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Narrator:
The dead sea scrolls --
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Mysterious texts from
the time of jesus christ
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Hidden in desert caves
for 2,000 years.
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Magness: What were they doing
in these caves?
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Who put them here?
Why did they put them here?
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Narrator:
Discovered by chance,
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Their secrets jealously guarded.
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Nothing like this
was ever found before.
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Narrator:
What are these ancient writings?
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Do these fragile manuscripts
predict a deadly apocalypse?
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00:00:31,499 --> 00:00:33,799
There are graves all over here.
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00:00:33,801 --> 00:00:38,037
Narrator: Today, innovative
multispectral imaging technology
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Reveals the hidden meaning
of the texts.
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For the first time,
we have actual writings
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Dating to about the time
of jesus.
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Narrator: Why are the scrolls
found in this remote desert?
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Who are the writers?
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To solve these mysteries,
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We'll dive deep inside
desert caves...
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We'll resurrect
a king's mountain lair...
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And discover traces
of an epic cataclysm
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To reveal the darkest secrets
of the dead sea scrolls.
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-- Captions by vitac --
www.Vitac.Com
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Captions paid for by
discovery communications
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Narrator:
Israel. The dead sea.
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The lowest point on earth.
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Here in 1946,
a bedouin guarding his flock
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Makes an extraordinary
discovery,
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A chance find
that will transform
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Our understanding
of biblical history.
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Magness:
He was looking for a lost goat
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When he came to the entrance
to a cave.
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He decided to throw
a stone into the cave
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To see if he could
flush out the goat.
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Narrator: Instead of hearing
the stone hit rock...
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...He hears it smash pottery.
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He enters the cave
to investigate.
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What was in those caves
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Was the greatest archaeological
discovery of the 20th century.
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Narrator:
Hidden behind a narrow entrance
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Lies strangely shaped
ceramic jars.
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Curled up inside
are ancient treasures...
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...Delicate scrolls
of hebrew writing
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Dating back
200 years before jesus.
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One of them is over 20 feet long
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And contains almost
the entire book of isaiah
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From the old testament.
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These battered parchments become
known as the dead sea scrolls,
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The oldest biblical texts
in the world.
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Today, the dead sea scrolls
are here
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In the shrine of the book
at the israel museum.
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Almost one million people
visit this museum
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To see the scrolls each year.
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The giant isaiah scroll
is the crown jewel.
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Pnina shor is the curator
of the dead sea scrolls.
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Shor: This is a sample
of one of the big scrolls.
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We have five of them
really well-preserved.
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Narrator: Investigators
have spent 70 years
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Studying and decrypting
the scrolls.
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Shor:
These are the earliest copies
of the bible that we have.
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They're older than anything
that we had previously.
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Narrator: The scrolls
are 1,000 years older
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Than any other biblical text
we have.
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Today, pnina and her team
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Are deciphering every last
word and mark on them.
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They are making
surprising new discoveries.
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Shor:
We're now going through material
that has not been deciphered yet
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Because we couldn't see any
of the ink on these fragments,
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And we are discovering
new fragments.
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Narrator:
They photograph the scrolls
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With a special camera
developed by nasa.
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It allows them
to analyze the parchment
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00:04:01,475 --> 00:04:04,076
Under different
lighting conditions.
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Sacred words
lost for centuries
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Emerge when they combine
the images.
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Can you please show me
from both sides?
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Even 70 years
after their discovery,
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The scrolls are still
giving up new secrets.
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-Here?
-Yeah.
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As you can see,
this is pretty clear.
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This fragment reveals a word
missing from a biblical scroll.
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It's the word...
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-yeah.
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Narrator:
Discoveries like this confirm
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That the hebrew bible
is the same today
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As in the time of jesus.
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It hasn't changed
for thousands of years.
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Yeah. Now you can see
the letters. Beautiful.
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It shows us
how a minute fragment
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Can actually help
biblical studies
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And biblical research today.
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Narrator:
The scrolls are the greatest
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Biblical treasures of all time.
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Handwritten copies of the bible
from the time of christ,
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They shed light
on jesus, judaism,
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And the emergence
of early christianity.
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But many great mysteries
about the scrolls themselves
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Remain unsolved.
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Their chance discovery
is just the first of many.
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More caves containing hundreds
of scrolls are soon revealed.
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The remains of approximately
1,000 different scrolls
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Were found in 11 caves
in this area.
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Narrator: A cave
less than a mile from the first
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Proves the richest of them all.
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Inside it,
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The earliest copy
of the ten commandments
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In existence...
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And around it,
500 scrolls
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In 15,000
scattered fragments.
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Some can be assembled
and deciphered,
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Like the first three chapters
of the book of genesis.
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Others have crumbled
into pieces so small,
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They still elude decryption.
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Could they hold clues to
who writes the dead sea scrolls
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Then hides them
in the desert caves?
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Dr. Eshbal ratzon is part
of an international team
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Racing to decipher
two fragmented scrolls.
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She's working on 66 tiny
and mysterious pieces
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That could contain clues to
reveal who writes the scrolls.
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Dr. Ratzon:
My work is working with puzzles.
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This particular puzzle
gives us a glimpse
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Into a document
that was preserved
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For 2,000 years in the desert.
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Narrator:
Pioneering, ultra
high-resolution photography
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Means eshbal can now
read the words
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On even the tiniest
scroll fragments.
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She moves the fragments around
on her computer screen
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00:07:00,988 --> 00:07:04,089
To try to put them
back together.
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00:07:04,091 --> 00:07:08,226
It's a 2,000-year-old
electronic jigsaw puzzle.
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We got lucky because
we got most of the fragments
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From the edges of the puzzle.
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Narrator: Eshbal discovers
that the writer of this scroll
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Is leaving mysterious notes
between the columns.
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I just had a hunch that these
two notes were connected.
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00:07:26,780 --> 00:07:31,316
Maybe just the scribe just ran
out of space, and he turned,
136
00:07:31,318 --> 00:07:35,987
So I was able to join
this bunch of fragments
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With this bunch of fragments.
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I got a whole column
from margin to margin.
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00:07:42,696 --> 00:07:45,530
Narrator: The technology allows
eshbal to finally reveal
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That one of the last two scrolls
to be deciphered
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Is a religious calendar.
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Dr. Ratzon:
It's a very unique calendar.
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00:07:52,539 --> 00:07:54,372
We don't know it from elsewhere
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Except from
the dead sea scrolls.
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Narrator:
2,000 years ago,
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Following your own
religious calendar
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Is a radical act,
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00:08:03,350 --> 00:08:06,718
Like deciding to
celebrate christmas in June.
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This calendar is a clue that can
reveal who writes the scrolls.
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00:08:14,328 --> 00:08:17,028
The ruling jewish priests
in the temple of jerusalem
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Follow a lunar calendar
with 354 days in a year.
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00:08:24,538 --> 00:08:26,338
On the new moon, high priests
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00:08:26,340 --> 00:08:29,307
Make offerings
of fruit and grains...
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00:08:29,309 --> 00:08:32,410
And sacrifice animals
to please their god.
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The writers of the scrolls
reject these offerings
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00:08:37,885 --> 00:08:41,753
And instead become obsessed
with purification,
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Immersing in cold water
at least twice a day.
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They decide to follow
their own calendar,
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With 364 days in a year,
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Based on the movement
of the sun.
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Dr. Ratzon:
This was a huge step.
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It made the sect separate
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From the rest
of the jewish groups.
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Narrator: The new technology
allows eshbal to solve
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The puzzle of who writes
the dead sea scrolls.
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00:09:12,753 --> 00:09:16,755
It reveals the name of
this breakaway jewish sect.
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00:09:16,757 --> 00:09:19,491
Dr. Ratzon: The group that is
associated with this calendar
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Refers to themselves
in other dead sea scrolls
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As the...
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00:09:24,831 --> 00:09:29,701
Or the sons of righteousness
or the sons of light.
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Narrator: The dead sea scrolls
are the library
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Of a mysterious sect --
the sons of light.
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But who are they?
What happens to them?
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And why do they hide
their precious text
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To be lost for 2,000 years?
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Narrator:
The dead sea scrolls --
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00:10:01,535 --> 00:10:06,438
Hundreds of documents dating
from the time of christ.
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00:10:06,440 --> 00:10:07,939
Today, new technology
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00:10:07,941 --> 00:10:11,676
Is deciphering
the last of the scrolls,
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Proving they belong
to a mysterious jewish sect.
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00:10:15,415 --> 00:10:19,484
They call themselves
the sons of light.
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Who are they, and why do they
hide their holy texts
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In desert caves
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To be discovered by chance
2,000 years later?
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00:10:30,297 --> 00:10:34,599
Clues to answer these questions
may lie here.
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00:10:34,601 --> 00:10:38,136
Next to the cave where
the most scrolls are found
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Are the ruins
of an unusual walled settlement.
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It's called qumran.
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Beside it, row upon row
of mysterious stone mounds.
190
00:10:50,684 --> 00:10:55,620
Beneath, archaeologists
unearth more than 70 skeletons
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00:10:55,622 --> 00:10:58,323
All buried
in the same distinctive way.
192
00:11:00,861 --> 00:11:03,128
The bodies lie all alone,
193
00:11:03,130 --> 00:11:06,831
In 6-foot-deep pits,
without any possessions.
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00:11:09,302 --> 00:11:11,936
All lie on their backs
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00:11:11,938 --> 00:11:15,006
With their hands
resting on their hips,
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00:11:15,008 --> 00:11:17,375
And their heads point south
197
00:11:17,377 --> 00:11:20,178
Towards the scorching
midday sun.
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00:11:23,917 --> 00:11:28,520
Are these the sons of light,
the keepers of the scrolls?
199
00:11:34,361 --> 00:11:37,062
Nagar:
There are graves all over here.
200
00:11:37,064 --> 00:11:40,231
Here. Look.
Look at this structure here.
201
00:11:40,233 --> 00:11:41,900
Narrator:
Yossi nagar investigates
202
00:11:41,902 --> 00:11:45,903
Newly discovered skeletons
from the cemetery.
203
00:11:45,905 --> 00:11:49,207
Nagar: If you open these graves
that you see here all around,
204
00:11:49,209 --> 00:11:51,643
You found that all of them
look the same.
205
00:11:51,645 --> 00:11:55,146
Someone devised it.
It's not accidental.
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00:11:55,148 --> 00:11:57,949
Narrator:
He excavates 33 of the graves.
207
00:12:04,391 --> 00:12:07,392
So I say, "okay. That's weird."
208
00:12:07,394 --> 00:12:08,993
Narrator:
Yossi investigates
209
00:12:08,995 --> 00:12:11,863
How old these men are
when they died.
210
00:12:11,865 --> 00:12:14,032
Nagar: The people
that were buried here,
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00:12:14,034 --> 00:12:17,268
Their average age of death
is much higher
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00:12:17,270 --> 00:12:21,339
Than the regular cemetery
or a regular village.
213
00:12:23,510 --> 00:12:25,577
Narrator: He discovers
that almost all the men
214
00:12:25,579 --> 00:12:29,881
Are more than 30 years old
when they die.
215
00:12:29,883 --> 00:12:31,916
Jewish respect for human remains
216
00:12:31,918 --> 00:12:34,953
Means all the skeletons
are reburied,
217
00:12:34,955 --> 00:12:38,623
Except for this one thigh bone.
218
00:12:38,625 --> 00:12:42,093
Experts extract samples
from the qumran bone
219
00:12:42,095 --> 00:12:45,196
And, for the first time,
use radiocarbon technology
220
00:12:45,198 --> 00:12:47,565
To date it.
221
00:12:47,567 --> 00:12:49,868
It works by measuring
how organic material
222
00:12:49,870 --> 00:12:51,202
Changes over time.
223
00:12:51,204 --> 00:12:54,105
Here we are.
224
00:12:54,107 --> 00:12:58,109
The test reveals that this bone
is almost 2,000 years old.
225
00:13:02,048 --> 00:13:05,517
The bodies date to the same time
as the scrolls.
226
00:13:09,222 --> 00:13:12,123
Yossi believes that the scrolls
can reveal the reason
227
00:13:12,125 --> 00:13:15,894
For the existence of this
mysterious all-male cemetery.
228
00:13:19,366 --> 00:13:22,066
Nagar: When you read
the dead sea scrolls,
229
00:13:22,068 --> 00:13:23,802
You do find about
230
00:13:23,804 --> 00:13:26,638
The community of people
living in the desert.
231
00:13:26,640 --> 00:13:29,641
Celibate males
have their own rules.
232
00:13:29,643 --> 00:13:35,446
No women, no little children,
living to old age.
233
00:13:35,448 --> 00:13:38,750
Narrator: Could qumran be
the home of the sons of light?
234
00:13:38,752 --> 00:13:42,153
We have no other site
like qumran anywhere.
235
00:13:42,155 --> 00:13:45,557
It is a unique
archaeological site.
236
00:13:45,559 --> 00:13:48,493
Narrator: Jodi magness
searches qumran for evidence
237
00:13:48,495 --> 00:13:51,162
That this could be the home
of the sons of light
238
00:13:51,164 --> 00:13:53,731
As described in the scrolls.
239
00:13:53,733 --> 00:13:56,100
Based on the information
that we have in the scrolls,
240
00:13:56,102 --> 00:13:58,670
What we would expect
to find at qumran
241
00:13:58,672 --> 00:14:02,774
Is a settlement that is not
an ordinary town or a village,
242
00:14:02,776 --> 00:14:06,611
But rather is
a community center.
243
00:14:06,613 --> 00:14:10,348
Narrator: Jodi investigates
the buildings here.
244
00:14:10,350 --> 00:14:14,152
She starts with this
mysterious stepped structure.
245
00:14:14,154 --> 00:14:16,855
Right behind me
is a jewish ritual bath
246
00:14:16,857 --> 00:14:18,423
Where jews would immerse
247
00:14:18,425 --> 00:14:21,960
In order to ritually
purify themselves in the water.
248
00:14:23,864 --> 00:14:25,530
Narrator:
We know from the scrolls
249
00:14:25,532 --> 00:14:30,001
That the sons of light
must ritually bathe twice a day.
250
00:14:30,003 --> 00:14:32,570
Qumran has 10 ritual baths.
251
00:14:36,710 --> 00:14:38,676
The scrolls say
that the sons of light
252
00:14:38,678 --> 00:14:43,548
Must always gather at mealtimes
to eat together.
253
00:14:43,550 --> 00:14:48,052
So, this room is the largest
room in the qumran settlement.
254
00:14:48,054 --> 00:14:49,587
In a room adjacent to it,
255
00:14:49,589 --> 00:14:53,892
A pantry of dishes with over
1,000 dining dishes was found.
256
00:14:53,894 --> 00:14:56,160
This large room
also apparently was used
257
00:14:56,162 --> 00:15:00,098
As a communal dining room.
258
00:15:00,100 --> 00:15:02,867
Narrator: Qumran has all
the facilities required
259
00:15:02,869 --> 00:15:05,637
To fulfill the strict
religious laws of the sect
260
00:15:05,639 --> 00:15:09,340
Laid down in the scrolls.
261
00:15:09,342 --> 00:15:11,509
Jodi thinks some of
the dead sea scrolls
262
00:15:11,511 --> 00:15:14,078
Are written in this building.
263
00:15:14,080 --> 00:15:18,049
Magness: It's been identified as
a scriptorium, or writing room.
264
00:15:18,051 --> 00:15:20,218
At the second-story level
of this room,
265
00:15:20,220 --> 00:15:22,353
Originally there was furniture,
266
00:15:22,355 --> 00:15:26,324
And mixed in with the debris of
this furniture were ink wells.
267
00:15:28,128 --> 00:15:29,961
Narrator:
It's an exciting discovery,
268
00:15:29,963 --> 00:15:32,230
But jodi thinks
the final piece of evidence
269
00:15:32,232 --> 00:15:34,832
Lies not with the scrolls
270
00:15:34,834 --> 00:15:37,769
But with the ceramic jars
they are found in.
271
00:15:37,771 --> 00:15:39,704
Magness:
So, this is a potter's workshop.
272
00:15:39,706 --> 00:15:42,674
Scientific analyses of the clay
273
00:15:42,676 --> 00:15:46,844
Have indicated that
the pots found here at qumran
274
00:15:46,846 --> 00:15:50,448
And in the surrounding caves
were made from the same clay,
275
00:15:50,450 --> 00:15:53,384
And therefore, we can say that
we have both an archaeological
276
00:15:53,386 --> 00:15:57,021
And a scientific connection
between the site of qumran
277
00:15:57,023 --> 00:15:59,524
And the scrolls
in the nearby caves.
278
00:15:59,526 --> 00:16:02,694
Narrator: Jodi has no doubt
that qumran is the true home
279
00:16:02,696 --> 00:16:06,731
Of the sons of light
and their dead sea scrolls.
280
00:16:06,733 --> 00:16:09,367
Locating the sect
here by the dead sea
281
00:16:09,369 --> 00:16:12,670
Reveals the sons of light
are known by another name,
282
00:16:12,672 --> 00:16:15,640
Their true identity.
283
00:16:15,642 --> 00:16:19,877
We do have sources
that tell us who this sect was.
284
00:16:19,879 --> 00:16:23,348
All of these sources
talk about a jewish sect
285
00:16:23,350 --> 00:16:26,617
That lived on the northwest
shore of the dead sea
286
00:16:26,619 --> 00:16:29,120
In the area
where qumran is located
287
00:16:29,122 --> 00:16:32,890
Called the essenes.
288
00:16:32,892 --> 00:16:36,294
Narrator: Ancient sources
tell the story of the sect.
289
00:16:38,698 --> 00:16:42,133
The essenes hail
from jerusalem...
290
00:16:42,135 --> 00:16:46,504
But so detest its religious
rulers, they abandon the city.
291
00:16:50,777 --> 00:16:53,311
They build a community
near the dead sea
292
00:16:53,313 --> 00:16:56,180
Where they can worship
in their own way.
293
00:17:00,286 --> 00:17:05,023
Obsessed with writing, copying,
and collecting scripture,
294
00:17:05,025 --> 00:17:09,093
They have someone reading the
bible every minute of every day.
295
00:17:11,631 --> 00:17:14,665
They write the rules
of the community on scrolls
296
00:17:14,667 --> 00:17:18,436
And store them alongside copies
of their holy scriptures.
297
00:17:22,042 --> 00:17:24,208
Magness: In the time of jesus,
we know that there were
298
00:17:24,210 --> 00:17:28,079
Many different jewish groups,
movements, and sects,
299
00:17:28,081 --> 00:17:30,314
So the essenes were part
of this mosaic
300
00:17:30,316 --> 00:17:33,951
Of different jewish groups
and movements.
301
00:17:33,953 --> 00:17:37,622
Narrator: If the essenes are
obsessed with precious scrolls,
302
00:17:37,624 --> 00:17:41,592
Why do they place them
in dusty desert caves?
303
00:17:41,594 --> 00:17:45,063
Why do they never return
to collect them?
304
00:17:45,065 --> 00:17:49,267
The answer could lie
in a 2,000-year-old apocalypse
305
00:17:49,269 --> 00:17:51,636
That destroys the holy land.
306
00:18:05,752 --> 00:18:07,852
Narrator:
The dead sea scrolls --
307
00:18:07,854 --> 00:18:11,956
The oldest bibles
ever discovered.
308
00:18:11,958 --> 00:18:14,759
Archaeology and forensic science
are revealing
309
00:18:14,761 --> 00:18:18,930
That the scrolls are created
by a secretive jewish sect --
310
00:18:18,932 --> 00:18:23,868
The essenes, religious
outcasts from jerusalem,
311
00:18:23,870 --> 00:18:28,272
Exiled to the wilderness
of judea at qumran.
312
00:18:29,976 --> 00:18:34,579
Why do the essenes hide their
precious scrolls in these caves
313
00:18:34,581 --> 00:18:37,014
And never return
to collect them?
314
00:18:39,352 --> 00:18:44,021
In these cliffs above qumran,
jodi magness investigates a cave
315
00:18:44,023 --> 00:18:47,291
That might hold a clue
to this mystery.
316
00:18:47,293 --> 00:18:49,760
Magness:
This is the opening to cave 11.
317
00:18:49,762 --> 00:18:51,696
One of the scrolls
that was found here
318
00:18:51,698 --> 00:18:53,865
Is a copy of the war scroll
319
00:18:53,867 --> 00:18:57,802
Which describes the apocalyptic
war at the end of days
320
00:18:57,804 --> 00:19:00,905
Between the sons of light
and the sons of darkness.
321
00:19:03,409 --> 00:19:05,510
Narrator:
2,000 years ago, the essenes,
322
00:19:05,512 --> 00:19:08,079
Just like
the very first christians,
323
00:19:08,081 --> 00:19:10,948
Believe the world
is about to end.
324
00:19:10,950 --> 00:19:13,818
They prepare for a war
at the end of days
325
00:19:13,820 --> 00:19:16,954
And preach about
the coming apocalypse.
326
00:19:16,956 --> 00:19:18,990
They are right to plan ahead.
327
00:19:18,992 --> 00:19:22,260
Judea is on the brink of war
with the romans.
328
00:19:24,697 --> 00:19:30,001
Back then, the romans rule
a vast empire with an iron fist,
329
00:19:30,003 --> 00:19:33,204
But there's resistance brewing
in the province of judea.
330
00:19:35,842 --> 00:19:38,943
In 66 a.D.,
jewish rebels wipe out
331
00:19:38,945 --> 00:19:41,245
The roman garrison in jerusalem
332
00:19:41,247 --> 00:19:43,948
And declare
an independent jewish state.
333
00:19:46,853 --> 00:19:49,787
The revolt
spreads like wildfire,
334
00:19:49,789 --> 00:19:53,858
So the romans send 60,000 troops
to crush the rebellion.
335
00:19:58,064 --> 00:20:01,399
They rampage
across judea and galilee,
336
00:20:01,401 --> 00:20:03,868
Taking city after city,
337
00:20:03,870 --> 00:20:07,138
Slaughtering hundreds
of thousands of jews.
338
00:20:08,908 --> 00:20:11,943
Magness: In the middle of
the revolt, in the year 68 a.D.,
339
00:20:11,945 --> 00:20:15,513
The site of qumran
was destroyed.
340
00:20:15,515 --> 00:20:19,884
The excavations revealed
roman arrowheads.
341
00:20:19,886 --> 00:20:23,187
Now, could it be that
the essenes here at qumran
342
00:20:23,189 --> 00:20:25,056
Thought that this was,
in fact,
343
00:20:25,058 --> 00:20:27,858
This apocalypse
that they were awaiting?
344
00:20:29,896 --> 00:20:31,996
Narrator:
For jodi, this is the reason
345
00:20:31,998 --> 00:20:33,664
Most of the scrolls are found
346
00:20:33,666 --> 00:20:36,334
In the cave
right next to the settlement.
347
00:20:36,336 --> 00:20:41,305
The essenes hide them there
just before the romans attack.
348
00:20:41,307 --> 00:20:43,274
I believe that
there can be little doubt
349
00:20:43,276 --> 00:20:45,376
That at least some of
the scrolls were deposited
350
00:20:45,378 --> 00:20:47,245
In the cave for safekeeping
351
00:20:47,247 --> 00:20:50,448
On the eve of the roman
destruction of the settlement
352
00:20:50,450 --> 00:20:53,684
In the year 68 a.D.
353
00:20:53,686 --> 00:20:57,555
Narrator: But why are
the scrolls never recovered?
354
00:20:57,557 --> 00:21:00,091
Where do the essenes go?
355
00:21:02,462 --> 00:21:05,096
Clues to this mystery
could lie here
356
00:21:05,098 --> 00:21:08,599
In the most holy city in the
roman province of judea --
357
00:21:08,601 --> 00:21:11,002
Jerusalem.
358
00:21:11,004 --> 00:21:14,939
Jerusalem is the original home
of the essenes.
359
00:21:14,941 --> 00:21:19,944
This area, called mount zion,
is its wealthiest district.
360
00:21:19,946 --> 00:21:24,248
Rafi lewis and his team
excavate a site here.
361
00:21:24,250 --> 00:21:28,119
Their dig unearths
something extraordinary --
362
00:21:28,121 --> 00:21:32,490
A house with rooms
that are sealed 2,000 years ago.
363
00:21:32,492 --> 00:21:35,326
Lewis: This is probably
a blocked window,
364
00:21:35,328 --> 00:21:37,061
But if we open it,
365
00:21:37,063 --> 00:21:39,363
We'll be able
to enter another room
366
00:21:39,365 --> 00:21:41,232
Which belonged to this house.
367
00:21:41,234 --> 00:21:44,468
Now, this is quite exciting when
we're thinking about a period
368
00:21:44,470 --> 00:21:46,370
With many interesting events
369
00:21:46,372 --> 00:21:49,340
Including the hiding
of the dead sea scrolls.
370
00:21:51,444 --> 00:21:53,077
Narrator:
As the team unearths
371
00:21:53,079 --> 00:21:56,414
The ritual bathing pool
of the house,
372
00:21:56,416 --> 00:21:59,750
They find a missing link
to the dead sea scrolls.
373
00:22:06,259 --> 00:22:10,995
They extract four mysterious
fragments from the rubble,
374
00:22:10,997 --> 00:22:15,299
Parts of a carved limestone cup
used in purification rituals.
375
00:22:17,470 --> 00:22:19,236
Scratched into its surface
376
00:22:19,238 --> 00:22:23,140
Are three types
of mysterious scripts.
377
00:22:23,142 --> 00:22:26,610
One of them is unique
to the dead sea scrolls.
378
00:22:26,612 --> 00:22:29,480
Could this cup
belong to the essenes?
379
00:22:29,482 --> 00:22:33,451
If so, what's it doing in a city
they have long abandoned?
380
00:22:35,121 --> 00:22:37,321
Lewis: This is one of
the most exciting finds
381
00:22:37,323 --> 00:22:39,790
We've ever made in jerusalem.
382
00:22:39,792 --> 00:22:42,093
This line is basically saying...
383
00:22:42,095 --> 00:22:44,562
Shavti...
384
00:22:44,564 --> 00:22:48,599
"I returned
to the house of the lord."
385
00:22:48,601 --> 00:22:51,068
Narrator: Is the cup
evidence that the essenes
386
00:22:51,070 --> 00:22:53,037
Flee the destruction of qumran
387
00:22:53,039 --> 00:22:56,107
And return
to their original home city?
388
00:22:56,109 --> 00:22:58,209
Lewis: It might be holding
an answer for us.
389
00:22:58,211 --> 00:23:00,277
He comes back
to the house of the lord,
390
00:23:00,279 --> 00:23:02,313
Is very excited about it.
391
00:23:02,315 --> 00:23:04,482
He picks up the first thing
that comes into his hand,
392
00:23:04,484 --> 00:23:05,950
And that's his stone cup.
393
00:23:05,952 --> 00:23:07,418
He's writing this script,
394
00:23:07,420 --> 00:23:10,254
"I return
to the house of the lord."
395
00:23:10,256 --> 00:23:12,523
Narrator:
It's an exciting discovery.
396
00:23:12,525 --> 00:23:15,359
Lewis: There is a possibility
that this was actually made
397
00:23:15,361 --> 00:23:19,163
By someone who came back to
jerusalem after being in qumran.
398
00:23:19,165 --> 00:23:24,435
Nothing like this
was ever found in jerusalem.
399
00:23:24,437 --> 00:23:27,304
Narrator: The cup tells rafi
that at least some essenes
400
00:23:27,306 --> 00:23:31,242
Leave qumran
and return to jerusalem.
401
00:23:31,244 --> 00:23:34,545
The frantic inscription
on the ceremonial cup,
402
00:23:34,547 --> 00:23:37,348
"I return
to the house of the lord,"
403
00:23:37,350 --> 00:23:41,385
May be evidence some essenes
escape the destruction of qumran
404
00:23:41,387 --> 00:23:44,522
Looking for sanctuary
in jerusalem.
405
00:23:44,524 --> 00:23:46,323
It's a tragic mistake.
406
00:23:46,325 --> 00:23:48,025
Magness:
This revolt culminated
407
00:23:48,027 --> 00:23:51,395
With the destruction of the city
of jerusalem by the romans.
408
00:23:53,099 --> 00:23:56,333
Narrator: Jerusalem falls
two years after qumran
409
00:23:56,335 --> 00:23:58,636
In the year 70 a.D.
410
00:23:58,638 --> 00:24:01,705
Its inhabitants are slaughtered.
411
00:24:01,707 --> 00:24:06,076
Is that the end of the essenes?
412
00:24:06,078 --> 00:24:08,078
The discovery of more scrolls
413
00:24:08,080 --> 00:24:10,047
In an impenetrable
mountain fortress
414
00:24:10,049 --> 00:24:12,450
Indicates a dramatic escape.
415
00:24:27,333 --> 00:24:30,768
Narrator:
The dead sea scrolls --
416
00:24:30,770 --> 00:24:33,838
Saved from destruction
in the war against the romans
417
00:24:33,840 --> 00:24:36,507
By the essenes.
418
00:24:36,509 --> 00:24:41,479
Why do they never retrieve
their biblical treasures?
419
00:24:41,481 --> 00:24:44,448
The romans lay waste
to their desert home,
420
00:24:44,450 --> 00:24:47,785
And the essenes disappear
from the map...
421
00:24:47,787 --> 00:24:49,954
Until a discovery...
422
00:24:49,956 --> 00:24:51,722
Here.
423
00:24:51,724 --> 00:24:55,960
Masada -- a magnificent
mountain fortress
424
00:24:55,962 --> 00:24:59,330
Perched above the shores
of the dead sea.
425
00:24:59,332 --> 00:25:03,734
Masada is built 100 years
before the jewish revolt
426
00:25:03,736 --> 00:25:07,404
By a notorious ruler,
king herod the great.
427
00:25:09,942 --> 00:25:12,343
When archaeologists
excavate this site,
428
00:25:12,345 --> 00:25:14,879
They make
an astounding discovery.
429
00:25:17,850 --> 00:25:20,751
Inside the ruined fortress wall,
430
00:25:20,753 --> 00:25:23,187
Buried under a pile of rubble,
431
00:25:23,189 --> 00:25:27,591
They find fragments
of ancient parchments.
432
00:25:27,593 --> 00:25:29,727
One of them is a copy
of holy verse
433
00:25:29,729 --> 00:25:32,897
Only ever seen
in the dead sea scrolls
434
00:25:32,899 --> 00:25:37,701
Called "songs of the sabbath
sacrifice."
435
00:25:37,703 --> 00:25:41,372
Is this evidence of an
essene presence in masada?
436
00:25:43,376 --> 00:25:46,710
Once a palatial villa,
masada is testament
437
00:25:46,712 --> 00:25:51,949
To the power and wealth
of its former owner, king herod.
438
00:25:51,951 --> 00:25:54,084
Why would the essenes
come to a fortress
439
00:25:54,086 --> 00:25:58,088
Once occupied by
the most hated tyrant of judea?
440
00:26:00,626 --> 00:26:05,362
Masada is an extraordinary
mountaintop megastructure.
441
00:26:05,364 --> 00:26:10,267
A hanging palace
sits inside the fortress.
442
00:26:10,269 --> 00:26:12,870
The palace is constructed
on three terraces
443
00:26:12,872 --> 00:26:16,674
Above cliffs
over 1,000 feet tall.
444
00:26:16,676 --> 00:26:19,176
It houses a barracks, an armory,
445
00:26:19,178 --> 00:26:22,813
Even a centrally heated
bathhouse.
446
00:26:22,815 --> 00:26:27,017
But by the time of the revolt,
king herod is long dead,
447
00:26:27,019 --> 00:26:31,055
His palace a mothballed shell.
448
00:26:31,057 --> 00:26:35,426
Dr. Guy stiebel investigates
the secrets of masada.
449
00:26:35,428 --> 00:26:38,462
He wants to know who occupies
this vast fortress
450
00:26:38,464 --> 00:26:41,198
During the revolt
against the romans.
451
00:26:54,347 --> 00:26:57,281
Narrator: Historic accounts
from the time of the roman war
452
00:26:57,283 --> 00:27:01,919
Report masada is held
by violent jewish extremists.
453
00:27:01,921 --> 00:27:04,321
They are called the sicarii.
454
00:27:07,660 --> 00:27:09,727
The sicarii are jewish assassins
455
00:27:09,729 --> 00:27:12,529
Who take their name
from the sica,
456
00:27:12,531 --> 00:27:15,466
A deadly dagger
they hide in their cloaks.
457
00:27:18,104 --> 00:27:23,507
They're notorious for killing
roman occupiers in public places
458
00:27:23,509 --> 00:27:25,609
And vanishing into the crowd.
459
00:27:29,682 --> 00:27:31,949
At the start of the war,
sicarii rebels
460
00:27:31,951 --> 00:27:34,952
Capture the fortress of masada
from the romans.
461
00:27:40,459 --> 00:27:43,727
From their desert hideout,
they can survive in safety
462
00:27:43,729 --> 00:27:46,830
While the romans devastate
the rest of the country.
463
00:27:53,806 --> 00:27:57,541
Guy investigates why
this fragment of dead sea scroll
464
00:27:57,543 --> 00:28:00,010
That matches
those found at qumran
465
00:28:00,012 --> 00:28:04,682
Is found here in masada
in a rebel hideout.
466
00:28:04,684 --> 00:28:07,951
He starts looking
for traces of the essenes.
467
00:28:07,953 --> 00:28:11,121
The essenes
had to purify themselves,
468
00:28:11,123 --> 00:28:14,324
So we need to look for something
469
00:28:14,326 --> 00:28:18,562
That look like a mikveh,
an immersion pool.
470
00:28:18,564 --> 00:28:20,631
Narrator:
At the center of masada,
471
00:28:20,633 --> 00:28:24,034
Guy examines
a mysterious stepped structure.
472
00:28:24,036 --> 00:28:26,203
Dr. Stiebel:
This construction was done
473
00:28:26,205 --> 00:28:28,706
During the time of the revolt.
474
00:28:28,708 --> 00:28:31,842
What we can see
is a huge mikveh here.
475
00:28:31,844 --> 00:28:36,647
We have the steps that can
allow me going all the way down.
476
00:28:36,649 --> 00:28:40,284
Narrator: Guy identifies this
as an essene ritual bath.
477
00:28:40,286 --> 00:28:42,352
It looks like one of
the many ritual baths
478
00:28:42,354 --> 00:28:44,521
Found at their base in qumran.
479
00:28:48,828 --> 00:28:53,797
They used to bathe as a group
twice a day
480
00:28:53,799 --> 00:28:55,365
In the middle of the desert.
481
00:28:55,367 --> 00:28:58,769
This is something
extremely unique.
482
00:28:58,771 --> 00:29:00,804
Narrator:
Next door to the ritual bath
483
00:29:00,806 --> 00:29:03,574
Is this long, thin building.
484
00:29:03,576 --> 00:29:06,443
Guy thinks
it matches those at qumran
485
00:29:06,445 --> 00:29:09,880
Where the scrolls are written.
486
00:29:09,882 --> 00:29:14,384
The width of this hole
is identical by the millimeter
487
00:29:14,386 --> 00:29:15,919
To what we have at qumran.
488
00:29:15,921 --> 00:29:20,524
The length is exactly half
the size of what we have there.
489
00:29:20,526 --> 00:29:24,294
For me, this led me to
crack a riddle that we had
490
00:29:24,296 --> 00:29:29,066
About the location of the essene
here on top of masada.
491
00:29:29,068 --> 00:29:30,634
Narrator: Guy thinks
that these structures
492
00:29:30,636 --> 00:29:36,140
Prove some essenes
build a new home at masada.
493
00:29:36,142 --> 00:29:39,843
His latest excavations here
reveal new evidence
494
00:29:39,845 --> 00:29:41,879
That transforms
our understanding
495
00:29:41,881 --> 00:29:46,083
Of this mountain fortress
and its place in history.
496
00:29:46,085 --> 00:29:49,052
Dr. Stiebel:
I'm sure the sicarii
were the most dominant group
497
00:29:49,054 --> 00:29:52,790
Here at masada,
but they were not the only one.
498
00:29:52,792 --> 00:29:54,792
Narrator:
His team excavates two buildings
499
00:29:54,794 --> 00:29:58,295
Built into the wall of
the fortress during the revolt.
500
00:29:58,297 --> 00:30:00,898
dr. Stiebel: It's a coin.
501
00:30:00,900 --> 00:30:03,467
It's what we called...
Of shackles
502
00:30:03,469 --> 00:30:06,937
From the time of the revolt
on the floor.
503
00:30:06,939 --> 00:30:08,605
Nice.
504
00:30:08,607 --> 00:30:11,742
Narrator: They unearth huge
amounts of everyday artifacts
505
00:30:11,744 --> 00:30:13,944
From these two buildings.
506
00:30:13,946 --> 00:30:15,913
Dr. Stiebel: So, basically,
507
00:30:15,915 --> 00:30:18,749
A wine cup to drink,
made of glass.
508
00:30:18,751 --> 00:30:22,219
Let's see. It fits perfectly.
509
00:30:22,221 --> 00:30:24,121
Narrator: Guy believes
that these discoveries
510
00:30:24,123 --> 00:30:27,858
Are evidence of who is taking
shelter behind these walls.
511
00:30:27,860 --> 00:30:31,895
They may also explain
why essenes are here in masada.
512
00:30:31,897 --> 00:30:34,531
Actually, I'm really thrilled
because we just dig out
513
00:30:34,533 --> 00:30:37,201
Of the ground
a beautiful discovery.
514
00:30:37,203 --> 00:30:41,672
What we have here is what we
call a cabochon, the gemstone.
515
00:30:41,674 --> 00:30:45,242
For me, this is
a truly big story.
516
00:30:45,244 --> 00:30:48,645
Narrator: This tiny gemstone
is only partially cut,
517
00:30:48,647 --> 00:30:50,113
Suggesting that the owner
518
00:30:50,115 --> 00:30:52,649
Hasn't had time
to finish working on it.
519
00:30:52,651 --> 00:30:54,618
Imagine the romans
are out there.
520
00:30:54,620 --> 00:30:58,021
You need to leave your home.
What do you take along?
521
00:30:58,023 --> 00:31:01,425
Jewelry is something
that is small enough
522
00:31:01,427 --> 00:31:05,562
To be carried in your pocket
or in your purse.
523
00:31:05,564 --> 00:31:07,998
Narrator: Guy believes
these discoveries prove
524
00:31:08,000 --> 00:31:12,936
Masada is a refuge for all jews
escaping the romans.
525
00:31:12,938 --> 00:31:16,573
That includes essenes fleeing
the destruction at qumran.
526
00:31:18,611 --> 00:31:22,246
The essenes bring some of
their precious scrolls with them
527
00:31:22,248 --> 00:31:25,315
And claim sanctuary at masada.
528
00:31:25,317 --> 00:31:28,919
If you want to find shelter
from the romans,
529
00:31:28,921 --> 00:31:31,355
This was a place to come.
530
00:31:31,357 --> 00:31:36,159
Everyone was accepted
on top of masada.
531
00:31:36,161 --> 00:31:37,861
Narrator:
But herod's mountain fortress
532
00:31:37,863 --> 00:31:41,298
Is not as safe
as the essenes hope.
533
00:31:41,300 --> 00:31:46,870
In 73 a.D., a mighty roman army
descends on masada.
534
00:31:46,872 --> 00:31:50,007
Dr. Stiebel:
Seeing the roman scouts
appearing on the horizon
535
00:31:50,009 --> 00:31:53,076
Would be terrifying.
536
00:31:53,078 --> 00:31:55,412
Narrator:
Does the roman March on masada
537
00:31:55,414 --> 00:32:00,083
Explain why the essenes
never recover their scrolls?
538
00:32:00,085 --> 00:32:02,419
Is this why
the world's oldest bibles
539
00:32:02,421 --> 00:32:06,623
Are left in dead sea caves
for 2,000 years?
540
00:32:21,440 --> 00:32:24,074
Narrator:
The dead sea scrolls --
541
00:32:24,076 --> 00:32:28,745
Ancient biblical treasures
saved by a secret jewish sect,
542
00:32:28,747 --> 00:32:30,881
The essenes.
543
00:32:30,883 --> 00:32:32,649
The essenes run for safety
544
00:32:32,651 --> 00:32:35,519
With the last
of their precious scrolls.
545
00:32:35,521 --> 00:32:39,156
They escape the romans
during a failed revolt
546
00:32:39,158 --> 00:32:40,891
And flee to masada,
547
00:32:40,893 --> 00:32:45,395
The last rebel stronghold
in the whole of judea,
548
00:32:45,397 --> 00:32:49,633
But the roman empire
must crush all resistance.
549
00:32:49,635 --> 00:32:52,169
They turn their sights
on masada.
550
00:32:52,171 --> 00:32:55,973
Is this the place of
the last stand of the essenes?
551
00:32:55,975 --> 00:33:00,077
This was not a fair game.
You don't mess with the romans.
552
00:33:00,079 --> 00:33:02,679
Narrator: In 73 a.D.,
553
00:33:02,681 --> 00:33:07,084
A whole roman legion
lays siege to masada.
554
00:33:07,086 --> 00:33:09,686
They face a daunting task.
555
00:33:09,688 --> 00:33:12,389
Steep, slippery inclines
and sheer cliffs
556
00:33:12,391 --> 00:33:14,524
Surround the enemy stronghold.
557
00:33:17,262 --> 00:33:20,630
Inside the rocks
is a network of huge cisterns
558
00:33:20,632 --> 00:33:21,932
That can hold enough water
559
00:33:21,934 --> 00:33:24,868
To supply the rebels
for 10 years.
560
00:33:27,239 --> 00:33:31,875
Around the citadel on top
is a tall double wall,
561
00:33:31,877 --> 00:33:33,677
Over 6 feet thick
562
00:33:33,679 --> 00:33:38,348
With 30 towers
guarding the approach.
563
00:33:38,350 --> 00:33:40,884
How can the romans
break this mega fortress
564
00:33:40,886 --> 00:33:44,821
And finally extinguish
the jewish rebellion?
565
00:33:47,559 --> 00:33:51,061
Guy and his team use innovative
drone mapping technology
566
00:33:51,063 --> 00:33:55,832
To capture a complete 3-d model
of the roman siege system.
567
00:33:55,834 --> 00:33:58,568
Their new survey reveals
the assault of masada
568
00:33:58,570 --> 00:34:02,272
In unprecedented detail.
569
00:34:02,274 --> 00:34:07,411
The romans construct eight forts
surrounding the mountain.
570
00:34:07,413 --> 00:34:09,780
Each fort is
a self-sufficient camp
571
00:34:09,782 --> 00:34:12,682
That can hold 1,000 soldiers.
572
00:34:12,684 --> 00:34:16,620
Once the romans
decided to besiege masada
573
00:34:16,622 --> 00:34:20,791
And to send to the desert
between 6,000 to 8,000 soldiers,
574
00:34:20,793 --> 00:34:23,093
They mean business.
575
00:34:23,095 --> 00:34:25,595
-Can you zoom in?
-Yeah.
576
00:34:25,597 --> 00:34:28,665
Narrator: Guy and his team use
the results of the drone survey
577
00:34:28,667 --> 00:34:31,401
To examine
the roman siege system.
578
00:34:31,403 --> 00:34:34,237
-You can see how steep it is.
-Yeah.
579
00:34:34,239 --> 00:34:36,540
-Now we can see it differently.
-Yeah, yeah.
580
00:34:36,542 --> 00:34:39,976
Having now the 3-d modeling
and all the data
581
00:34:39,978 --> 00:34:44,247
Actually allow me
to reconstruct the actual arena
582
00:34:44,249 --> 00:34:48,785
Where this very important siege
actually took place.
583
00:34:48,787 --> 00:34:50,487
Narrator:
Guy's survey and modeling
584
00:34:50,489 --> 00:34:53,123
Reveals that
the romans construct
585
00:34:53,125 --> 00:34:57,527
This 2-mile-long, 6-foot-thick
stone perimeter wall
586
00:34:57,529 --> 00:35:01,331
That surrounds
the whole mountain.
587
00:35:01,333 --> 00:35:04,801
The refuge of masada
is now a prison.
588
00:35:04,803 --> 00:35:07,104
It seems they invested
a lot of manpower in that.
589
00:35:07,106 --> 00:35:10,207
It's, like,
huge amounts of stone.
590
00:35:10,209 --> 00:35:14,478
There was no way out
for the rebels whatsoever.
591
00:35:14,480 --> 00:35:17,747
Narrator: The romans are experts
in siege warfare.
592
00:35:19,785 --> 00:35:24,654
But they've never attempted
to storm anywhere like masada.
593
00:35:24,656 --> 00:35:27,224
Dr. Stiebel: They couldn't use
the classical technique
594
00:35:27,226 --> 00:35:31,962
Of just rolling a battering ram
on top of the tower.
595
00:35:36,668 --> 00:35:38,568
Narrator:
The romans must find a way
596
00:35:38,570 --> 00:35:43,206
To overcome
1,000 feet of sheer cliff.
597
00:35:43,208 --> 00:35:45,108
Their answer?
598
00:35:45,110 --> 00:35:48,745
To build this giant ramp.
599
00:35:48,747 --> 00:35:50,380
It's an astonishing achievement
600
00:35:50,382 --> 00:35:54,251
That still confounds
archaeologists.
601
00:35:54,253 --> 00:35:58,155
Guy investigates
why the romans build it here.
602
00:35:58,157 --> 00:36:01,291
They decided to take advantage
of the natural spur
603
00:36:01,293 --> 00:36:03,860
That we are standing on top of.
604
00:36:03,862 --> 00:36:05,896
Narrator: Choosing this spot
allows the romans
605
00:36:05,898 --> 00:36:09,733
To reduce the height of the ramp
they must build by half.
606
00:36:09,735 --> 00:36:14,037
Even so, building
a 500-foot-tall ramp
in desert heat
607
00:36:14,039 --> 00:36:17,274
Tests roman military expertise
to the limit.
608
00:36:21,313 --> 00:36:25,148
The romans must shift hundreds
of thousands of tons of rubble
609
00:36:25,150 --> 00:36:27,817
Before the ramp
reaches the fortress.
610
00:36:30,656 --> 00:36:33,990
Only then can they finally
move their siege towers
611
00:36:33,992 --> 00:36:37,093
Up to the defensive walls
and begin the assault.
612
00:36:39,064 --> 00:36:41,131
Guy calculates
the number of stones
613
00:36:41,133 --> 00:36:44,634
A fit soldier can move
in a set time.
614
00:36:44,636 --> 00:36:47,103
This enables him to work out
that the romans build
615
00:36:47,105 --> 00:36:51,208
Their whole siege system
in less than nine weeks.
616
00:36:51,210 --> 00:36:53,877
Dr. Stiebel:
A crucial element, of course,
is one has to remember
617
00:36:53,879 --> 00:36:55,512
That we're in
the middle of the desert.
618
00:36:55,514 --> 00:36:58,915
It is hot, so it is, indeed,
imperative for them
619
00:36:58,917 --> 00:37:03,286
To get up there
as quickly as possible.
620
00:37:03,288 --> 00:37:06,690
Narrator: How did the romans
build so fast?
621
00:37:06,692 --> 00:37:09,459
He investigates these
mysterious wooden fragments
622
00:37:09,461 --> 00:37:11,528
That stick out of the ramp.
623
00:37:14,800 --> 00:37:18,368
What is pretty amazing is that
we have here organic remains
624
00:37:18,370 --> 00:37:22,372
Of branches and trees
that are laid here,
625
00:37:22,374 --> 00:37:25,141
That they survived 2,000 years.
626
00:37:25,143 --> 00:37:29,980
We can actually see the line
here, one after the after.
627
00:37:29,982 --> 00:37:33,850
And if you go another meter up,
you can see few more.
628
00:37:33,852 --> 00:37:36,987
By that, you're creating
kind of shells and boxes
629
00:37:36,989 --> 00:37:39,623
That supported the rocks
and the soil
630
00:37:39,625 --> 00:37:41,524
That was done quickly here,
631
00:37:41,526 --> 00:37:45,428
Allowing the romans
to storm masada.
632
00:37:45,430 --> 00:37:47,897
Narrator:
Now only cliff-top defenses
633
00:37:47,899 --> 00:37:51,134
Stand between
the defenders of masada
634
00:37:51,136 --> 00:37:54,704
And death
at the hands of the romans.
635
00:37:54,706 --> 00:37:58,041
Could this be why
they disappear from history,
636
00:37:58,043 --> 00:38:01,144
Leaving only
their dead sea scrolls?
637
00:38:17,329 --> 00:38:19,195
Narrator:
2,000 years ago,
638
00:38:19,197 --> 00:38:21,131
The writers of
the dead sea scrolls
639
00:38:21,133 --> 00:38:25,535
Hide their sacred text
in remote desert caves.
640
00:38:25,537 --> 00:38:29,205
Known as the essenes,
they then vanish from history.
641
00:38:31,410 --> 00:38:34,411
Now new discoveries are
finally starting to reveal
642
00:38:34,413 --> 00:38:37,781
What happens to them.
643
00:38:37,783 --> 00:38:39,282
In the jewish revolt,
644
00:38:39,284 --> 00:38:44,154
The essenes flee to the
mountaintop fortress of masada,
645
00:38:44,156 --> 00:38:47,157
But the romans
besiege the fortress
646
00:38:47,159 --> 00:38:50,660
And now launch
their final attack.
647
00:38:50,662 --> 00:38:53,563
They use the battering rams
in the siege towers
648
00:38:53,565 --> 00:38:55,799
To crush the fortress walls.
649
00:39:02,741 --> 00:39:06,743
And to remove a second barricade
the defenders have built up,
650
00:39:06,745 --> 00:39:08,878
The romans set fire to it.
651
00:39:12,651 --> 00:39:16,019
As the sun goes down,
the romans pause the attack.
652
00:39:18,523 --> 00:39:21,057
Dr. Stiebel:
It's a very symbolic sunset.
653
00:39:21,059 --> 00:39:25,095
It was very clear
that the end was near.
654
00:39:25,097 --> 00:39:27,097
Narrator:
Guy turns to a gory account
655
00:39:27,099 --> 00:39:30,967
By an ancient jewish historian,
josephus.
656
00:39:30,969 --> 00:39:34,204
There was one act only
that you can still do
657
00:39:34,206 --> 00:39:36,873
And die as a proud man,
658
00:39:36,875 --> 00:39:39,843
And that is to commit suicide.
659
00:39:39,845 --> 00:39:41,544
Narrator:
Ten rebels take the lives
660
00:39:41,546 --> 00:39:45,148
Of the other 900 men,
women, and children
661
00:39:45,150 --> 00:39:48,318
Before one kills the final nine,
662
00:39:48,320 --> 00:39:51,721
Sets fire to the fort,
and takes his own life.
663
00:39:56,695 --> 00:40:02,298
When the romans enter masada,
all the inhabitants are dead.
664
00:40:02,300 --> 00:40:05,468
The apocalypse the essenes
predict in their scrolls
665
00:40:05,470 --> 00:40:07,537
Becomes reality.
666
00:40:07,539 --> 00:40:09,672
But guy stiebel
believes the sect
667
00:40:09,674 --> 00:40:13,877
Performs one last
significant act before they die.
668
00:40:13,879 --> 00:40:15,412
His excavations at masada
669
00:40:15,414 --> 00:40:19,482
Unearth a cave
just like those at qumran.
670
00:40:19,484 --> 00:40:24,954
The people of qumran used
to place their scrolls in jars
671
00:40:24,956 --> 00:40:27,190
And put it in caves.
672
00:40:29,394 --> 00:40:31,561
Narrator: In the finds lab,
guy examines
673
00:40:31,563 --> 00:40:36,499
This remarkable piece of pottery
found among the cave debris.
674
00:40:36,501 --> 00:40:40,103
He identifies the fragment
of pot from its shape.
675
00:40:40,105 --> 00:40:41,438
Dr. Stiebel:
Actually, we are very thrilled.
676
00:40:41,440 --> 00:40:44,474
We just discovered a fragment
of what we believe
677
00:40:44,476 --> 00:40:46,709
Is a cylindrial jar
678
00:40:46,711 --> 00:40:50,447
Of the type the ones
that the essenes,
679
00:40:50,449 --> 00:40:53,817
People of qumran,
used to store their scroll in,
680
00:40:53,819 --> 00:40:57,787
And it was found in the cave
just next to the dining hall.
681
00:40:57,789 --> 00:41:00,423
Narrator: He believes that
this pot matches the design
682
00:41:00,425 --> 00:41:02,158
Of the jars found in qumran
683
00:41:02,160 --> 00:41:04,727
That contain
the dead sea scrolls.
684
00:41:06,765 --> 00:41:10,567
Is this evidence that the
terrified essenes, facing death,
685
00:41:10,569 --> 00:41:14,404
Hide their last sacred scrolls
in a cave at masada
686
00:41:14,406 --> 00:41:17,073
Just like they do at qumran?
687
00:41:17,075 --> 00:41:21,611
For us to have that on top
of masada in context in the cave
688
00:41:21,613 --> 00:41:25,215
Is extremely,
extremely significant.
689
00:41:25,217 --> 00:41:27,617
Narrator:
The essenes may vanish,
690
00:41:27,619 --> 00:41:31,721
But they leave us the oldest
biblical treasure ever known.
691
00:41:31,723 --> 00:41:34,157
When we say that the essenes
that were here
692
00:41:34,159 --> 00:41:35,925
On top of masada died --
693
00:41:35,927 --> 00:41:39,896
But their ideas
clearly continued.
694
00:41:47,506 --> 00:41:51,174
The essenes left us an enormous
amount of information
695
00:41:51,176 --> 00:41:54,544
That tells us
about the world of jesus,
696
00:41:54,546 --> 00:41:58,381
Judaism in this period,
and ultimately the context
697
00:41:58,383 --> 00:42:01,684
From which early christianity
would emerge.
698
00:42:07,292 --> 00:42:09,826
Narrator: Without the discovery
of these caves,
699
00:42:09,828 --> 00:42:12,128
The oldest bible in the world
700
00:42:12,130 --> 00:42:15,131
Would remain lost
in the judean desert,
701
00:42:15,133 --> 00:42:18,801
And the essenes would have been
consigned to oblivion.
702
00:42:20,839 --> 00:42:25,808
Today, the whole world
can read the dead sea scrolls.
57144
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