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♪
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Narrator: An elaborate complex
that continues to mystify.
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Meigs:
As you go down this tunnel,
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00:00:09,877 --> 00:00:12,511
There's hardly room
for a human to fit through.
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You start to feel
the heat rising.
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♪
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Narrator: An american colossus
carved into the bay.
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Bell:
There's a real spooky feeling,
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Especially when the mist
is just hanging over it.
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It's almost like
a ghost workforce
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Has vanished from sight.
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00:00:31,365 --> 00:00:36,635
Narrator:
An apparent paradise masking
a history of violence.
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Auerbach:
And some of these drawings
are made in blood,
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Hinting at
the island's dark past.
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♪
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Narrator: Engineering marvels
now abandoned.
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Ruins shrouded in mystery.
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Within these decaying structures
are the echoes of history.
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They speak of death
and destruction,
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But also human ingenuity
and endeavor.
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Each haunted shell ready
to be unmasked
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And tell its own unique story.
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-- Captions by vitac --
www.Vitac.Com
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Captions paid for by
discovery communications
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[ rumbling, crumbling ]
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♪
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♪
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Narrator:
In the lichtenburg district
of berlin,
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Capital city of germany,
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An imposing gray wall lines
an otherwise typical street.
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We don't really think about
what horrors
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Might have happened behind
the walls right beside us.
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It looks ominous,
and you know intuitively
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That you wouldn't want to be
on the other side of that wall.
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You can't go by
without asking yourself,
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"what did people have to do
to get locked up
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In a horrible place like that?"
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Narrator: Inside,
long corridors are lined
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With bars and thick gray doors.
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A few miles away, intrinsically
linked to this complex
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Is an innocuous looking
tower block.
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These hallways and offices,
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They seem almost deliberately
bland, faceless, anonymous.
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Nusbacher:
It could be the offices
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Of a third-rate office
supplies company.
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It's banal, it's cold,
it's dull.
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Narrator: On closer inspection,
the interiors of these offices
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Could have come straight
from a set of a spy movie.
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You do see a lot of equipment --
old-fashioned equipment
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00:02:46,534 --> 00:02:48,834
And various electronic devices.
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Nusbacher:
This isn't just an office where
people do something productive.
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This is an office where people
pry and spy
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And look into things that
perhaps ought to be left alone.
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Narrator: How are these
contrasting complexes connected?
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Who was based here?
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And what was
their ultimate purpose?
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♪
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This high-walled complex
still sends shudders
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Down the spine of many germans.
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Among them is former inmate
peter keup.
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At the age of just 22, peter was
bundled into one of these vans
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And locked in a cell
the size of a cupboard,
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No idea where he was going
and what fate awaited him.
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Narrator: After four hours
locked in this van,
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Peter was brought
to a stark facility.
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So, what was peter's crime?
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00:03:59,773 --> 00:04:02,975
And whose betrayal
was behind his capture?
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00:04:05,379 --> 00:04:07,646
Nusbacher: We hear a lot about
the berlin wall,
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00:04:07,648 --> 00:04:09,681
And, of course,
that was significant,
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But the entire border between
east germany
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And its neighbors
was heavily fortified.
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♪
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Narrator: Peter was trying
to escape east germany
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By crossing the border
into neighboring czechoslovakia.
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Nusbacher: It was hard to get
from any part of
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East germany into west germany
or czechoslovakia
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Or anywhere that might make it
easier to get to the west.
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Narrator: East germany was
turned into one giant prison.
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The reason it developed this way
goes back to its birth.
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After world war ii,
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It was agreed nazi germany would
be divided into occupied zones.
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The east would come under
soviet control.
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Nusbacher: The communist regime
of east germany
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Discovered very early on that
moscow, their soviet overlords,
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Would not tolerate anything
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00:05:09,176 --> 00:05:15,580
Other than unthinking obedience
to moscow's rule.
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00:05:15,582 --> 00:05:18,383
But they're going to exceed
the soviet union
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In their devotion to communism.
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They're going to exceed stalin
in their work
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00:05:23,924 --> 00:05:27,025
To create the new socialist man.
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And to do so,
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You have to control
every aspect of people's life.
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That is the job of the stasi.
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♪
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Narrator:
This complex is the stasi's
central remand prison.
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Peter was one of many picked up
by the stasi,
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Who were attempting to control
a population of 18 million
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And prevent them
escaping to the west.
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The state security services
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Comprised a force of over
a quarter of a million people,
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00:06:00,527 --> 00:06:04,029
And this was essentially
the political police
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00:06:04,031 --> 00:06:05,897
To enforce conformity
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To the communist regime
in east germany.
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This is a state
that is utterly repressive.
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Narrator:
Once incarcerated, inmates
were kept in total isolation.
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00:06:27,488 --> 00:06:31,423
Narrator:
With no contact with anyone,
including family,
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This was part of the stasi's
interrogation technique.
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Nusbacher:
The stasi would isolate people
with no other human contact,
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Rob them of an understanding
of day and night,
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When their meals
were going to come,
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00:06:45,739 --> 00:06:49,241
And most important,
rob them of sleep.
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Narrator:
The man behind peter's arrest
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And pulling the strings
was erich mielke.
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He was the head of the stasi.
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He was a very bland,
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Very unremarkable
government bureaucrat
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00:07:04,057 --> 00:07:07,893
Who ruled over
one of the most frightening
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00:07:07,895 --> 00:07:12,130
And intrusive secret polices
ever known in the world.
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♪
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Narrator: Just minutes away
from the prison
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Was mielke's seat of power --
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00:07:18,305 --> 00:07:21,072
The nerve center
of the stasi state.
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Meigs: The stasi headquarters
was, in a way,
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The most important
building in east germany.
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It was entirely focused on
controlling the population,
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Gathering as much information
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00:07:43,664 --> 00:07:47,532
About the most intimate details
of people's lives.
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00:07:47,534 --> 00:07:51,169
Narrator: With construction
complete in 1961,
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00:07:51,171 --> 00:07:53,672
This complex functioned
as the nerve center
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00:07:53,674 --> 00:07:59,077
For a surveillance state
on an unprecedented scale.
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00:07:59,079 --> 00:08:01,613
They needed to know what was
happening in your apartment,
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00:08:01,615 --> 00:08:04,683
In your house, in your factory,
in your school,
133
00:08:04,685 --> 00:08:07,586
And they had spies
in all those places.
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00:08:07,588 --> 00:08:11,623
Narrator: That meant collating
a truly massive archive.
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00:08:11,625 --> 00:08:15,494
Two to three percent of the
population is actually paid
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00:08:15,496 --> 00:08:18,930
To inform on their neighbors,
their classmates,
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00:08:18,932 --> 00:08:22,601
Their work colleagues
to inform the state security
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00:08:22,603 --> 00:08:25,537
As to what people are thinking.
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00:08:25,539 --> 00:08:27,672
And they kept vast files.
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00:08:27,674 --> 00:08:32,110
Everything that you want to know
about 18 million people
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00:08:32,112 --> 00:08:34,379
Is kept in
the stasi headquarters.
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00:08:34,381 --> 00:08:38,083
Narrator:
However, by the late 1980s,
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00:08:38,085 --> 00:08:42,754
Momentum was shifting,
dissidence snowballing.
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00:08:42,756 --> 00:08:45,524
Among those members of the stasi
on the ground
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00:08:45,526 --> 00:08:48,193
Trying desperately
to maintain order
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00:08:48,195 --> 00:08:50,028
Was none other than the current
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00:08:50,030 --> 00:08:52,797
Russian president
vladimir putin.
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Corum: Very often the k.G.B.
Would would use the stasi
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In some cases
to influence the west,
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00:08:58,372 --> 00:09:01,139
To carry out
espionage operations.
151
00:09:01,141 --> 00:09:02,974
But they're also supervising
152
00:09:02,976 --> 00:09:06,778
And keeping close contact
of the stasi's activities
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00:09:06,780 --> 00:09:09,514
Against any dissidence
in east germany.
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00:09:09,516 --> 00:09:14,286
In dresden, the head
of the k.G.B. Branch office
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00:09:14,288 --> 00:09:19,357
Is vladimir putin,
who is a career k.G.B. Officer.
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00:09:19,359 --> 00:09:21,293
Narrator:
But for how long could putin
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00:09:21,295 --> 00:09:24,162
And the stasi maintain control,
158
00:09:24,164 --> 00:09:28,233
And what would happen to
their vast classified archive?
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00:09:34,808 --> 00:09:41,880
♪
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00:09:41,882 --> 00:09:44,616
Narrator:
After months of civil unrest,
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00:09:44,618 --> 00:09:50,455
The berlin wall came crashing
down on November 9, 1989.
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00:09:50,457 --> 00:09:53,091
As well as a wave of euphoria,
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People began to turn their anger
and frustration
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00:09:56,229 --> 00:10:00,565
Against the state,
and in particular, the stasi.
165
00:10:00,567 --> 00:10:03,902
In January of 1990,
something incredible happened.
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00:10:03,904 --> 00:10:06,738
The public had this idea
that the records contained
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00:10:06,740 --> 00:10:09,708
In the stasi headquarters
were gonna be destroyed,
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00:10:09,710 --> 00:10:12,844
And they wanted
these records preserved.
169
00:10:12,846 --> 00:10:15,747
They went and they occupied
the building and they insisted
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00:10:15,749 --> 00:10:18,283
That the government preserve
what had happened here.
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00:10:18,285 --> 00:10:20,418
They wanted to give
some kind of a testimony
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00:10:20,420 --> 00:10:22,020
To what they lived through,
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00:10:22,022 --> 00:10:24,089
And they felt that
if the records were gone,
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00:10:24,091 --> 00:10:25,824
There would be no way
to document
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00:10:25,826 --> 00:10:27,792
These generations of injustice.
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♪
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00:10:29,763 --> 00:10:32,497
Narrator: Meanwhile, the prison
closed its gates
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00:10:32,499 --> 00:10:34,966
As the stasi was dissolved.
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00:10:34,968 --> 00:10:39,104
Mielke was publicly disgraced
live on television,
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00:10:39,106 --> 00:10:43,308
And he himself faced
the inside of a prison cell.
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00:10:43,310 --> 00:10:47,912
Then, from 1992,
the records were declassified,
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00:10:47,914 --> 00:10:51,816
And people like peter could
finally access their files.
183
00:11:02,229 --> 00:11:04,529
Narrator: But the most
extraordinary discovery
184
00:11:04,531 --> 00:11:06,865
Peter made was more recent --
185
00:11:06,867 --> 00:11:10,068
After his brother died in 2012.
186
00:11:23,850 --> 00:11:26,985
Narrator: Peter's brother
was a stasi spy,
187
00:11:26,987 --> 00:11:29,954
Informing on both him
and his family.
188
00:11:29,956 --> 00:11:31,656
♪
189
00:11:31,658 --> 00:11:34,059
While the wall has long gone,
190
00:11:34,061 --> 00:11:37,228
The victims and perpetrators
of this terror state
191
00:11:37,230 --> 00:11:40,165
Still walk and live
amongst each other,
192
00:11:40,167 --> 00:11:42,400
The memories still fresh.
193
00:11:53,146 --> 00:11:57,082
♪
194
00:11:57,084 --> 00:12:00,485
Narrator: Today, 600 million
shreds of paper
195
00:12:00,487 --> 00:12:03,521
From stasi files
are being pieced together
196
00:12:03,523 --> 00:12:06,357
Using new computer
technology --
197
00:12:06,359 --> 00:12:09,661
Testament to just how much
this still means to those
198
00:12:09,663 --> 00:12:12,664
Who lived
in this police state.
199
00:12:12,666 --> 00:12:15,433
Germans
desperate to find closure,
200
00:12:15,435 --> 00:12:19,504
To finally know
who betrayed them and why.
201
00:12:19,506 --> 00:12:21,673
♪
202
00:12:21,675 --> 00:12:24,375
On the west coast
of the united states,
203
00:12:24,377 --> 00:12:27,112
Just north of the city
of san francisco,
204
00:12:27,114 --> 00:12:30,982
Lies a colossal structure
carved into the ground.
205
00:12:30,984 --> 00:12:35,386
♪
206
00:12:35,388 --> 00:12:38,189
Bell: It's a long,
stadium-like structure
207
00:12:38,191 --> 00:12:40,158
Sitting right next
to the water,
208
00:12:40,160 --> 00:12:44,229
And it is enormous --
this vast, empty pit.
209
00:12:44,231 --> 00:12:46,364
♪
210
00:12:46,366 --> 00:12:50,034
The entire structure slopes away
from you in steps,
211
00:12:50,036 --> 00:12:53,671
Like an inverted mayan pyramid.
212
00:12:53,673 --> 00:12:57,909
Whatever this was built for,
this was a serious operation.
213
00:12:57,911 --> 00:12:59,944
♪
214
00:12:59,946 --> 00:13:03,214
Narrator: Down at the base
of this vast site
215
00:13:03,216 --> 00:13:05,917
Are possible clues
to its demise.
216
00:13:05,919 --> 00:13:08,787
It's clearly designed to be
a strong structure,
217
00:13:08,789 --> 00:13:10,622
But sort of towards the bottom,
218
00:13:10,624 --> 00:13:14,325
It appears to be made
of something quite different.
219
00:13:14,327 --> 00:13:18,930
Scott: The last few steps,
they are crumbling away,
220
00:13:18,932 --> 00:13:20,698
And it's just confusing
221
00:13:20,700 --> 00:13:23,868
That they've changed
the materials in this way.
222
00:13:23,870 --> 00:13:27,438
Why -- why would you do that?
223
00:13:27,440 --> 00:13:30,341
Narrator: So, was this abandoned
before it had time
224
00:13:30,343 --> 00:13:32,410
To prove its worth?
225
00:13:32,412 --> 00:13:35,580
And did it eventually collapse
under its own weight?
226
00:13:35,582 --> 00:13:38,416
♪
227
00:13:38,418 --> 00:13:43,021
The roots of this structure
reach back to the 19th century.
228
00:13:43,023 --> 00:13:46,558
While the east coast
was developed and well defended,
229
00:13:46,560 --> 00:13:49,861
The younger west coast cities
were catching up,
230
00:13:49,863 --> 00:13:53,932
But this shore
was left vulnerable.
231
00:13:53,934 --> 00:13:57,035
As gold is discovered
in california,
232
00:13:57,037 --> 00:14:01,306
It becomes more and more
important to project power
233
00:14:01,308 --> 00:14:02,841
To the west coast
234
00:14:02,843 --> 00:14:08,046
In order to make sure that
nobody comes along and takes it.
235
00:14:08,048 --> 00:14:09,681
It must be defended.
236
00:14:11,952 --> 00:14:15,720
Narrator:
With wars being fought against
native americans to the north
237
00:14:15,722 --> 00:14:18,790
And others
in central america to the south,
238
00:14:18,792 --> 00:14:21,092
Mare island was the obvious site
239
00:14:21,094 --> 00:14:25,063
For the first naval station
on the west coast.
240
00:14:25,065 --> 00:14:30,134
But it was the completion of
this particular facility in 1891
241
00:14:30,136 --> 00:14:33,805
That would propel the u.S.
Into the next century,
242
00:14:33,807 --> 00:14:37,775
As retired engineer
bruce christensen explains.
243
00:14:37,777 --> 00:14:40,278
♪
244
00:14:40,280 --> 00:14:43,248
This was definitely
the dawn of a new era
245
00:14:43,250 --> 00:14:44,682
For the united states navy
246
00:14:44,684 --> 00:14:47,652
In the defense
of the united states of america.
247
00:14:47,654 --> 00:14:49,520
♪
248
00:14:49,522 --> 00:14:52,857
Narrator: Standing at over
400 feet in length
249
00:14:52,859 --> 00:14:56,394
And taking almost 20 years
to construct,
250
00:14:56,396 --> 00:15:00,765
This is mare island's
drydock number 1.
251
00:15:00,767 --> 00:15:05,837
The construction of this huge
drydock resulted in a new era
252
00:15:05,839 --> 00:15:10,742
To allow ships larger than had
ever been allowed before
253
00:15:10,744 --> 00:15:13,745
To dock and be repaired
and overhauled.
254
00:15:13,747 --> 00:15:15,713
♪
255
00:15:15,715 --> 00:15:18,650
Narrator: It immediately proved
invaluable,
256
00:15:18,652 --> 00:15:22,453
Advancing the defensive
capability of the west coast.
257
00:15:22,455 --> 00:15:24,188
But an unexpected event
258
00:15:24,190 --> 00:15:27,458
Soon threatened the core
of this structure.
259
00:15:27,460 --> 00:15:29,694
The main parts of the structure,
these big steps,
260
00:15:29,696 --> 00:15:32,063
Are made of massive blocks
of granite,
261
00:15:32,065 --> 00:15:35,066
And all of that granite
had to be brought in by ship.
262
00:15:35,068 --> 00:15:37,735
So you can imagine this is
a major undertaking.
263
00:15:37,737 --> 00:15:39,237
Scott: Granite is heavy.
264
00:15:39,239 --> 00:15:42,540
Whoever built this, they weren't
thinking about saving money.
265
00:15:42,542 --> 00:15:44,876
They were thinking about
building a structure
266
00:15:44,878 --> 00:15:47,078
That would last.
267
00:15:47,080 --> 00:15:51,516
Narrator: But the bottom few
steps tell a different story.
268
00:15:51,518 --> 00:15:55,520
Nusbacher: When you look at this
crumbling of the lowest levels,
269
00:15:55,522 --> 00:15:59,357
You wonder, was it
this disintegration
270
00:15:59,359 --> 00:16:01,826
That caused this place
to be abandoned?
271
00:16:01,828 --> 00:16:03,561
♪
272
00:16:03,563 --> 00:16:07,598
Narrator: So, is this evidence
of an early catastrophe,
273
00:16:07,600 --> 00:16:10,501
Or did the granite
prove its worth?
274
00:16:10,503 --> 00:16:14,572
In 1898,
it was put to the test.
275
00:16:14,574 --> 00:16:17,342
Testament to how good and strong
the structure is
276
00:16:17,344 --> 00:16:20,845
That there was a big earthquake
that struck that island.
277
00:16:20,847 --> 00:16:23,348
All the buildings in
the facility sort of around it,
278
00:16:23,350 --> 00:16:25,483
They -- they collapsed.
279
00:16:25,485 --> 00:16:28,486
But the structure itself
remained pretty much intact
280
00:16:28,488 --> 00:16:30,254
With very little damage
whatsoever.
281
00:16:30,256 --> 00:16:32,557
♪
282
00:16:32,559 --> 00:16:35,226
Narrator: The fractured
lower steps, in fact,
283
00:16:35,228 --> 00:16:39,197
Reveal a later attempt
to adapt the site.
284
00:16:39,199 --> 00:16:43,801
So as soon as the surrounding
facilities were rebuilt,
285
00:16:43,803 --> 00:16:47,372
This and other shipyards
combined to advance
286
00:16:47,374 --> 00:16:50,942
The defense of the west coast
to another level.
287
00:16:50,944 --> 00:16:54,579
But mare island was a cut
above the rest,
288
00:16:54,581 --> 00:16:57,482
Setting the bar high
during the first world war
289
00:16:57,484 --> 00:17:01,252
With a construction
of u.S.S. Ward.
290
00:17:01,254 --> 00:17:04,122
This place set a record
in ship building.
291
00:17:04,124 --> 00:17:09,093
Just 17 days to construct
a battleship.
292
00:17:09,095 --> 00:17:10,695
That's just phenomenal.
293
00:17:10,697 --> 00:17:12,864
♪
294
00:17:12,866 --> 00:17:16,567
Narrator: Sliding off
a neighboring shipbuilding way,
295
00:17:16,569 --> 00:17:18,870
U.S.S. Ward soon entered
the drydock
296
00:17:18,872 --> 00:17:21,172
For some essential
finishing touches
297
00:17:21,174 --> 00:17:23,241
Before joining active service.
298
00:17:23,243 --> 00:17:26,544
♪
299
00:17:26,546 --> 00:17:30,348
However, the real turning point
for both u.S.S. Ward
300
00:17:30,350 --> 00:17:33,818
And this drydock would be
in the next world war.
301
00:17:33,820 --> 00:17:36,954
♪
302
00:17:43,396 --> 00:17:50,301
♪
303
00:17:50,303 --> 00:17:53,004
Narrator: As the second
world war began in europe,
304
00:17:53,006 --> 00:17:55,606
Mare island's u.S.S. Ward
305
00:17:55,608 --> 00:17:59,610
Was soon recommissioned
and upgraded ready for battle.
306
00:17:59,612 --> 00:18:05,349
Both the drydock and that ship
would soon make history.
307
00:18:05,351 --> 00:18:07,885
The pacific starts to be
a place of danger
308
00:18:07,887 --> 00:18:10,655
For the u.S.,
and in order to ensure
309
00:18:10,657 --> 00:18:14,358
That the united states
can defend its pacific coast,
310
00:18:14,360 --> 00:18:19,297
It needs facilities to support
a navy on the pacific coast.
311
00:18:19,299 --> 00:18:21,165
♪
312
00:18:21,167 --> 00:18:24,202
Narrator: In 1941,
as japanese forces
313
00:18:24,204 --> 00:18:26,237
Prepared to attack
pearl harbor,
314
00:18:26,239 --> 00:18:30,241
U.S.S. Ward tracked down
a lone enemy vessel nearby.
315
00:18:30,243 --> 00:18:32,043
♪
316
00:18:32,045 --> 00:18:34,312
U.S.S. Ward fired
the first shots
317
00:18:34,314 --> 00:18:36,747
For the americans
in world war ii.
318
00:18:36,749 --> 00:18:39,317
She saw a japanese submarine
in her sights
319
00:18:39,319 --> 00:18:42,820
And seized the opportunity.
320
00:18:42,822 --> 00:18:46,791
Nusbacher: And it's significant
that the first ship
321
00:18:46,793 --> 00:18:50,728
To cause japanese casualties
322
00:18:50,730 --> 00:18:53,898
Is a ship that's built
on the california coast
323
00:18:53,900 --> 00:18:56,701
In mare island's
own facility.
324
00:18:56,703 --> 00:18:58,369
♪
325
00:18:58,371 --> 00:19:01,606
In terms of u.S. History,
the attack on pearl harbor
326
00:19:01,608 --> 00:19:04,909
Was one of the country's
gravest moments,
327
00:19:04,911 --> 00:19:07,245
But that first retaliation
by u.S.S. Ward
328
00:19:07,247 --> 00:19:09,313
Would set the tone.
329
00:19:09,315 --> 00:19:13,584
The americans were gonna come
right back at the enemy.
330
00:19:13,586 --> 00:19:18,489
Narrator:
The second world war saw drydock
number 1 come into its own.
331
00:19:18,491 --> 00:19:21,726
Here, the ingenious design
made light work
332
00:19:21,728 --> 00:19:26,497
Of getting damaged ships
in and ready for repair.
333
00:19:26,499 --> 00:19:28,766
Well, first we
take this drydock,
334
00:19:28,768 --> 00:19:32,436
We fill it with water through
the pumps at the far end.
335
00:19:32,438 --> 00:19:37,241
Next, we bring it to the level
of the strait out here.
336
00:19:37,243 --> 00:19:40,244
Narrator: With the water
now level either side,
337
00:19:40,246 --> 00:19:42,046
And the pressure balanced,
338
00:19:42,048 --> 00:19:46,350
This end gate called
a caisson can be moved out,
339
00:19:46,352 --> 00:19:49,287
Allowing the damaged ship in.
340
00:19:49,289 --> 00:19:53,424
Next, the drydock is sealed
back up and drained,
341
00:19:53,426 --> 00:19:56,894
Leaving the ship
ready to be worked on.
342
00:19:56,896 --> 00:19:58,462
In order for the united states
343
00:19:58,464 --> 00:20:01,999
To keep its navy
fighting in the pacific theater,
344
00:20:02,001 --> 00:20:05,403
It had to be able
to rebuild warships.
345
00:20:05,405 --> 00:20:07,805
And american ships that had
been chewed up
346
00:20:07,807 --> 00:20:12,009
By the japanese navy needed
to be brought back to america
347
00:20:12,011 --> 00:20:17,481
And refitted and sent back out
to fight the japanese again.
348
00:20:17,483 --> 00:20:21,552
Narrator: This was all about
efficiency in war.
349
00:20:21,554 --> 00:20:22,853
Christensen: It was vital.
350
00:20:22,855 --> 00:20:26,290
This dock probably was key
in being able
351
00:20:26,292 --> 00:20:30,494
To keep the fleet
as operational as it was
352
00:20:30,496 --> 00:20:32,863
For as long as it was
during the war.
353
00:20:32,865 --> 00:20:35,032
♪
354
00:20:35,034 --> 00:20:38,869
Narrator:
Having now been invaluable
in two world wars,
355
00:20:38,871 --> 00:20:42,707
This giant would next enlist
for the cold war,
356
00:20:42,709 --> 00:20:48,613
And it's here that those cracked
bottom steps came into play.
357
00:20:48,615 --> 00:20:53,284
Mare island adapted
from being a place
358
00:20:53,286 --> 00:20:56,387
Where you would build
or repair surface ships
359
00:20:56,389 --> 00:21:00,458
Into a place where you
would repair submarines
360
00:21:00,460 --> 00:21:04,328
That would be shadowing
the soviet navy in the pacific.
361
00:21:04,330 --> 00:21:05,830
♪
362
00:21:05,832 --> 00:21:08,132
Narrator: Not part of
the original structure,
363
00:21:08,134 --> 00:21:12,103
These steps and the long
concrete section at the end
364
00:21:12,105 --> 00:21:16,907
Were added in the late 1960s
to allow larger ships to dock.
365
00:21:16,909 --> 00:21:20,544
Scott:
So, those layers that you see
and those bottom few steps,
366
00:21:20,546 --> 00:21:22,847
Those ones
that are now crumbling,
367
00:21:22,849 --> 00:21:26,384
They were the tagged-on
extension, so to speak.
368
00:21:26,386 --> 00:21:28,686
♪
369
00:21:28,688 --> 00:21:32,523
Narrator: Playing a vital role
in the cold war effort,
370
00:21:32,525 --> 00:21:34,692
This site was finally deemed
371
00:21:34,694 --> 00:21:39,897
Surplus to requirements
in 1993,
372
00:21:39,899 --> 00:21:43,834
And from that moment,
while the granite stood strong,
373
00:21:43,836 --> 00:21:48,039
The lower levels
began to suffer.
374
00:21:48,041 --> 00:21:50,041
It's funny when you look
at the structure.
375
00:21:50,043 --> 00:21:51,809
The most modern parts --
those --
376
00:21:51,811 --> 00:21:54,545
Those concrete step extensions,
377
00:21:54,547 --> 00:21:57,281
They're the ones that are
in the worst state of repair.
378
00:21:57,283 --> 00:22:00,518
♪
379
00:22:00,520 --> 00:22:03,954
Ultimately, this drydock
had been a vital part
380
00:22:03,956 --> 00:22:07,391
Of the defense of the west coast
for over a century.
381
00:22:07,393 --> 00:22:09,560
Without this place,
the history books
382
00:22:09,562 --> 00:22:12,263
Might tell
a very different story.
383
00:22:12,265 --> 00:22:18,703
♪
384
00:22:18,705 --> 00:22:21,305
Narrator: In the so-called
fire fields of Italy
385
00:22:21,307 --> 00:22:23,240
On the bay of naples
386
00:22:23,242 --> 00:22:26,243
Is a site imbued
with the supernatural.
387
00:22:26,245 --> 00:22:30,614
♪
388
00:22:30,616 --> 00:22:35,086
In the shadow of mount vesuvius,
destroyer of pompeii,
389
00:22:35,088 --> 00:22:40,291
A labyrinth of underground
tunnels continues to mystify.
390
00:22:40,293 --> 00:22:42,226
This tunnel entrance looks
like something
391
00:22:42,228 --> 00:22:43,961
Straight out of
"lord of the rings".
392
00:22:43,963 --> 00:22:45,796
It takes you deep
under a mountain,
393
00:22:45,798 --> 00:22:49,100
And it looks like
you're entering mordor.
394
00:22:49,102 --> 00:22:51,068
Meigs: A location like this
was surrounded
395
00:22:51,070 --> 00:22:53,504
By a lot of myth and mystery.
396
00:22:53,506 --> 00:22:56,474
Symbolically, it certainly seems
like an entrance
397
00:22:56,476 --> 00:22:58,809
To the underworld.
398
00:22:58,811 --> 00:23:01,812
Narrator: Evidence suggests
this tunnel complex
399
00:23:01,814 --> 00:23:04,048
Was purposely filled in,
400
00:23:04,050 --> 00:23:08,352
Its secrets left buried
for thousands of years.
401
00:23:08,354 --> 00:23:11,422
Yet, investigations
are unearthing clues
402
00:23:11,424 --> 00:23:14,492
That this was some
kind of ritual center.
403
00:23:14,494 --> 00:23:16,093
♪
404
00:23:16,095 --> 00:23:18,896
Barratt: There was a kind of
feeling of showmanship.
405
00:23:18,898 --> 00:23:22,466
This is not just an access
a to b tunnel.
406
00:23:22,468 --> 00:23:26,637
This complex network of caverns
and tunnels was so extensive
407
00:23:26,639 --> 00:23:29,573
That clearly some incredible
engineering happened here.
408
00:23:29,575 --> 00:23:30,875
♪
409
00:23:39,218 --> 00:23:42,553
Narrator:
This subterranean network
is somehow connected
410
00:23:42,555 --> 00:23:46,791
To a grand complex
of ruins above.
411
00:23:46,793 --> 00:23:49,660
Meigs: It was meticulously built
with a massive amount
412
00:23:49,662 --> 00:23:53,130
Of difficult engineering
of tunnels and waterways,
413
00:23:53,132 --> 00:23:56,500
Columns, frescos, mosaics.
414
00:23:56,502 --> 00:23:59,036
Somara: Above ground it looks
so palatial
415
00:23:59,038 --> 00:24:02,306
That you couldn't help but
wonder what this was for
416
00:24:02,308 --> 00:24:05,176
Or who it was for.
417
00:24:05,178 --> 00:24:08,579
Narrator:
This site is connected to some
of the most famous names
418
00:24:08,581 --> 00:24:10,748
In human history.
419
00:24:10,750 --> 00:24:12,850
But why did they come here?
420
00:24:12,852 --> 00:24:15,953
And what secrets are held
beneath this mountain?
421
00:24:15,955 --> 00:24:20,891
♪
422
00:24:20,893 --> 00:24:24,795
Descending under the sister
volcano of mount vesuvius
423
00:24:24,797 --> 00:24:27,898
Is a mesmerizing tunnel.
424
00:24:27,900 --> 00:24:29,567
Purposely filled in,
425
00:24:29,569 --> 00:24:32,069
The secrets contained
at the base of this mountain
426
00:24:32,071 --> 00:24:35,840
Remained dormant
for thousands of years
427
00:24:35,842 --> 00:24:40,144
Until a dramatic discovery
was made in the 1960s,
428
00:24:40,146 --> 00:24:43,347
As caver graziano ferrari
explains.
429
00:24:45,218 --> 00:24:46,484
[ beeps ]
430
00:24:49,355 --> 00:24:51,889
♪
431
00:25:01,267 --> 00:25:04,835
In the 1960s, you've got
a big local n.A.T.O. Base,
432
00:25:04,837 --> 00:25:06,937
And all sorts of people
are working there,
433
00:25:06,939 --> 00:25:10,641
Including a chap
whose hobby was archaeology,
434
00:25:10,643 --> 00:25:13,110
And he found this site.
435
00:25:13,112 --> 00:25:16,514
Narrator:
This amateur archaeologist
was robert paget,
436
00:25:16,516 --> 00:25:18,616
And he realized he'd stumbled
onto something
437
00:25:18,618 --> 00:25:21,418
Hugely significant.
438
00:25:21,420 --> 00:25:23,120
Barratt:
He read up about it,
439
00:25:23,122 --> 00:25:28,526
And then the next 10 years
spent digging out these tunnels.
440
00:25:28,528 --> 00:25:29,860
And in that 10 years
441
00:25:29,862 --> 00:25:33,664
He came up with
the most incredible theories.
442
00:25:33,666 --> 00:25:35,966
Narrator:
Paget was convinced this passage
443
00:25:35,968 --> 00:25:39,236
Was part of an elaborate
ceremonial site.
444
00:25:52,618 --> 00:25:55,152
♪
445
00:25:55,154 --> 00:26:00,457
Today, explorers are once again
delving into the mystery.
446
00:26:00,459 --> 00:26:04,228
Could this be the site
of the famed oracle of the dead?
447
00:26:11,237 --> 00:26:18,342
♪
448
00:26:18,344 --> 00:26:21,011
Narrator: Caver graziano ferrari
is exploring
449
00:26:21,013 --> 00:26:24,448
The age-old mystery
of the oracle of the dead,
450
00:26:24,450 --> 00:26:26,417
Descending
into an elaborate tunnel
451
00:26:26,419 --> 00:26:27,751
Equipped with analyzers
452
00:26:27,753 --> 00:26:31,288
To monitor
potentially lethal gases.
453
00:26:31,290 --> 00:26:33,424
It looks ancient
and otherworldly,
454
00:26:33,426 --> 00:26:37,328
And at times it's extremely
narrow -- barely shoulder width.
455
00:26:37,330 --> 00:26:39,330
And you have to descend
down these ladders
456
00:26:39,332 --> 00:26:40,898
With gas analyzers.
457
00:26:40,900 --> 00:26:42,266
It's actually really
frightening.
458
00:26:42,268 --> 00:26:43,534
[ beeps ]
barratt: Someone's put
459
00:26:43,536 --> 00:26:45,235
A lot of work into this.
460
00:26:45,237 --> 00:26:47,905
There are niches for candles
as you go down.
461
00:26:47,907 --> 00:26:49,239
Not just enough
to light the way,
462
00:26:49,241 --> 00:26:51,275
But enough
to make a massive impact.
463
00:26:51,277 --> 00:26:55,980
This is some serious
illumination going on here.
464
00:26:55,982 --> 00:26:59,083
Narrator: Amateur archaeologist
robert paget believed
465
00:26:59,085 --> 00:27:01,952
The tunnels' design backed up
his theory
466
00:27:01,954 --> 00:27:04,521
That it was more
than simply functional,
467
00:27:04,523 --> 00:27:07,291
But part of something
ritualistic.
468
00:27:07,293 --> 00:27:09,226
Barratt:
It's also not straightforward.
469
00:27:09,228 --> 00:27:11,762
As you go down into this tunnel,
very narrow,
470
00:27:11,764 --> 00:27:13,764
You have to turn your shoulders.
471
00:27:13,766 --> 00:27:15,966
It doesn't actually lead you
straight to where you're going.
472
00:27:15,968 --> 00:27:19,903
It's curved.
It snakes around a little bit.
473
00:27:19,905 --> 00:27:23,607
Narrator: As the tunnel takes on
a steeper gradient and curves,
474
00:27:23,609 --> 00:27:27,077
There is a sense of
the theatrical in this journey.
475
00:27:27,079 --> 00:27:30,547
The point of the journey
is partly in this kind of curve,
476
00:27:30,549 --> 00:27:32,549
In this showmanship.
477
00:27:32,551 --> 00:27:34,451
And then it's getting
hotter in there.
478
00:27:34,453 --> 00:27:37,021
You can kind of feel
the volcanic activity.
479
00:27:37,023 --> 00:27:39,023
You can feel that
this is getting into
480
00:27:39,025 --> 00:27:40,624
The depths of the earth.
481
00:27:40,626 --> 00:27:44,161
And the smell is kind of
sulfurous, but exciting.
482
00:27:45,865 --> 00:27:48,699
Narrator: But what was
the purpose of this journey?
483
00:27:48,701 --> 00:27:52,269
And where does this tunnel lead?
484
00:27:52,271 --> 00:27:56,206
The tunnel comes across this
small underground stream.
485
00:27:56,208 --> 00:27:58,342
It's really a hot spring.
486
00:27:58,344 --> 00:28:00,077
But in the mythology,
487
00:28:00,079 --> 00:28:03,947
Perhaps it was a representation
of the famous river styx --
488
00:28:03,949 --> 00:28:06,550
That the dead would have to be
transported across
489
00:28:06,552 --> 00:28:09,586
On their way to the underworld.
490
00:28:09,588 --> 00:28:13,257
Narrator: This pool of hot water
was once a flowing river,
491
00:28:13,259 --> 00:28:17,061
Believed by some to be
the river styx,
492
00:28:17,063 --> 00:28:20,431
In greek mythology, the border
between the world of the living
493
00:28:20,433 --> 00:28:24,034
And the underworld
known as hades.
494
00:28:24,036 --> 00:28:26,470
Paget believed there might be
a landing stage
495
00:28:26,472 --> 00:28:28,005
Where boats could pull up
496
00:28:28,007 --> 00:28:30,441
To take people across
to the other side.
497
00:28:30,443 --> 00:28:34,344
♪
498
00:28:47,493 --> 00:28:49,293
Narrator:
Above the pool, however,
499
00:28:49,295 --> 00:28:52,796
Is a filled-in chamber,
or hidden sanctuary.
500
00:28:52,798 --> 00:28:55,966
This led paget to conclude
the whole design
501
00:28:55,968 --> 00:28:57,468
Of this cavernous system
502
00:28:57,470 --> 00:29:00,537
Was meant to mimic a visit
to the underworld.
503
00:29:00,539 --> 00:29:05,642
♪
504
00:29:05,644 --> 00:29:08,345
He was convinced
he'd stumbled upon
505
00:29:08,347 --> 00:29:11,181
The so-called
oracle of the dead.
506
00:29:11,183 --> 00:29:13,050
In both the greek
and the roman eras,
507
00:29:13,052 --> 00:29:15,152
People believed that in certain
locations like this
508
00:29:15,154 --> 00:29:17,354
There was a special type
of a priestess,
509
00:29:17,356 --> 00:29:21,658
An oracle who could
tell your future.
510
00:29:21,660 --> 00:29:24,495
Narrator: People would descend
to the sweltering depths
511
00:29:24,497 --> 00:29:25,896
To hear prophecy
512
00:29:25,898 --> 00:29:29,032
And have their future read
by this priestess.
513
00:29:29,034 --> 00:29:31,902
Investigators believe they may
have unlocked
514
00:29:31,904 --> 00:29:35,038
Some of the mystery
surrounding these oracles.
515
00:29:35,040 --> 00:29:37,808
Today, there's a theory
that many of these oracles
516
00:29:37,810 --> 00:29:39,943
Were actually in locations
517
00:29:39,945 --> 00:29:43,080
Where, in fact, there were fumes
coming out of the earth
518
00:29:43,082 --> 00:29:47,317
That would lead any person
to begin to hallucinate
519
00:29:47,319 --> 00:29:50,087
Or to have
out-of-body experiences.
520
00:29:50,089 --> 00:29:53,023
Barratt:
And the priestesses at the area
kind of played on that,
521
00:29:53,025 --> 00:29:55,759
And if they were using
the sulfurous fumes
522
00:29:55,761 --> 00:29:59,196
And the sheer theater
of the experience,
523
00:29:59,198 --> 00:30:01,398
Then perhaps
I'd fall for it today
524
00:30:01,400 --> 00:30:04,902
Just as people did
2,000 years ago.
525
00:30:04,904 --> 00:30:07,237
Narrator: Some of the tunnels
and cavernous rooms
526
00:30:07,239 --> 00:30:10,207
Remain a mystery to this day.
527
00:30:10,209 --> 00:30:13,644
Others, however, provide a clue
to the connection
528
00:30:13,646 --> 00:30:15,512
With the ruin site above.
529
00:30:29,829 --> 00:30:32,596
Narrator: For current
investigator graziano,
530
00:30:32,598 --> 00:30:37,034
The subterranean tunnels served
a purely functional purpose.
531
00:30:37,036 --> 00:30:39,403
This was, in modern terms,
532
00:30:39,405 --> 00:30:42,472
A steam room
and part of a wider complex
533
00:30:42,474 --> 00:30:46,009
Designed to exploit
the geology of the region.
534
00:30:46,011 --> 00:30:49,746
The whole complex was engineered
to let visitors take advantage
535
00:30:49,748 --> 00:30:52,482
Of all this volcanic heat
and hot water.
536
00:30:52,484 --> 00:30:55,285
There were steam rooms,
there were hot tubs,
537
00:30:55,287 --> 00:30:57,020
There were also cold pools.
538
00:30:57,022 --> 00:30:58,755
All of them connected,
539
00:30:58,757 --> 00:31:03,093
All of them clearly part of some
kind of health giving ritual.
540
00:31:03,095 --> 00:31:05,762
♪
541
00:31:05,764 --> 00:31:09,166
Narrator: This is baia
archaeological park,
542
00:31:09,168 --> 00:31:11,602
Once a roman spa town.
543
00:31:11,604 --> 00:31:13,470
♪
544
00:31:13,472 --> 00:31:16,974
But why did it gain
such a notorious reputation?
545
00:31:16,976 --> 00:31:19,643
And what triggered its demise?
546
00:31:28,020 --> 00:31:34,524
♪
547
00:31:34,526 --> 00:31:36,159
Narrator:
In the bay of naples
548
00:31:36,161 --> 00:31:38,328
Is a former roman spa town
549
00:31:38,330 --> 00:31:41,932
That developed
quite the reputation.
550
00:31:41,934 --> 00:31:45,903
The whole complex was
a luxurious resort
551
00:31:45,905 --> 00:31:47,838
For the roman elite.
552
00:31:47,840 --> 00:31:51,241
You had beautiful mosaics
along the walkways,
553
00:31:51,243 --> 00:31:53,877
Frescos painted on the walls.
554
00:31:53,879 --> 00:31:56,847
An enormous amount of work
and artistry
555
00:31:56,849 --> 00:31:59,049
Went into building
this complex.
556
00:31:59,051 --> 00:32:00,684
♪
557
00:32:00,686 --> 00:32:03,687
Narrator: Chambers and tanks
interconnected with tunnels
558
00:32:03,689 --> 00:32:07,858
And underground steam channels
complete with waterproof lining
559
00:32:07,860 --> 00:32:11,828
Created a complex
hydraulics system.
560
00:32:11,830 --> 00:32:14,364
Domes, such as the temple
of diana,
561
00:32:14,366 --> 00:32:17,000
Which is older
than the pantheon in rome,
562
00:32:17,002 --> 00:32:19,436
Functioned as cold baths.
563
00:32:19,438 --> 00:32:21,538
Other features include
sunning rooms
564
00:32:21,540 --> 00:32:23,740
And swimming pools
on the terraces
565
00:32:23,742 --> 00:32:27,344
With dramatic views
across the bay.
566
00:32:27,346 --> 00:32:30,814
Somara: Baia became notorious
for that hedonistic lifestyle.
567
00:32:30,816 --> 00:32:34,651
It really became an area
of scandalous immorality.
568
00:32:34,653 --> 00:32:37,321
We know from the records
that caesar and cicero
569
00:32:37,323 --> 00:32:39,389
Frequently visited there.
570
00:32:39,391 --> 00:32:42,626
I mean, it was a playground
for the rich and famous.
571
00:32:42,628 --> 00:32:44,761
♪
572
00:32:44,763 --> 00:32:47,731
Narrator: So, how and why
did this extraordinary
573
00:32:47,733 --> 00:32:51,401
And famous resort
meet its end?
574
00:32:51,403 --> 00:32:54,104
Ultimately,
this site's abandonment
575
00:32:54,106 --> 00:32:57,107
Brings us back to the land.
576
00:32:57,109 --> 00:32:58,508
Barratt:
The reason this site is here
577
00:32:58,510 --> 00:33:01,912
Is because of the thermal
seismic activity.
578
00:33:01,914 --> 00:33:04,715
That was a big part
of its downfall.
579
00:33:12,791 --> 00:33:14,691
Barratt:
One day it all went too far,
580
00:33:14,693 --> 00:33:18,895
And parts of the resort
started to slip underwater.
581
00:33:18,897 --> 00:33:21,798
When that happened,
the writing was on the wall.
582
00:33:21,800 --> 00:33:26,803
♪
583
00:33:26,805 --> 00:33:30,540
Narrator:
Today, this remarkable site
is open to the public,
584
00:33:30,542 --> 00:33:34,044
Yet remains largely
unknown to tourists.
585
00:33:34,046 --> 00:33:36,780
Meanwhile, investigators
such as graziano
586
00:33:36,782 --> 00:33:39,416
Continue to delve
into the mysteries held
587
00:33:39,418 --> 00:33:42,452
In this remarkable complex.
588
00:33:42,454 --> 00:33:46,623
This is over 2,000 years old,
and yet you can imagine people
589
00:33:46,625 --> 00:33:49,860
Coming here
for that luxury experience.
590
00:33:49,862 --> 00:33:52,496
The joy of the archaeology here
is immense,
591
00:33:52,498 --> 00:33:54,398
And the stories behind it,
592
00:33:54,400 --> 00:33:56,099
Well, they could have happened
yesterday.
593
00:33:56,101 --> 00:34:01,638
♪
594
00:34:01,640 --> 00:34:05,942
Narrator: In the gulf of nicoya,
off costa rica's pacific coast,
595
00:34:05,944 --> 00:34:09,780
Is what appears to be
an isolated paradise...
596
00:34:09,782 --> 00:34:12,749
♪
597
00:34:12,751 --> 00:34:17,454
...An island encircled by
palm trees and sandy beaches.
598
00:34:17,456 --> 00:34:19,956
Bell: This island is full
of natural life
599
00:34:19,958 --> 00:34:22,426
And surrounded
by tropical waters.
600
00:34:22,428 --> 00:34:25,862
At first glance, it looks like
some kind of paradise,
601
00:34:25,864 --> 00:34:29,132
But it hides a dark
and cruel history.
602
00:34:29,134 --> 00:34:30,667
♪
603
00:34:30,669 --> 00:34:33,303
Today, costa rica is a popular
holiday destination
604
00:34:33,305 --> 00:34:34,905
For americans.
605
00:34:34,907 --> 00:34:39,576
This place, however, couldn't
be further from that image.
606
00:34:39,578 --> 00:34:42,879
It has a haunted
and desolate feel to it.
607
00:34:42,881 --> 00:34:44,848
♪
608
00:34:44,850 --> 00:34:46,516
Narrator:
Approaching the island,
609
00:34:46,518 --> 00:34:50,887
A rickety old pier
leads into a maze of structures.
610
00:34:50,889 --> 00:34:54,991
Roots and vines wrap themselves
around ruined remains.
611
00:34:54,993 --> 00:34:58,829
Plants and trees emerge
out of roofless buildings.
612
00:34:58,831 --> 00:35:01,598
The walls of these structures
are covered
613
00:35:01,600 --> 00:35:04,267
In writing and graffiti,
614
00:35:04,269 --> 00:35:07,938
But it's not your typical
drawings and graffiti.
615
00:35:07,940 --> 00:35:10,040
Bell:
These painting depict life
616
00:35:10,042 --> 00:35:14,611
And tell stories of severe
pain and anger.
617
00:35:14,613 --> 00:35:18,949
On closer inspection, it appears
that some of these drawings
618
00:35:18,951 --> 00:35:21,218
Have been written in blood.
619
00:35:21,220 --> 00:35:22,819
♪
620
00:35:22,821 --> 00:35:25,388
Narrator: Why is there blood
on the walls?
621
00:35:25,390 --> 00:35:29,126
What darkness took hold
of this apparent paradise?
622
00:35:29,128 --> 00:35:32,963
♪
623
00:35:32,965 --> 00:35:36,333
This island has been exploited
for centuries,
624
00:35:36,335 --> 00:35:38,869
Going back to a time
when costa rica
625
00:35:38,871 --> 00:35:41,605
Was part of the spanish empire.
626
00:35:41,607 --> 00:35:44,574
Isla san lucas
is an infamous island.
627
00:35:44,576 --> 00:35:46,943
It's been used as a prison
for centuries,
628
00:35:46,945 --> 00:35:49,913
Going right back to
the spanish conquistadors
629
00:35:49,915 --> 00:35:51,481
Who used it
as a detention center
630
00:35:51,483 --> 00:35:55,118
For local tribes
in the 16th century.
631
00:35:55,120 --> 00:35:58,889
Narrator:
But remnants of metal bars
and thick security doors
632
00:35:58,891 --> 00:36:02,726
Suggest this site
has more recently been utilized.
633
00:36:02,728 --> 00:36:04,261
♪
634
00:36:04,263 --> 00:36:07,063
In 1871,
president tomás guardia
635
00:36:07,065 --> 00:36:08,798
Created a constitution
636
00:36:08,800 --> 00:36:13,136
For the newly independent nation
of costa rica.
637
00:36:13,138 --> 00:36:15,438
While he abolished
the death penalty,
638
00:36:15,440 --> 00:36:19,609
He also chose this location
for a new penitentiary,
639
00:36:19,611 --> 00:36:22,679
And being sent here
was seen as virtually
640
00:36:22,681 --> 00:36:24,981
A death sentence in itself.
641
00:36:24,983 --> 00:36:27,984
♪
642
00:36:27,986 --> 00:36:32,088
This is isla san lucas prison.
643
00:36:32,090 --> 00:36:34,257
This became a prison
for some of costa rica's
644
00:36:34,259 --> 00:36:36,593
Most notorious criminals.
645
00:36:36,595 --> 00:36:41,431
Thieves, murderers, hit men --
you name it, they were here.
646
00:36:41,433 --> 00:36:43,099
♪
647
00:36:43,101 --> 00:36:46,036
Narrator: How did this prison
gain such notoriety?
648
00:36:46,038 --> 00:36:49,039
And did that lead
to its demise?
649
00:36:56,949 --> 00:37:03,453
♪
650
00:37:03,455 --> 00:37:05,255
Narrator:
This costa rican site
651
00:37:05,257 --> 00:37:08,091
Was not a place
for the faint-hearted.
652
00:37:08,093 --> 00:37:12,062
Prisoners fought amongst
themselves, not just with fists,
653
00:37:12,064 --> 00:37:14,531
But with self-styled machetes,
654
00:37:14,533 --> 00:37:18,068
As former inmate
eloy solorzano recalls.
655
00:37:18,070 --> 00:37:20,403
[ speaking spanish ]
656
00:37:20,405 --> 00:37:21,638
Translator:
I was in a machete fight
657
00:37:21,640 --> 00:37:23,907
With some prison inmates.
658
00:37:23,909 --> 00:37:27,010
Thank god I'm alive
to tell this story.
659
00:37:27,012 --> 00:37:28,945
These things I experienced,
660
00:37:28,947 --> 00:37:32,349
I hoped to god
never to live again.
661
00:37:32,351 --> 00:37:34,184
Atrocities
were common place here,
662
00:37:34,186 --> 00:37:35,785
And overcrowding was rife.
663
00:37:35,787 --> 00:37:39,990
You had as many as 70 prisoners
kept in a single cell.
664
00:37:39,992 --> 00:37:44,894
Adolescents as young as
14 years old were incarcerated
665
00:37:44,896 --> 00:37:49,866
And placed in this environment
of disease and murder.
666
00:37:49,868 --> 00:37:51,601
And to be sentenced here
was considered
667
00:37:51,603 --> 00:37:53,803
By many to be
a death sentence.
668
00:37:53,805 --> 00:37:56,039
♪
669
00:37:56,041 --> 00:37:58,275
Narrator:
Inside the crumbling cells,
670
00:37:58,277 --> 00:38:01,311
Graffiti covers every wall.
671
00:38:01,313 --> 00:38:03,680
The art and graffiti
on the cell walls
672
00:38:03,682 --> 00:38:05,548
Give a fascinating insight
673
00:38:05,550 --> 00:38:08,585
To what the prisoners
were going through.
674
00:38:08,587 --> 00:38:12,422
They clearly depict
the life of suffering, pain,
675
00:38:12,424 --> 00:38:17,594
Hatred, and loneliness, as well
as highly sexual content.
676
00:38:17,596 --> 00:38:20,163
Narrator:
A horrific rumor had surfaced
677
00:38:20,165 --> 00:38:23,166
Relating to the suspicious
fading red color
678
00:38:23,168 --> 00:38:26,636
Of certain parts
of the graffiti.
679
00:38:26,638 --> 00:38:29,673
Some were allegedly painted
with the blood of a nurse
680
00:38:29,675 --> 00:38:31,641
Who was murdered
inside the prison.
681
00:38:31,643 --> 00:38:38,715
♪
682
00:38:38,717 --> 00:38:40,417
Narrator:
The notoriety of the prison
683
00:38:40,419 --> 00:38:43,486
Wasn't just from
those incarcerated.
684
00:38:43,488 --> 00:38:47,290
The prison guards were infamous
in their own right.
685
00:38:47,292 --> 00:38:50,026
They used torture to control
the inmates,
686
00:38:50,028 --> 00:38:53,396
And one punishment
was particularly barbaric.
687
00:38:53,398 --> 00:38:56,499
[ speaking spanish ]
688
00:38:56,501 --> 00:39:01,671
Translator: Here in san lucas,
before human rights came in,
689
00:39:01,673 --> 00:39:04,974
You, for any reason,
could be put in la plancha.
690
00:39:04,976 --> 00:39:06,810
[ concludes in spanish ]
691
00:39:08,480 --> 00:39:10,980
Bell: One common punishment
was placing prisoners
692
00:39:10,982 --> 00:39:13,750
In a dungeon full of raw sewage
693
00:39:13,752 --> 00:39:16,653
And leaving them there
for days on end.
694
00:39:16,655 --> 00:39:19,155
[ speaking spanish ]
695
00:39:19,157 --> 00:39:21,257
Translator:
It was a penitence to be there.
696
00:39:21,259 --> 00:39:23,426
There were bugs.
697
00:39:23,428 --> 00:39:25,462
It was something subhuman.
698
00:39:25,464 --> 00:39:27,831
I wouldn't wish this
for anybody.
699
00:39:27,833 --> 00:39:30,900
♪
700
00:39:30,902 --> 00:39:33,770
Narrator: This cruel
and humiliating torture
701
00:39:33,772 --> 00:39:36,272
Was meted out
by an infamous police squad
702
00:39:36,274 --> 00:39:38,341
Based at the prison.
703
00:39:38,343 --> 00:39:41,578
There was a police squad
here called los cocobolos.
704
00:39:41,580 --> 00:39:43,346
Now, if you were a prisoner,
705
00:39:43,348 --> 00:39:47,083
These were guys you wanted
to keep on the right side of.
706
00:39:47,085 --> 00:39:48,918
[ speaking spanish ]
707
00:39:48,920 --> 00:39:53,223
Translator:
They were good at hitting us
with sticks.
708
00:39:53,225 --> 00:39:55,392
That was the really bad part.
709
00:39:55,394 --> 00:39:59,829
You tried to get along with them
to have a better coexistence.
710
00:39:59,831 --> 00:40:04,667
♪
711
00:40:04,669 --> 00:40:06,503
Narrator:
Little wonder that escape
712
00:40:06,505 --> 00:40:10,640
Was never far from
the minds of inmates.
713
00:40:10,642 --> 00:40:13,443
Translator:
Some inmates would throw
themselves into the water
714
00:40:13,445 --> 00:40:15,412
Trying to escape.
715
00:40:15,414 --> 00:40:17,013
♪
716
00:40:17,015 --> 00:40:19,582
Narrator:
But was the island escapable,
717
00:40:19,584 --> 00:40:23,653
And would the prison's brutality
lead to its own destruction?
718
00:40:23,655 --> 00:40:25,221
♪
719
00:40:25,223 --> 00:40:27,624
To escape from here
was no easy feat.
720
00:40:27,626 --> 00:40:30,627
Even if you could get out of
the complex and to the water,
721
00:40:30,629 --> 00:40:35,565
You were gonna find sharks
and a long, dangerous swim.
722
00:40:35,567 --> 00:40:37,801
Isolated on this
tropical island,
723
00:40:37,803 --> 00:40:39,769
They'd never have
stood a chance.
724
00:40:39,771 --> 00:40:41,771
♪
725
00:40:41,773 --> 00:40:44,707
Narrator: Many didn't even
make it to the water.
726
00:40:44,709 --> 00:40:46,909
[ speaking spanish ]
727
00:40:46,911 --> 00:40:48,611
Translator: And from
where they were caught
728
00:40:48,613 --> 00:40:51,548
Within the perimeter
of the island,
729
00:40:51,550 --> 00:40:53,249
They were brought
to the dungeons,
730
00:40:53,251 --> 00:40:56,386
Hitting them without stopping.
731
00:40:56,388 --> 00:40:59,989
♪
732
00:40:59,991 --> 00:41:02,125
Narrator:
But was this brutal retribution
733
00:41:02,127 --> 00:41:05,295
About to go too far?
734
00:41:05,297 --> 00:41:09,799
Translator: Here on this island
there are bodies buried,
735
00:41:09,801 --> 00:41:12,469
And no one knows
who killed that person.
736
00:41:12,471 --> 00:41:15,205
[ continues in spanish ]
737
00:41:15,207 --> 00:41:17,540
However, there are prisoners
buried here,
738
00:41:17,542 --> 00:41:22,378
And their bodies never
appeared drowned or anything.
739
00:41:22,380 --> 00:41:24,447
♪
740
00:41:24,449 --> 00:41:27,283
Narrator:
Cruel and intentional torture,
741
00:41:27,285 --> 00:41:30,086
Bodies disappearing
without a trace.
742
00:41:30,088 --> 00:41:32,789
Were these brutal actions
about to come back
743
00:41:32,791 --> 00:41:36,059
And haunt the authorities?
744
00:41:36,061 --> 00:41:37,660
Translator: A lot of people
were saying
745
00:41:37,662 --> 00:41:42,465
That san lucas was shut
because of inhumane treatment.
746
00:41:42,467 --> 00:41:44,901
This is not necessarily true.
747
00:41:44,903 --> 00:41:47,270
♪
748
00:41:47,272 --> 00:41:49,105
Narrator:
Some claim the island was set
749
00:41:49,107 --> 00:41:51,574
To be turned into
a tourist resort,
750
00:41:51,576 --> 00:41:55,478
Complete with hotels, casinos,
and an airstrip.
751
00:41:55,480 --> 00:41:57,480
This plan has never
materialized,
752
00:41:57,482 --> 00:42:00,083
But the prison
has been abandoned,
753
00:42:00,085 --> 00:42:02,218
And the future
for isla san lucas
754
00:42:02,220 --> 00:42:04,087
Looks altogether brighter.
755
00:42:04,089 --> 00:42:07,857
♪
756
00:42:07,859 --> 00:42:12,795
Today, the island is part of
the national wildlife preserve,
757
00:42:12,797 --> 00:42:15,398
With tourists
visiting the island daily,
758
00:42:15,400 --> 00:42:18,234
Enjoying both
the ruins and nature.
759
00:42:18,236 --> 00:42:20,503
♪
760
00:42:20,505 --> 00:42:24,307
And now it feels much more
like the costa rica
761
00:42:24,309 --> 00:42:27,577
That holiday makers have come
to know and love.
762
00:42:27,579 --> 00:42:29,145
♪
67797
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