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1
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Narrator: Egypt.
2
00:00:08,409 --> 00:00:11,810
The richest
source of archaeological
treasures on the planet.
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00:00:13,514 --> 00:00:15,414
Man: Oh, whoa!
Look at that!
4
00:00:17,718 --> 00:00:21,720
Narrator: Hidden beneath
this desert landscape,
5
00:00:21,756 --> 00:00:24,623
Lie the secrets of this
ancient civilization.
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00:00:26,927 --> 00:00:29,661
Alejandro: Ooh. I've never
seen something like this.
7
00:00:29,697 --> 00:00:32,664
Narrator: Now, for a full
season of excavations,
8
00:00:32,700 --> 00:00:34,767
Our cameras have been
given unprecedented
9
00:00:34,802 --> 00:00:38,537
Access to follow
teams on the front
line of archaeology.
10
00:00:41,509 --> 00:00:44,843
Myriam: This is the
most critical moment.
11
00:00:44,879 --> 00:00:46,945
Narrator: Revealing
buried secrets.
12
00:00:46,981 --> 00:00:48,580
Salima: Oh!
Ahmed: We are lucky today.
13
00:00:50,151 --> 00:00:52,284
Nozumo: Wow! Lots
of mummies.
14
00:00:52,319 --> 00:00:54,186
Kathleen: The smell
is horrible.
15
00:00:54,221 --> 00:00:58,157
Narrator: And making
discoveries that could
rewrite ancient history.
16
00:00:58,192 --> 00:01:01,994
Prof. John: We've never
had the proof until now!
17
00:01:02,029 --> 00:01:05,097
Dr colleen: This is
where it all started.
18
00:01:05,132 --> 00:01:06,532
Alejandro: My goodness,
I never expected this.
19
00:01:10,638 --> 00:01:15,474
Narrator: This time,
archaeologists unlock the
secrets of one of egypt's
20
00:01:15,509 --> 00:01:19,378
Most legendary pharaoh's,
ramses the great.
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Dr iskander: This must
have been used by
probably ramses himself.
22
00:01:23,417 --> 00:01:28,253
Narrator: John and colleen
search the desert for
clues to ramses success.
23
00:01:28,289 --> 00:01:34,059
Dr colleen: This is
like the greatest hits
of ramses victories.
24
00:01:34,095 --> 00:01:38,530
Narrator: Aliaa races
to save one of egypt's
greatest treasures.
25
00:01:38,566 --> 00:01:43,469
Aliaa: If it tips over it
would definitely damage
the surface of the tomb.
26
00:01:43,504 --> 00:01:46,805
Narrator: And fathi
excavates deep into
the earth to uncover
27
00:01:46,841 --> 00:01:49,975
The mysteries of an
ancient necropolis.
28
00:02:03,357 --> 00:02:07,526
Narrator: In over
3,000 years of ancient
egyptian history,
29
00:02:07,561 --> 00:02:11,463
No pharaoh comes close
to rivalling ramses
the great.
30
00:02:13,667 --> 00:02:18,704
During his 66 years on
the throne, ramses raised
the egyptian empire
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00:02:18,739 --> 00:02:22,274
To the zenith of
its wealth, culture
and power.
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00:02:23,110 --> 00:02:24,943
He created a vast legacy,
33
00:02:24,979 --> 00:02:29,781
And was so revered that
nine further pharaohs
would take his name.
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00:02:30,618 --> 00:02:35,654
He would build more statues,
monuments and temples
than any other pharaoh,
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00:02:35,689 --> 00:02:38,490
Forever changing
the face of egypt.
36
00:02:40,828 --> 00:02:44,062
Now, archaeologists
across the country
are searching
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00:02:44,098 --> 00:02:46,498
For the secrets of
his success.
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00:02:47,835 --> 00:02:50,636
In the ancient
city of abydos,
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Dr sameh iskander
leads a team on a
mission to excavate
40
00:02:54,675 --> 00:02:59,478
What some archaeologists
believe is the first temple
built during ramses reign.
41
00:03:05,886 --> 00:03:09,254
Dr iskander: Egypt after
ramses is a completely
different country.
42
00:03:09,290 --> 00:03:10,589
This is his beginning.
43
00:03:10,624 --> 00:03:13,025
There's something
personal about this.
44
00:03:13,060 --> 00:03:15,260
And that's what really
got me into interested
in this temple.
45
00:03:17,464 --> 00:03:20,732
Narrator: He hopes
clues found in
ramses early reign
46
00:03:20,767 --> 00:03:24,503
Can unlock the mystery
of what fuelled his
future success.
47
00:03:25,573 --> 00:03:29,675
But first, sameh must
settle an age old debate
over whether this is truly
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00:03:29,710 --> 00:03:33,478
The first monument
built by ramses.
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00:03:33,514 --> 00:03:36,081
Dr iskander: Well,
what we're looking
here is any clues
50
00:03:36,116 --> 00:03:39,218
As to when this
temple was built.
51
00:03:39,253 --> 00:03:44,823
Narrator: The team digs for
foundation deposits deep
beneath the temple walls,
52
00:03:44,858 --> 00:03:47,859
Offerings buried at the
start of construction,
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00:03:47,895 --> 00:03:51,663
Which they hope will
provide vital information
about the temple's origins.
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00:03:55,936 --> 00:04:00,706
Instead of foundation
deposits, worker unearth
something incredible.
55
00:04:02,376 --> 00:04:06,878
Dr iskander: Cartouches!
Extremely unusual
cartouches.
56
00:04:06,914 --> 00:04:09,948
Unprecedented in
any egyptian temple.
57
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Narrator: These oval
markings were used to stamp
the names of pharaohs
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00:04:15,456 --> 00:04:16,955
Onto their monuments.
59
00:04:16,991 --> 00:04:21,026
The hidden cartouches
spell out two names.
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00:04:21,061 --> 00:04:24,429
Dr iskander: The
one on the left is
ramses meri amun,
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00:04:24,465 --> 00:04:27,532
That's the name given to
him when he was born.
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00:04:27,568 --> 00:04:32,037
And the other one is
the throne name that
the one given to him
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00:04:32,072 --> 00:04:35,707
When he became the
pharaoh, ramses ii.
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00:04:36,910 --> 00:04:39,578
Narrator: Ramses throne
name would not have
been inscribed
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00:04:39,613 --> 00:04:42,914
On the foundations unless
he began its construction.
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Dr iskander: This temple
was built during the reign
of ramses ii, period.
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00:04:49,189 --> 00:04:51,423
No more argument
about that.
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Narrator: Ramses would go
on to build more monuments
than any other pharaoh,
69
00:04:56,096 --> 00:05:00,799
But the cartouche
proves this temple is
where it all began.
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00:05:00,834 --> 00:05:05,370
Dr iskander: This is his
beginning and was starting
to build a legacy.
71
00:05:07,841 --> 00:05:10,075
Narrator: Ramses began
his prolific campaign
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00:05:10,110 --> 00:05:12,244
Of monument building
with this temple.
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00:05:14,882 --> 00:05:19,418
At its entrance, an
imposing granite doorway
led to a courtyard
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00:05:19,453 --> 00:05:23,422
Surrounded by figures
of osiris, the god of
this temple.
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00:05:24,858 --> 00:05:28,527
In each corner of
the temple, buried
in the foundations,
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00:05:28,562 --> 00:05:35,434
Golden cartouches
spelling his name, ramses
ii, the chosen of ra.
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00:05:38,706 --> 00:05:40,839
On the south-western
wall of the temple,
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00:05:40,874 --> 00:05:43,842
Sameh investigates a
recently sealed doorway,
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00:05:43,877 --> 00:05:47,979
Which appears to lead
away from the building.
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00:05:48,015 --> 00:05:51,550
Dr iskander: This door
was left open for
almost 3,000 years.
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00:05:51,585 --> 00:05:52,784
What is the reason?
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00:05:52,820 --> 00:05:54,986
Something must have gone
on through this door.
83
00:05:57,391 --> 00:06:01,059
Narrator: Sameh's team
begin excavating around
the doorway for clues
84
00:06:01,095 --> 00:06:03,195
About where it might lead.
85
00:06:05,766 --> 00:06:10,435
50 miles south in the
valley of the kings,
86
00:06:10,471 --> 00:06:14,272
Is the magnificently
decorated tomb of
ramses father,
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00:06:14,308 --> 00:06:19,311
Seti the first, who
ruled for 11 years before
ramses came to the throne.
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00:06:20,681 --> 00:06:23,515
Aliaa ismail has come here
to study the decorations
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For clues about what
legacy ramses inherited
from his father.
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00:06:29,123 --> 00:06:32,391
Aliaa: You can see
that the pigments have
survived all this time.
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00:06:36,997 --> 00:06:41,099
Narrator: A detail in
the stunning mural
catches her eye.
92
00:06:41,135 --> 00:06:44,603
Aliaa: Here you can
see the blueness
here in the hair.
93
00:06:44,638 --> 00:06:47,839
Narrator: This blue
pigmentation reveals
incredible evidence
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00:06:47,875 --> 00:06:49,541
About seti's reign.
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00:06:50,944 --> 00:06:55,614
Aliaa: We have here,
lapis and lapis was
brought from afghanistan.
96
00:06:55,649 --> 00:07:00,118
Narrator: The pigment was
brought over 2,000 miles
to be used in this tomb.
97
00:07:03,123 --> 00:07:06,758
It's a clue that
egypt could have
entered a golden era
98
00:07:06,794 --> 00:07:09,261
Before ramses ever
came to the throne.
99
00:07:10,130 --> 00:07:14,299
Aliaa: We can see
strong trade relations,
100
00:07:14,334 --> 00:07:17,469
In terms of wealth,
power and politics.
101
00:07:17,504 --> 00:07:20,972
It's like china and
america put together.
102
00:07:21,975 --> 00:07:25,477
Narrator: Ramses success
may have been built on the
back of the achievements
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00:07:25,512 --> 00:07:27,045
Of his father.
104
00:07:28,682 --> 00:07:32,851
But discoveries like
this are at risk of
disappearing.
105
00:07:32,886 --> 00:07:38,089
Aliaa: Tombs were made
to be closed forever and
once we have opened them,
106
00:07:38,125 --> 00:07:44,563
The presence of air
and moisture keeps
degrading the tomb.
107
00:07:44,598 --> 00:07:47,799
Narrator: Aliaa is
training a team of
young conservationists
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00:07:47,835 --> 00:07:51,970
To help preserve the
tomb through cutting
edge 3d scanning.
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00:07:54,908 --> 00:07:59,978
Aliaa: For thousands of
years, the locals have been
the guardians of this place
110
00:08:00,013 --> 00:08:07,018
And now they're doing
it just with modern
technology.
111
00:08:07,054 --> 00:08:09,688
Narrator: For team member,
mina fahim rezk,
112
00:08:09,723 --> 00:08:12,858
It's a welcome chance
to protect his egyptian
heritage .
113
00:08:27,674 --> 00:08:31,476
Narrator: Tomorrow, they
will use their training
to create a 3d record
114
00:08:31,512 --> 00:08:35,313
Of seti the first's
tomb before it
vanishes forever.
115
00:08:39,553 --> 00:08:46,391
South of the valley of
the kings in luxor is
the asasif necropolis.
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00:08:46,426 --> 00:08:52,564
This sprawling graveyard
covers over 1,000 years of
ancient egyptian history,
117
00:08:52,599 --> 00:08:59,905
With burials from 800 years
before ramses time to many
centuries after his death.
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00:08:59,940 --> 00:09:03,441
Project director, fathi
yaseen, and his team,
119
00:09:03,477 --> 00:09:05,877
Are excavating a newly
discovered shaft.
120
00:09:15,789 --> 00:09:20,091
Narrator: The size of the
shaft means it could lead
to an undiscovered tomb.
121
00:09:20,127 --> 00:09:24,529
But, after two weeks
excavation, their dig
hasn't produced any finds.
122
00:09:28,735 --> 00:09:31,036
Narrator: Just feet from
the mouth of the shaft,
123
00:09:31,071 --> 00:09:36,341
Fathi spots something
in the ground. It's
rare pottery.
124
00:09:36,376 --> 00:09:39,311
Fathi examines it closely
to determine its age.
125
00:09:46,453 --> 00:09:51,389
Narrator: The find is from
the time of ramses rule.
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00:09:51,425 --> 00:09:55,627
It's a promising sign
the shaft also leads to
a tomb from this period.
127
00:10:01,635 --> 00:10:03,435
Narrator: Just north
of the shaft,
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00:10:03,470 --> 00:10:06,871
One of the team
unearths a hole leading
deep into the ground.
129
00:10:17,851 --> 00:10:21,252
Narrator: It looks
promising, but the
entrance is unstable.
130
00:10:27,060 --> 00:10:30,662
Narrator: It's a
tantalizing, but
risky new lead.
131
00:10:44,578 --> 00:10:47,479
Sameh discovers a walkway
of limestone blocks
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00:10:47,514 --> 00:10:50,248
Leading away from the
sealed up temple doorway.
133
00:10:51,451 --> 00:10:55,420
At the end of the path
is something incredible.
134
00:10:55,455 --> 00:10:58,790
Dr iskander: Low and behold,
we come across a palace.
135
00:11:01,061 --> 00:11:04,329
Narrator: This is the
find of a lifetime.
136
00:11:04,364 --> 00:11:07,098
Ramses the great's
private palace.
137
00:11:08,902 --> 00:11:09,934
Dr iskander: We were
shocked.
138
00:11:09,970 --> 00:11:13,138
We really did not
expect this here.
139
00:11:13,173 --> 00:11:16,174
Narrator: Sameh and
his team immediately
begin excavating
140
00:11:16,209 --> 00:11:18,243
This magnificent discovery.
141
00:11:19,413 --> 00:11:24,249
Dr iskander: The entire
site was covered for up
to 4 meters.
142
00:11:24,284 --> 00:11:28,253
Narrator: Ramses path
to greatness began
here in abydos,
143
00:11:28,288 --> 00:11:31,056
But he wasn't the first
pharaoh to build here.
144
00:11:35,495 --> 00:11:42,300
Just 950 ft south of ramses
palace is the temple of his
father, seti the first.
145
00:11:44,071 --> 00:11:47,772
Sameh has come here
looking for clues
about why both ramses
146
00:11:47,808 --> 00:11:50,475
And his father chose
to build in abydos.
147
00:11:51,244 --> 00:11:55,246
A site which had fallen out
of favour and been abandoned
by previous rulers.
148
00:11:59,953 --> 00:12:04,789
Dr iskander: Here is
seti the first, his
son, prince ramses,
149
00:12:04,825 --> 00:12:08,493
Who later will become
ramses the great.
150
00:12:08,528 --> 00:12:10,962
Narrator: A relief known
as the king's list,
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00:12:10,997 --> 00:12:15,867
Records the pharaohs from
the first dynasty up to
the time of ramses.
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00:12:15,902 --> 00:12:21,506
Within it, hidden clues
may reveal why seti and
ramses returned to abydos,
153
00:12:21,541 --> 00:12:24,242
And if it played a
part in ramses success.
154
00:12:25,245 --> 00:12:29,614
Dr iskander: Obviously,
there is something
missing here.
155
00:12:29,649 --> 00:12:33,952
Narrator: Multiple
kings have been
erased from history.
156
00:12:33,987 --> 00:12:35,286
Dr iskander: Why
they were missing?
157
00:12:35,322 --> 00:12:37,689
Because they are
horrific kings.
158
00:12:39,926 --> 00:12:44,395
Narrator: These pharaohs
ruled before ramses
and seti came to power.
159
00:12:44,431 --> 00:12:49,634
During this period,
the old religions and
gods were abandoned.
160
00:12:49,669 --> 00:12:55,573
Dr iskander: What ramses is
trying to do is to restore
the old egyptian religion.
161
00:12:55,609 --> 00:13:01,212
Narrator: Abydos is where
early egyptians believed
the god, osiris was buried.
162
00:13:01,248 --> 00:13:04,983
They considered it a
sacred site, and from
the first dynasty,
163
00:13:05,018 --> 00:13:07,051
Chose to build
their tombs here.
164
00:13:10,624 --> 00:13:17,662
Archaeologists unearthed
a tomb dating to 2,000
years before ramses rule.
165
00:13:17,697 --> 00:13:23,535
Inside it, a
treasure hoard with
over 400 wine jars.
166
00:13:23,570 --> 00:13:25,303
An ivory sceptre.
167
00:13:25,338 --> 00:13:29,107
An ancient obsidian bowl.
168
00:13:29,142 --> 00:13:32,944
And the oldest examples
of egyptian writing.
169
00:13:32,979 --> 00:13:37,615
Priceless ivory
tags bearing the names of
regions of ancient egypt.
170
00:13:38,685 --> 00:13:42,287
This tomb is believed
to belong to a man
called scorpion,
171
00:13:42,322 --> 00:13:45,023
One of egypt's very
first kings.
172
00:13:49,930 --> 00:13:54,299
By building in abydos,
ramses and seti
173
00:13:54,334 --> 00:13:57,202
Hope to ensure
the success of
their dynasty.
174
00:13:57,237 --> 00:14:02,340
Forever associating it
with the first kings,
such as scorpion,
175
00:14:02,375 --> 00:14:09,047
And one of the most revered
ancient gods, osiris, ruler
of the underworld.
176
00:14:09,082 --> 00:14:11,316
Dr iskander: That's what
this temple is all about.
177
00:14:11,351 --> 00:14:16,154
Build this temple in
the domain of osiris,
which is abydos.
178
00:14:17,390 --> 00:14:21,659
Narrator: Ramses built his
power through a connection
to the old ways.
179
00:14:21,695 --> 00:14:25,330
But, could developments
made during king
scorpion's reign
180
00:14:25,365 --> 00:14:29,901
Have been what allowed
ramses to spread that
power through his empire?
181
00:14:33,106 --> 00:14:34,606
In the town of el-khawy.
182
00:14:38,144 --> 00:14:41,946
Hieroglyphics experts,
john and coleen darnell
are on a mission
183
00:14:41,982 --> 00:14:45,984
To unravel the mystery of
ramses path to greatness.
184
00:14:46,019 --> 00:14:48,353
Above an historic
trade route,
185
00:14:48,388 --> 00:14:50,722
They have discovered
ancient inscriptions.
186
00:14:53,026 --> 00:14:54,692
Prof. John: I think what
we've got here is one
187
00:14:54,728 --> 00:14:59,130
Of the earliest
hieroglyphic inscriptions.
188
00:14:59,165 --> 00:15:02,934
Narrator: Carved
into the mountain are
depictions of animals,
189
00:15:02,969 --> 00:15:06,905
But these are more
than just drawings.
190
00:15:06,940 --> 00:15:11,542
Prof. John: This is
someone actually
writing these signs.
191
00:15:11,578 --> 00:15:13,645
They're letters,
not pictures.
192
00:15:16,783 --> 00:15:22,587
Narrator: These carvings
mark a huge moment
in human civilisation.
193
00:15:22,622 --> 00:15:27,859
They show an ibis with
two storks on either side
and form something new.
194
00:15:27,894 --> 00:15:31,329
A picture representing
a word.
195
00:15:31,364 --> 00:15:34,632
This is an early version
of a hieroglyph akhet,
196
00:15:34,668 --> 00:15:37,602
The ancient egyptian
word for horizon.
197
00:15:38,638 --> 00:15:43,207
This could be one of the
oldest examples of written
language ever found.
198
00:15:48,515 --> 00:15:51,582
To confirm the age
of the inscriptions,
199
00:15:51,618 --> 00:15:54,052
John and colleen compare
them with records
200
00:15:54,087 --> 00:15:58,990
Of the ancient texts found
in the tomb of one of
egypt's first kings.
201
00:15:59,025 --> 00:16:00,124
Scorpion.
202
00:16:01,561 --> 00:16:07,966
Dr colleen: These are
the same signs as in the
early tomb at abydos.
203
00:16:08,001 --> 00:16:10,201
Narrator: They are
a perfect match.
204
00:16:10,236 --> 00:16:13,304
At over 5,000 years old,
these are the first
205
00:16:13,340 --> 00:16:16,841
Monumental hieroglyphics
ever discovered.
206
00:16:16,876 --> 00:16:19,777
And one of the
earliest examples of
written language.
207
00:16:21,781 --> 00:16:28,920
Dr colleen: This is the
first time we can read a
hieroglyphic inscription.
208
00:16:30,357 --> 00:16:32,657
Narrator: John
deciphers the symbols.
209
00:16:32,692 --> 00:16:35,860
The akhet hieroglyph,
along with the symbol
of a bull,
210
00:16:35,895 --> 00:16:37,829
Reveals a remarkable
connection between
211
00:16:37,864 --> 00:16:42,333
This early writing
and ramses success
2,000 years later.
212
00:16:43,536 --> 00:16:46,637
Prof. John: We have royal
power equals solar power.
213
00:16:46,673 --> 00:16:50,908
The king on earth is
as the sun in the sky.
214
00:16:52,278 --> 00:16:56,714
Narrator: The texts are
an early example of
pharaonic propaganda.
215
00:16:56,750 --> 00:17:01,052
Dr colleen: This
absolutely is an
ancient billboard.
216
00:17:02,856 --> 00:17:05,857
Narrator: Ramses not
only associated himself
with the old king
217
00:17:05,892 --> 00:17:10,695
By building in abydos,
he used the power of
written language
218
00:17:10,730 --> 00:17:16,134
Developed during
scorpion's reign to spread
the success of his empire.
219
00:17:16,169 --> 00:17:19,904
Prof. John: This is
exactly the statement of
the basis of authority
220
00:17:19,939 --> 00:17:24,008
On which ramses ii
himself ruled.
221
00:17:24,044 --> 00:17:28,813
Dr colleen: This is
where it all started.
222
00:17:28,848 --> 00:17:32,250
Narrator: To further
unlock the secrets
of ramses success.
223
00:17:32,285 --> 00:17:33,885
Dr colleen: Shukran!
224
00:17:33,920 --> 00:17:36,120
Narrator: John and
colleen must look
for more clues
225
00:17:36,156 --> 00:17:38,489
In the monuments he
left behind.
226
00:17:41,694 --> 00:17:46,330
In luxor, at the
necropolis of asasif,
227
00:17:46,366 --> 00:17:49,500
Fathi's team is excavating
the infilled shaft
228
00:17:49,536 --> 00:17:52,503
In the area dating to
the time of ramses.
229
00:17:53,406 --> 00:17:57,108
They have now reached
a depth of 30 ft.
230
00:17:57,143 --> 00:18:01,212
The workers must move
thousands of tons of
earth without machinery.
231
00:18:08,321 --> 00:18:11,923
Narrator: Sayed al
qurnay oversees the
site's safety.
232
00:18:15,095 --> 00:18:18,496
Narrator: He must
constantly monitor the digs
progress for any danger.
233
00:18:30,276 --> 00:18:33,177
Narrator: So far,
nothing has been
discovered inside.
234
00:18:34,481 --> 00:18:37,281
But, they are now
approaching the
bottom of the shaft
235
00:18:37,350 --> 00:18:38,883
And the signs are
promising.
236
00:18:51,898 --> 00:18:55,733
Narrator: Suddenly, one
of fathi's sharp eyed
workers spots something
237
00:18:55,768 --> 00:18:57,568
In the ancient debris.
238
00:19:24,397 --> 00:19:27,031
Narrator: Buried in
the debris is an
exquisitely carved
239
00:19:27,066 --> 00:19:29,567
Miniature statue
known as a shabti.
240
00:19:33,139 --> 00:19:36,774
Narrator: Ancient egyptians
believed these tiny figures
would come to life
241
00:19:36,809 --> 00:19:39,577
And serve the
tomb's occupant
in the afterlife.
242
00:19:42,749 --> 00:19:46,817
As they dig further,
a treasure trove of
shabtis begins to emerge.
243
00:19:54,894 --> 00:19:58,262
Narrator: In total, they
discover 30 beautifully
carved shabtis.
244
00:20:02,001 --> 00:20:04,001
As fathi excavates
further,
245
00:20:04,037 --> 00:20:06,070
He spots something
else in the debris.
246
00:20:26,359 --> 00:20:29,393
Narrator: Tools like
this were used to
excavate chambers
247
00:20:29,429 --> 00:20:31,229
Deep beneath the ground.
248
00:20:38,771 --> 00:20:40,571
Narrator: The team
could be just inches
249
00:20:40,607 --> 00:20:42,807
From discovering a
burial chamber.
250
00:20:47,880 --> 00:20:52,116
In luxor, close to the
valley of the kings,
251
00:20:52,151 --> 00:20:55,253
Ramses built his
mortuary temple.
252
00:20:55,288 --> 00:20:56,654
The rammeseum.
253
00:20:58,157 --> 00:21:02,727
Colleen has come here
hoping to unravel the
mystery of ramses success
254
00:21:02,762 --> 00:21:05,296
Through clues in
the monuments he
left behind.
255
00:21:06,266 --> 00:21:10,101
Dr colleen: This is where
he set up one of the most
colossal statues
256
00:21:10,136 --> 00:21:12,903
Ever created in
ancient egypt.
257
00:21:14,507 --> 00:21:17,475
Narrator: Started in
just the second year
of his reign,
258
00:21:17,510 --> 00:21:19,744
This huge shrine was
built for worshippers
259
00:21:19,779 --> 00:21:23,581
To pray for ramses
immortal soul.
260
00:21:23,616 --> 00:21:25,549
From his very beginnings,
261
00:21:25,585 --> 00:21:31,155
Ramses was already focused
on being remembered long
after his death.
262
00:21:31,190 --> 00:21:35,092
But, colleen believes
this temple might
reveal ramses success
263
00:21:35,128 --> 00:21:39,530
Was due to more than
building monuments
of remembrance.
264
00:21:39,565 --> 00:21:44,368
Dr colleen: If you don't
have the backing of an
amazingly wealthy country,
265
00:21:44,404 --> 00:21:48,072
You can't commission
a colossal statue
like this one.
266
00:21:50,910 --> 00:21:54,045
Narrator: Neighbouring
the temple are vast
vaulted chambers
267
00:21:54,080 --> 00:21:57,448
More suited to storage
than worship.
268
00:21:57,483 --> 00:22:02,053
Dr colleen: These
storage rooms dwarf
the stone temple.
269
00:22:02,088 --> 00:22:06,624
Narrator: Inside,
colleen finds a clue to
what was stored here.
270
00:22:07,560 --> 00:22:10,194
Dr colleen: The
hole is in the roof.
271
00:22:10,229 --> 00:22:18,102
So this entire giant
room would have been
filled with grain.
272
00:22:18,137 --> 00:22:21,939
Narrator: These huge silos
reveal there was as much
an economic function
273
00:22:21,974 --> 00:22:24,575
To the temple as a
religious one.
274
00:22:26,045 --> 00:22:33,317
Dr colleen: It's
16,500 cubic meters
of grain storage.
275
00:22:33,353 --> 00:22:38,189
That's a phenomenal
amount of wealth.
276
00:22:38,224 --> 00:22:44,195
These grain stores
could feed a significant
portion of ramses army.
277
00:22:45,732 --> 00:22:50,201
Narrator: Ramses had both
the wealth to build
monuments for his worship
278
00:22:50,236 --> 00:22:54,638
And the resources to
feed a standing army
of around 20,000 men.
279
00:22:56,476 --> 00:22:59,276
Dr colleen: Without these
economic resources,
280
00:22:59,312 --> 00:23:02,947
Egypt's military
victories would have
never happened.
281
00:23:03,983 --> 00:23:07,318
Narrator: Ramses may
have had a huge army
at his disposal,
282
00:23:07,353 --> 00:23:10,254
But to understand how
he put it to use,
283
00:23:10,289 --> 00:23:13,958
Colleen will have
to search more of the
monuments he left behind.
284
00:23:17,430 --> 00:23:22,299
In abydos, in the
newly discovered
palace of ramses ii,
285
00:23:22,335 --> 00:23:27,838
Sameh pieces together
fragments of buried
pottery.
286
00:23:27,874 --> 00:23:31,909
Dr iskander: Very fine
material, has nice rim.
287
00:23:33,579 --> 00:23:35,980
Narrator: Next to where the
pottery was discovered,
288
00:23:36,015 --> 00:23:39,483
Workers unearth a
mysterious pit.
289
00:23:39,519 --> 00:23:41,018
Dr iskander: We have
some surprise here.
290
00:23:43,222 --> 00:23:46,590
Narrator: The original
stones have been
warped by heat.
291
00:23:46,626 --> 00:23:51,595
Dr iskander: This is all
melted sandstone all
around here.
292
00:23:51,631 --> 00:23:55,800
Narrator: Within the pit
are moulds, which perfectly
match the pottery.
293
00:23:55,835 --> 00:23:59,069
Dr iskander: This is like
a frozen moment in time.
294
00:23:59,105 --> 00:24:03,741
Narrator: The moulds
are clues to the pit's
original purpose.
295
00:24:03,776 --> 00:24:08,512
Dr iskander: We realise
we are now coming
across a furnace.
296
00:24:08,548 --> 00:24:11,282
Narrator: Sameh
believes this
furnace was a kiln
297
00:24:11,317 --> 00:24:14,785
Used to make bowls for
ramses private palace.
298
00:24:16,389 --> 00:24:18,889
Dr iskander: This must
have been used by
probably ramses himself.
299
00:24:21,294 --> 00:24:24,195
And we're getting close and
close to him as a person,
300
00:24:24,230 --> 00:24:29,467
As a pharaoh, as a
human being.
301
00:24:31,804 --> 00:24:33,571
Narrator: Just feet
from the furnace,
302
00:24:33,606 --> 00:24:36,707
Sameh discovers a
mysterious niche.
303
00:24:36,742 --> 00:24:39,310
This alcove was cut into
the walls of the palace
304
00:24:39,345 --> 00:24:42,112
And sealed up with
ancient bricks.
305
00:24:42,148 --> 00:24:45,749
Dr iskander: Inside
there was a large object.
306
00:24:45,785 --> 00:24:51,489
Narrator: Nearby, they
discover more niches,
but these are also empty.
307
00:24:51,524 --> 00:24:56,427
Dr iskander: A lot
of interesting, but
confusing data.
308
00:24:56,462 --> 00:24:59,563
Narrator: To reveal
the purpose of these
strange niches,
309
00:24:59,599 --> 00:25:03,434
Sameh's team must continue
their painstaking search.
310
00:25:14,614 --> 00:25:17,848
Ramses built another
massive monument.
311
00:25:17,884 --> 00:25:21,318
The mountain temple
of abu simbel.
312
00:25:21,354 --> 00:25:26,490
Colleen has come here
searching for clues about
how ramses military skill
313
00:25:26,525 --> 00:25:29,493
Contributed to the
success of his empire.
314
00:25:29,529 --> 00:25:33,797
Dr colleen: This is
like the greatest hits
of ramses victories.
315
00:25:38,137 --> 00:25:41,205
Narrator: Ramses
consolidated his
empire in the south,
316
00:25:41,240 --> 00:25:45,442
And pushed north to
confront his powerful
enemies, the hittites.
317
00:25:48,214 --> 00:25:50,381
Dr colleen: In temples
all over egypt,
318
00:25:50,416 --> 00:25:54,084
He recorded his victory
against the hittites.
319
00:25:54,120 --> 00:25:55,786
Or so he wanted
us to think.
320
00:25:59,492 --> 00:26:04,528
Narrator: Around 1300
bc, the egyptians fought
their arch rivals,
321
00:26:04,564 --> 00:26:08,132
The hittites, at the
fortress city of kadesh,
322
00:26:08,167 --> 00:26:11,735
In possibly the largest
chariot battle in history.
323
00:26:11,771 --> 00:26:17,875
The light egyptian chariots
had the edge of the heavy
hittite war machines.
324
00:26:17,910 --> 00:26:20,878
Ramses recorded the
victory as a massacre,
325
00:26:20,913 --> 00:26:23,914
But in reality it was
more of a draw.
326
00:26:23,950 --> 00:26:26,383
The two kings
agreed a truce
327
00:26:26,419 --> 00:26:29,386
Resulting in the
world's first recorded
peace treaty.
328
00:26:33,059 --> 00:26:37,127
Dr colleen: It enabled
the egyptians to spend
all of their resources
329
00:26:37,163 --> 00:26:41,966
On peacetime pursuits,
building massive
constructions like this,
330
00:26:42,001 --> 00:26:45,569
And usher in a golden
age for egypt.
331
00:26:47,006 --> 00:26:49,974
Narrator: Instead
of waging costly
military campaigns,
332
00:26:50,009 --> 00:26:54,812
Ramses built his
success through a
mastery of diplomacy.
333
00:26:54,847 --> 00:26:57,181
But, to win the hearts
of his citizens,
334
00:26:57,216 --> 00:27:00,751
He still needed to
depict himself as
a mighty warrior.
335
00:27:02,922 --> 00:27:08,225
Dr colleen: He's on his
chariot alone with the
reins tied behind his back
336
00:27:08,260 --> 00:27:11,695
So that he's free to
shoot his bow.
337
00:27:11,731 --> 00:27:14,131
We knew that this is a
little bit of propaganda,
338
00:27:14,166 --> 00:27:17,801
Because even the
hieroglyphic text says
that his shield bearer,
339
00:27:17,837 --> 00:27:21,839
Mena, was riding in
the chariot with him.
340
00:27:21,874 --> 00:27:25,542
Narrator: Ramses was
a master of ancient
public relations.
341
00:27:25,578 --> 00:27:29,246
Happy to bend the truth
to promote an image which
would appeal to his people.
342
00:27:35,054 --> 00:27:37,054
In the temple's
inner sanctum,
343
00:27:37,089 --> 00:27:41,558
Colleen discovers another
secret of ramses success.
344
00:27:41,594 --> 00:27:47,131
Here, by placing
his statue between the
greatest gods of egypt,
345
00:27:47,199 --> 00:27:53,737
Ramses used a clever
trick of the light to
engineer his own divinity.
346
00:27:53,773 --> 00:27:58,509
Dr colleen: Twice a
year, the sun rays reach
all the way through
347
00:27:58,544 --> 00:28:05,215
The temple illuminating
these figures in the
sanctuary.
348
00:28:05,251 --> 00:28:09,553
Narrator: Colleen believes
ramses used this solar
alignment to convey
349
00:28:09,588 --> 00:28:16,493
A powerful message that he
was the living embodiment
of the sun god.
350
00:28:16,529 --> 00:28:22,700
Dr colleen: Truly, here
at abu simbel, ramses ii
is not just a king,
351
00:28:22,735 --> 00:28:25,002
He is a god!
352
00:28:31,577 --> 00:28:37,381
Narrator: At ramses palace
in abydos, sameh has
discovered another niche,
353
00:28:37,416 --> 00:28:40,651
But this one hasn't
been emptied.
354
00:28:40,686 --> 00:28:42,853
Dr iskander: Look at
this, another hole.
Worker: Yes.
355
00:28:42,888 --> 00:28:46,457
Dr iskander: Another
hole here. So, it's one
on top of the other.
356
00:28:48,794 --> 00:28:53,230
Narrator: It's crammed
full with an astonishing
number of skeletons.
357
00:28:53,265 --> 00:28:56,500
It's impossible
to tell how many.
358
00:28:56,535 --> 00:28:59,403
Dr iskander: Two heads
here at least, so far.
359
00:28:59,438 --> 00:29:04,475
Narrator: They search
for other niches, and
find more bones
360
00:29:04,510 --> 00:29:07,111
Sealed all around the
walls of the palace.
361
00:29:08,547 --> 00:29:12,015
Dr iskander: We have
something very interesting
that's now emerging.
362
00:29:12,051 --> 00:29:16,253
Narrator: The remains
aren't human, but
include bull skeletons.
363
00:29:16,288 --> 00:29:21,558
This discovery might be
evidence ramses controlled
a mysterious religious cult.
364
00:29:24,230 --> 00:29:29,266
One of the most popular
cults of ancient egypt
thrived under ramses.
365
00:29:29,301 --> 00:29:31,935
The cult of apis.
366
00:29:31,971 --> 00:29:36,740
Priests chose a
bull to embody the
creator-god, ptah.
367
00:29:36,776 --> 00:29:39,810
The egyptians worshipped
the bull as an oracle,
368
00:29:39,845 --> 00:29:44,214
And interpreted his
movements as prophecies.
369
00:29:44,250 --> 00:29:50,954
When an apis bull died, it
was ceremoniously buried
and a new bull chosen.
370
00:29:50,990 --> 00:29:55,159
Ramses heavily
promoted bull worship
during his reign,
371
00:29:55,194 --> 00:29:58,195
Reinforcing his
divinity through
this powerful cult.
372
00:30:02,401 --> 00:30:05,569
Ramses may have
built a connection
to the bull cult,
373
00:30:05,604 --> 00:30:10,240
But sameh can't be sure
this palace was a
sacred cult site.
374
00:30:10,276 --> 00:30:15,012
Unlike the apis cult,
which ceremoniously
buried its bulls,
375
00:30:15,047 --> 00:30:18,916
These remains have been
crammed into the walls
without ceremony.
376
00:30:19,618 --> 00:30:21,552
Dr iskander: So far,
there's really no pattern.
377
00:30:21,587 --> 00:30:25,289
They're scattered and
they are almost in a
random way.
378
00:30:25,324 --> 00:30:27,825
Narrator: Was this
truly a sacred site?
379
00:30:27,860 --> 00:30:31,328
Or could ramses
private palace had
become a dumping ground
380
00:30:31,363 --> 00:30:34,064
For the carcasses
of livestock?
381
00:30:34,099 --> 00:30:35,432
Dr iskander: It's a
mystery that we
have to resolve.
382
00:30:40,906 --> 00:30:42,172
Narrator: In the valley
of the kings,
383
00:30:45,411 --> 00:30:49,112
Today aliaa and their team
attempt to record history,
384
00:30:49,148 --> 00:30:52,049
Creating a 3d scan
of ramses father,
385
00:30:52,084 --> 00:30:58,388
Seti's tomb in the hope
of preserving it for
future generations.
386
00:30:58,424 --> 00:31:01,859
They carefully load the
precious scanning equipment
387
00:31:01,894 --> 00:31:03,927
And make their way
to the tomb.
388
00:31:06,131 --> 00:31:08,031
Aliaa: The work today's
going to be very scary
389
00:31:08,067 --> 00:31:09,366
Because we're
really worried.
390
00:31:09,401 --> 00:31:10,901
We don't want to
touch anything.
391
00:31:13,172 --> 00:31:18,108
Narrator: The towering
ceilings in seti's tomb
are 20 feet high.
392
00:31:18,143 --> 00:31:23,146
To capture their secrets,
the team must build a huge
scaffold just inches
393
00:31:23,182 --> 00:31:25,182
From the priceless walls.
394
00:31:27,219 --> 00:31:30,354
Aliaa: Can we start
by assembling the
legs, please?
395
00:31:33,325 --> 00:31:34,391
Please be careful.
396
00:31:37,263 --> 00:31:39,863
Narrator: Any mistake would
cause irreparable damage
397
00:31:39,899 --> 00:31:42,666
To one of the most
precious tombs in egypt.
398
00:31:44,136 --> 00:31:46,203
Aliaa: Guys, could we
start putting it up?
399
00:31:48,307 --> 00:31:49,973
(foreign dialogue)
400
00:32:00,686 --> 00:32:03,287
Gs,
401
00:32:03,322 --> 00:32:08,325
Colleen's exploring
the inscriptions in
ramses ii's tomb.
402
00:32:08,360 --> 00:32:12,829
In 1213 bc, after 66
years on the throne,
403
00:32:12,865 --> 00:32:18,068
Ramses died aged 96 and his
mummy was sealed here.
404
00:32:18,103 --> 00:32:23,507
In life, ramses declared
himself a god, but colleen
has come here to discover
405
00:32:23,542 --> 00:32:27,110
If ramses was as
successful in death.
406
00:32:29,515 --> 00:32:35,352
Dr colleen: There's
apep! So, apep is
the chaos serpent.
407
00:32:35,387 --> 00:32:38,889
He's the one that tries
to stop the sun god.
408
00:32:38,924 --> 00:32:42,626
Narrator: The
hieroglyphics show ramses
slaying the serpent,
409
00:32:42,661 --> 00:32:45,896
A role normally reserved
for the sun god.
410
00:32:45,931 --> 00:32:49,733
Dr colleen: That's the
power that ramses is trying
to harness in his tomb,
411
00:32:49,768 --> 00:32:54,004
That he wants to become
like the sun god.
412
00:32:54,039 --> 00:33:00,811
Narrator: In death, ramses
intends to take on the
god's cosmic duties.
413
00:33:00,846 --> 00:33:06,049
Deep inside the tomb,
scaffolding supports
ramses burial chamber.
414
00:33:06,085 --> 00:33:09,586
It was heavily damaged
by ancient flooding.
415
00:33:09,621 --> 00:33:12,122
But, when archaeologists
discovered the tomb,
416
00:33:12,157 --> 00:33:15,859
Ramses mummy and nearly
all his riches were gone.
417
00:33:17,096 --> 00:33:20,464
Dr colleen: His mummy
would have been placed
here in the coffin,
418
00:33:20,499 --> 00:33:25,502
But now it's no
longer here.
419
00:33:25,537 --> 00:33:27,604
Narrator: Ramses story
doesn't end here.
420
00:33:31,777 --> 00:33:34,411
In search of his final
resting place,
421
00:33:34,446 --> 00:33:39,216
John and colleen
follow a trail high
into the cliffs.
422
00:33:39,251 --> 00:33:44,087
Hidden in the rock face
is a secret shaft, which
is normally sealed.
423
00:33:44,123 --> 00:33:47,691
Today, it has been
opened especially for
their investigation.
424
00:33:49,261 --> 00:33:51,128
But, it's a long way down.
425
00:33:52,898 --> 00:33:55,165
Dr colleen: Can't see
the bottom from here.
426
00:33:55,200 --> 00:33:57,567
Prof. John: Well, it's
sufficiently deep shaft.
427
00:33:58,737 --> 00:33:59,770
Dr colleen: Wow!
428
00:34:03,642 --> 00:34:06,910
Narrator: In luxor's
necropolis of asasif,
429
00:34:06,945 --> 00:34:12,249
The team has excavated
the shaft to a depth
of 45 feet.
430
00:34:12,284 --> 00:34:16,086
Fathi thinks he is on
the verge of a huge
breakthrough.
431
00:34:26,131 --> 00:34:30,767
Narrator: The excavation
has uncovered what
may be a burial chamber.
432
00:34:30,803 --> 00:34:34,604
The chamber is filled
with debris nearly up
to its ceiling,
433
00:34:34,640 --> 00:34:37,874
But there's enough room
for fathi to measure
the space.
434
00:34:50,289 --> 00:34:52,823
Narrator: It's a
promising sign that
an important mummy
435
00:34:52,858 --> 00:34:56,059
Could be buried deep under
the compacted debris.
436
00:34:58,297 --> 00:35:01,431
But fathi is concerned
about the chamber's
safety.
437
00:35:12,711 --> 00:35:16,947
Narrator: Ancient geological
disasters could have
compromised its integrity.
438
00:35:20,052 --> 00:35:23,920
Fathi clears his
team out and meets with
sayed for an assessment.
439
00:35:30,896 --> 00:35:32,762
Narrator: Part of the
chamber's ceiling has
collapsed.
440
00:35:57,089 --> 00:35:59,189
Narrator: Work cannot
continue in the chamber
441
00:35:59,224 --> 00:36:01,224
Until a specialist
arrives to make it safe.
442
00:36:04,062 --> 00:36:07,731
The team will have to
wait to find out what
is buried inside.
443
00:36:23,015 --> 00:36:26,616
Narrator: In the
valley of the kings,
444
00:36:26,652 --> 00:36:30,220
In the tomb of ramses
father, seti the first,
445
00:36:30,255 --> 00:36:33,890
Aliaa's team assembles a
huge scaffold just inches
446
00:36:33,926 --> 00:36:38,228
From one of ancient
egypt's most perfectly
preserved murals.
447
00:36:38,263 --> 00:36:40,330
Any damage would
be catastrophic.
448
00:36:41,633 --> 00:36:45,335
Aliaa: If it tips over it
would definitely damage
the surface of the tomb.
449
00:36:52,844 --> 00:36:54,978
Aliaa: I was just
informing one of
my colleagues
450
00:36:55,013 --> 00:36:57,380
That she is getting
too close to the wall.
451
00:36:59,218 --> 00:37:02,519
Narrator: The
scaffold is up.
452
00:37:02,554 --> 00:37:05,989
Now, they must calibrate
the 3d laser scanner,
453
00:37:06,024 --> 00:37:09,593
Which will allow them
to model the surface of
the tomb's paintwork
454
00:37:09,628 --> 00:37:11,695
In microscopic detail.
455
00:37:12,531 --> 00:37:14,331
Aliaa: The dust
is a huge problem.
456
00:37:14,366 --> 00:37:19,569
No matter how much
you wipe it clean,
it never gets clean.
457
00:37:19,605 --> 00:37:23,039
Narrator: The equipment
is set up and they are
ready to start.
458
00:37:23,075 --> 00:37:23,840
Aliaa: So exciting.
459
00:37:25,244 --> 00:37:28,478
Narrator: It is now
the moment of truth.
460
00:37:28,513 --> 00:37:31,514
Will aliaa's hard
work bring results?
461
00:37:31,550 --> 00:37:33,984
Or will all her efforts
have been for nothing?
462
00:37:35,187 --> 00:37:38,555
Aliaa: Now, we're going
to see what happens when
we press the magic button.
463
00:37:53,639 --> 00:37:56,506
Each pass of the scanner
takes three minutes,
464
00:37:56,541 --> 00:38:01,111
So they have a nerve racking
wait to see if their
operation is a success.
465
00:38:01,146 --> 00:38:04,347
Aliaa: It's almost like
we're making history.
466
00:38:04,383 --> 00:38:08,184
Narrator: The scan
is complete and the team
rush to check their data.
467
00:38:10,322 --> 00:38:12,622
Aliaa: Yay! (applause)
468
00:38:15,260 --> 00:38:19,596
Finally, it seems like all
the hard work has paid off.
469
00:38:19,631 --> 00:38:22,165
Narrator: The scan has
worked perfectly capturing
470
00:38:22,200 --> 00:38:25,769
The surface of the tomb
in microscopic detail.
471
00:38:26,505 --> 00:38:29,272
Aliaa: It's only through
understanding the complex
472
00:38:29,308 --> 00:38:32,108
Biographies of these
surface layers
473
00:38:32,144 --> 00:38:37,647
That we can
understand and preserve
and protect this tomb.
474
00:38:40,052 --> 00:38:44,054
Narrator: These
records will help save
the tomb's decorations,
475
00:38:44,089 --> 00:38:47,691
And could reveal more
secrets about the
life of ramses
476
00:38:47,726 --> 00:38:50,260
And his father, seti.
477
00:38:50,295 --> 00:38:54,731
Aliaa: Only about ten
percent of what is out
there has been discovered
478
00:38:54,766 --> 00:39:00,870
And there's much more, much
more for us to see and for
future generations to see.
479
00:39:07,913 --> 00:39:11,548
Narrator: At ramses
palace in abydos,
480
00:39:11,583 --> 00:39:14,884
Sameh's team is on the
brink of a new discovery.
481
00:39:16,221 --> 00:39:19,689
Unlike the random
skeletons scattered
around the palace,
482
00:39:19,725 --> 00:39:23,593
This bull has been
ceremoniously buried.
483
00:39:23,628 --> 00:39:28,565
Dr iskander: This is an
entire bull skeleton
completely intact.
484
00:39:28,600 --> 00:39:33,236
Narrator: This matches the
practices of the apis cult.
485
00:39:33,271 --> 00:39:39,709
Sameh believes this is
proof ramses palace was
a sacred cult location.
486
00:39:39,745 --> 00:39:44,681
Dr iskander: People
revered ramses and
they want to bury
487
00:39:44,716 --> 00:39:49,686
The bulls right here
in his palace.
488
00:39:49,721 --> 00:39:53,156
Narrator: To learn more
about the cult, sameh
searches for clues
489
00:39:53,191 --> 00:39:56,259
To date the skeleton.
490
00:39:56,294 --> 00:39:59,362
Buried around the bones
are fragments of pottery,
491
00:39:59,398 --> 00:40:02,632
Which reveal incredible
new evidence.
492
00:40:02,667 --> 00:40:05,802
Dr iskander: With the
pottery that we have all
over the place here,
493
00:40:05,837 --> 00:40:09,339
We are certain this is
ptolemaic period,
494
00:40:09,374 --> 00:40:11,474
A thousand years
after ramses.
495
00:40:13,578 --> 00:40:15,645
Narrator: It's an
amazing revelation.
496
00:40:15,680 --> 00:40:19,883
The ptolemaic period
was ancient egypt's
last dynasty,
497
00:40:19,918 --> 00:40:24,354
Meaning this sacrifice
is from a millennium
after ramses rule.
498
00:40:25,857 --> 00:40:31,060
Dr iskander: Ramses cult
lasted for a thousand
years after his time.
499
00:40:31,096 --> 00:40:35,432
Thousand years
after ramses died!
500
00:40:35,467 --> 00:40:39,502
This place is still
a divine place, a
sacred place,
501
00:40:39,538 --> 00:40:41,738
Where offerings are
being made.
502
00:40:44,443 --> 00:40:48,545
Narrator: Sameh's discoveries
show that by instilling his
worship in the hearts
503
00:40:48,580 --> 00:40:54,217
And minds of his people,
ramses engineered his
own path to greatness.
504
00:40:56,288 --> 00:40:58,855
Dr iskander: It's a
history. It's the
history of egypt.
505
00:40:58,890 --> 00:41:02,058
It's the history of
humanity here and that's
what we go through.
506
00:41:02,093 --> 00:41:03,726
It is so exciting.
507
00:41:11,536 --> 00:41:15,705
Narrator: Near the
valley of the kings,
through his cult,
508
00:41:15,740 --> 00:41:17,674
Ramses legacy lived on.
509
00:41:18,510 --> 00:41:21,678
But, to discover
his mummy's final
resting place,
510
00:41:21,713 --> 00:41:24,881
John and colleen hunt deep
beneath the mountains.
511
00:41:27,052 --> 00:41:32,555
At the bottom of the
shaft, john discovers an
ancient painted message.
512
00:41:32,591 --> 00:41:38,027
Prof. John: The text
describes activities
related to the reburials
513
00:41:38,063 --> 00:41:41,097
That went on here
in this tomb.
514
00:41:41,132 --> 00:41:43,533
Narrator: It's an
ancient record of
mummies being moved
515
00:41:43,568 --> 00:41:47,770
To this tomb 3,000
years ago.
516
00:41:47,806 --> 00:41:51,741
Dr colleen: It's as
if the ancient egyptians
wanted to leave us clues.
517
00:41:58,083 --> 00:42:01,284
Narrator: 150 years
after ramses death,
518
00:42:01,319 --> 00:42:04,854
Egypt suffered a period
of civil unrest.
519
00:42:04,890 --> 00:42:08,558
State officials could no
longer guard the valley
of the kings,
520
00:42:08,593 --> 00:42:13,796
So they stripped the tombs
of their treasure, taking
it for themselves.
521
00:42:13,832 --> 00:42:16,633
But, they still revered
the royal mummies
buried there.
522
00:42:19,771 --> 00:42:24,574
In secret, they moved
nearly 50 ancient kings
to a hidden location.
523
00:42:30,782 --> 00:42:33,983
To investigate the
fate of ramses mummy,
524
00:42:34,019 --> 00:42:38,087
John and colleen must go
deeper into the pitch
black crumbling tomb.
525
00:42:39,958 --> 00:42:42,091
Prof. John: Look
at all of this.
526
00:42:42,127 --> 00:42:43,860
It's a bit unstable.
Dr colleen: Wow!
527
00:42:46,264 --> 00:42:49,132
The hard hats were
a good idea.
528
00:42:49,167 --> 00:42:53,069
Narrator: Explorers
discovered the royal
mummies in 1881,
529
00:42:53,104 --> 00:42:56,339
And sketched a plan
of where each pharaoh
was buried.
530
00:42:58,009 --> 00:43:02,111
Deep in the labyrinth,
john and colleen
discover a small chamber,
531
00:43:02,147 --> 00:43:04,314
Which could have
been ramses tomb.
532
00:43:05,350 --> 00:43:08,551
Prof. John: I
didn't expect this.
533
00:43:08,587 --> 00:43:10,153
Dr colleen: Wow!
534
00:43:13,425 --> 00:43:18,227
Prof. John: The body of
ramses ii was probably over
in here, in this chamber.
535
00:43:18,263 --> 00:43:26,302
Ramses ii spent about 28
centuries resting here,
536
00:43:26,338 --> 00:43:28,471
And it's quite
extraordinary.
537
00:43:29,941 --> 00:43:35,144
Narrator: This is
where ramses mummy
was discovered.
538
00:43:35,180 --> 00:43:38,014
His story continues
to this day.
539
00:43:38,049 --> 00:43:42,452
His mummy was moved to
the cairo museum where
it's still on display.
540
00:43:45,290 --> 00:43:51,361
Dr colleen: So, for ramses
ii to still exist today
is somewhat of a miracle.
541
00:43:53,932 --> 00:43:57,734
Narrator: Ramses may
not have lived forever
in his intended tomb,
542
00:43:57,769 --> 00:44:01,070
But he did achieve a
kind of immortality.
543
00:44:01,106 --> 00:44:04,140
His name still lives
on today as the
greatest pharaoh
544
00:44:04,175 --> 00:44:06,342
Of this ancient
civilisation.
545
00:44:07,946 --> 00:44:12,415
And it is through
the secrets and
clues he left behind
546
00:44:12,450 --> 00:44:15,518
That we can reveal the
key to his success.
547
00:44:16,721 --> 00:44:19,122
Dr colleen: It's here
that we can fill in
548
00:44:19,157 --> 00:44:22,025
The story that we
know what happened.
549
00:44:27,198 --> 00:44:27,797
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