
483
00:21:50,977 --> 00:21:53,944
If so, where is its entrance?
484
00:21:53,946 --> 00:21:56,447
Corey: The thing with gpr
that I always think about is,
485
00:21:56,449 --> 00:21:57,782
If you see something
486
00:21:57,784 --> 00:21:59,884
And you don't see anything
like that anywhere else,
487
00:21:59,886 --> 00:22:02,286
Then you're like,
"ok, one weird anomaly."
488
00:22:02,288 --> 00:22:04,388
But the whole thing is with gpr
489
00:22:04,390 --> 00:22:05,890
When you start
building up a story,
490
00:22:05,892 --> 00:22:07,858
When you start saying, whoa,
we're seeing weird stuff
491
00:22:07,860 --> 00:22:09,627
At three and a half
to four meters here.
492
00:22:09,629 --> 00:22:11,128
Memo: Might have comparison.
493
00:22:11,130 --> 00:22:13,864
Corey: Maybe, you know, I think
it builds more meaning to me.
494
00:22:13,866 --> 00:22:16,634
That's a big anomaly that
I didn't expect to be there.
495
00:22:16,636 --> 00:22:18,369
None of the rest of the area
looks like that.
496
00:22:18,371 --> 00:22:20,371
The other side that
goes up the substructure
497
00:22:20,373 --> 00:22:22,373
Doesn't have any returns
that look like this.
498
00:22:22,375 --> 00:22:24,375
This is a,
this is a big neon sign
499
00:22:24,377 --> 00:22:25,776
Saying there's
something interesting.
500
00:22:25,778 --> 00:22:28,012
Memo: Yes! That might be it.
501
00:22:28,014 --> 00:22:30,448
Narrator: This possible tunnel
may lead in the direction
502
00:22:30,450 --> 00:22:35,786
Of another chichén itzá
landmark: El osario.
503
00:22:35,788 --> 00:22:39,890
El osario is also known as
the tomb of the high priest.
504
00:22:39,892 --> 00:22:42,626
Another temple on the grounds
of chichén itzá,
505
00:22:42,628 --> 00:22:44,161
Archaeologists have
traditionally thought
506
00:22:44,163 --> 00:22:47,131
That el osario
was built in 980 ad
507
00:22:47,133 --> 00:22:50,101
And modeled after
its bigger sister, el castillo.
508
00:22:50,103 --> 00:22:52,670
But there's an even more
stunning parallel.
509
00:22:52,672 --> 00:22:54,972
Memo: El osario
kind of replicates
510
00:22:54,974 --> 00:22:56,307
What we see in el castillo.
511
00:22:56,309 --> 00:22:57,641
Corey: Yeah, it looks
very much similar, yeah.
512
00:22:57,643 --> 00:23:01,946
Memo: It's a radial pyramid,
four access stairways,
513
00:23:01,948 --> 00:23:06,183
Snakes, snake heads at the end,
so the similarities are amazing,
514
00:23:06,185 --> 00:23:09,053
Why not thinking there's
a cavern also in el castillo.
515
00:23:09,055 --> 00:23:10,121
Corey: Yup.
516
00:23:10,123 --> 00:23:12,556
Memo: Guess what,
el osario was built
517
00:23:12,558 --> 00:23:15,025
Right on top
of a natural cavern.
518
00:23:15,027 --> 00:23:20,464
We think that this cavern might
have tunnels or passageways
519
00:23:20,466 --> 00:23:21,999
To get into this other tunnel.
520
00:23:22,001 --> 00:23:24,869
That makes sense because
they are very close,
521
00:23:24,871 --> 00:23:26,771
So it sounds like
a logical place
522
00:23:26,773 --> 00:23:30,107
To find a passageway
to el castillo.
523
00:23:34,847 --> 00:23:37,948
Narrator: The question is do
these underground passageways
524
00:23:37,950 --> 00:23:40,918
Connect to the chamber
beneath el castillo?
525
00:23:44,257 --> 00:23:45,956
Corey: They clearly
built the osario
526
00:23:45,958 --> 00:23:48,859
To be over that important cave.
527
00:23:48,861 --> 00:23:49,960
Narrator:
Because of the danger,
528
00:23:49,962 --> 00:23:52,062
Climbing el osario
is restricted
529
00:23:52,064 --> 00:23:53,831
To the general public.
530
00:23:56,769 --> 00:23:59,170
Corey: It's a set of mayan
stairs, and they're super steep,
531
00:23:59,172 --> 00:24:01,138
They're probably at like
a 45-degree angle,
532
00:24:01,140 --> 00:24:05,609
Like the stairs
outside of el castillo.
533
00:24:05,611 --> 00:24:06,811
Chris: Alright!
534
00:24:06,813 --> 00:24:08,412
So, we'll connect this up?
535
00:24:08,414 --> 00:24:10,147
Corey: Yeah, get it in there.
536
00:24:10,149 --> 00:24:12,283
(speaking spanish)
537
00:24:12,285 --> 00:24:15,820
♪ ♪
538
00:24:15,822 --> 00:24:22,326
♪ ♪
539
00:24:22,328 --> 00:24:23,461
Memo: We're looking
for tunnels here.
540
00:24:23,463 --> 00:24:24,962
Corey: Yes.
541
00:24:24,964 --> 00:24:28,265
Memo: I want you guys to look
for possible areas or gaps,
542
00:24:28,267 --> 00:24:30,401
And see if there's
a passageway behind.
543
00:24:30,403 --> 00:24:31,402
Corey: Totally. Yep.
544
00:24:31,404 --> 00:24:32,803
Narrator: To find any tunnels,
545
00:24:32,805 --> 00:24:35,005
The team must use
their high-tech tools
546
00:24:35,007 --> 00:24:37,308
In a difficult-to-reach spot.
547
00:24:37,310 --> 00:24:38,943
Memo: Very few people
have been here
548
00:24:38,945 --> 00:24:41,145
And nobody has been here
with technology.
549
00:24:41,147 --> 00:24:42,513
Corey:
Has used technology, right.
550
00:24:42,515 --> 00:24:44,014
Chris: Yeah.
551
00:24:44,016 --> 00:24:47,651
Corey: I guess they had 1800s
technology last time they...
552
00:24:47,653 --> 00:24:48,686
(laughter)
553
00:24:48,688 --> 00:24:49,687
Chris: Still counts,
it still counts.
554
00:24:49,689 --> 00:24:50,888
My name is chris millbern,
555
00:24:50,890 --> 00:24:52,857
And I'm the director
of field operations.
556
00:24:52,859 --> 00:24:55,359
Anything that has to do
with tech or gear
557
00:24:55,361 --> 00:24:56,627
Is under my purview,
558
00:24:56,629 --> 00:24:58,529
Or at the very least
is me messing around
559
00:24:58,531 --> 00:25:00,531
And running around
to make sure that it works.
560
00:25:00,533 --> 00:25:02,066
Corey: Robot, cable, tablet.
Chris: Yeah.
561
00:25:02,068 --> 00:25:03,267
Chris: Only three giant things,
it will be fine.
562
00:25:03,269 --> 00:25:04,535
Corey: Yeah.
563
00:25:04,537 --> 00:25:06,170
Chris: I'm definitely
the one sweating the most
564
00:25:06,172 --> 00:25:07,571
If nobody's noticed.
565
00:25:07,573 --> 00:25:08,572
Let's go! Let's do it!
566
00:25:08,574 --> 00:25:11,509
Corey: Right!
Memo: Ok.
567
00:25:11,511 --> 00:25:13,644
Narrator: To get
underneath el osario,
568
00:25:13,646 --> 00:25:18,048
They must risk life and limb.
569
00:25:18,050 --> 00:25:20,351
(speaking spanish)
570
00:25:20,353 --> 00:25:22,152
Corey: Memo's about
to come down. Are you ready?
571
00:25:22,154 --> 00:25:24,855
That hole is about
a 60-foot drop straight down,
572
00:25:24,857 --> 00:25:27,491
Going down into this
little tiny cave.
573
00:25:27,493 --> 00:25:34,031
♪ ♪
574
00:25:34,033 --> 00:25:40,538
♪ ♪
575
00:25:40,540 --> 00:25:47,311
♪ ♪
576
00:25:47,313 --> 00:25:48,345
Jeez!
577
00:25:48,347 --> 00:25:50,014
Chris: Corey's on the way down!
578
00:25:50,016 --> 00:25:52,550
♪ ♪
579
00:25:52,552 --> 00:25:58,322
♪ ♪
580
00:25:58,324 --> 00:26:00,524
Corey: Right, coming down.
581
00:26:00,526 --> 00:26:02,493
Not a lot of room, hey?
582
00:26:02,495 --> 00:26:04,428
Memo: Not a lot of room, man.
583
00:26:04,430 --> 00:26:05,629
Corey: What's the drop?
Memo: 60 feet.
584
00:26:05,631 --> 00:26:06,931
Corey: 60 feet. Yeah, cool.
585
00:26:06,933 --> 00:26:11,135
But this is it.
We're, we're crammed in here.
586
00:26:11,137 --> 00:26:12,736
Memo: How dangerous
this place is?
587
00:26:12,738 --> 00:26:13,804
Corey: Yeah, man.
588
00:26:13,806 --> 00:26:14,805
Memo: Any rock...
589
00:26:14,807 --> 00:26:15,806
Corey: Yeah, you're dead.
590
00:26:15,808 --> 00:26:17,775
Memo: ...And you're dead.
591
00:26:17,777 --> 00:26:18,943
Woo!
592
00:26:18,945 --> 00:26:20,444
Corey: It's this tiny,
tiny little room.
593
00:26:20,446 --> 00:26:22,079
I mean, you feel like
you're in the womb.
594
00:26:22,081 --> 00:26:24,214
You're just crushed in there
with guillermo.
595
00:26:24,216 --> 00:26:26,317
This must've been such
an important place for the maya
596
00:26:26,319 --> 00:26:31,255
To build this massive monument
on top of it.
597
00:26:31,257 --> 00:26:33,490
Narrator: To find any
undiscovered passageways,
598
00:26:33,492 --> 00:26:35,259
And where they might lead,
599
00:26:35,261 --> 00:26:39,296
The team breaks out one of
its most versatile devices.
600
00:26:39,298 --> 00:26:41,899
Chris: Alright, corey,
borescope's on its way!
601
00:26:41,901 --> 00:26:44,034
Narrator: The borescope
has a small camera
602
00:26:44,036 --> 00:26:46,570
That can snake around
nooks and crannies.
603
00:26:46,572 --> 00:26:50,240
Corey: Ok, so, I'm going to
feed out the borescope cable.
604
00:26:50,242 --> 00:26:51,709
Memo: Ok.
605
00:26:51,711 --> 00:26:53,711
Corey: And, guillermo, so we'll
have to straighten this out
606
00:26:53,713 --> 00:26:57,715
So the borescope can articulate,
so be careful.
607
00:26:57,717 --> 00:27:01,619
Alright, memo, start going.
608
00:27:01,621 --> 00:27:02,820
Go a little bit more in.
609
00:27:02,822 --> 00:27:03,821
Yeah, we got something
interesting.
610
00:27:03,823 --> 00:27:05,623
Hey, look at this. What is this?
611
00:27:05,625 --> 00:27:08,626
Memo: I think this is the
original entrance to this cave.
612
00:27:08,628 --> 00:27:09,827
Corey: Oh, right there. Right!
613
00:27:09,829 --> 00:27:10,861
Memo: Yes.
614
00:27:10,863 --> 00:27:13,731
Corey: Yeah. Oh, my god!
615
00:27:13,733 --> 00:27:15,666
Narrator: But there's something
even more intriguing
616
00:27:15,668 --> 00:27:17,534
About this
underground entrance.
617
00:27:17,536 --> 00:27:20,170
The passageway has been
mysteriously blocked
618
00:27:20,172 --> 00:27:22,506
By something man-made.
619
00:27:22,508 --> 00:27:23,707
Corey: Do you think
they're cave-in,
620
00:27:23,709 --> 00:27:25,976
Or do you think they were
blocked by the maya?
621
00:27:25,978 --> 00:27:27,277
Memo: No, no, I think
it was the maya.
622
00:27:27,279 --> 00:27:29,446
Corey: Right.
623
00:27:29,448 --> 00:27:31,148
Memo: The ancient maya
sealed it.
624
00:27:31,150 --> 00:27:32,216
Corey: Ok.
625
00:27:32,218 --> 00:27:34,385
Memo: It was like
completely blocked.
626
00:27:34,387 --> 00:27:36,787
Narrator: Memo believes
the ancient maya did this
627
00:27:36,789 --> 00:27:38,689
Because of where
the passage points.
628
00:27:43,963 --> 00:27:46,964
Corey: Wow.
Memo: Yeah.
629
00:27:46,966 --> 00:27:48,699
Narrator: But why would
the maya have blocked off
630
00:27:48,701 --> 00:27:50,334
An underground passageway
631
00:27:50,336 --> 00:27:54,338
Between el osario and
the chamber below el castillo?
632
00:27:54,340 --> 00:27:56,206
The team carries on
its investigation
633
00:27:56,208 --> 00:27:58,876
And stumbles upon
a relevant clue.
634
00:28:02,048 --> 00:28:03,614
Corey: I'm seeing something
on the walls.
635
00:28:03,616 --> 00:28:05,049
See the white?
636
00:28:05,051 --> 00:28:07,117
Stop there for a second.
637
00:28:07,119 --> 00:28:09,853
What's that?
638
00:28:09,855 --> 00:28:11,355
Memo: Right there
we see a piece of pottery.
639
00:28:11,357 --> 00:28:12,356
Corey: Oh, that's pottery?
640
00:28:12,358 --> 00:28:13,557
Memo: Yeah, oh, yeah.
641
00:28:13,559 --> 00:28:15,359
Corey: Wow, wow,
hold on there for a second.
642
00:28:15,361 --> 00:28:16,927
Memo: You see all
the ceramic there?
643
00:28:16,929 --> 00:28:20,230
Corey: Where? Is that? Oh, yeah!
644
00:28:20,232 --> 00:28:22,599
Narrator: The maya ritually
broke ceramic pottery
645
00:28:22,601 --> 00:28:24,101
As sacrificial offerings
646
00:28:24,103 --> 00:28:25,936
Alongside the people
they buried,
647
00:28:25,938 --> 00:28:28,071
In order to free their spirit.
648
00:28:28,073 --> 00:28:31,241
But the place the team has
found these ceramic sherds
649
00:28:31,243 --> 00:28:33,243
Is even more mystifying.
650
00:28:33,245 --> 00:28:34,845
Corey: The ceramic is on
a little shelf up there, right?
651
00:28:34,847 --> 00:28:36,180
Is that what you're looking at?
652
00:28:36,182 --> 00:28:38,115
Memo: No, it's not a shelf.
It's on the ceiling.
653
00:28:38,117 --> 00:28:39,349
Corey: The ceramic's
on the ceiling?
654
00:28:39,351 --> 00:28:40,684
Memo: Yeah.
655
00:28:40,686 --> 00:28:42,219
Corey: You find pottery all over
the floor of the caves
656
00:28:42,221 --> 00:28:44,755
All the time, but shards
of pottery, you know,
657
00:28:44,757 --> 00:28:47,725
Hanging down like they could
fall on you like knives
658
00:28:47,727 --> 00:28:50,394
From the ceiling, and,
you know, that's weird.
659
00:28:50,396 --> 00:28:51,562
And that's the ceiling
we're pointed towards,
660
00:28:51,564 --> 00:28:52,563
Right, you said?
661
00:28:52,565 --> 00:28:53,564
Memo: Yes, exactly.
662
00:28:53,566 --> 00:28:54,898
Corey: That's crazy.
663
00:28:54,900 --> 00:28:56,333
Narrator: What would have
prompted the maya
664
00:28:56,335 --> 00:28:58,569
To affix broken pottery
to the ceiling
665
00:28:58,571 --> 00:29:00,537
Of this sacred
underground chamber?
666
00:29:00,539 --> 00:29:03,140
Corey: Is it ritually
sacrificed pottery?
667
00:29:03,142 --> 00:29:04,942
Memo: Yeah, this is
ritually sacrificed.
668
00:29:04,944 --> 00:29:09,747
They used fire
as part of their ritual.
669
00:29:09,749 --> 00:29:12,616
It's charcoal, mud and ceramics.
670
00:29:12,618 --> 00:29:13,751
Corey: Wow!
671
00:29:13,753 --> 00:29:16,086
Memo: And then they
mix it all together.
672
00:29:16,088 --> 00:29:17,688
Corey: You think
they filled this in,
673
00:29:17,690 --> 00:29:19,289
So that's the floor, really?
674
00:29:19,291 --> 00:29:21,925
We're looking at maybe the floor
of what they filled in?
675
00:29:21,927 --> 00:29:24,661
But it's our ceiling. Wow!
676
00:29:24,663 --> 00:29:26,630
They mixed pottery,
charcoal and dirt
677
00:29:26,632 --> 00:29:28,298
And filled that in
from the outside
678
00:29:28,300 --> 00:29:30,067
To close off a passageway,
679
00:29:30,069 --> 00:29:32,402
So that the osario shaft
was the only passage
680
00:29:32,404 --> 00:29:34,004
Into this sacred cave.
681
00:29:34,006 --> 00:29:35,439
You know, that's weird.
682
00:29:35,441 --> 00:29:37,674
Narrator: But why did the maya
intentionally block
683
00:29:37,676 --> 00:29:39,810
This underground tunnel?
684
00:29:39,812 --> 00:29:42,646
Before they can investigate
any further...
685
00:29:42,648 --> 00:29:45,115
(thunder)
686
00:29:45,117 --> 00:29:47,751
Chris: Ooh, boy,
that's gonna be a big one.
687
00:29:47,753 --> 00:29:50,454
Oh, (bleep)!
688
00:29:50,456 --> 00:29:53,023
Lightning is probably
my least favorite.
689
00:29:53,025 --> 00:29:55,292
(thunder)
690
00:29:55,294 --> 00:29:57,027
Narrator: An unexpected storm
threatens
691
00:29:57,029 --> 00:30:00,264
Not just the investigation,
but the lives of the men below.
692
00:30:00,266 --> 00:30:02,065
Chris: A storm of that size
693
00:30:02,067 --> 00:30:04,234
Is not something
I like to be around,
694
00:30:04,236 --> 00:30:05,502
Next to a metal structure,
695
00:30:05,504 --> 00:30:08,472
With my friends in a wet hole
right down below.
696
00:30:08,474 --> 00:30:09,973
Hold on one second.
697
00:30:09,975 --> 00:30:11,508
Corey: We can't tell
it's raining at all,
698
00:30:11,510 --> 00:30:13,110
But we hear chris from the top
yelling down,
699
00:30:13,112 --> 00:30:16,246
"guys, you better hurry up!
The lightning's coming in."
700
00:30:16,248 --> 00:30:17,981
And we're like, "oh, no!"
701
00:30:17,983 --> 00:30:19,516
Let's go!
702
00:30:24,924 --> 00:30:27,658
(thunder)
703
00:30:35,968 --> 00:30:40,904
Narrator: At chichén itzá's
pyramid el osario,
704
00:30:40,906 --> 00:30:42,639
Archaeologist guillermo de anda
705
00:30:42,641 --> 00:30:44,942
And cutting-edge technologists
virtual wonders
706
00:30:44,944 --> 00:30:46,810
Are trying to unearth
an access point
707
00:30:46,812 --> 00:30:48,779
To the tunnel that could
connect to the chamber
708
00:30:48,781 --> 00:30:50,514
Below el castillo.
709
00:30:53,619 --> 00:30:55,419
(thunder)
chris: Oh, boy!
710
00:30:55,421 --> 00:30:56,920
Corey: Let's go!
711
00:30:56,922 --> 00:30:58,989
Narrator: But their search
comes to a grinding halt
712
00:30:58,991 --> 00:31:02,993
When lightning strikes.
713
00:31:02,995 --> 00:31:05,028
Chris: So, lightning's coming in
and so is the rain,
714
00:31:05,030 --> 00:31:06,530
So we're trying to get
these guys out of the hole
715
00:31:06,532 --> 00:31:08,098
As soon as possible.
716
00:31:08,100 --> 00:31:10,567
This is a little scary.
717
00:31:10,569 --> 00:31:12,736
Narrator: Trapped in this tomb,
60 feet below,
718
00:31:12,738 --> 00:31:15,639
They must evacuate
before it's too late.
719
00:31:17,843 --> 00:31:19,042
Corey: Alright. Gracias.
720
00:31:19,044 --> 00:31:21,245
Chris: There you go! Nice.
Corey: Gracias.
721
00:31:21,247 --> 00:31:23,146
Corey: People have died
being hit by lightning.
722
00:31:23,148 --> 00:31:25,082
We've got this big, metal frame
around it
723
00:31:25,084 --> 00:31:26,884
That's being used
to lower people.
724
00:31:26,886 --> 00:31:28,051
Ooh!
725
00:31:28,053 --> 00:31:29,052
Man: How'd it go?
726
00:31:29,054 --> 00:31:30,721
Corey: That was, that was crazy.
727
00:31:30,723 --> 00:31:33,357
The lightning's just
ripping down all around.
728
00:31:33,359 --> 00:31:35,259
Let's get out of here before
we're hit by lightning!
729
00:31:35,261 --> 00:31:36,526
Man: Yes!
730
00:31:36,528 --> 00:31:41,265
Corey: Yeah, yeah, chaac is, uh,
chaac is with us.
731
00:31:41,267 --> 00:31:42,833
Narrator:
Safely out of harm's way,
732
00:31:42,835 --> 00:31:45,636
The whole team reviews what
they found beneath el osario,
733
00:31:45,638 --> 00:31:47,905
To try and work out
why the maya blocked off
734
00:31:47,907 --> 00:31:50,507
This underground passageway.
735
00:31:50,509 --> 00:31:52,342
Corey: Basically,
we put the borescope in
736
00:31:52,344 --> 00:31:54,177
Everywhere it would fit.
737
00:31:54,179 --> 00:31:55,646
Narrator: To help resolve
this mystery,
738
00:31:55,648 --> 00:31:59,149
Maya archaeologist
dr. Jim brady joins the team.
739
00:31:59,151 --> 00:32:01,718
Jim brady:
That's really terrific!
740
00:32:01,720 --> 00:32:03,720
Corey: The pottery's right here.
Chris: Oh, is it that structure?
741
00:32:03,722 --> 00:32:05,489
Corey: Those are
all the shards there.
742
00:32:05,491 --> 00:32:08,125
Narrator: Dr. Brady is one
of the few archaeologists
743
00:32:08,127 --> 00:32:11,428
Who have really explored
the mysteries of el osario.
744
00:32:11,430 --> 00:32:14,097
His expertise could yield
crucial insight
745
00:32:14,099 --> 00:32:17,200
Into this enigmatic
blocked passageway.
746
00:32:17,202 --> 00:32:18,468
Corey: Which is crazy, right?
747
00:32:18,470 --> 00:32:20,237
I mean, having the pottery
shards on the ceiling
748
00:32:20,239 --> 00:32:21,605
Was a surprise to me.
749
00:32:21,607 --> 00:32:23,740
I didn't know
that was down there.
750
00:32:23,742 --> 00:32:25,943
And here's, here's charcoal.
751
00:32:25,945 --> 00:32:28,545
And is that, that's charcoal,
and that is charcoal, too?
752
00:32:28,547 --> 00:32:30,314
Dr. Brady: Yes, those
are bits of charcoal.
753
00:32:30,316 --> 00:32:31,315
Corey: Ok.
754
00:32:31,317 --> 00:32:33,050
Brady: We sampled that charcoal
755
00:32:33,052 --> 00:32:35,385
And have gotten
the radiocarbon dates back
756
00:32:35,387 --> 00:32:39,990
That come out about,
oh, 725, 728 ad.
757
00:32:39,992 --> 00:32:42,893
Corey: 725? Wow.
758
00:32:42,895 --> 00:32:45,262
Narrator: Traditionally, most
scholars believed el osario
759
00:32:45,264 --> 00:32:47,497
Was built in 980 ad.
760
00:32:47,499 --> 00:32:50,734
But recent research is turning
this notion on its head.
761
00:32:50,736 --> 00:32:54,705
Brady: The osario was built
much earlier than people think.
762
00:32:54,707 --> 00:32:57,708
This is about two and a half
centuries earlier than...
763
00:32:57,710 --> 00:32:58,742
Corey: Really?
Brady: Yes.
764
00:32:58,744 --> 00:33:00,043
Memo: Wow, yeah, yeah, yeah.
765
00:33:00,045 --> 00:33:01,812
Chris: How much earlier
does that place it
766
00:33:01,814 --> 00:33:03,480
In comparison
to other buildings?
767
00:33:03,482 --> 00:33:05,349
Corey: Like what's
el castillo, do you think?
768
00:33:05,351 --> 00:33:07,317
Brady: The castillo
would be later,
769
00:33:07,319 --> 00:33:09,019
And so this is gonna
change everything.
770
00:33:09,021 --> 00:33:10,320
Corey: Oh, wow!
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
771
00:33:10,322 --> 00:33:11,855
Brady: And this is gonna
change everything,
772
00:33:11,857 --> 00:33:15,492
Because rather than the osario
being a model of the castillo,
773
00:33:15,494 --> 00:33:16,994
It might be
the other way around.
774
00:33:16,996 --> 00:33:19,496
Corey: Yeah. Totally. Wow.
775
00:33:19,498 --> 00:33:21,031
Narrator: The carbon dating
of the charcoal
776
00:33:21,033 --> 00:33:22,499
Is changing history,
777
00:33:22,501 --> 00:33:28,605
And proves el osario was likely
built before el castillo.
778
00:33:28,607 --> 00:33:30,874
And for the team,
the ritual use of charcoal
779
00:33:30,876 --> 00:33:33,310
Beneath el osario also provides
780
00:33:33,312 --> 00:33:35,112
A significant piece
of the puzzle.
781
00:33:35,114 --> 00:33:38,048
Memo: The pot shards and
the charcoal, you know,
782
00:33:38,050 --> 00:33:41,952
That might be indicating
some kind of a ritual.
783
00:33:41,954 --> 00:33:43,453
Kenny: Is this
sort of the same idea
784
00:33:43,455 --> 00:33:47,791
That how they packed everything
off, closed something off?
785
00:33:47,793 --> 00:33:49,226
Memo: Like termination ritual,
you mean?
786
00:33:49,228 --> 00:33:50,227
Kenny: Exactly.
787
00:33:50,229 --> 00:33:51,528
Memo: What you think, dr. Brady?
788
00:33:51,530 --> 00:33:53,964
Brady: It looks like
it was terminated.
789
00:33:53,966 --> 00:33:56,266
Narrator: A termination ritual
is the act of killing
790
00:33:56,268 --> 00:33:58,268
A building's spiritual force.
791
00:33:58,270 --> 00:33:59,870
This exorcism
typically happened
792
00:33:59,872 --> 00:34:02,906
When the maya abandoned
their temples.
793
00:34:02,908 --> 00:34:05,175
The termination ritual not only
closed off a building
794
00:34:05,177 --> 00:34:06,676
To the living,
795
00:34:06,678 --> 00:34:09,946
It also stopped the temple
from being visited by the dead.
796
00:34:09,948 --> 00:34:12,082
Akasha: That's crazy!
Corey: Right?
797
00:34:12,084 --> 00:34:14,451
Narrator: El osario may have
once had an entranceway
798
00:34:14,453 --> 00:34:16,620
To this now blocked
underground tunnel,
799
00:34:16,622 --> 00:34:19,689
Leading to the subterranean
chamber beneath el castillo,
800
00:34:19,691 --> 00:34:23,360
And even been part of
a sprawling subterranean world.
801
00:34:23,362 --> 00:34:25,896
But because this possible
passage is now blocked,
802
00:34:25,898 --> 00:34:27,764
The team must regroup.
803
00:34:27,766 --> 00:34:29,599
Memo: That's very interesting,
you know,
804
00:34:29,601 --> 00:34:32,269
We've been desperately
trying to get,
805
00:34:32,271 --> 00:34:36,173
To find an entrance
to this cavern or cenote
806
00:34:36,175 --> 00:34:39,810
If there is one
right under el castillo.
807
00:34:41,513 --> 00:34:43,914
Narrator: Memo, who knows
the chichén itzá underground
808
00:34:43,916 --> 00:34:45,449
Better than anyone on earth,
809
00:34:45,451 --> 00:34:48,552
Knows of one possible opening
to the maya underworld
810
00:34:48,554 --> 00:34:50,687
That could provide
an underground gateway
811
00:34:50,689 --> 00:34:52,589
To el castillo.
812
00:34:52,591 --> 00:34:56,126
The only way to access it is
by using advanced technology
813
00:34:56,128 --> 00:34:58,595
And facing extreme dangers.
814
00:34:58,597 --> 00:35:00,263
Memo: Watch out
for snakes, please.
815
00:35:00,265 --> 00:35:04,334
Yeah, the cenote is right there.
816
00:35:04,336 --> 00:35:05,402
Narrator: The cenotes,
817
00:35:05,404 --> 00:35:07,637
Ceremonial sacred sites
of the maya,
818
00:35:07,639 --> 00:35:09,639
Could provide
concealed entranceways
819
00:35:09,641 --> 00:35:13,777
To a sprawling underground
network of long-lost passages.
820
00:35:13,779 --> 00:35:15,312
But flooded with water,
821
00:35:15,314 --> 00:35:19,483
They're notoriously difficult
to explore, even deadly.
822
00:35:19,485 --> 00:35:21,084
Memo: It's going to become
a little bit more slippery,
823
00:35:21,086 --> 00:35:22,953
So careful with that,
we're gonna use the rope
824
00:35:22,955 --> 00:35:25,755
Just to help ourselves
going down there.
825
00:35:25,757 --> 00:35:28,625
Narrator: Despite this, memo
and the virtual wonders team
826
00:35:28,627 --> 00:35:30,527
Are trekking to one
of the four cenotes
827
00:35:30,529 --> 00:35:33,330
That surround the central
pyramid of el castillo.
828
00:35:33,332 --> 00:35:36,099
The treacherous and seldom
explored underground cavern,
829
00:35:36,101 --> 00:35:39,736
Called holtun.
830
00:35:39,738 --> 00:35:41,404
Memo: This is the amazing thing
about technology,
831
00:35:41,406 --> 00:35:43,673
That we can see things
that the eye can't.
832
00:35:43,675 --> 00:35:46,009
I'm so glad that today
we have this little robot,
833
00:35:46,011 --> 00:35:48,445
Because there is a huge tunnel
834
00:35:48,447 --> 00:35:51,948
That turns a little bit to
the north, which el castillo is,
835
00:35:51,950 --> 00:35:54,351
So that might be
a very good chance
836
00:35:54,353 --> 00:35:57,721
To maybe connect
to the cenote under it.
837
00:35:57,723 --> 00:36:01,424
Every time I go down there,
I find something new.
838
00:36:01,426 --> 00:36:03,660
Let's go diving.
839
00:36:03,662 --> 00:36:04,728
Narrator: For the team,
840
00:36:04,730 --> 00:36:06,830
Searching these
underexplored chambers
841
00:36:06,832 --> 00:36:08,031
Might be their best chance
842
00:36:08,033 --> 00:36:09,900
At making
a groundbreaking discovery,
843
00:36:09,902 --> 00:36:11,234
That could unlock
844
00:36:11,236 --> 00:36:13,870
One of the ancient maya's
greatest secrets.
845
00:36:13,872 --> 00:36:16,940
And if so, what riches
could they find?
846
00:36:24,716 --> 00:36:26,216
Narrator: In their quest
to reveal
847
00:36:26,218 --> 00:36:28,418
A secret underground passageway
848
00:36:28,420 --> 00:36:31,521
And resolve the mystery
at the heart of chichén itzá,
849
00:36:31,523 --> 00:36:34,858
Virtual wonders and maya
archaeologist guillermo de anda
850
00:36:34,860 --> 00:36:37,627
Are making their way to
one of the four major cenotes
851
00:36:37,629 --> 00:36:40,430
That surround chichén itzá's
main pyramid.
852
00:36:40,432 --> 00:36:43,567
Deploying the most advanced
exploration tools available,
853
00:36:43,569 --> 00:36:46,703
They plan to investigate
the westernmost cenote,
854
00:36:46,705 --> 00:36:49,906
Called holtun.
855
00:36:49,908 --> 00:36:53,443
Memo: This is the entrance, we
can go to the south side wall.
856
00:36:53,445 --> 00:36:55,579
Narrator: Searching for
an underground passageway
857
00:36:55,581 --> 00:36:59,583
That could lead to undiscovered
treasures beneath el castillo.
858
00:36:59,585 --> 00:37:01,351
Memo: Cenotes have this mystery.
859
00:37:01,353 --> 00:37:05,822
There is a passageway
that goes who knows where.
860
00:37:09,261 --> 00:37:12,262
Memo: Ok. On rope!
861
00:37:14,032 --> 00:37:15,899
(speaking spanish)
862
00:37:15,901 --> 00:37:19,069
Narrator: It's a potentially
fatal 72-foot drop,
863
00:37:19,071 --> 00:37:20,904
Perilous not just
for the divers,
864
00:37:20,906 --> 00:37:23,139
But also for the pricey gear.
865
00:37:23,141 --> 00:37:24,174
Corey: You good, chris?
Chris: Yeah.
866
00:37:24,176 --> 00:37:25,809
Corey: Alright.
Chris: Ok.
867
00:37:25,811 --> 00:37:27,177
Narrator: Corey and memo
will scuba dive
868
00:37:27,179 --> 00:37:29,980
To look for any
concealed passageways.
869
00:37:31,683 --> 00:37:33,116
Chris: Ok, we're in business.
870
00:37:33,118 --> 00:37:34,985
Narrator: While field
specialist chris millbern
871
00:37:34,987 --> 00:37:40,323
Pilots the rov from a raft
inside the cenote.
872
00:37:40,325 --> 00:37:43,627
This small robot submarine
fits places that humans,
873
00:37:43,629 --> 00:37:48,365
With their bulky scuba gear,
are just too big to go.
874
00:37:48,367 --> 00:37:49,966
Man: You're going down
with a bag?
875
00:37:49,968 --> 00:37:51,334
Chris: Si.
876
00:37:53,805 --> 00:37:57,007
It is exactly as insane
as you would expect.
877
00:37:57,009 --> 00:37:59,576
♪ ♪
878
00:37:59,578 --> 00:38:04,581
♪ ♪
879
00:38:04,583 --> 00:38:07,884
This is not a carved-out cave
that's really comfortable,
880
00:38:07,886 --> 00:38:10,387
It's not a place that
a lot of people have been.
881
00:38:10,389 --> 00:38:12,188
Ok!
882
00:38:12,190 --> 00:38:14,758
It's some place that you have
to really know your stuff
883
00:38:14,760 --> 00:38:16,993
To get down into,
and you have to take some risks
884
00:38:16,995 --> 00:38:19,596
To make sure that
you're able to see it.
885
00:38:19,598 --> 00:38:21,164
Corey: Is that you?
Chris: Yep, that's me.
886
00:38:21,166 --> 00:38:22,899
Corey: Alright, go.
887
00:38:22,901 --> 00:38:25,035
Cool. Props are turning.
888
00:38:25,037 --> 00:38:27,804
There you go. You have video?
889
00:38:27,806 --> 00:38:28,805
Chris: Yep.
890
00:38:28,807 --> 00:38:29,973
Corey: Alright!
891
00:38:29,975 --> 00:38:31,741
Are you on the slowest mode
possible?
892
00:38:31,743 --> 00:38:33,109
Chris: I'm on
the slowest mode possible.
893
00:38:33,111 --> 00:38:35,011
Stabilization's off,
'cause I want it to be off.
894
00:38:35,013 --> 00:38:36,313
Corey: Ok.
895
00:38:38,350 --> 00:38:39,649
Chris: Have a good dive, man.
896
00:38:39,651 --> 00:38:42,686
Corey: Yeah. Thanks, buddy!
We'll see you soon.
897
00:38:42,688 --> 00:38:44,487
Chris: Go find something.
898
00:38:49,594 --> 00:38:52,996
Corey: Generally I'm against
using technology like rovs
899
00:38:52,998 --> 00:38:54,831
In cenotes, and the reason is
900
00:38:54,833 --> 00:38:56,700
'cause they have little
propellers that spin,
901
00:38:56,702 --> 00:38:59,636
And that kicks up sediment
and silt in a lot of places,
902
00:38:59,638 --> 00:39:02,238
And that sediment or silt
could contain little bones
903
00:39:02,240 --> 00:39:05,875
Or bits of mayan incense,
charcoal, offerings like that.
904
00:39:05,877 --> 00:39:08,411
♪ ♪
905
00:39:08,413 --> 00:39:13,817
♪ ♪
906
00:39:13,819 --> 00:39:15,151
Chris: I apologize
for being silent.
907
00:39:15,153 --> 00:39:19,389
I'm just,
I am so intently focused.
908
00:39:19,391 --> 00:39:21,991
Corey: But being able to have
a talented rov pilot
909
00:39:21,993 --> 00:39:24,594
Maneuver it through to see
where that passage goes,
910
00:39:24,596 --> 00:39:26,296
It's critical because
this place has become
911
00:39:26,298 --> 00:39:29,366
Incredibly sacred to me.
912
00:39:29,368 --> 00:39:32,402
Narrator: In this underground
lair of the maya gods,
913
00:39:32,404 --> 00:39:34,237
The team finds
extensive evidence
914
00:39:34,239 --> 00:39:38,742
That holtun was a primary
repository for human sacrifice.
915
00:39:38,744 --> 00:39:43,246
♪ ♪
916
00:39:43,248 --> 00:39:48,785
♪ ♪
917
00:39:48,787 --> 00:39:55,158
♪ ♪
918
00:39:55,160 --> 00:39:58,395
Chris: Oh, oh, oh.
919
00:39:58,397 --> 00:39:59,496
Come on.
920
00:39:59,498 --> 00:40:01,464
Come on, baby! Keep moving.
921
00:40:01,466 --> 00:40:03,967
My mom said that video games
weren't a career.
922
00:40:03,969 --> 00:40:09,739
♪ ♪
923
00:40:09,741 --> 00:40:13,143
I'm definitely seeing stuff.
924
00:40:13,145 --> 00:40:15,979
Wow! This is beautiful.
925
00:40:18,550 --> 00:40:19,716
We found a new cave.
926
00:40:19,718 --> 00:40:23,019
I am, I'm pretty
wildly excited right now.
927
00:40:26,892 --> 00:40:29,058
I think this keeps continuing.
928
00:40:37,502 --> 00:40:39,335
Narrator: At the iconic
chichén itzá,
929
00:40:39,337 --> 00:40:41,438
Virtual wonders
and memo de anda
930
00:40:41,440 --> 00:40:44,674
Have found an undiscovered,
underwater passageway...
931
00:40:44,676 --> 00:40:46,409
Chris: I'm definitely
seeing stuff.
932
00:40:46,411 --> 00:40:48,244
Narrator: ...That could lead
to a hidden chamber
933
00:40:48,246 --> 00:40:49,813
Below el castillo.
934
00:40:49,815 --> 00:40:52,348
Chris: Wow! This is beautiful.
935
00:40:52,350 --> 00:40:59,155
♪ ♪
936
00:40:59,157 --> 00:41:00,457
We found a new cave.
937
00:41:00,459 --> 00:41:03,193
I am, I'm pretty
wildly excited right now.
938
00:41:03,195 --> 00:41:06,896
This is definitely its own cave
passage worthy of exploration.
939
00:41:06,898 --> 00:41:09,866
There's the entrance.
940
00:41:09,868 --> 00:41:11,801
I'm very afraid
of getting stuck,
941
00:41:11,803 --> 00:41:14,504
But, you know, that's how
cave exploration goes.
942
00:41:14,506 --> 00:41:17,140
Corey: Back in mayan times that
passage would have been dry,
943
00:41:17,142 --> 00:41:19,209
So it would have been pretty
easy to go through on your belly
944
00:41:19,211 --> 00:41:22,479
And crawl through the cave
and to go make offerings.
945
00:41:25,917 --> 00:41:28,585
Chris: Ok, let's turn.
946
00:41:28,587 --> 00:41:35,024
♪ ♪
947
00:41:35,026 --> 00:41:41,498
♪ ♪
948
00:41:41,500 --> 00:41:44,000
We're definitely
in a large passage
949
00:41:44,002 --> 00:41:49,172
That could have artifacts.
950
00:41:49,174 --> 00:41:51,007
I'm checking all the shelves
that I can see,
951
00:41:51,009 --> 00:41:54,477
To see if there's anything
that looks man-made.
952
00:41:54,479 --> 00:41:56,412
This is spectacular!
953
00:41:56,414 --> 00:41:58,982
♪ ♪
954
00:41:58,984 --> 00:42:04,888
♪ ♪
955
00:42:04,890 --> 00:42:06,956
What I'm trying to do is
fight buoyancy essentially
956
00:42:06,958 --> 00:42:11,261
And go a little bit farther.
957
00:42:11,263 --> 00:42:12,795
I'm trying to be very careful,
958
00:42:12,797 --> 00:42:16,099
So that if there is anything in
here, that I don't disturb it.
959
00:42:16,101 --> 00:42:18,434
The difference between
rock and artifact
960
00:42:18,436 --> 00:42:22,405
Is gonna be something that
we might have to look at later.
961
00:42:22,407 --> 00:42:24,474
So I'm checking all of
the shelves that I can see,
962
00:42:24,476 --> 00:42:25,875
To see if there's
anything man-made.
963
00:42:25,877 --> 00:42:27,877
I actually see fish
way deep there
964
00:42:27,879 --> 00:42:30,713
In the cave, which is amazing.
965
00:42:30,715 --> 00:42:33,616
I'm really hoping not
to disturb anything,
966
00:42:33,618 --> 00:42:35,084
So I have to be really careful,
967
00:42:35,086 --> 00:42:38,321
But this is spectacular,
I honestly can't believe it.
968
00:42:38,323 --> 00:42:43,660
I had no idea that this was
gonna be on the other side.
969
00:42:43,662 --> 00:42:46,095
Narrator: The question is:
Where does it lead?
970
00:42:46,097 --> 00:42:50,567
Could it lead all the way to
a crypt beneath el castillo?
971
00:42:50,569 --> 00:42:52,268
Chris: It definitely goes.
972
00:42:52,270 --> 00:42:55,405
Corey: In cave terminology we
know that that passage "goes,"
973
00:42:55,407 --> 00:42:57,807
Meaning that it continues on
past what we can see.
974
00:42:57,809 --> 00:42:59,642
Corey: How big did you think
the passage was?
975
00:42:59,644 --> 00:43:04,147
Chris: It could be 10 to even
30 feet up, I mean, it was tall.
976
00:43:04,149 --> 00:43:05,682
It's hard to get scale
on this video,
977
00:43:05,684 --> 00:43:08,451
So before, you know,
I make a grand claim,
978
00:43:08,453 --> 00:43:11,487
But it was big enough to fit
a person definitely,
979
00:43:11,489 --> 00:43:13,222
And it looked like
it went up pretty tall.
980
00:43:13,224 --> 00:43:14,490
Corey: Wow!
981
00:43:14,492 --> 00:43:15,792
Chris: We'll have to review
the video, though,
982
00:43:15,794 --> 00:43:18,194
Because again I can't get scale
out of this video.
983
00:43:18,196 --> 00:43:19,896
Corey: That's awesome!
984
00:43:19,898 --> 00:43:21,664
Memo: These passageways
never go straight.
985
00:43:21,666 --> 00:43:22,665
Corey: Right.
986
00:43:22,667 --> 00:43:24,000
Memo: I mean, very seldom.
987
00:43:24,002 --> 00:43:25,268
Corey: This one
definitely doesn't.
988
00:43:25,270 --> 00:43:26,302
Chris: This one
didn't go straight,
989
00:43:26,304 --> 00:43:28,538
This one went up, left,
right and down.
990
00:43:28,540 --> 00:43:31,441
It could have gone in
any direction, absolutely.
991
00:43:31,443 --> 00:43:33,943
There was a lot more to it
than what we saw.
992
00:43:38,550 --> 00:43:39,649
Memo: We found a passageway.
993
00:43:39,651 --> 00:43:41,184
Corey: Really successful dive.
994
00:43:41,186 --> 00:43:43,853
Gracias. Alright.
995
00:43:43,855 --> 00:43:45,822
Anytime you do a dive with
a bunch of new technology
996
00:43:45,824 --> 00:43:47,290
And you come back with
all the technology
997
00:43:47,292 --> 00:43:48,291
And everything looks
like it worked...
998
00:43:48,293 --> 00:43:49,659
Man: Yeah.
999
00:43:49,661 --> 00:43:51,127
Corey: It's a win, right?
Memo: (laughs) oh, yeah.
1000
00:43:51,129 --> 00:43:52,695
Chris: We gotta check it out
on video, man, I'm excited.
1001
00:43:52,697 --> 00:43:53,730
Memo: (laughs) yeah.
1002
00:43:53,732 --> 00:43:56,165
I feel amazed
and with a lot of hope
1003
00:43:56,167 --> 00:43:59,969
That this can take us towards
chichén, but chris said it's...
1004
00:43:59,971 --> 00:44:01,004
Corey: It bends.
1005
00:44:01,006 --> 00:44:02,171
Chris: Multiple directions.
1006
00:44:02,173 --> 00:44:04,741
I think we had options,
so, who knows?
1007
00:44:04,743 --> 00:44:07,944
It certainly is really lucky
that we had this tool with us,
1008
00:44:07,946 --> 00:44:10,780
Because there was no other way
we were seeing it today.
1009
00:44:18,423 --> 00:44:19,889
Narrator: Back at
tech headquarters,
1010
00:44:19,891 --> 00:44:22,525
The team scrubs through
the rov's footage together,
1011
00:44:22,527 --> 00:44:25,061
Hoping to gain more insight
into this newly discovered
1012
00:44:25,063 --> 00:44:27,930
Passageway deep inside holtun.
1013
00:44:27,932 --> 00:44:29,732
Chris: Alright, so wait until
this just goes over,
1014
00:44:29,734 --> 00:44:31,901
I want to show you
something really cool.
1015
00:44:31,903 --> 00:44:33,703
So this was the constriction
1016
00:44:33,705 --> 00:44:35,571
That was hardest for me
to get through.
1017
00:44:35,573 --> 00:44:37,206
Memo: Yeah, that was a hard one.
1018
00:44:37,208 --> 00:44:38,775
Corey: No one's ever been
back there, right, memo?
1019
00:44:38,777 --> 00:44:40,009
This is unexplored caves?
1020
00:44:40,011 --> 00:44:43,513
Memo: No, no, this is
completely unexplored.
1021
00:44:43,515 --> 00:44:45,415
Chris: So, obviously,
it extends up this way,
1022
00:44:45,417 --> 00:44:47,116
And there's actually
a little bit of passages
1023
00:44:47,118 --> 00:44:49,085
That come back around
on the back.
1024
00:44:49,087 --> 00:44:53,022
And then, when it
drops down here,
1025
00:44:53,024 --> 00:44:55,725
You'll see openings
all across the bottom.
1026
00:44:55,727 --> 00:44:57,760
I mean, it's huge
compared to the crevice
1027
00:44:57,762 --> 00:44:59,529
That it actually started at,
you know?
1028
00:44:59,531 --> 00:45:01,197
Memo: Yes. Yes, yes.
Corey: Yeah. Right, right, yeah.
1029
00:45:01,199 --> 00:45:02,265
Chris: Look down here.
1030
00:45:02,267 --> 00:45:03,833
You've got a passage
that comes here
1031
00:45:03,835 --> 00:45:05,168
And it also goes
in this direction.
1032
00:45:05,170 --> 00:45:06,602
Corey: Wow!
1033
00:45:06,604 --> 00:45:08,504
Narrator: Though they can't
tell if the passageway
1034
00:45:08,506 --> 00:45:10,506
Ultimately extends
to the potential cenote
1035
00:45:10,508 --> 00:45:14,310
Below el castillo, they do
collect important evidence.
1036
00:45:14,312 --> 00:45:15,611
Chris: So, zoom it back
just a little bit.
1037
00:45:15,613 --> 00:45:16,913
Corey: Zooming it back.
1038
00:45:16,915 --> 00:45:20,183
Chris: Now, here's where
I want you to check out.
1039
00:45:20,185 --> 00:45:22,618
Memo: Oh, that looks like bones.
1040
00:45:22,620 --> 00:45:24,287
Narrator: These bones
could be the remains
1041
00:45:24,289 --> 00:45:26,255
Of offerings to the gods.
1042
00:45:26,257 --> 00:45:28,491
But that's not all
the team discovers.
1043
00:45:28,493 --> 00:45:29,625
Corey: Oh, (bleep)!
1044
00:45:29,627 --> 00:45:32,095
Hey, hey, hey, hey, memo!
What is that?
1045
00:45:32,097 --> 00:45:35,131
What is that green bit
right there?
1046
00:45:35,133 --> 00:45:36,165
Memo: Oh, yeah?
Chris: Oh, man!
1047
00:45:36,167 --> 00:45:37,233
Akasha: Oh, my god!
1048
00:45:37,235 --> 00:45:39,001
Memo: Looks like a jade bead.
1049
00:45:39,003 --> 00:45:40,503
Corey: That was jade.
1050
00:45:40,505 --> 00:45:41,804
Narrator: Jade.
1051
00:45:41,806 --> 00:45:43,172
Memo: Wow!
1052
00:45:43,174 --> 00:45:44,173
Corey: Yeah, totally.
1053
00:45:44,175 --> 00:45:45,475
Chris: Wow!
1054
00:45:45,477 --> 00:45:47,076
Narrator: In the ancient world
of the maya,
1055
00:45:47,078 --> 00:45:50,179
Jade was a royal resource
and a precious commodity
1056
00:45:50,181 --> 00:45:52,949
Used to communicate
with the gods.
1057
00:45:52,951 --> 00:45:54,517
Corey: That's an offering, yeah.
1058
00:45:54,519 --> 00:45:55,852
Chris: Good eye, corey!
1059
00:45:55,854 --> 00:45:57,153
Memo: Yes!
1060
00:45:57,155 --> 00:45:58,588
Narrator: Only the elite
could make
1061
00:45:58,590 --> 00:46:00,690
A sacrificial offering of jade.
1062
00:46:00,692 --> 00:46:02,024
Inside this cenote
1063
00:46:02,026 --> 00:46:04,260
That had mysteriously run
catastrophically low
1064
00:46:04,262 --> 00:46:05,762
Through a prolonged drought,
1065
00:46:05,764 --> 00:46:07,063
The rulers may have believed
1066
00:46:07,065 --> 00:46:09,398
That the end of the world
was near.
1067
00:46:09,400 --> 00:46:11,234
Corey: I would suspect when
there's the worst droughts,
1068
00:46:11,236 --> 00:46:13,402
There were probably
the most sacrifices.
1069
00:46:13,404 --> 00:46:16,572
Narrator: Finding jade here, in
this newly discovered passage,
1070
00:46:16,574 --> 00:46:19,375
Could be a momentous
breakthrough.
1071
00:46:19,377 --> 00:46:21,177
In a desperate plea
to the gods,
1072
00:46:21,179 --> 00:46:23,646
The maya elite could
have used this place
1073
00:46:23,648 --> 00:46:26,015
To offer their
greatest treasures,
1074
00:46:26,017 --> 00:46:28,251
All for the sake of rain.
1075
00:46:28,253 --> 00:46:30,052
Memo: There's another one.
Chris: Yeah.
1076
00:46:30,054 --> 00:46:33,689
Memo: This one,
look, this, this. Wow!
1077
00:46:33,691 --> 00:46:36,859
Narrator: These offerings may
have been a last-ditch appeal
1078
00:46:36,861 --> 00:46:39,996
To the gods to save
the city of chichén itzá
1079
00:46:39,998 --> 00:46:41,831
From apocalyptic doom.
1080
00:46:41,833 --> 00:46:44,233
Gradually,
by the 11th century ad,
1081
00:46:44,235 --> 00:46:46,636
This maya capital collapsed,
1082
00:46:46,638 --> 00:46:50,907
Largely due to an epic drought
that lasted over 15 years,
1083
00:46:50,909 --> 00:46:54,544
Causing the nearby cenotes that
sustained the city to run dry.
1084
00:46:54,546 --> 00:46:55,878
The effects of this drought
1085
00:46:55,880 --> 00:46:58,681
Gradually undermined
the city of chichén itzá,
1086
00:46:58,683 --> 00:47:02,051
And it was
eventually abandoned.
1087
00:47:02,053 --> 00:47:04,821
But this newly discovered
passageway,
1088
00:47:04,823 --> 00:47:06,756
Riddled with evidence
of sacrifice,
1089
00:47:06,758 --> 00:47:10,560
Could someday lead to even
more offerings and treasures
1090
00:47:10,562 --> 00:47:13,896
And into the mysterious cave
below el castillo.
1091
00:47:19,070 --> 00:47:20,970
Captioned by
side door media services
92581
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