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Narrator: Egypt,
the richest source
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00:00:08,576 --> 00:00:13,145
Of archaeological treasures
on the planet.
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00:00:13,147 --> 00:00:16,815
Man: Oh, wow, look at that!
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00:00:16,817 --> 00:00:21,487
Narrator: Hidden beneath
this desert landscape
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00:00:21,489 --> 00:00:25,057
Lie the secrets of
this ancient civilization.
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00:00:25,059 --> 00:00:27,226
(man speaking native language)
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00:00:27,228 --> 00:00:29,261
Man: I never seen
something like this.
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00:00:29,263 --> 00:00:32,364
Narrator: Now, for a full
season of excavations,
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00:00:32,366 --> 00:00:35,768
Our cameras have been given
unprecedented access
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00:00:35,770 --> 00:00:41,106
To follow teams on
the front line of archaeology.
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00:00:41,108 --> 00:00:44,643
Woman: This is the most
critical moment.
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00:00:44,645 --> 00:00:46,578
Narrator: Revealing
buried treasures.
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00:00:46,580 --> 00:00:47,546
Woman: Oh!
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00:00:47,548 --> 00:00:49,815
Man: We're lucky today.
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00:00:49,817 --> 00:00:52,084
Man: Wow! Lots of mummies.
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00:00:52,086 --> 00:00:53,852
Woman: The smell is horrible.
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00:00:53,854 --> 00:00:55,254
Narrator:
And making discoveries
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00:00:55,256 --> 00:00:57,689
That could rewrite
ancient history.
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00:00:57,691 --> 00:01:01,593
Man: We've never had
the proof until now.
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00:01:01,595 --> 00:01:04,763
Woman: This is where
it all started.
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Man: My goodness,
I never expected this.
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(clapping)
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Narrator: This time,
archaeologists unravel
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The enigma of the great sphinx.
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00:01:15,176 --> 00:01:19,645
Man: It's the most iconic statue
anywhere in the world.
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Narrator: John goes where no
archaeologist has gone before.
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00:01:23,184 --> 00:01:25,584
John ward: I'm gonna be the
first man underneath this sphinx
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In 3,500 years.
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Narrator: Alejandro unearths
evidence of a crocodile cult.
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Alejandro jiménez-serrano:
It's a challenge to explain
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Why the crocodiles
were mummified.
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Narrator: And jared discovers
a mummified dog.
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Jared caballo perez:
It was a complete surprise
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To find something that
you don't really expect.
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♪ ♪
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♪ ♪
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Narrator:
The great sphinx of giza,
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One of the most famous
monuments in the world.
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Egyptologists believe
it was built
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00:02:04,492 --> 00:02:07,559
Around the same time
as the giza pyramids,
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00:02:07,561 --> 00:02:10,829
4,500 years ago.
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This colossal statue has an
animal's body and a human face.
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It's as enigmatic
as it is iconic.
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All over egypt, archaeologists
are attempting to unravel
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The riddles of the sphinx.
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Egyptologist dr. Chris naunton
is on a mission
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To unlock its most
controversial secret:
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Whose face is carved on it?
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00:02:39,760 --> 00:02:41,527
Chris naunton: We can begin
to sort of imagine
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How this might have looked
in ancient times,
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00:02:44,331 --> 00:02:45,898
And with that in mind,
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We can perhaps begin to compare
that face to known faces.
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Narrator: Chris thinks
the face was modeled
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On an ancient pharaoh.
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In the age of
the pyramid builders,
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00:02:58,712 --> 00:03:00,546
The sphinx had a delicate nose
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And was painted
in bright colors.
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00:03:03,250 --> 00:03:05,684
But whose face is this?
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00:03:05,686 --> 00:03:09,755
It could be king khufu, who
also built the great pyramid.
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He had a square chin, like
the sphinx, but no one is sure.
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The only image archaeologists
have of khufu is a tiny statue.
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The sphinx once had a beard,
just like khufu's son, khafre.
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When khafre became pharaoh,
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He built the pyramid
directly behind the sphinx.
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But the original beard
was lost during antiquity
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And another one added later.
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The identity of the face
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Remains a secret
yet to be revealed.
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Chris: Trying to match faces
in egyptian imagery
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Is an inexact science.
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It seems to be that it's
a pharaoh of the fourth dynasty.
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Khafre's perhaps
the leading candidate.
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Narrator: The usual role
of an egyptian sphinx
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Is to protect a sacred site.
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If this is khafre's sphinx,
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It's perfectly positioned
to guard his pyramid tomb.
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Chris must investigate clues
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To unravel more mysteries
of the great sphinx.
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400 miles south of giza,
in gebel el-silsila...
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John: Everybody here?
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Maria nilsson: I believe so.
We're late.
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Narrator: Husband and wife
archaeologists
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John ward and maria nilsson
are on their way
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To investigate a site
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Where the ancient egyptians
created sphinx statues.
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But their commute along the
river nile is slow to start.
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John: The boat's not working.
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Maria: It's coming.
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John: Everybody send
positive vibes.
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Maria: Ohh.
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Come on, abdullah.
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John: By the time
we get on site,
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It will be at least 8 o'clock,
so that's another hour lost.
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Man: I knew it would happen.
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(motor starts)
maria: Yeah!
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(clapping)
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John: Ah, only 35 minutes late.
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Narrator: Every minute counts
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When they only have a limited
number of days for excavating.
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Last season, maria and john
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Found a sphinx statue
at this site.
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Unlike the great sphinx
at giza,
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This statue has a ram's head.
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It's called a criosphinx.
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Maria: Of course, what we see is
a raw state of a sculpture,
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00:05:38,138 --> 00:05:39,504
But we got the head here,
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So the ram's face,
the ram's horn.
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The area in front
would most probably hold
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The statue of the ruling king.
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Narrator: The craftsmen
would carve out
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The sandstone criosphinx
right here in the quarry,
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Before transporting it
to a sacred site.
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Maria: Once it reached
the main destination,
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The artists would
continue the process
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Of making it into its
fine details and final dressing.
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We have them guarding tombs
or other monuments.
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So in a simplified version,
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You can say that each sphinx
is a guard, it's a protector.
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Narrator: Maria believes
this sacred statue
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Was built for
the avenue of the sphinxes,
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A road between the temples
of luxor and karnak,
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Lined with ram-headed sphinxes,
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But for some unknown reason,
it didn't make the journey.
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It was never finished.
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Now maria wants
to discover why.
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Maria: Why was it left here?
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Why is this not sitting
at the avenue of sphinxes
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In modern day luxor?
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We're hoping that
through this excavation,
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We will be able to solve
a little bit of the mystery
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Of the sphinxes and
add to history in general.
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Narrator: A large rock
under the sphinx
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Brings the investigation
to a halt.
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00:07:06,193 --> 00:07:10,562
John: Watch your toes, guys,
watch your toes.
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(men yelling)
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(men yelling)
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Maria: You guys are amazing!
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(yelling)
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(cheering)
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Narrator: Now the rock is gone,
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They can see there's a gap
under the sphinx.
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Maria: Anyone who watched
indiana jones,
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I'm sure will understand the
excitement for an archaeologist
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00:07:44,131 --> 00:07:46,998
When you suddenly see a hole.
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Narrator: Despite the danger,
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John wants to get
under the sphinx.
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John: I'm gonna be the first man
underneath this sphinx
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In 3,500 years.
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Narrator: 40 miles south,
near aswan,
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00:08:06,854 --> 00:08:11,356
At the ancient necropolis
of qubbet el-hawa,
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Professor
alejandro jiménez-serrano
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Heads one of the largest
foreign teams
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Working in egypt today.
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Alejandro: During the last
11 years we have been excavating
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This huge complex of tombs
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Where the governors of
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The 12th dynasty were buried.
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Narrator: These burial chambers
were built for the nobles
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Governing southern egypt,
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500 years after
the sphinx was built.
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Alejandro: We will see
what we will find.
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You never know what is
going to happen today,
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What we will find,
or which surprise we will have.
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Narrator:
Close to a cliff side,
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The team reports a skull
emerging from the sand,
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Followed by a second.
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The huge jaws include
some teeth, two inches long.
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00:09:03,610 --> 00:09:07,812
Raquel rodriguez: At first,
we can only see this head only,
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00:09:07,814 --> 00:09:09,948
And we was like,
"wow, a crocodile, a crocodile."
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00:09:09,950 --> 00:09:12,250
And then something
appeared here,
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And it was like, "oh, my god,
there are two crocodiles."
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Narrator: The crocodiles are
an especially lucky find
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For raquel rodriguez.
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It's her first-ever
dig in egypt.
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Raquel: I asked,
"oh, this is something common?"
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And it was like, no, no, no,
this is the first crocodile
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That we've seen in 11 years.
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So, I'm very happy about it.
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Narrator: The crocodiles may be
close to the river nile,
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But this is not a natural nest.
181
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The bones have black marks;
the remains of skin and flesh.
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They are so well preserved,
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Alejandro thinks they
must have been mummified.
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Alejandro:
It's a challenge to explain
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Why the crocodiles
were mummified.
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00:09:58,365 --> 00:10:01,800
Narrator: Mummified crocodiles
are an unusual find
187
00:10:01,802 --> 00:10:03,268
And have only ever
been unearthed
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00:10:03,270 --> 00:10:07,172
At a small number
of sites in egypt.
189
00:10:07,174 --> 00:10:12,277
They could be a sign of
a rare form of animal worship.
190
00:10:12,279 --> 00:10:15,447
As the team slowly unearths
more skeletons,
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They count 11 in total.
192
00:10:19,119 --> 00:10:23,188
And they're deteriorating;
all except one.
193
00:10:23,190 --> 00:10:25,857
Alejandro: Unfortunately,
they are not in a good a state
194
00:10:25,859 --> 00:10:27,926
Of preservation.
195
00:10:27,928 --> 00:10:32,330
But this one,
it is almost perfect.
196
00:10:32,332 --> 00:10:35,567
Narrator: The intact crocodile
is extremely fragile.
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They can't risk damaging it.
198
00:10:38,205 --> 00:10:40,071
Before they attempt to move it,
199
00:10:40,073 --> 00:10:43,808
They carefully extract
the surrounding bone fragments.
200
00:10:43,810 --> 00:10:45,310
In the midday sun,
201
00:10:45,312 --> 00:10:48,713
The temperature is over
90 degrees fahrenheit.
202
00:10:48,715 --> 00:10:51,449
It's hot and smelly work.
203
00:10:51,451 --> 00:10:53,451
Raquel: They say that
it smells gross.
204
00:10:53,453 --> 00:10:55,854
I'm not smelling anything
because I've got a cold,
205
00:10:55,856 --> 00:10:58,056
But they say it smells bad.
206
00:10:58,058 --> 00:11:01,059
Narrator: Now the crocodile
is exposed to the air and sun,
207
00:11:01,061 --> 00:11:03,895
It's rotting fast.
208
00:11:03,897 --> 00:11:06,464
Alejandro has to
get it out of here.
209
00:11:14,608 --> 00:11:16,274
Narrator: Raquel is working
with the team
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00:11:16,276 --> 00:11:20,211
Tasked with moving
the crocodile out of the sun.
211
00:11:20,213 --> 00:11:24,249
Raquel: It's scary, because it's
been there for a lot of years,
212
00:11:24,251 --> 00:11:27,385
And now you take it off
and you take the sand
213
00:11:27,387 --> 00:11:30,922
And what's covering it away,
and the sun gets into it,
214
00:11:30,924 --> 00:11:32,457
The oxygen, everything,
215
00:11:32,459 --> 00:11:36,194
So it's deteriorating
at each second that pass.
216
00:11:36,196 --> 00:11:39,597
So you need to work fast,
but not rush,
217
00:11:39,599 --> 00:11:43,635
Because things can go bad and
you can destroy it completely.
218
00:11:43,637 --> 00:11:48,440
So, it's a tense situation.
219
00:11:48,442 --> 00:11:52,177
Narrator: They're finally ready
to move the crocodile mummy.
220
00:11:52,179 --> 00:11:57,182
The main challenge is moving
the skeleton in one piece.
221
00:11:57,184 --> 00:11:59,684
Alejandro: We basically are
following the same protocol
222
00:11:59,686 --> 00:12:03,521
That we use with
the human mummies.
223
00:12:03,523 --> 00:12:06,291
Narrator: The tail is not
well connected to the body
224
00:12:06,293 --> 00:12:07,992
And could easily break off.
225
00:12:07,994 --> 00:12:09,561
Alejandro: We are in
a very delicate moment,
226
00:12:09,563 --> 00:12:13,631
Because we want to put
the mummy of the crocodile
227
00:12:13,633 --> 00:12:15,166
On a wooden board
228
00:12:15,168 --> 00:12:19,637
In order to move the mummy
to the conservation lab.
229
00:12:21,374 --> 00:12:24,275
I'm quite nervous now.
230
00:12:24,277 --> 00:12:27,112
Man: Uno, dos, tres.
231
00:12:30,350 --> 00:12:31,950
Narrator: 100 miles north,
232
00:12:31,952 --> 00:12:36,154
On the west bank of the nile
at luxor,
233
00:12:36,156 --> 00:12:39,190
Archaeologist
professor miguel molinero
234
00:12:39,192 --> 00:12:43,294
Is returning to
a 4,500-year-old necropolis
235
00:12:43,296 --> 00:12:45,997
Near the valley of the kings.
236
00:12:45,999 --> 00:12:48,600
Miguel molinero: My first season
working in egypt
237
00:12:48,602 --> 00:12:51,536
Was 32 years ago.
238
00:12:51,538 --> 00:12:58,042
So it's like coming home
every year, always fantastic.
239
00:12:58,044 --> 00:13:02,847
Narrator: Miguel's team is
from tenerife, in Spain.
240
00:13:02,849 --> 00:13:05,550
Last season,
they excavated a family tomb
241
00:13:05,552 --> 00:13:09,154
At a site called south asasif.
242
00:13:09,156 --> 00:13:11,689
They unearthed
mummified remains,
243
00:13:11,691 --> 00:13:15,994
But their dig permit ran out
before they could investigate.
244
00:13:15,996 --> 00:13:17,595
Miguel: It always happens.
245
00:13:17,597 --> 00:13:20,865
The last day something new
appears that is exciting,
246
00:13:20,867 --> 00:13:24,102
But has to be kept there waiting
for us for the next season,
247
00:13:24,104 --> 00:13:26,638
And that's what happened
last year.
248
00:13:26,640 --> 00:13:29,841
Narrator: 26-year-old
jared carballo pérez
249
00:13:29,843 --> 00:13:32,410
Can't wait to
continue their dig.
250
00:13:32,412 --> 00:13:34,946
Jared: Egypt is quite addictive
in that sense,
251
00:13:34,948 --> 00:13:40,018
And it's always nice to be back,
to keep doing the work.
252
00:13:40,020 --> 00:13:42,287
Narrator: After an anxious
year-long wait,
253
00:13:42,289 --> 00:13:45,557
Today is their first day
back on site.
254
00:13:45,559 --> 00:13:48,159
Miguel: We had to leave it
as it was found,
255
00:13:48,161 --> 00:13:52,230
Because we did not have the time
to take it out carefully.
256
00:13:52,232 --> 00:13:53,965
Narrator: The team
covered the mummies
257
00:13:53,967 --> 00:13:57,769
In an attempt to
prevent deterioration.
258
00:13:57,771 --> 00:13:59,304
Miguel: Now we are anxious
259
00:13:59,306 --> 00:14:02,473
To see if the protection
has worked.
260
00:14:02,475 --> 00:14:07,412
We have been waiting one year
to see what happens inside.
261
00:14:10,650 --> 00:14:12,784
Narrator: There's a chance
they may have deteriorated
262
00:14:12,786 --> 00:14:15,753
Over the past year.
263
00:14:15,755 --> 00:14:17,956
Jared: So we have
to be very careful.
264
00:14:17,958 --> 00:14:20,225
Miguel: Oh, so, yeah.
265
00:14:20,227 --> 00:14:22,627
Oh, perfect.
266
00:14:22,629 --> 00:14:24,028
They are well preserved.
267
00:14:24,030 --> 00:14:26,631
Oh, yes.
268
00:14:26,633 --> 00:14:29,767
Narrator: Now they can begin
their investigation.
269
00:14:29,769 --> 00:14:34,205
Two mummified human skeletons
still intact,
270
00:14:34,207 --> 00:14:36,975
And a third,
much smaller mummy.
271
00:14:36,977 --> 00:14:40,511
Jared: It was a complete
surprise to find something
272
00:14:40,513 --> 00:14:43,848
That you don't really expect.
273
00:14:43,850 --> 00:14:45,450
Narrator: As they look closer,
274
00:14:45,452 --> 00:14:48,920
They notice it's been embalmed
in a very strange way.
275
00:14:48,922 --> 00:14:51,189
There's just one layer
of bandage around the head,
276
00:14:51,191 --> 00:14:53,291
Instead of three,
277
00:14:53,293 --> 00:14:57,161
And the limbs are wrapped
together, not separately.
278
00:14:57,163 --> 00:15:01,366
But it's the shape of the skull
that's most surprising.
279
00:15:01,368 --> 00:15:03,034
Jared: First, by the shape
280
00:15:03,036 --> 00:15:06,170
We thought it was a baby
that was abandoned,
281
00:15:06,172 --> 00:15:09,474
But then we started seeing
some features right there.
282
00:15:09,476 --> 00:15:12,343
By the teeth and
the shape of the bones,
283
00:15:12,345 --> 00:15:16,247
We can know it's
a mummified dog.
284
00:15:16,249 --> 00:15:20,752
Narrator: A mummified dog in
a human tomb is highly unusual.
285
00:15:20,754 --> 00:15:23,321
Jared: As far as we know,
it's a very rare case,
286
00:15:23,323 --> 00:15:26,991
Because we have found
a lot of dogs across egypt,
287
00:15:26,993 --> 00:15:31,596
But they are not next
to the human bodies.
288
00:15:31,598 --> 00:15:33,631
Narrator: The discovery
may help shed light
289
00:15:33,633 --> 00:15:38,336
On the significance of animals
in ancient egyptian belief.
290
00:15:38,338 --> 00:15:43,241
The dog could be a religious
offering to a particular god.
291
00:15:43,243 --> 00:15:46,177
According to
ancient egyptian belief,
292
00:15:46,179 --> 00:15:50,615
Dogs are associated
with the god anubis.
293
00:15:50,617 --> 00:15:54,218
The jackal-headed anubis
was the god of mummification.
294
00:15:56,589 --> 00:16:02,226
He weighed the heart of
the dead against a feather.
295
00:16:02,228 --> 00:16:06,164
If the heart was lighter,
the soul could enter heaven.
296
00:16:08,501 --> 00:16:11,769
But if it was heavier,
they were eaten by ammit,
297
00:16:11,771 --> 00:16:14,238
The devourer of the dead.
298
00:16:17,043 --> 00:16:20,144
Depictions of anubis would
often be present in tombs
299
00:16:20,146 --> 00:16:22,447
To offer protection
to the mummy.
300
00:16:25,251 --> 00:16:29,287
This mummified dog could be
an offering to anubis,
301
00:16:29,289 --> 00:16:32,023
But there's something
that doesn't add up.
302
00:16:32,025 --> 00:16:34,192
Miguel: When we started
cleaning it,
303
00:16:34,194 --> 00:16:36,861
We found something very unusual.
304
00:16:36,863 --> 00:16:39,163
Narrator: They discover
a perplexing clue
305
00:16:39,165 --> 00:16:41,299
In the alignment
of the mummies.
306
00:16:50,176 --> 00:16:53,745
Narrator: In qubbet el-hawa,
archaeologists are racing
307
00:16:53,747 --> 00:16:56,948
To save a rare
mummified crocodile.
308
00:16:56,950 --> 00:16:59,050
Their discovery
may help demystify
309
00:16:59,052 --> 00:17:04,088
The ancient egyptian practice
of animal worship.
310
00:17:04,090 --> 00:17:07,592
Could it also help explain
the purpose of animal statues,
311
00:17:07,594 --> 00:17:09,494
Like the great sphinx?
312
00:17:12,632 --> 00:17:15,466
Raquel and the team carefully
move the crocodile mummy
313
00:17:15,468 --> 00:17:17,335
To the laboratory.
314
00:17:17,337 --> 00:17:24,342
♪ ♪
315
00:17:24,344 --> 00:17:31,182
♪ ♪
316
00:17:31,184 --> 00:17:34,419
Raquel: We made it.
317
00:17:34,421 --> 00:17:39,457
We've been working for three
hours and a half now in the sun,
318
00:17:39,459 --> 00:17:43,327
And it all came out
extremely, extremely well.
319
00:17:43,329 --> 00:17:47,698
I wasn't expecting this success.
320
00:17:47,700 --> 00:17:50,368
Narrator: The crocodile
survives its journey intact
321
00:17:50,370 --> 00:17:55,273
And can now be examined
in more detail.
322
00:17:55,275 --> 00:17:56,908
Alejandro is puzzled
323
00:17:56,910 --> 00:18:00,044
As to why these mummified
crocodiles are here.
324
00:18:00,046 --> 00:18:03,281
Alejandro: It's something that
always happens in archaeology,
325
00:18:03,283 --> 00:18:07,652
Surprises that, well, it's
a challenge to explain them.
326
00:18:07,654 --> 00:18:08,886
Narrator: There could be
a connection
327
00:18:08,888 --> 00:18:10,488
With a mysterious cult
328
00:18:10,490 --> 00:18:14,358
That worshipped
an ancient god called sobek.
329
00:18:14,360 --> 00:18:16,961
Alejandro: Sobek is always
represented as a crocodile.
330
00:18:16,963 --> 00:18:20,598
It's an animal that was living
on the banks of the nile.
331
00:18:20,600 --> 00:18:22,100
It's related with the fertility
332
00:18:22,102 --> 00:18:27,538
That the river gave
to ancient egypt.
333
00:18:27,540 --> 00:18:29,574
Narrator: Sobek was
the crocodile god
334
00:18:29,576 --> 00:18:33,478
Who built the world and created
the river nile from his sweat.
335
00:18:33,480 --> 00:18:36,080
Ancient egyptians
feared his power,
336
00:18:36,082 --> 00:18:40,985
But also revered him as
a protector and a healer.
337
00:18:40,987 --> 00:18:42,687
In some versions of the myth,
338
00:18:42,689 --> 00:18:45,823
When the god osiris was
dismembered in a fight,
339
00:18:45,825 --> 00:18:47,758
Sobek gathered up
the body parts
340
00:18:47,760 --> 00:18:51,329
And put the god back together.
341
00:18:51,331 --> 00:18:55,733
Some wealthy egyptians
bred pet crocodiles
342
00:18:55,735 --> 00:18:57,268
That they adorned with jewels
343
00:18:57,270 --> 00:19:00,872
And fed with fine food
and wine.
344
00:19:00,874 --> 00:19:02,673
When the crocodiles died,
345
00:19:02,675 --> 00:19:07,111
They were mummified and buried
as votive offerings to sobek
346
00:19:07,113 --> 00:19:10,047
To ensure protection
in the after-life.
347
00:19:12,619 --> 00:19:14,752
But the existence
of a crocodile cult
348
00:19:14,754 --> 00:19:18,489
At qubbet el-hawa
is news to alejandro.
349
00:19:18,491 --> 00:19:20,091
Alejandro: As far as we know,
350
00:19:20,093 --> 00:19:26,964
There is no reference to the
worship of crocodiles in aswan.
351
00:19:26,966 --> 00:19:29,200
Narrator: The discovery
challenges the idea
352
00:19:29,202 --> 00:19:31,302
That crocodile rituals
only happened
353
00:19:31,304 --> 00:19:34,338
In a small region of egypt.
354
00:19:34,340 --> 00:19:37,074
It's further evidence that
the worship of animal gods
355
00:19:37,076 --> 00:19:38,876
Wasn't just practiced
by pharaohs
356
00:19:38,878 --> 00:19:42,580
Building sphinx statues.
357
00:19:42,582 --> 00:19:45,282
People all over egypt
were making offerings
358
00:19:45,284 --> 00:19:49,220
To different animal gods
in the form of mummies.
359
00:19:49,222 --> 00:19:51,756
Alejandro:
The popularity of sobek
360
00:19:51,758 --> 00:19:55,426
Was bigger than
we thought before.
361
00:19:55,428 --> 00:19:57,995
Narrator: Alejandro's team
looks for further evidence
362
00:19:57,997 --> 00:20:00,965
Of a crocodile cult.
363
00:20:00,967 --> 00:20:04,335
If these animal mummies were
protecting a human burial,
364
00:20:04,337 --> 00:20:07,071
A tomb could be close by.
365
00:20:16,282 --> 00:20:19,650
Alejandro: Two skulls
have been discovered.
366
00:20:19,652 --> 00:20:22,053
Narrator: Just yards
from the crocodile burial,
367
00:20:22,055 --> 00:20:26,991
Alejandro's team makes
an intriguing discovery.
368
00:20:26,993 --> 00:20:30,428
Alejandro: Yes! (chuckles)
369
00:20:30,430 --> 00:20:34,065
Narrator: In the quarry
at gebel el-silsila,
370
00:20:34,067 --> 00:20:36,067
Maria and john
are investigating
371
00:20:36,069 --> 00:20:38,569
A ram-headed sphinx.
372
00:20:38,571 --> 00:20:40,338
Like the sphinx at giza,
373
00:20:40,340 --> 00:20:44,675
It could have been built
to protect a religious site.
374
00:20:44,677 --> 00:20:46,277
They're now looking
for evidence
375
00:20:46,279 --> 00:20:50,548
To explain why it was
abandoned unfinished.
376
00:20:50,550 --> 00:20:51,649
John: I can't believe
I'm putting my head
377
00:20:51,651 --> 00:20:55,052
Underneath this bloody sphinx.
378
00:20:55,054 --> 00:20:58,022
She's actually sat on a stone.
379
00:20:58,024 --> 00:21:00,558
She's ready to lift.
380
00:21:00,560 --> 00:21:05,863
They've quarried underneath her
to put a sledge in to lift her
381
00:21:05,865 --> 00:21:08,165
To get her out of here.
382
00:21:08,167 --> 00:21:09,734
Narrator:
John's discovery shows
383
00:21:09,736 --> 00:21:12,670
How the sphinx was
ready to be moved.
384
00:21:12,672 --> 00:21:14,405
So why did
the ancient egyptians
385
00:21:14,407 --> 00:21:18,342
Leave it here unfinished?
386
00:21:18,344 --> 00:21:21,012
Maria explores
the surrounding area
387
00:21:21,014 --> 00:21:23,881
For an explanation as to
why the egyptians gave up
388
00:21:23,883 --> 00:21:26,917
On the protective powers
of this sphinx.
389
00:21:29,856 --> 00:21:32,390
Maria: Well, we're looking
for more clues.
390
00:21:32,392 --> 00:21:35,092
If they painted something,
if they've written something,
391
00:21:35,094 --> 00:21:38,663
If they've given us
any form of clue.
392
00:21:41,301 --> 00:21:45,136
Do you see a red mark there,
painted?
393
00:21:45,138 --> 00:21:48,439
Narrator: The red markings
are on a nearby plinth,
394
00:21:48,441 --> 00:21:51,609
But they're too faint
to decipher.
395
00:21:51,611 --> 00:21:56,180
Maria needs to get photos
for close-up analysis.
396
00:21:56,182 --> 00:21:58,349
Maria: I'm gonna sneak
carefully behind here
397
00:21:58,351 --> 00:22:01,452
And try not to get
the entire wall behind me,
398
00:22:01,454 --> 00:22:04,855
Which is about four meters
of spoil just packed up,
399
00:22:04,857 --> 00:22:06,691
Try not to collapse it
on top of me.
400
00:22:06,693 --> 00:22:09,193
So, wish me luck.
401
00:22:09,195 --> 00:22:11,762
Narrator: Maria's mission
is a dangerous one.
402
00:22:11,764 --> 00:22:15,333
Loose rocks are piled
next to the stone.
403
00:22:15,335 --> 00:22:20,071
If she's unlucky, one false
step could trigger a landslide.
404
00:22:24,177 --> 00:22:28,446
400 miles north
at the great sphinx,
405
00:22:28,448 --> 00:22:31,215
The ancient egyptians
believed many animal gods
406
00:22:31,217 --> 00:22:34,285
Had divine powers to protect.
407
00:22:34,287 --> 00:22:37,521
If it was king khafre
who commissioned the sphinx,
408
00:22:37,523 --> 00:22:41,625
He wanted to harness
that power for himself.
409
00:22:41,627 --> 00:22:45,529
Chris: The great sphinx is
one of the great icons of egypt.
410
00:22:45,531 --> 00:22:49,100
You could argue it's perhaps
the most iconic statue
411
00:22:49,102 --> 00:22:54,772
Anywhere in the world,
but it remains an enigma.
412
00:22:54,774 --> 00:22:58,976
Narrator: Chris searches for
evidence of how it was built.
413
00:22:58,978 --> 00:23:03,447
The ancient egyptians carved
the sphinx from limestone,
414
00:23:03,449 --> 00:23:07,251
And it's a match with
the surrounding bedrock.
415
00:23:07,253 --> 00:23:10,488
Chris: The sphinx wasn't built
in an empty space.
416
00:23:10,490 --> 00:23:12,857
It was cut out of solid bedrock.
417
00:23:12,859 --> 00:23:16,327
So you have to try to imagine,
where we're standing now,
418
00:23:16,329 --> 00:23:21,499
Until the ancient egyptians
came along, was solid bedrock.
419
00:23:21,501 --> 00:23:23,601
Narrator: The great sphinx
wasn't built with stone
420
00:23:23,603 --> 00:23:26,470
From remote quarries.
421
00:23:26,472 --> 00:23:29,740
It was carved out
of the giza landscape.
422
00:23:29,742 --> 00:23:32,376
Chris: In order
to create this sphinx,
423
00:23:32,378 --> 00:23:34,512
The egyptians first
have to kind of free it
424
00:23:34,514 --> 00:23:36,213
From the natural rock,
425
00:23:36,215 --> 00:23:40,851
And they did that by creating
a kind of quarry around it,
426
00:23:40,853 --> 00:23:44,288
And they just left some
of the living, natural rock
427
00:23:44,290 --> 00:23:45,656
In the center,
428
00:23:45,658 --> 00:23:49,126
Which they then cut into
the shape of the sphinx.
429
00:23:49,128 --> 00:23:52,463
Narrator: Chris has discovered
how the sphinx was built,
430
00:23:52,465 --> 00:23:56,133
But he still wants to solve
the mystery of its animal form.
431
00:24:04,911 --> 00:24:09,713
Narrator: The great sphinx is
a human-lion hybrid.
432
00:24:09,715 --> 00:24:12,716
Chris: Here, you get such
a strong sense of the fact
433
00:24:12,718 --> 00:24:15,152
That it's the body of the lion
434
00:24:15,154 --> 00:24:20,124
That conveys that kind of sense
of strength and power.
435
00:24:20,126 --> 00:24:23,894
From this angle in particular,
the forelegs of the lion
436
00:24:23,896 --> 00:24:27,965
And these massive paws
are absolutely huge.
437
00:24:27,967 --> 00:24:31,101
It's difficult to imagine
a statue that has a human body
438
00:24:31,103 --> 00:24:35,673
Having that same idea of
strength and ferocity of a lion.
439
00:24:38,244 --> 00:24:41,278
Narrator: Ancient egyptians
feared and revered lions
440
00:24:41,280 --> 00:24:43,614
In equal measure.
441
00:24:43,616 --> 00:24:47,017
Chris: The lion is
the embodiment of a goddess,
442
00:24:47,019 --> 00:24:50,421
Sekhmet, who in
a particular egyptian myth
443
00:24:50,423 --> 00:24:55,426
Wreaks death and
destruction on mankind.
444
00:24:55,428 --> 00:24:56,727
Narrator:
According to the myth,
445
00:24:56,729 --> 00:24:58,929
The sun god ra was furious
446
00:24:58,931 --> 00:25:01,665
Humans were turning
against him.
447
00:25:01,667 --> 00:25:03,834
He summoned his daughter,
sekhmet,
448
00:25:03,836 --> 00:25:06,370
The lion-faced goddess
of destruction,
449
00:25:06,372 --> 00:25:08,973
To teach them a lesson.
450
00:25:08,975 --> 00:25:11,008
Sekhmet went on a killing spree
451
00:25:11,010 --> 00:25:15,246
Until the nile
ran red with blood.
452
00:25:15,248 --> 00:25:19,283
Ra was worried his daughter
would wipe out all humanity.
453
00:25:19,285 --> 00:25:22,086
So he used a trick to stop her.
454
00:25:22,088 --> 00:25:27,358
He poured 7,000 jugs of
red-tinted beer onto earth.
455
00:25:27,360 --> 00:25:31,896
After sekhmet drank it,
she passed out for three days.
456
00:25:31,898 --> 00:25:34,331
When she woke up,
she had been transformed
457
00:25:34,333 --> 00:25:37,401
Into the benevolent god hathor,
458
00:25:37,403 --> 00:25:41,839
And humankind was saved.
459
00:25:41,841 --> 00:25:45,175
Egyptian gods,
like the sun goddess sekhmet,
460
00:25:45,177 --> 00:25:49,179
Are often portrayed as humans
with animal heads.
461
00:25:49,181 --> 00:25:51,649
But the sphinx is
the other way around;
462
00:25:51,651 --> 00:25:55,052
A human head on a lion's body.
463
00:25:55,054 --> 00:25:58,322
Chris thinks whichever pharaoh
built this statue,
464
00:25:58,324 --> 00:26:01,592
He had ambitions to embody
the power of the divine,
465
00:26:01,594 --> 00:26:04,695
And present himself as a god.
466
00:26:04,697 --> 00:26:06,263
Chris: The egyptians
looked all around them,
467
00:26:06,265 --> 00:26:09,033
All around the natural world,
for their inspiration,
468
00:26:09,035 --> 00:26:11,735
And that's exactly
what you've got here.
469
00:26:11,737 --> 00:26:15,339
This great, mighty,
powerful animal, the lion,
470
00:26:15,341 --> 00:26:19,910
As a kind of a symbol
of the king and of kingship.
471
00:26:19,912 --> 00:26:23,213
Narrator: The sphinx wasn't
just a spiritual guardian.
472
00:26:23,215 --> 00:26:26,050
Its creator may have wanted
to project himself
473
00:26:26,052 --> 00:26:29,887
As the protector
of the egyptian people.
474
00:26:29,889 --> 00:26:34,491
Or is there an even grander
purpose for the sphinx?
475
00:26:34,493 --> 00:26:37,328
Chris explores the remains
of an ancient temple
476
00:26:37,330 --> 00:26:39,096
At the sphinx's feet.
477
00:26:42,335 --> 00:26:45,703
300 miles south in luxor,
478
00:26:45,705 --> 00:26:50,507
At a site built over 500 years
after the sphinx,
479
00:26:50,509 --> 00:26:53,777
Miguel and jared are faced
with another riddle.
480
00:26:53,779 --> 00:26:56,947
They've discovered intriguing
evidence of a different animal
481
00:26:56,949 --> 00:27:01,752
Also considered sacred
by ancient egyptians.
482
00:27:01,754 --> 00:27:04,755
They're trying to understand
why this mummified dog
483
00:27:04,757 --> 00:27:09,560
Was buried in a family tomb
with two human mummies.
484
00:27:09,562 --> 00:27:12,863
Jared: The dog, curiously,
has been put on top of the legs
485
00:27:12,865 --> 00:27:15,899
Of these two individuals.
486
00:27:15,901 --> 00:27:18,268
Narrator: According to
egyptian belief,
487
00:27:18,270 --> 00:27:21,205
Dogs are a living
representation of anubis,
488
00:27:21,207 --> 00:27:24,141
The god of the after-life.
489
00:27:24,143 --> 00:27:27,511
This dog may be mummified
as an offering to anubis,
490
00:27:27,513 --> 00:27:31,315
In the hope of his protection
in the after-life.
491
00:27:31,317 --> 00:27:33,417
But there's a problem.
492
00:27:33,419 --> 00:27:36,820
Jared: Normally animal mummies
are buried and separated
493
00:27:36,822 --> 00:27:40,858
From the human mummies.
494
00:27:40,860 --> 00:27:43,260
Narrator:
Miguel has another idea.
495
00:27:43,262 --> 00:27:45,362
Miguel: He's buried on
the feet of two mummies,
496
00:27:45,364 --> 00:27:47,297
One female and one male.
497
00:27:47,299 --> 00:27:50,100
So we think it was
the owners of the dog
498
00:27:50,102 --> 00:27:55,105
And they wanted to keep her
company for the after-life.
499
00:27:55,107 --> 00:28:00,277
Jared: It could be a pet
instead of an offering to a god.
500
00:28:00,279 --> 00:28:03,347
Narrator: If the mummified dog
is a family pet,
501
00:28:03,349 --> 00:28:06,050
It would be a rare discovery.
502
00:28:06,052 --> 00:28:09,253
Jared: We know there were pets
in the past in ancient egypt.
503
00:28:09,255 --> 00:28:11,388
It's not something as common
504
00:28:11,390 --> 00:28:16,226
As it is as a concept
in modern times.
505
00:28:16,228 --> 00:28:18,429
Narrator: Miguel searches
for further evidence
506
00:28:18,431 --> 00:28:21,331
To confirm the dog was a pet,
507
00:28:21,333 --> 00:28:23,567
And discovers
an intriguing inscription
508
00:28:23,569 --> 00:28:26,937
Identifying the owner
of the tomb.
509
00:28:26,939 --> 00:28:31,341
At the man's feet is a pet dog.
510
00:28:31,343 --> 00:28:34,178
Miguel: He is sitting on a chair
with an offering table
511
00:28:34,180 --> 00:28:37,614
In front of him and his dog,
whose name is heken,
512
00:28:37,616 --> 00:28:39,450
Below the chair.
513
00:28:39,452 --> 00:28:42,553
Narrator: Miguel and jared
believe the inscription is key
514
00:28:42,555 --> 00:28:47,524
To understanding the mystery
of the mummified dog, heken.
515
00:28:47,526 --> 00:28:50,094
The people in this tomb
wanted their beloved dog
516
00:28:50,096 --> 00:28:55,532
Buried with them to ensure it
joined them in the after-life.
517
00:28:55,534 --> 00:28:57,801
Jared: It was kind of
touching to find.
518
00:28:57,803 --> 00:29:01,472
As modern humans, it's something
you can really relate
519
00:29:01,474 --> 00:29:03,474
When you have a pet.
520
00:29:06,512 --> 00:29:09,747
Narrator: 100 miles south
near aswan,
521
00:29:09,749 --> 00:29:14,118
Alejandro's team has found two
human skulls just yards away
522
00:29:14,120 --> 00:29:18,388
From where they discovered
11 mummified crocodiles.
523
00:29:18,390 --> 00:29:20,691
Alejandro: Another skull.
524
00:29:20,693 --> 00:29:24,628
So we have now
three individuals.
525
00:29:24,630 --> 00:29:26,597
Narrator: Alejandro
wants to investigate
526
00:29:26,599 --> 00:29:28,899
The intriguing connection,
527
00:29:28,901 --> 00:29:32,236
But he's under pressure
to excavate first.
528
00:29:32,238 --> 00:29:34,004
It's the hottest
part of the day,
529
00:29:34,006 --> 00:29:38,976
And the skulls could crack
in the 90-degree heat.
530
00:29:38,978 --> 00:29:40,778
Alejandro: We have always
toilet paper,
531
00:29:40,780 --> 00:29:43,647
But not only for
natural reasons,
532
00:29:43,649 --> 00:29:46,683
But also for research.
(laughs)
533
00:29:46,685 --> 00:29:49,052
Narrator: They spray
the toilet paper with water
534
00:29:49,054 --> 00:29:50,954
And apply it to the skulls.
535
00:29:50,956 --> 00:29:52,556
It's an emergency measure
536
00:29:52,558 --> 00:29:57,461
To keep them moist
before they are excavated.
537
00:29:57,463 --> 00:30:00,764
Alejandro looks for clues
to explain why the skulls
538
00:30:00,766 --> 00:30:05,202
Are so close to
the mummified crocodiles.
539
00:30:05,204 --> 00:30:08,972
He discovers that one is
the skull of a young boy,
540
00:30:08,974 --> 00:30:10,707
And as the team excavates,
541
00:30:10,709 --> 00:30:14,878
Something fascinating
emerges with it.
542
00:30:14,880 --> 00:30:18,282
Alejandro: The coffin is
an empty timber
543
00:30:18,284 --> 00:30:22,019
Where they put
the children inside.
544
00:30:22,021 --> 00:30:23,854
Narrator: The social status
of a person
545
00:30:23,856 --> 00:30:25,956
Was reflected in their burial.
546
00:30:25,958 --> 00:30:28,725
The tree trunk coffin
is convincing evidence
547
00:30:28,727 --> 00:30:31,862
This boy was poor.
548
00:30:31,864 --> 00:30:36,466
Alejandro: This boy was, uh,
had the honor to be buried here
549
00:30:36,468 --> 00:30:42,673
In qubbet el-hawa,
but was not part of the elite.
550
00:30:42,675 --> 00:30:44,675
Narrator: Only wealthy
ancient egyptians
551
00:30:44,677 --> 00:30:46,977
Could afford
mummified crocodiles,
552
00:30:46,979 --> 00:30:51,415
A religious offering
to the god sobek.
553
00:30:51,417 --> 00:30:54,351
It's a puzzle why this
apparently poor boy
554
00:30:54,353 --> 00:30:56,820
Might be part of
a crocodile cult.
555
00:31:04,964 --> 00:31:06,763
Narrator: Alejandro
looks for answers
556
00:31:06,765 --> 00:31:09,766
To explain the boy's grave.
557
00:31:09,768 --> 00:31:12,102
The team doesn't just
unearth skulls,
558
00:31:12,104 --> 00:31:15,038
They uncover three skeletons.
559
00:31:15,040 --> 00:31:17,007
And the bone structure
of the second one
560
00:31:17,009 --> 00:31:20,444
Indicates it's a female.
561
00:31:20,446 --> 00:31:23,180
It's buried with
something interesting.
562
00:31:23,182 --> 00:31:26,583
Alejandro: During the excavation
of individual number two,
563
00:31:26,585 --> 00:31:30,053
It appeared
this interesting amulet.
564
00:31:30,055 --> 00:31:32,623
Narrator: The jewelry is
in the shape of bes,
565
00:31:32,625 --> 00:31:36,994
The god of childbirth, who was
popular with egypt's poor.
566
00:31:36,996 --> 00:31:40,797
The female skeleton was also
buried with something else.
567
00:31:40,799 --> 00:31:43,600
Alejandro:
And beside this skeleton,
568
00:31:43,602 --> 00:31:47,271
We have the burial of a baby.
569
00:31:47,273 --> 00:31:49,706
Narrator: Infant mortality
was tragically high
570
00:31:49,708 --> 00:31:51,909
In ancient egypt.
571
00:31:51,911 --> 00:31:55,879
Only one child in two
lived past adolescence.
572
00:31:55,881 --> 00:32:01,551
Alejandro: It's always sad when
you find these kind of burials.
573
00:32:01,553 --> 00:32:03,687
(sighs)
574
00:32:03,689 --> 00:32:07,090
Narrator: The skeletons are
stacked on top of each other.
575
00:32:07,092 --> 00:32:09,559
It's another clue
this was a shared tomb
576
00:32:09,561 --> 00:32:12,996
For a non-elite family.
577
00:32:12,998 --> 00:32:16,733
It could help explain why they
were buried near crocodiles
578
00:32:16,735 --> 00:32:20,203
In a necropolis
reserved for the rich.
579
00:32:20,205 --> 00:32:23,140
Alejandro: Sometimes it was
very important for the people
580
00:32:23,142 --> 00:32:27,844
To be buried here
beside their master.
581
00:32:27,846 --> 00:32:30,814
Narrator: They could be
favored servants.
582
00:32:30,816 --> 00:32:35,152
Alejandro: It's not the quality
of the funerary equipment
583
00:32:35,154 --> 00:32:36,353
That you might have.
584
00:32:36,355 --> 00:32:38,121
In certain ways it's much better
585
00:32:38,123 --> 00:32:40,624
To buried beside
an important person,
586
00:32:40,626 --> 00:32:42,459
Because you can benefit
from the offerings
587
00:32:42,461 --> 00:32:45,762
That he is going to receive.
588
00:32:45,764 --> 00:32:47,931
Narrator: If these servants
were getting the protection
589
00:32:47,933 --> 00:32:49,900
Of the mummified crocodiles,
590
00:32:49,902 --> 00:32:53,737
Their rich masters
could be close by.
591
00:32:53,739 --> 00:32:58,008
The hunt for a wealthy tomb
filled with treasure is on.
592
00:33:00,713 --> 00:33:04,214
As the team searches
the surrounding area,
593
00:33:04,216 --> 00:33:05,816
It's not long
before they unearth
594
00:33:05,818 --> 00:33:09,353
A mysterious gap in the rock.
595
00:33:09,355 --> 00:33:11,355
Alejandro: It seems
that it's another tomb.
596
00:33:11,357 --> 00:33:12,889
Man: Good, good.
597
00:33:15,728 --> 00:33:19,963
Narrator: In the quarry
at gebel el-silsila,
598
00:33:19,965 --> 00:33:22,399
Maria is looking
for clues to explain
599
00:33:22,401 --> 00:33:27,037
Why a ram-headed sphinx
was left abandoned.
600
00:33:27,039 --> 00:33:30,140
Maria: We got a series
of symbols or text
601
00:33:30,142 --> 00:33:36,079
That we still haven't been able
to decode in a simple way.
602
00:33:36,081 --> 00:33:37,714
It's very difficult
to work there
603
00:33:37,716 --> 00:33:40,917
Because of the risk
of this collapsing.
604
00:33:40,919 --> 00:33:43,286
John: Well, I wanted to go
down there, but my...
605
00:33:43,288 --> 00:33:44,654
Maria: No, we can't.
It's not safe.
606
00:33:44,656 --> 00:33:45,856
John: I'm frightened of this.
607
00:33:45,858 --> 00:33:47,157
Maria: No, no, no,
it's not safe.
608
00:33:47,159 --> 00:33:50,260
John: If this comes down.
609
00:33:50,262 --> 00:33:52,696
Go on.
610
00:33:52,698 --> 00:33:56,400
Narrator: At a safer location,
maria uses computer software
611
00:33:56,402 --> 00:34:00,137
To enhance the colors
of the ancient graffiti.
612
00:34:00,139 --> 00:34:03,240
She begins to see
something incredible.
613
00:34:03,242 --> 00:34:05,075
Maria: It is amazing.
614
00:34:05,077 --> 00:34:07,544
We actually have a face here.
615
00:34:07,546 --> 00:34:11,615
It's a long snout,
so the eye is emphasized,
616
00:34:11,617 --> 00:34:13,717
And these, they're teeth.
617
00:34:13,719 --> 00:34:16,319
We have a crocodile face.
618
00:34:16,321 --> 00:34:18,188
Narrator:
As maria looks closer,
619
00:34:18,190 --> 00:34:20,557
She discovers
it's not a crocodile,
620
00:34:20,559 --> 00:34:23,827
But something
even more intriguing.
621
00:34:23,829 --> 00:34:27,364
Maria: It is indeed
a line of the belly,
622
00:34:27,366 --> 00:34:32,402
And that tells me one thing:
This is the hippopotamus body.
623
00:34:32,404 --> 00:34:35,472
Narrator: She identifies
the enigmatic drawing.
624
00:34:35,474 --> 00:34:39,409
It's taweret,
the hippopotamus goddess.
625
00:34:39,411 --> 00:34:42,979
Taweret was the principal
female deity at this quarry,
626
00:34:42,981 --> 00:34:46,116
And was often cast
in the role of protectress.
627
00:34:48,053 --> 00:34:51,822
Egyptians prayed to taweret
to keep them safe from harm,
628
00:34:51,824 --> 00:34:55,459
And maria believes a quarry
worker drew this sketch.
629
00:34:55,461 --> 00:34:58,962
Maria: It's not
a royal official stela
630
00:34:58,964 --> 00:35:01,264
Dedicated to this goddess.
631
00:35:01,266 --> 00:35:03,033
This is a personal wish
632
00:35:03,035 --> 00:35:07,804
To be safe-kept and
protected from mishaps.
633
00:35:07,806 --> 00:35:11,208
Narrator: The laborer asked
taweret for protection.
634
00:35:11,210 --> 00:35:15,545
Work here was dangerous,
and life expectancy short.
635
00:35:15,547 --> 00:35:16,947
Maria: They wanted to be safe.
636
00:35:16,949 --> 00:35:20,150
This, for me, is like
shaking the ancients
637
00:35:20,152 --> 00:35:21,918
Directly in their hands.
638
00:35:21,920 --> 00:35:25,088
Regardless of all the
technologies that we have today
639
00:35:25,090 --> 00:35:27,357
And how much the world
has evolved,
640
00:35:27,359 --> 00:35:29,226
We're still looking for safety.
641
00:35:29,228 --> 00:35:32,696
We still want to be keeping
our families safe and protected
642
00:35:32,698 --> 00:35:36,032
And to be able to see
yet another day.
643
00:35:36,034 --> 00:35:38,335
Narrator: Maria
investigates further.
644
00:35:38,337 --> 00:35:40,704
She needs to date
this inscription.
645
00:35:40,706 --> 00:35:43,740
Maria: This mentions
the year 34,
646
00:35:43,742 --> 00:35:45,876
The opening of this quarry.
647
00:35:45,878 --> 00:35:48,011
So it gives us the clue
648
00:35:48,013 --> 00:35:52,249
It's the end of the reign
of amenhotep iii.
649
00:35:52,251 --> 00:35:54,417
Narrator:
Amenhotep iii ruled egypt
650
00:35:54,419 --> 00:35:59,222
During the new kingdom era,
over 3,000 years ago.
651
00:35:59,224 --> 00:36:04,728
His son, amenhotep iv,
revolutionized egypt.
652
00:36:04,730 --> 00:36:07,330
He banned the worship
of multiple gods--
653
00:36:07,332 --> 00:36:10,233
All the animal deities,
like taweret the hippo,
654
00:36:10,235 --> 00:36:11,735
Sobek the crocodile,
655
00:36:11,737 --> 00:36:15,205
And even the mighty
sekhmet, the lion.
656
00:36:15,207 --> 00:36:19,509
Amenhotep worshipped just one:
The sun god aten.
657
00:36:19,511 --> 00:36:23,213
He declared himself the
representative of aten on earth
658
00:36:23,215 --> 00:36:26,249
And changed his name
to akhen-aten.
659
00:36:28,353 --> 00:36:30,887
Maria thinks
the inscription is a clue
660
00:36:30,889 --> 00:36:33,557
To why the sphinx they found
here in the quarry
661
00:36:33,559 --> 00:36:35,692
Was abandoned.
662
00:36:35,694 --> 00:36:37,427
Maria: We know that
akhen-aten broke off
663
00:36:37,429 --> 00:36:41,464
From the state religion,
but still we have the production
664
00:36:41,466 --> 00:36:46,102
Of these beasts at a time when
he starts to get into power.
665
00:36:46,104 --> 00:36:48,572
Maybe it was that they were
abandoned here on site
666
00:36:48,574 --> 00:36:51,641
Because he came to power.
667
00:36:51,643 --> 00:36:53,777
Narrator: Akhen-aten
instructed the workers
668
00:36:53,779 --> 00:36:57,214
To down tools on this sphinx.
669
00:36:57,216 --> 00:37:00,884
Maria: What we know is
we had amenhotep iii here.
670
00:37:00,886 --> 00:37:04,921
When akhen-aten turned from
amenhotep iv to akhen-aten,
671
00:37:04,923 --> 00:37:07,157
He destroyed everything.
672
00:37:07,159 --> 00:37:09,526
This site wasn't used again.
673
00:37:13,265 --> 00:37:16,466
Narrator: In aswan,
at qubbet el-hawa,
674
00:37:16,468 --> 00:37:19,536
Before alejandro's team
can enter the tomb,
675
00:37:19,538 --> 00:37:22,272
They must first excavate
the entrance.
676
00:37:22,274 --> 00:37:24,274
But it's perched
dangerously close
677
00:37:24,276 --> 00:37:27,410
To the edge of a steep cliff.
678
00:37:27,412 --> 00:37:30,247
The soft rock crumbles away.
679
00:37:30,249 --> 00:37:32,616
An accident could
easily happen.
680
00:37:32,618 --> 00:37:37,687
Alejandro: We need to take care
of our every step that we make.
681
00:37:40,192 --> 00:37:43,593
Narrator: Finally,
they access the entrance,
682
00:37:43,595 --> 00:37:45,128
And there's a promising sign
683
00:37:45,130 --> 00:37:48,231
They're on the verge
of a huge discovery.
684
00:37:48,233 --> 00:37:52,569
Alejandro: We have just
discovered that the tomb
685
00:37:52,571 --> 00:37:57,841
Is intact because the stones
are sealing the door.
686
00:37:57,843 --> 00:38:02,078
Narrator: It means tomb robbers
haven't beaten alejandro to it.
687
00:38:02,080 --> 00:38:04,114
Alejandro: Fingers crossed
688
00:38:04,116 --> 00:38:06,583
To know if we are
going to be lucky.
689
00:38:15,394 --> 00:38:20,063
Narrator: Alejandro explores
the untouched tomb.
690
00:38:20,065 --> 00:38:24,768
Alejandro: Here there is
something that is quite strange.
691
00:38:24,770 --> 00:38:28,004
Narrator:
Two coffins lie inside,
692
00:38:28,006 --> 00:38:30,173
But it's disappointing news.
693
00:38:30,175 --> 00:38:33,910
Termites have got
in there first.
694
00:38:33,912 --> 00:38:37,414
Alejandro: We have these kind
of days in the excavation.
695
00:38:37,416 --> 00:38:39,349
What a pity.
696
00:38:39,351 --> 00:38:40,650
Narrator:
Termites are a problem
697
00:38:40,652 --> 00:38:42,485
Worse than tomb robbers.
698
00:38:42,487 --> 00:38:45,455
They destroy coffins.
699
00:38:45,457 --> 00:38:48,358
Just before alejandro
gives up hope,
700
00:38:48,360 --> 00:38:50,827
He notices another chamber.
701
00:38:50,829 --> 00:38:54,097
Alejandro: Oh, it's amazing.
702
00:38:54,099 --> 00:38:55,665
Narrator: And fortunately,
703
00:38:55,667 --> 00:38:59,102
The termites haven't
destroyed what's inside.
704
00:38:59,104 --> 00:39:00,804
Alejandro: For the first time
we are lucky
705
00:39:00,806 --> 00:39:06,476
And we discover without
the problems of the termites.
706
00:39:06,478 --> 00:39:09,512
Narrator: Two ancient
colored coffins.
707
00:39:09,514 --> 00:39:13,650
Alejandro: I never seen
something like this.
708
00:39:13,652 --> 00:39:16,386
Narrator: It's a triumphant
moment for the whole team.
709
00:39:16,388 --> 00:39:18,121
The discovery
of the wealthy tombs
710
00:39:18,123 --> 00:39:20,924
They've been searching for.
711
00:39:20,926 --> 00:39:25,662
(singing)
712
00:39:25,664 --> 00:39:28,631
They could hold evidence
of a crocodile cult
713
00:39:28,633 --> 00:39:32,669
And finally resolve the mystery
of the mummified crocodiles.
714
00:39:35,340 --> 00:39:38,174
The colored coffins need
weeks of restoration work
715
00:39:38,176 --> 00:39:41,277
Before they can be
safely moved.
716
00:39:41,279 --> 00:39:45,115
Until then, they seal
the burial with an iron door,
717
00:39:45,117 --> 00:39:48,852
To keep the coffins safe
from tomb robbers.
718
00:39:50,522 --> 00:39:52,789
Alejandro: Perfect.
719
00:39:52,791 --> 00:39:57,327
Now I can sleep more relaxed.
(chuckles)
720
00:39:59,831 --> 00:40:03,700
Narrator: It's a satisfying end
to an amazing day.
721
00:40:03,702 --> 00:40:07,637
Alejandro: We did not expect
to find anything important.
722
00:40:07,639 --> 00:40:10,273
However, we have found
two amazing tombs,
723
00:40:10,275 --> 00:40:14,411
One with the coffins, and
the other with the crocodiles.
724
00:40:14,413 --> 00:40:19,315
It has been one of the most
intensive days of my life.
725
00:40:24,022 --> 00:40:28,291
Narrator: 400 miles north,
on the giza plateau,
726
00:40:28,293 --> 00:40:31,561
Chris continues to explore the
ancient egyptians' reverence
727
00:40:31,563 --> 00:40:37,300
For animal gods and their role
as divine guardians.
728
00:40:37,302 --> 00:40:39,602
At the paws
of the great sphinx,
729
00:40:39,604 --> 00:40:41,738
He finds a tantalizing clue
730
00:40:41,740 --> 00:40:45,909
That could reveal
the statue's true purpose.
731
00:40:45,911 --> 00:40:48,711
Chris: This, we think,
is some kind of temple.
732
00:40:48,713 --> 00:40:50,880
It's a building which sits
733
00:40:50,882 --> 00:40:53,383
Right in front of the paws
of the sphinx.
734
00:40:53,385 --> 00:40:55,218
It's built in the same way
as well,
735
00:40:55,220 --> 00:41:01,491
With these absolutely massive
local limestone blocks.
736
00:41:01,493 --> 00:41:03,293
Narrator: The temple's
limestone blocks
737
00:41:03,295 --> 00:41:05,562
Are a match with the sphinx.
738
00:41:05,564 --> 00:41:07,931
The egyptians built it
at the same time
739
00:41:07,933 --> 00:41:10,934
From the sphinx's
leftover stones.
740
00:41:13,004 --> 00:41:16,139
Chris steps back
to the eastern corner.
741
00:41:16,141 --> 00:41:19,275
From here, he notices
something intriguing.
742
00:41:19,277 --> 00:41:20,877
Chris: Where we're
standing here,
743
00:41:20,879 --> 00:41:24,314
We're looking straight on
at the face of the sphinx,
744
00:41:24,316 --> 00:41:26,816
And, in fact, the sphinx
is aligned to the pyramid.
745
00:41:26,818 --> 00:41:31,054
So its right shoulder
is absolutely aligned
746
00:41:31,056 --> 00:41:33,656
Along the axis of the temple
in front of it,
747
00:41:33,658 --> 00:41:37,060
And behind it,
the corner of the pyramid.
748
00:41:37,062 --> 00:41:40,763
What's even more interesting
is that at the two equinoxes,
749
00:41:40,765 --> 00:41:42,665
That is the exact point
750
00:41:42,667 --> 00:41:46,169
Where you see the sun
setting in the sky.
751
00:41:46,171 --> 00:41:49,906
Narrator: The temple,
the sphinx and khafre's pyramid
752
00:41:49,908 --> 00:41:54,344
Could all be part
of one master plan.
753
00:41:54,346 --> 00:41:56,179
During solar events
754
00:41:56,181 --> 00:41:59,349
Their alignment reveals
something extraordinary.
755
00:42:02,354 --> 00:42:05,154
When the sun sets
on the equinox,
756
00:42:05,156 --> 00:42:07,323
It drops into the shoulder
of the sphinx
757
00:42:07,325 --> 00:42:12,195
And the south side
of khafre's pyramid.
758
00:42:12,197 --> 00:42:15,865
These two mighty monuments
are symbols of the king,
759
00:42:15,867 --> 00:42:20,737
And as the sun sets,
their shadows become one.
760
00:42:20,739 --> 00:42:22,572
On the summer solstice,
761
00:42:22,574 --> 00:42:25,575
The sun sinks between
the two great pyramids,
762
00:42:25,577 --> 00:42:28,411
And looks like
an ancient egyptian hieroglyph
763
00:42:28,413 --> 00:42:32,081
That represents the cycle
of divine rebirth.
764
00:42:34,986 --> 00:42:38,755
The architects who built the
sphinx pyramid temple complex
765
00:42:38,757 --> 00:42:42,725
Had an in-depth knowledge
of cosmology.
766
00:42:42,727 --> 00:42:45,161
They would have known
that sekhmet the lion
767
00:42:45,163 --> 00:42:47,096
Is also a sun goddess.
768
00:42:47,098 --> 00:42:49,098
Chris: Perhaps this
helps us to explain
769
00:42:49,100 --> 00:42:50,767
The meaning of the sphinx,
770
00:42:50,769 --> 00:42:53,536
And what the egyptians were
doing in a temple like this,
771
00:42:53,538 --> 00:42:55,405
What rituals
they were performing.
772
00:42:55,407 --> 00:42:57,640
If this is a solar deity,
773
00:42:57,642 --> 00:42:59,409
Then perhaps the worship
in the temple
774
00:42:59,411 --> 00:43:04,681
Was all connected with the sun
and the setting sun.
775
00:43:04,683 --> 00:43:07,317
Narrator: The ancient egyptians
believed the rise and fall
776
00:43:07,319 --> 00:43:12,055
Of the sun equated
to human resurrection.
777
00:43:12,057 --> 00:43:14,691
The sphinx could have been
central to a complex
778
00:43:14,693 --> 00:43:20,697
Built by king khafre to harness
the spiritual power of the sun.
779
00:43:20,699 --> 00:43:25,368
Today, the sphinx sits alone
in the pyramids' shadow.
780
00:43:25,370 --> 00:43:28,204
But back in the time
of the pharaoh khafre,
781
00:43:28,206 --> 00:43:31,741
It was at the figurehead
of a grand design,
782
00:43:31,743 --> 00:43:35,812
A great temple complex
with a huge causeway
783
00:43:35,814 --> 00:43:39,082
Connecting the sphinx
to khafre's pyramid,
784
00:43:39,084 --> 00:43:43,252
The pharaoh's
final resting place.
785
00:43:43,254 --> 00:43:46,756
The temple complex
stretched to the nile,
786
00:43:46,758 --> 00:43:50,159
Where there was
a magnificent port.
787
00:43:50,161 --> 00:43:52,662
When khafre died, it was here
788
00:43:52,664 --> 00:43:56,566
That the boat carrying
his body would dock,
789
00:43:56,568 --> 00:43:59,369
Before he was entombed
in his giant pyramid
790
00:43:59,371 --> 00:44:01,838
To wait for his resurrection.
791
00:44:01,840 --> 00:44:06,809
♪ ♪
792
00:44:06,811 --> 00:44:09,112
The egyptian belief
in the divine powers
793
00:44:09,114 --> 00:44:12,048
Of their animal gods
was so great,
794
00:44:12,050 --> 00:44:15,018
They built the sphinx to be
the protective figurehead
795
00:44:15,020 --> 00:44:18,187
In a resurrection machine
designed to guarantee
796
00:44:18,189 --> 00:44:23,026
King khafre's journey
into the after-life.
797
00:44:23,028 --> 00:44:24,927
Captioned by
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