1 00:00:04,867 --> 00:00:06,900 (faint electronic beep) 2 00:00:06,900 --> 00:00:09,933 (thrilling music) 3 00:00:09,933 --> 00:00:11,667 - [Narrator] Perched atop the remains 4 00:00:11,667 --> 00:00:14,234 of a long extinct volcanic formation, 5 00:00:14,234 --> 00:00:18,933 an ancient fortress rises from the ashes of a fiery past. 6 00:00:18,933 --> 00:00:21,634 - How did the ancient engineers manage to construct 7 00:00:21,634 --> 00:00:26,200 such an elaborate complex on a near vertical rock face? 8 00:00:26,200 --> 00:00:27,901 - [Narrator] On a remote island, 9 00:00:27,901 --> 00:00:31,267 stone sentinels bear silent witness to the power 10 00:00:31,267 --> 00:00:32,900 of human creation. 11 00:00:32,900 --> 00:00:36,601 Hewn from a foundation forged in molten rock. 12 00:00:36,601 --> 00:00:39,034 - Each statue is unique, 13 00:00:39,034 --> 00:00:41,600 with distinct facial features 14 00:00:41,600 --> 00:00:44,100 and subtle variations in design. 15 00:00:44,100 --> 00:00:47,000 - [Narrator] And an intricate Hindu temple showcases 16 00:00:47,000 --> 00:00:50,400 the extraordinary vision of the architects who transformed 17 00:00:50,400 --> 00:00:54,067 a volcanic canvas into a masterpiece of devotion, 18 00:00:54,067 --> 00:00:58,267 blending faith and artistry of an unprecedented scale. 19 00:00:58,267 --> 00:01:02,301 - The level of detail achieved by the ancient sculptures 20 00:01:02,301 --> 00:01:05,033 is indeed astonishing. 21 00:01:05,033 --> 00:01:07,000 - [Narrator] These monumental achievements, 22 00:01:07,000 --> 00:01:10,000 born from Earth's eruptive legacy, 23 00:01:10,000 --> 00:01:13,167 serve as enduring reminders of humanity's ability 24 00:01:13,167 --> 00:01:17,033 to shape the raw materials of our planet's turbulent history 25 00:01:17,033 --> 00:01:19,867 into awe-inspiring works of engineering. 26 00:01:21,700 --> 00:01:24,834 (thrilling music) 27 00:01:41,600 --> 00:01:44,201 (gentle music) 28 00:01:45,967 --> 00:01:49,867 Towering 180 meters above the central plains of Sri Lanka, 29 00:01:49,867 --> 00:01:53,867 the massive granite rock formation of Sigiriya stands 30 00:01:53,867 --> 00:01:56,967 as a pillar of ancient engineering and artistry. 31 00:01:58,133 --> 00:01:59,934 - When you first look at Sigiriya, 32 00:01:59,934 --> 00:02:02,867 you're straight away in awe 33 00:02:02,867 --> 00:02:06,934 because it's so hard to imagine being able to build 34 00:02:06,934 --> 00:02:10,834 on top of this rock surface but also getting up there. 35 00:02:10,834 --> 00:02:13,534 The fact that they had to chip away at the side 36 00:02:13,534 --> 00:02:14,600 is truly amazing, 37 00:02:14,600 --> 00:02:16,501 and I can't think of anything else 38 00:02:16,501 --> 00:02:17,934 that's quite compared to it. 39 00:02:19,067 --> 00:02:20,600 - [Narrator] The palace complex atop 40 00:02:20,600 --> 00:02:25,101 the rock formation occupies approximately 1.5 hectares, 41 00:02:26,367 --> 00:02:29,401 consisting of elaborate gardens, pools, 42 00:02:29,401 --> 00:02:31,201 and other structures. 43 00:02:31,201 --> 00:02:33,534 Its sophisticated hydraulics systems, 44 00:02:33,534 --> 00:02:37,401 some still functioning today, span hundreds of meters. 45 00:02:38,767 --> 00:02:40,701 - The irrigation systems are really interesting. 46 00:02:40,701 --> 00:02:42,200 I'm no mechanical engineer, 47 00:02:42,200 --> 00:02:45,367 but I can absolutely recognize the ingenuity behind this. 48 00:02:45,367 --> 00:02:49,167 They run perpetually just gravity-fed systems 49 00:02:49,167 --> 00:02:51,867 to deliver water to the most important parts. 50 00:02:51,867 --> 00:02:54,033 There was so much thought put into this design 51 00:02:54,033 --> 00:02:55,600 to recognize the vision of this beautiful, 52 00:02:55,600 --> 00:02:58,900 lush garden and metropolis really. 53 00:02:58,900 --> 00:03:00,867 - Some of the evidence we have of the use 54 00:03:00,867 --> 00:03:03,234 of this palace comes from these stunning frescoes 55 00:03:03,234 --> 00:03:06,100 which still survive of women bathing, 56 00:03:06,100 --> 00:03:09,433 which have been known as cloud maidens or celestial nymphs. 57 00:03:09,433 --> 00:03:10,633 They could also be members 58 00:03:10,633 --> 00:03:14,000 of the female court or concubines. 59 00:03:14,000 --> 00:03:16,634 - [Narrator] Often hailed as the Eighth Wonder of the World, 60 00:03:16,634 --> 00:03:19,100 this UNESCO World Heritage Site 61 00:03:19,100 --> 00:03:22,001 has inspired as much mystery and intrigue 62 00:03:22,001 --> 00:03:25,634 as it has awe throughout its storied history. 63 00:03:25,634 --> 00:03:28,100 - So how did this violent world give birth 64 00:03:28,100 --> 00:03:31,334 to the magical Sigiriya that we see today? 65 00:03:31,334 --> 00:03:34,067 How did the ancient engineers manage to construct 66 00:03:34,067 --> 00:03:38,134 such an elaborate complex on a near-vertical rock face? 67 00:03:39,267 --> 00:03:41,433 - [Narrator] Also known as the Lion Rock, 68 00:03:41,433 --> 00:03:46,167 Sigiriya's imposing presence has long captivated visitors. 69 00:03:46,167 --> 00:03:48,100 But the story behind the origins 70 00:03:48,100 --> 00:03:52,434 of the colossal formation lies hidden within its stone. 71 00:03:52,434 --> 00:03:54,134 - Two billion years ago, 72 00:03:54,134 --> 00:03:57,934 this area was a hotbed of volcanic activity. 73 00:03:57,934 --> 00:04:02,167 - Seeing the full picture requires us to step back in time 74 00:04:02,167 --> 00:04:04,700 long before humans walked the Earth. 75 00:04:04,700 --> 00:04:06,233 - There were no lush rainforests. 76 00:04:06,233 --> 00:04:08,000 There were no ancient structures. 77 00:04:08,000 --> 00:04:11,867 This was just a hotbed of fire and molten rock. 78 00:04:11,867 --> 00:04:13,700 - [Narrator] As volcanoes erupt, 79 00:04:13,700 --> 00:04:17,834 sometimes some of the magma doesn't make it to the surface. 80 00:04:17,834 --> 00:04:21,867 Instead, it's solidifies within a volcano's throat. 81 00:04:21,867 --> 00:04:25,400 This hardened magma forms what is called a plug, 82 00:04:25,400 --> 00:04:29,700 essentially a giant cork of solid rock sealing the volcano. 83 00:04:29,700 --> 00:04:31,367 In active volcanoes, 84 00:04:31,367 --> 00:04:34,167 these plugs can act like pressure cookers. 85 00:04:34,167 --> 00:04:38,033 Volcanic gases accumulate beneath the hardened magma, 86 00:04:38,033 --> 00:04:41,334 causing a dangerous buildup of pressure within the volcano 87 00:04:41,334 --> 00:04:43,667 and explosive eruptions. 88 00:04:43,667 --> 00:04:44,900 - And then, over time, 89 00:04:44,900 --> 00:04:48,167 with climate and erosion and wind and rain 90 00:04:48,167 --> 00:04:51,167 that beats away at the softer stone on the outside, 91 00:04:51,167 --> 00:04:54,201 essentially leaving just the plug intact. 92 00:04:54,201 --> 00:04:56,533 - [Narrator] What is left today is the core 93 00:04:56,533 --> 00:04:58,133 of incredibly hard granite 94 00:04:58,133 --> 00:05:01,067 that has withstood the test of time. 95 00:05:01,067 --> 00:05:04,401 - It's a testament to the immense forces 96 00:05:04,401 --> 00:05:06,400 that shaped our planet. 97 00:05:06,400 --> 00:05:10,100 This structure stands as a natural monument 98 00:05:10,100 --> 00:05:12,800 to the Earth's fiery past. 99 00:05:12,800 --> 00:05:14,733 - [Narrator] Once hidden within a volcano, 100 00:05:14,733 --> 00:05:18,133 this awe-inspiring rock now stands proudly 101 00:05:18,133 --> 00:05:21,701 as a silent witness to billions of years of Earth's history. 102 00:05:21,701 --> 00:05:24,500 But the mysteries of Sigiriya extend beyond 103 00:05:24,500 --> 00:05:26,033 the rock formation itself 104 00:05:26,033 --> 00:05:30,100 to the remains of the grand complex on and surrounding it, 105 00:05:30,100 --> 00:05:33,534 creating conflicting theories regarding its first settlers 106 00:05:33,534 --> 00:05:35,033 and their ultimate purpose. 107 00:05:35,033 --> 00:05:38,300 - Were the monks even the first to lay ground here? 108 00:05:38,300 --> 00:05:42,201 Or does its mysterious history stretch back even further? 109 00:05:43,267 --> 00:05:46,600 - This provides us with a unique window 110 00:05:46,600 --> 00:05:51,234 into the evolution of a human culture in this period. 111 00:05:51,234 --> 00:05:56,267 - [Narrator] Centuries ago, between 477 and 495 CE, 112 00:05:57,634 --> 00:06:00,434 the rock formation was primarily used as a royal residence. 113 00:06:00,434 --> 00:06:05,434 Its origins, steeped in a saga of treachery and violence. 114 00:06:07,000 --> 00:06:10,267 - Historical accounts tell us that King Kashyapa came 115 00:06:10,267 --> 00:06:14,101 to power through betrayal and bloodshed. 116 00:06:14,101 --> 00:06:16,067 According to these stories, 117 00:06:16,067 --> 00:06:20,467 although he was the eldest son of his father King Dhatusena, 118 00:06:20,467 --> 00:06:21,667 he was illegitimate. 119 00:06:21,667 --> 00:06:23,533 His mother was a commoner. 120 00:06:23,533 --> 00:06:25,034 And so when it came time, 121 00:06:25,034 --> 00:06:29,734 he was passed over for his younger brother, Moggallana. 122 00:06:29,734 --> 00:06:33,100 Infuriated, King Kashyapa raised an army 123 00:06:33,100 --> 00:06:35,000 and marched against his father. 124 00:06:35,000 --> 00:06:37,967 His brother fled to South India. 125 00:06:37,967 --> 00:06:40,634 His father was captured, and according to some accounts, 126 00:06:40,634 --> 00:06:43,134 Dhatusena met a pretty gruesome end. 127 00:06:43,134 --> 00:06:48,133 In one version, Kashyapa had him walled up alive. 128 00:06:48,133 --> 00:06:52,633 - [Narrator] In 473 CE, Kashyapa and Migara orchestrate 129 00:06:52,633 --> 00:06:55,267 a coup against Dhatusena. 130 00:06:55,267 --> 00:06:59,700 Kashyapa imprisoned his father and seizes the throne. 131 00:06:59,700 --> 00:07:02,067 Following this brutal seizure of power, 132 00:07:02,067 --> 00:07:05,367 King Kashyapa seeks an impregnable stronghold 133 00:07:05,367 --> 00:07:06,567 to protect himself. 134 00:07:07,867 --> 00:07:10,834 Fearing retribution from his brother Moggallana, 135 00:07:10,834 --> 00:07:12,534 who had fled to India, 136 00:07:12,534 --> 00:07:16,267 Kashyapa looked for a more secure location for his capital, 137 00:07:16,267 --> 00:07:17,367 but where? 138 00:07:18,567 --> 00:07:20,867 Drawing inspiration from Alakamanda, 139 00:07:20,867 --> 00:07:23,934 a mythical celestial city of Buddhist lore, 140 00:07:23,934 --> 00:07:26,934 Kashyapa envisions his grand new capital 141 00:07:26,934 --> 00:07:31,100 and royal residence atop Sigiriya's lofty heights. 142 00:07:31,100 --> 00:07:33,667 - Kashyapa has managed to get himself on the throne. 143 00:07:33,667 --> 00:07:36,067 He's still in a weakened position. 144 00:07:36,067 --> 00:07:41,167 He needs to make a symbolic gesture that shows his power 145 00:07:41,767 --> 00:07:43,201 and his longevity. 146 00:07:43,201 --> 00:07:47,367 This huge, massive stone column rising out of the jungle 147 00:07:47,367 --> 00:07:50,934 provides the perfect basis for a defensible fortress, 148 00:07:50,934 --> 00:07:53,867 and it offers an opportunity for Kashyapa 149 00:07:53,867 --> 00:07:57,900 to project his power and might to everyone around. 150 00:07:57,900 --> 00:08:00,500 - [Narrator] But further analysis challenges the idea 151 00:08:00,500 --> 00:08:04,167 that Kashyapa is the original settler of this area, 152 00:08:04,167 --> 00:08:06,934 suggesting that its history predates the King 153 00:08:06,934 --> 00:08:08,834 by at least centuries. 154 00:08:11,101 --> 00:08:13,467 Evidence suggests this site was originally 155 00:08:13,467 --> 00:08:15,234 a Buddhist monastery, 156 00:08:15,234 --> 00:08:17,801 possibly dating back to the third century BCE. 157 00:08:19,767 --> 00:08:22,500 - Sigiriya obviously had these pre-histories 158 00:08:22,500 --> 00:08:25,001 even before King Kashyapa decided 159 00:08:25,001 --> 00:08:28,500 to build his own palace there, and one of them was monastic. 160 00:08:28,500 --> 00:08:32,434 One of the elements that we find resonating across cultures 161 00:08:32,434 --> 00:08:36,701 is the idea of being of height and divinity. 162 00:08:36,701 --> 00:08:38,767 So, in that sense, I think it would have been 163 00:08:38,767 --> 00:08:42,400 a perfect choice for a monastic community 164 00:08:42,400 --> 00:08:44,133 to build a community 165 00:08:44,133 --> 00:08:48,334 that would be both ascending spiritually, but also isolated. 166 00:08:49,933 --> 00:08:52,900 - [Narrator] Modern archeology reveals curious features 167 00:08:52,900 --> 00:08:54,534 that don't align with the image 168 00:08:54,534 --> 00:08:57,134 of a fifth century royal residence. 169 00:08:57,134 --> 00:09:01,133 Surrounding Sigiriya are numerous rock shelters and caves, 170 00:09:01,133 --> 00:09:04,700 their entrances bearing distinctive carved features. 171 00:09:04,700 --> 00:09:07,134 - Sigiriya has the other attribute 172 00:09:07,134 --> 00:09:10,767 that would have lent itself to a ritual site. 173 00:09:10,767 --> 00:09:13,667 It's very clear there was a long tradition 174 00:09:13,667 --> 00:09:15,834 of using this space for living, 175 00:09:15,834 --> 00:09:18,534 but also for ritual purposes. 176 00:09:18,534 --> 00:09:21,434 - The shelters were created under large boulders 177 00:09:21,434 --> 00:09:23,401 with carved trip ledges. 178 00:09:25,034 --> 00:09:27,467 - [Narrator] This seems to suggest long term habitation, 179 00:09:27,467 --> 00:09:29,167 which leads to the question: 180 00:09:29,167 --> 00:09:32,000 Who were these early inhabitants? 181 00:09:32,000 --> 00:09:34,301 A closer examination of these caves 182 00:09:34,301 --> 00:09:37,334 reveals ancient inscriptions nearby; 183 00:09:37,334 --> 00:09:39,334 inscriptions dating back to the third 184 00:09:39,334 --> 00:09:40,567 and first centuries BCE, 185 00:09:41,967 --> 00:09:45,201 record donations to these shelters to Buddhist monks. 186 00:09:45,201 --> 00:09:47,167 - This is the first real piece of evidence 187 00:09:47,167 --> 00:09:49,700 that its history stretches far beyond its time 188 00:09:49,700 --> 00:09:51,167 as a royal palace. 189 00:09:51,167 --> 00:09:52,567 - [Narrator] A historical record 190 00:09:52,567 --> 00:09:55,633 of the monarchs of Sri Lanka also describes the area 191 00:09:55,633 --> 00:10:00,100 as a large forest, before King Kashyapa transforms it. 192 00:10:00,100 --> 00:10:03,234 - But were the monks even the first to lay ground here, 193 00:10:03,234 --> 00:10:05,833 or does Sigiriya's mysterious history 194 00:10:05,833 --> 00:10:07,401 stretch back even further? 195 00:10:09,033 --> 00:10:11,533 - [Narrator] Excavations at the Aligala Rock Shelter uncover 196 00:10:11,533 --> 00:10:15,000 the earliest traces of human occupation at the site, 197 00:10:15,000 --> 00:10:16,334 revealing a story 198 00:10:16,334 --> 00:10:19,400 of human activity stretching back millennia. 199 00:10:19,400 --> 00:10:21,867 - The remnants include modest personal items, 200 00:10:21,867 --> 00:10:24,401 so not in line with the lavish trappings 201 00:10:24,401 --> 00:10:25,834 of a royal lifestyle. 202 00:10:26,701 --> 00:10:28,067 - We know historically, 203 00:10:28,067 --> 00:10:31,234 going back to Neolithic and even Mesolithic times, 204 00:10:31,234 --> 00:10:34,867 that the use of caves had served ritual purposes. 205 00:10:34,867 --> 00:10:39,000 And archeologists and other scholars are convinced 206 00:10:39,000 --> 00:10:40,534 that there are a lot of reasons for this, 207 00:10:40,534 --> 00:10:43,200 including the fact that its natural properties lend it 208 00:10:43,200 --> 00:10:48,167 to the mysterious, darkness pierced by light periodically. 209 00:10:49,567 --> 00:10:51,500 The fact that it can be an entrance 210 00:10:51,500 --> 00:10:55,001 that can seem to be a passageway, perhaps to an underworld. 211 00:10:56,400 --> 00:10:58,400 - [Narrator] The discoveries paint a vivid picture 212 00:10:58,400 --> 00:11:00,667 of prehistoric life. 213 00:11:00,667 --> 00:11:02,301 - We find evidence of the manipulation 214 00:11:02,301 --> 00:11:03,834 of the stone in there. 215 00:11:03,834 --> 00:11:05,634 So, for example, they created water channels 216 00:11:05,634 --> 00:11:08,067 so that water could recede naturally. 217 00:11:08,067 --> 00:11:13,101 So all of this tells us that the caves were one of the ways 218 00:11:14,401 --> 00:11:16,433 in which local people adapted to the environment 219 00:11:16,433 --> 00:11:21,534 in order to have a thriving social life, 220 00:11:22,501 --> 00:11:23,467 as well as an economic life. 221 00:11:25,100 --> 00:11:26,900 - [Narrator] But one of the most groundbreaking discoveries 222 00:11:26,900 --> 00:11:30,301 at Aligala is evidence of early iron production, 223 00:11:30,301 --> 00:11:33,767 dating back to 900 BCE. 224 00:11:33,767 --> 00:11:36,200 This place is a site at a crucial juncture 225 00:11:36,200 --> 00:11:38,801 in human technological development, 226 00:11:38,801 --> 00:11:42,867 the transition from stone to metal tools. 227 00:11:42,867 --> 00:11:45,134 - This is a unique window into the evolution 228 00:11:45,134 --> 00:11:48,801 of human culture in this region over thousands of years. 229 00:11:50,234 --> 00:11:52,033 - [Narrator] While prehistoric humans found shelter 230 00:11:52,033 --> 00:11:53,767 in Sigiriya's caves, 231 00:11:53,767 --> 00:11:56,133 it was King Kashyapa's grand vision 232 00:11:56,133 --> 00:11:58,967 that would ultimately transform this natural wonder 233 00:11:58,967 --> 00:12:00,967 into an architectural marvel. 234 00:12:02,367 --> 00:12:05,800 How did the usurper king turn a formidable rock fortress 235 00:12:05,800 --> 00:12:07,534 into one of the ancient world's 236 00:12:07,534 --> 00:12:10,134 most sophisticated urban centers? 237 00:12:10,134 --> 00:12:14,000 - Sigiriya stands as one of the best preserved examples 238 00:12:14,000 --> 00:12:17,167 of ancient urban planning in South Asia. 239 00:12:17,167 --> 00:12:19,967 - [Narrator] Its layout demonstrates a sophisticated blend 240 00:12:19,967 --> 00:12:22,833 of geometric precision and adaptation 241 00:12:22,833 --> 00:12:24,634 to the natural landscape. 242 00:12:24,634 --> 00:12:27,267 - Its design is a masterclass 243 00:12:27,267 --> 00:12:30,500 in balancing symmetry with asymmetry. 244 00:12:30,500 --> 00:12:32,034 - [Narrator] At first glance, 245 00:12:32,034 --> 00:12:35,200 Sigiriya's water gardens appear perfectly symmetrical 246 00:12:35,200 --> 00:12:38,834 with their rectangular pools and straight pathways. 247 00:12:38,834 --> 00:12:41,834 But a closer look reveals subtle asymmetries 248 00:12:41,834 --> 00:12:44,634 that create harmony with the surrounding landscape. 249 00:12:44,634 --> 00:12:47,800 The blend of regularity and irregularity 250 00:12:47,800 --> 00:12:51,134 is a hallmark of advanced design principles. 251 00:12:51,134 --> 00:12:54,167 - The design doesn't fight against the natural features 252 00:12:54,167 --> 00:12:57,267 but incorporates them seamlessly. 253 00:12:57,267 --> 00:12:59,834 - [Narrator] Boulders become parts of buildings, 254 00:12:59,834 --> 00:13:02,434 natural depressions are turned into ponds, 255 00:13:02,434 --> 00:13:05,333 and the rock itself becomes a dramatic backdrop 256 00:13:05,333 --> 00:13:07,600 for the entire city. 257 00:13:07,600 --> 00:13:11,534 Boasting a complex network of dams, canals, lakes, 258 00:13:11,534 --> 00:13:13,167 and underground water conduits, 259 00:13:13,167 --> 00:13:16,534 Sigiriya's water management system is nothing short 260 00:13:16,534 --> 00:13:18,933 of revolutionary for its time. 261 00:13:18,933 --> 00:13:21,833 - What was done by these ancient designers and architects 262 00:13:21,833 --> 00:13:23,867 is they stored the water. 263 00:13:23,867 --> 00:13:25,434 They collected it. 264 00:13:25,434 --> 00:13:27,367 During the monsoon rain period, 265 00:13:27,367 --> 00:13:30,233 they would collect the water on top of the rock 266 00:13:30,233 --> 00:13:33,367 and store it in cisterns at the highest portions 267 00:13:33,367 --> 00:13:34,900 of the rock. 268 00:13:34,900 --> 00:13:38,467 So basically we have this elevated source of water 269 00:13:38,467 --> 00:13:40,200 and we're storing it. 270 00:13:40,200 --> 00:13:42,867 And then through a system of pipes and channels cut 271 00:13:42,867 --> 00:13:44,334 into the rock, 272 00:13:44,334 --> 00:13:47,767 we can then take that water to lower elevations 273 00:13:47,767 --> 00:13:50,967 to our water gardens, to our pools, et cetera. 274 00:13:50,967 --> 00:13:54,801 So this system is really amazing because what they did 275 00:13:54,801 --> 00:13:57,267 is they relied on the elevation difference 276 00:13:57,267 --> 00:14:00,733 between the cisterns and the water features 277 00:14:00,733 --> 00:14:02,001 to create pressure. 278 00:14:03,433 --> 00:14:05,234 - [Narrator] But while these ingenious water features serve 279 00:14:05,234 --> 00:14:10,167 a practical purpose, they also hint at a more indulgent use. 280 00:14:10,167 --> 00:14:12,101 - There are features of Sigiriya 281 00:14:12,101 --> 00:14:15,067 which hint at a very different purpose 282 00:14:15,067 --> 00:14:17,834 than simply a fortress, 283 00:14:17,834 --> 00:14:22,934 that instead paint a picture of a place of beauty, 284 00:14:23,933 --> 00:14:27,100 a place of luscious terraced gardens 285 00:14:27,100 --> 00:14:31,267 and beautiful fountains fed by elaborate hydraulic systems, 286 00:14:31,267 --> 00:14:34,734 of mirrored walls with elaborate frescoes 287 00:14:34,734 --> 00:14:37,634 of half naked celestial women. 288 00:14:37,634 --> 00:14:40,767 This was not your average fortress. 289 00:14:40,767 --> 00:14:42,801 It was a pleasure palace. 290 00:14:43,967 --> 00:14:45,300 - [Narrator] But the most striking evidence 291 00:14:45,300 --> 00:14:49,267 for this theory lies on the rock wall itself. 292 00:14:49,267 --> 00:14:52,267 During King Kashyapa's reign in the fifth century, 293 00:14:52,267 --> 00:14:55,934 the wall was plastered and polished to such a high degree 294 00:14:55,934 --> 00:14:58,500 that it created a mirror-like effect. 295 00:14:58,500 --> 00:15:02,867 But why create a reflective surface on a fortress wall? 296 00:15:02,867 --> 00:15:05,367 On the rock face opposite the Mirror Wall, 297 00:15:05,367 --> 00:15:09,167 artwork lends further credence to the suggestion of Sigiriya 298 00:15:09,167 --> 00:15:11,634 as a sanctuary of indulgence. 299 00:15:11,634 --> 00:15:13,700 - It takes us into their minds, 300 00:15:13,700 --> 00:15:16,001 into their systems of values. 301 00:15:16,001 --> 00:15:18,634 It gives us a sense of their personalities. 302 00:15:18,634 --> 00:15:20,334 And so in that sense, 303 00:15:20,334 --> 00:15:25,367 they are extraordinarily valuable windows into the past. 304 00:15:27,000 --> 00:15:29,001 - [Narrator] These frescoes depict dozens of female figures, 305 00:15:29,001 --> 00:15:33,134 often referred to as cloud maidens or celestial nymphs. 306 00:15:33,134 --> 00:15:35,167 These paintings are remarkable, 307 00:15:35,167 --> 00:15:37,534 not just for their artistic quality, 308 00:15:37,534 --> 00:15:39,001 but for their subject matter, 309 00:15:39,001 --> 00:15:41,833 which has also been a subject for debate. 310 00:15:41,833 --> 00:15:45,001 Some argue these women represent Apsaras, 311 00:15:45,001 --> 00:15:48,734 celestial beings in Hindu and Buddhist mythology. 312 00:15:48,734 --> 00:15:50,667 Others suggest they are portraits of women 313 00:15:50,667 --> 00:15:53,934 from King Kashyapa's court or harem. 314 00:15:53,934 --> 00:15:57,367 - The sensual nature of these frescoes does align 315 00:15:57,367 --> 00:16:01,400 with the theory that this was some type of pleasure palace. 316 00:16:01,400 --> 00:16:03,600 - [Narrator] However, it is important to note 317 00:16:03,600 --> 00:16:05,567 that religious art in South Asia 318 00:16:05,567 --> 00:16:07,901 often incorporates sensual imagery, 319 00:16:07,901 --> 00:16:10,733 so these frescoes don't necessarily indicate 320 00:16:10,733 --> 00:16:12,567 a purely secular purpose. 321 00:16:14,034 --> 00:16:16,700 While Sigiriya's Mirror Wall may have been intended 322 00:16:16,700 --> 00:16:19,001 to reflect the stunning frescoes, 323 00:16:19,001 --> 00:16:22,567 it would unexpectedly become a canvas in its own right, 324 00:16:22,567 --> 00:16:26,867 preserving a trove of information on Sigiriya's rich past. 325 00:16:27,733 --> 00:16:30,434 (gentle music) 326 00:16:32,301 --> 00:16:34,900 Beginning in the early seventh century, 327 00:16:34,900 --> 00:16:37,534 visitors to Sigiriya leave their mark on this wall 328 00:16:37,534 --> 00:16:39,900 in the form of graffiti. 329 00:16:39,900 --> 00:16:42,900 Over 1,800 pieces of prose or poetry 330 00:16:42,900 --> 00:16:44,767 have now been identified, 331 00:16:44,767 --> 00:16:47,334 offering a fascinating glimpse into the minds 332 00:16:47,334 --> 00:16:49,067 of ancient travelers. 333 00:16:49,067 --> 00:16:53,900 - Graffiti is just one of those delightful encounters 334 00:16:53,900 --> 00:16:55,234 with the past, 335 00:16:55,234 --> 00:16:58,934 which scholars find in many different contexts. 336 00:16:58,934 --> 00:17:01,334 - [Narrator] Many showcase a high literacy level 337 00:17:01,334 --> 00:17:05,001 and a deep appreciation for art and poetry. 338 00:17:05,001 --> 00:17:08,200 And these writings also confirm that Sigiriya was indeed 339 00:17:08,200 --> 00:17:11,267 the residence of King Kashyapa. 340 00:17:11,267 --> 00:17:14,467 - And what it does is bring you to the individuals 341 00:17:14,467 --> 00:17:17,367 who were there in different points of time. 342 00:17:19,000 --> 00:17:21,101 - [Narrator] The Mirror Wall graffiti also provides insights 343 00:17:21,101 --> 00:17:24,167 into the social structure of ancient Sri Lanka. 344 00:17:24,167 --> 00:17:28,800 Of the 685 individuals identified through the graffiti, 345 00:17:28,800 --> 00:17:31,467 there emerges a cross-section of society, 346 00:17:31,467 --> 00:17:35,934 royalty, officials, clergy and even metal workers. 347 00:17:35,934 --> 00:17:38,101 A dozen of these writers are women, 348 00:17:38,101 --> 00:17:41,300 and many note their names and places of origin. 349 00:17:41,300 --> 00:17:45,000 - The graffiti on the Mirror Wall reveals valuable insights 350 00:17:45,000 --> 00:17:48,134 into Sigiriya's changing role over time. 351 00:17:49,200 --> 00:17:51,200 From an archeological perspective, 352 00:17:51,200 --> 00:17:55,200 coming across graffiti is a tangible moment with the past. 353 00:17:55,200 --> 00:17:58,967 You're able to get a sense of individuals who walked 354 00:17:58,967 --> 00:18:02,401 in the same room that you're in, and it's quite remarkable. 355 00:18:03,901 --> 00:18:05,367 - [Narrator] There's a notable absence of graffiti 356 00:18:05,367 --> 00:18:08,901 for about 100 years after Kashyapa's death, 357 00:18:08,901 --> 00:18:12,767 suggesting the site was inaccessible during that time. 358 00:18:12,767 --> 00:18:14,834 Later, it seems the Buddhist monastery 359 00:18:14,834 --> 00:18:17,567 that took over the site may have allowed visitors 360 00:18:17,567 --> 00:18:19,201 as a source of income, 361 00:18:19,201 --> 00:18:22,901 leading to this outpouring of written expression. 362 00:18:22,901 --> 00:18:25,733 So what can studies of ancient handwriting tell us 363 00:18:25,733 --> 00:18:28,867 about cultural and evolutionary context? 364 00:18:30,534 --> 00:18:32,600 Today, the Mirror Wall remains 365 00:18:32,600 --> 00:18:34,867 a striking historical document, 366 00:18:34,867 --> 00:18:36,934 reflecting not only images, 367 00:18:36,934 --> 00:18:40,500 but valuable information on those who visited Sigiriya 368 00:18:40,500 --> 00:18:42,701 throughout the ages. 369 00:18:42,701 --> 00:18:45,534 - A wall polished to a mirror finish, 370 00:18:45,534 --> 00:18:50,201 and elaborate frescoes of half-naked celestial women, 371 00:18:50,201 --> 00:18:53,367 was this a fortress or a pleasure palace? 372 00:18:53,367 --> 00:18:55,567 Or a little bit of both? 373 00:18:55,567 --> 00:18:57,167 - Sigiriya is one of the most unique 374 00:18:57,167 --> 00:19:00,167 and beautiful places I've ever visited as an archeologist. 375 00:19:00,167 --> 00:19:05,267 I still cannot comprehend how you have the structure on top 376 00:19:06,334 --> 00:19:09,000 of this large, secluded mass of land, 377 00:19:09,000 --> 00:19:14,101 and how they were able to sculpt the natural bedrock 378 00:19:14,901 --> 00:19:16,267 and then build on top of it 379 00:19:16,267 --> 00:19:19,434 and create these really intricate systems. 380 00:19:22,834 --> 00:19:24,434 - [Narrator] From the engineering feet 381 00:19:24,434 --> 00:19:26,567 of Sigiriya's grand fortress, 382 00:19:26,567 --> 00:19:30,100 an army of carved stone sentinels dot the landscape 383 00:19:30,100 --> 00:19:32,800 of a remote South Pacific island, 384 00:19:32,800 --> 00:19:36,234 rivaling even Sigiriya's awe-inspiring grandeur. 385 00:19:38,133 --> 00:19:41,667 Poised on the windswept grasslands of Easter Island, 386 00:19:41,667 --> 00:19:43,934 the somber faces of the Moai 387 00:19:43,934 --> 00:19:47,701 have captivated our collective imagination for centuries, 388 00:19:47,701 --> 00:19:49,567 while challenging our understanding 389 00:19:49,567 --> 00:19:51,767 of an ancient civilization. 390 00:19:51,767 --> 00:19:53,100 - You know, when we look at 391 00:19:53,100 --> 00:19:57,534 these remarkable stone monolithic sculptures 392 00:19:57,534 --> 00:19:59,900 which have such strong features, 393 00:19:59,900 --> 00:20:01,433 they're compelling to look at, 394 00:20:01,433 --> 00:20:04,934 and you do want to understand why they felt 395 00:20:04,934 --> 00:20:08,101 that these features were so important to memorialize. 396 00:20:09,100 --> 00:20:11,434 - These sculptures are massive. 397 00:20:11,434 --> 00:20:14,267 The biggest one is 86 tons. 398 00:20:14,267 --> 00:20:17,600 That's equivalent to seven school buses, 399 00:20:17,600 --> 00:20:19,800 seven school buses, one sculpture. 400 00:20:19,800 --> 00:20:21,434 That's amazing. 401 00:20:21,434 --> 00:20:23,934 - Nearly 1,000 statues showcase 402 00:20:23,934 --> 00:20:26,867 remarkable artistic consistency 403 00:20:26,867 --> 00:20:30,967 despite being carved over a period of 500 years. 404 00:20:30,967 --> 00:20:32,534 - [Narrator] With the largest standing 405 00:20:32,534 --> 00:20:35,100 at an imposing ten meters tall, 406 00:20:35,100 --> 00:20:38,934 the mystery surrounding these statues remain as monumental 407 00:20:38,934 --> 00:20:41,600 as the Moai themselves. 408 00:20:41,600 --> 00:20:43,667 And perhaps most intriguingly, 409 00:20:43,667 --> 00:20:47,601 what led to the systematic toppling of these revered statues 410 00:20:47,601 --> 00:20:51,101 in the years before European contact? 411 00:20:51,101 --> 00:20:53,767 In the vast expanse of the South Pacific, 412 00:20:53,767 --> 00:20:57,767 a tiny speck of land is known as Easter Island. 413 00:20:57,767 --> 00:20:58,900 - I think, with Easter Island 414 00:20:58,900 --> 00:21:01,033 the appeal is that it's so remote, 415 00:21:01,033 --> 00:21:05,000 it's just so far away from what seems to feel like anything. 416 00:21:05,000 --> 00:21:09,333 And the fact that you've got these amazing stone monuments 417 00:21:09,333 --> 00:21:12,500 that were obviously created by an ancient civilization out 418 00:21:12,500 --> 00:21:13,700 in the middle of nowhere, 419 00:21:13,700 --> 00:21:17,867 is just very astounding and interesting. 420 00:21:19,001 --> 00:21:21,700 - [Narrator] Formed by the eruption of three volcanoes 421 00:21:21,700 --> 00:21:26,534 between 780,000 and 110,000 years ago, 422 00:21:27,401 --> 00:21:28,167 Easter Island is small, 423 00:21:29,201 --> 00:21:32,567 spanning about 164 square kilometers. 424 00:21:34,134 --> 00:21:37,700 Also known as Rapa Nui by its indigenous inhabitants, 425 00:21:37,700 --> 00:21:41,334 it is one of the most isolated inhabited places on Earth. 426 00:21:43,401 --> 00:21:47,034 It sits over 3,000 kilometers from the coast of Chile, 427 00:21:49,034 --> 00:21:51,600 and roughly 2,000 kilometers away from 428 00:21:51,600 --> 00:21:53,367 the nearest populated island. 429 00:21:54,834 --> 00:21:58,567 - How did anyone find this remote outpost, 430 00:21:58,567 --> 00:22:00,234 let alone settle it? 431 00:22:02,067 --> 00:22:04,933 - [Narrator] Most evidence points to Polynesian settlers 432 00:22:04,933 --> 00:22:09,400 arriving sometime between 400 and 800 CE. 433 00:22:09,400 --> 00:22:12,600 And some sources suggest a much later arrival, 434 00:22:12,600 --> 00:22:15,201 as late as 1200 CE. 435 00:22:16,434 --> 00:22:18,234 According to legend, however, 436 00:22:18,234 --> 00:22:21,267 Easter Island was settled by a Polynesian chief 437 00:22:21,267 --> 00:22:23,233 named Hota Matu'a, 438 00:22:23,233 --> 00:22:26,067 who sailed there with his family in a double canoe. 439 00:22:27,367 --> 00:22:29,434 - To get there would have been an extraordinary 440 00:22:29,434 --> 00:22:31,467 and daunting journey, one has to imagine, 441 00:22:31,467 --> 00:22:35,634 because they're over a thousand miles from the nearest land. 442 00:22:35,634 --> 00:22:40,500 They would have had to be skilled at sailing or rowing. 443 00:22:40,500 --> 00:22:41,967 They would have known the sea. 444 00:22:41,967 --> 00:22:45,100 So they obviously had nautical skills 445 00:22:45,100 --> 00:22:47,301 that were critical to their success. 446 00:22:49,000 --> 00:22:50,633 - [Narrator] Would they be navigating thousands of miles 447 00:22:50,633 --> 00:22:51,967 of open ocean, 448 00:22:51,967 --> 00:22:55,600 using only the stars and currents as their guide? 449 00:22:55,600 --> 00:22:57,433 Can we imagine what it would be like 450 00:22:57,433 --> 00:23:01,334 to come across an island as remote as Easter Island? 451 00:23:01,334 --> 00:23:05,801 The Rapa Nui, a complex society that still exists today, 452 00:23:05,801 --> 00:23:08,867 grew to near 15,000 on this remote island. 453 00:23:08,867 --> 00:23:11,633 They eventually gave birth to towering statues 454 00:23:11,633 --> 00:23:14,301 that remain to this day, the Moai. 455 00:23:14,301 --> 00:23:18,500 - The Moai are believed to represent deified ancestors, 456 00:23:18,500 --> 00:23:21,133 created to honor important chiefs 457 00:23:21,133 --> 00:23:23,534 or other high-ranking individuals. 458 00:23:25,633 --> 00:23:28,034 - [Narrator] While many are buried up to their shoulders, 459 00:23:28,034 --> 00:23:31,300 earning them the popular title of Easter Island heads, 460 00:23:31,300 --> 00:23:34,800 Moai are actually full body statues. 461 00:23:34,800 --> 00:23:38,000 - They were believed to embody the mana, 462 00:23:38,000 --> 00:23:42,500 or the spiritual power of the person they represented. 463 00:23:42,500 --> 00:23:43,801 - The Moai are some 464 00:23:43,801 --> 00:23:45,700 of the world's most recognizable figures, 465 00:23:45,700 --> 00:23:47,167 and essentially what they are, 466 00:23:47,167 --> 00:23:49,967 are these monolithic stone structures that are carved 467 00:23:49,967 --> 00:23:52,133 in the shape of people. 468 00:23:52,133 --> 00:23:54,967 - [Narrator] The size and number of Moai a clan could create 469 00:23:54,967 --> 00:23:59,534 and erect were seen as a display of their power and status. 470 00:23:59,534 --> 00:24:02,933 Larger statues required more resources and labor, 471 00:24:02,933 --> 00:24:06,034 indicating greater influence and wealth. 472 00:24:06,034 --> 00:24:10,033 But where on this remote island did they come from? 473 00:24:10,033 --> 00:24:13,834 Clues lie within the silent depths of an extinct volcano, 474 00:24:13,834 --> 00:24:17,101 where the quarry of Rano Raraku is revealed. 475 00:24:18,733 --> 00:24:21,867 The Raraku isn't just a quarry, however. 476 00:24:21,867 --> 00:24:24,700 It's a time capsule slowly revealing the secrets 477 00:24:24,700 --> 00:24:26,367 of Moai creation. 478 00:24:26,367 --> 00:24:29,234 Discoveries here have completely revolutionized 479 00:24:29,234 --> 00:24:32,700 our understanding of how these Moai came to be. 480 00:24:32,700 --> 00:24:37,034 - When we take a look at the remarkable legacy of the Moai, 481 00:24:37,034 --> 00:24:41,334 the fact that they are cut in a very sophisticated way, 482 00:24:41,334 --> 00:24:43,901 this tells us we're dealing with a society, 483 00:24:43,901 --> 00:24:48,367 which is a complex society already by this time. 484 00:24:48,367 --> 00:24:51,534 - [Narrator] Excavations of this volcanic crater expose 485 00:24:51,534 --> 00:24:54,333 a massive open air workshop. 486 00:24:54,333 --> 00:24:58,433 Close to 400 Moai, in different stages of completion, 487 00:24:58,433 --> 00:25:00,534 are found frozen in time. 488 00:25:00,534 --> 00:25:03,100 - If the Moai are a representation of their culture 489 00:25:03,100 --> 00:25:06,333 and the individuals coming together as a group, 490 00:25:06,333 --> 00:25:08,500 then it's not surprising that they were built out of 491 00:25:08,500 --> 00:25:10,767 the volcanic rock, 492 00:25:10,767 --> 00:25:12,900 because that is something that is also enduring. 493 00:25:12,900 --> 00:25:13,900 It built the island. 494 00:25:13,900 --> 00:25:16,434 It's why the island is there. 495 00:25:16,434 --> 00:25:21,467 And now they are bringing these sculptures representing 496 00:25:22,967 --> 00:25:24,801 the people out of the bones of the island itself. 497 00:25:26,634 --> 00:25:29,300 - [Narrator] This discovery changes our understanding 498 00:25:29,300 --> 00:25:30,634 of Moai production. 499 00:25:30,634 --> 00:25:33,234 It wasn't a simple assembly line. 500 00:25:33,234 --> 00:25:35,801 It was a complex, multi-stage process 501 00:25:35,801 --> 00:25:37,801 that evolved over time. 502 00:25:39,767 --> 00:25:42,233 As archeologists dig deeper, 503 00:25:42,233 --> 00:25:45,333 they uncover clues to the ingenious techniques used 504 00:25:45,333 --> 00:25:48,667 by the ancient Rapa Nui sculptors. 505 00:25:48,667 --> 00:25:51,000 - The Moai are pretty fascinating 506 00:25:51,000 --> 00:25:52,067 because they're actually made 507 00:25:52,067 --> 00:25:54,967 of relatively hard volcanic ash. 508 00:25:54,967 --> 00:25:57,634 When you think of the Rapa Nui and their technologies, 509 00:25:57,634 --> 00:26:00,500 they don't have metal implements. 510 00:26:00,500 --> 00:26:05,867 So carving such large statues out of volcanic ash takes 511 00:26:07,000 --> 00:26:08,000 an immense amount of work, 512 00:26:08,000 --> 00:26:10,600 because you just don't have tools 513 00:26:10,600 --> 00:26:12,167 that are gonna be very efficient. 514 00:26:13,167 --> 00:26:14,567 - [Narrator] Experts uncover evidence 515 00:26:14,567 --> 00:26:16,867 that the statues were carved while still attached 516 00:26:16,867 --> 00:26:18,500 to the bedrock. 517 00:26:18,500 --> 00:26:22,033 It appears that the sculptors would outline the Moai shape 518 00:26:22,033 --> 00:26:25,300 and then carefully chip away at the surrounding stone. 519 00:26:25,300 --> 00:26:27,533 Then they would separate it from the rock face 520 00:26:27,533 --> 00:26:28,967 and finish the back. 521 00:26:30,200 --> 00:26:33,034 The level of detail and consistency across hundreds 522 00:26:33,034 --> 00:26:35,834 of statues speaks to a highly organized 523 00:26:35,834 --> 00:26:37,867 and skilled workforce. 524 00:26:39,200 --> 00:26:42,201 The Moai are primarily carved from tuff, 525 00:26:42,201 --> 00:26:45,033 a compressed volcanic ash that is relatively soft 526 00:26:45,033 --> 00:26:50,000 and easy to carve when first exposed, but hardens over time. 527 00:26:50,000 --> 00:26:52,400 - This is a soft rock, which makes it easier to carve, 528 00:26:52,400 --> 00:26:55,300 which helps illustrate the delicate features of the Moai, 529 00:26:55,300 --> 00:27:00,067 like the elongated ears, the defined chin, the heavy brows. 530 00:27:01,400 --> 00:27:03,634 - [Narrator] Further archeological research reveals 531 00:27:03,634 --> 00:27:06,733 that the ancient sculptors also used three other types 532 00:27:06,733 --> 00:27:11,967 of volcanic rock, basalt, red scoria, and white trachyte. 533 00:27:12,901 --> 00:27:13,867 - These sculptures, when we look more closely 534 00:27:13,867 --> 00:27:15,234 at how they're fabricated, 535 00:27:15,234 --> 00:27:20,033 also point to larger scale economic relationships, 536 00:27:20,033 --> 00:27:21,433 perhaps trading networks, 537 00:27:21,433 --> 00:27:25,733 certainly sharing and organization around the movement 538 00:27:25,733 --> 00:27:29,100 of certain kinds of specialized stones. 539 00:27:29,100 --> 00:27:33,534 For example, the eyes were made of either coral or obsidian, 540 00:27:33,534 --> 00:27:36,100 which would have had to have been carried from elsewhere. 541 00:27:36,100 --> 00:27:39,401 We also find them mobilizing many different kinds of rock 542 00:27:39,401 --> 00:27:40,934 in the production of it. 543 00:27:42,200 --> 00:27:44,933 - [Narrator] Excavations unveil specialized tools, 544 00:27:44,933 --> 00:27:48,067 including a type of chisel called toki, 545 00:27:48,067 --> 00:27:51,667 used to expertly carve the stone giants. 546 00:27:51,667 --> 00:27:54,467 - A team of archeologists uncovers more 547 00:27:54,467 --> 00:27:59,467 than 1,500 volcanic stone basalt carving tools. 548 00:28:00,467 --> 00:28:01,500 - [Narrator] The carving process 549 00:28:01,500 --> 00:28:03,467 likely involved multiple stages, 550 00:28:03,467 --> 00:28:07,734 including percussion flaking, pecking, and grinding. 551 00:28:07,734 --> 00:28:10,167 Toki were typically ground to sharpen them. 552 00:28:11,434 --> 00:28:13,434 - Finding tools, from an archeological perspective, 553 00:28:13,434 --> 00:28:16,467 is probably one of the most important finds 554 00:28:16,467 --> 00:28:17,767 that you can have, 555 00:28:17,767 --> 00:28:21,334 because these artifacts tells a bigger story 556 00:28:21,334 --> 00:28:23,467 from the perspective of the individuals 557 00:28:23,467 --> 00:28:28,434 who were able to sculpt something so large and monumental 558 00:28:28,434 --> 00:28:30,201 with their bare hands. 559 00:28:30,201 --> 00:28:33,001 And it just goes to show that human ingenuity comes 560 00:28:33,001 --> 00:28:35,034 in all shapes and sizes. 561 00:28:35,034 --> 00:28:38,501 And these tools are fundamental to understanding 562 00:28:38,501 --> 00:28:40,600 how the Moai were made. 563 00:28:40,600 --> 00:28:43,767 - [Narrator] These discoveries led to analysis of the tools 564 00:28:43,767 --> 00:28:46,500 and new insights into the society that created 565 00:28:46,500 --> 00:28:48,200 the Moai statues. 566 00:28:48,200 --> 00:28:51,500 The findings challenged previous theories about competition 567 00:28:51,500 --> 00:28:53,800 and collapse on Easter Island, 568 00:28:53,800 --> 00:28:56,000 suggesting instead a more co-operative 569 00:28:56,000 --> 00:28:58,001 and sophisticated society. 570 00:29:00,834 --> 00:29:03,167 The Toki are made from basalt, 571 00:29:03,167 --> 00:29:06,334 quarried from various sites across the island. 572 00:29:06,334 --> 00:29:10,033 But analysis of the chemical makeup of Toki reveals more 573 00:29:10,033 --> 00:29:12,033 than just the tools' composition. 574 00:29:12,033 --> 00:29:15,567 - These tools represent parts of a bigger story. 575 00:29:16,734 --> 00:29:18,734 - [Narrator] It suggests a level of cooperation 576 00:29:18,734 --> 00:29:21,534 and shared resources among different groups, 577 00:29:21,534 --> 00:29:23,600 challenging long held theories 578 00:29:23,600 --> 00:29:25,201 about Easter Island's history. 579 00:29:27,067 --> 00:29:30,534 - It paints a picture of a people who shared knowledge 580 00:29:30,534 --> 00:29:35,567 and resources and worked together on large scale projects. 581 00:29:36,900 --> 00:29:37,934 - [Narrator] With the largest erected Moai weighing 582 00:29:37,934 --> 00:29:40,334 a staggering 86 tons, 583 00:29:40,334 --> 00:29:43,834 the monumental task of transporting these colossal statues 584 00:29:43,834 --> 00:29:46,367 across kilometers of rugged terrain 585 00:29:46,367 --> 00:29:49,901 would demand significant teamwork and ingenuity. 586 00:29:50,900 --> 00:29:52,967 - Moving these sculptures across the island 587 00:29:52,967 --> 00:29:57,867 at 78 tons a piece, it seems like an astronomical feat. 588 00:29:58,600 --> 00:30:00,034 And how did they do that? 589 00:30:00,034 --> 00:30:02,067 They didn't have the modern equipment that we have. 590 00:30:02,067 --> 00:30:04,000 Who knows what that terrain was like? 591 00:30:04,000 --> 00:30:06,533 It couldn't have been an easy task. 592 00:30:06,533 --> 00:30:07,967 - [Narrator] The Moai were placed 593 00:30:07,967 --> 00:30:12,200 on stone platforms called Ahu, often facing inland, 594 00:30:12,200 --> 00:30:15,201 as if watching over their descendants on the island. 595 00:30:16,367 --> 00:30:18,667 - The idea that the Moai were set up to protect 596 00:30:18,667 --> 00:30:21,367 the people on the island comes from the way 597 00:30:21,367 --> 00:30:22,867 that they're facing. 598 00:30:22,867 --> 00:30:24,367 They're facing inwards, 599 00:30:24,367 --> 00:30:26,267 they're facing towards the village, they're watching. 600 00:30:26,267 --> 00:30:29,500 And this goes along with the fact that they're very large. 601 00:30:29,500 --> 00:30:31,400 They're watching over you. 602 00:30:31,400 --> 00:30:33,834 And this is a common refrain that we feel 603 00:30:33,834 --> 00:30:35,400 if somebody's watching over us, 604 00:30:35,400 --> 00:30:37,867 somebody looking down on us from above, 605 00:30:37,867 --> 00:30:40,067 then they're there to protect or care for us. 606 00:30:41,567 --> 00:30:42,700 - [Narrator] So why was protection 607 00:30:42,700 --> 00:30:45,034 an important element of society? 608 00:30:45,034 --> 00:30:47,567 What did they need protection from? 609 00:30:47,567 --> 00:30:51,234 How prevalent was superstition in the Rapa Nui society? 610 00:30:52,200 --> 00:30:53,767 - When they're facing outwards, 611 00:30:53,767 --> 00:30:55,167 they're more a warrior protector. 612 00:30:55,167 --> 00:30:56,901 But when they're facing inwards, 613 00:30:56,901 --> 00:30:58,934 they're a protector that's a guardian 614 00:30:58,934 --> 00:31:01,100 of the people who live there. 615 00:31:01,100 --> 00:31:03,101 - [Narrator] Some suggest the statues were dragged 616 00:31:03,101 --> 00:31:07,434 on sleds made from the island's now vanished palm trees. 617 00:31:07,434 --> 00:31:08,900 - Some of the other things that they might have done 618 00:31:08,900 --> 00:31:11,934 would be to roll them out on logs, 619 00:31:11,934 --> 00:31:14,834 or to lever them from spot to spot. 620 00:31:15,933 --> 00:31:17,767 - [Narrator] Others proposed they were moved upright 621 00:31:17,767 --> 00:31:19,467 in a walking motion. 622 00:31:19,467 --> 00:31:22,434 The latter theory has gained significant traction, 623 00:31:22,434 --> 00:31:25,934 supported by fascinating archeological recreations. 624 00:31:27,267 --> 00:31:29,767 - There's lots of theories how they might have done it. 625 00:31:29,767 --> 00:31:31,067 One of the ones that's most talked about 626 00:31:31,067 --> 00:31:33,100 is sort of walking these sculptures, 627 00:31:33,100 --> 00:31:35,434 just pivoting them with ropes, 628 00:31:36,967 --> 00:31:39,267 to move them across the island like they were walking. 629 00:31:39,267 --> 00:31:41,100 Imagine seeing that? 630 00:31:41,100 --> 00:31:45,300 - Dragging the entire mass of an object is very difficult 631 00:31:45,300 --> 00:31:48,300 because you have a huge amount of friction with the ground. 632 00:31:48,300 --> 00:31:50,767 It's very hard to move the entire object. 633 00:31:50,767 --> 00:31:53,967 It's much easier to rotate the object, 634 00:31:53,967 --> 00:31:58,167 because then you're not employing all of the friction 635 00:31:58,167 --> 00:32:00,301 that you would have in dragging it. 636 00:32:00,301 --> 00:32:04,167 So, if we take a Moai and put it on the ground, 637 00:32:04,167 --> 00:32:09,234 and we rotate it upwards while pinning the bottom, 638 00:32:10,400 --> 00:32:12,500 I'll actually move it up without having to move 639 00:32:12,500 --> 00:32:14,233 the entire mass. 640 00:32:14,233 --> 00:32:15,867 And then, again, 641 00:32:15,867 --> 00:32:18,833 I pin the top and then I rotate the bottom up. 642 00:32:18,833 --> 00:32:21,334 So I get this kind of walking motion 643 00:32:21,334 --> 00:32:25,133 where I'm only moving about half the mass at a time 644 00:32:25,133 --> 00:32:29,334 by using this walking technique to move the Moai up a hill. 645 00:32:29,334 --> 00:32:31,534 - [Narrator] The idea draws further support 646 00:32:31,534 --> 00:32:33,534 from Rapa Nui oral tradition. 647 00:32:34,834 --> 00:32:37,733 Local legend actually states that the Moai walked 648 00:32:37,733 --> 00:32:39,734 to their platforms. 649 00:32:39,734 --> 00:32:41,867 This could be a metaphorical description 650 00:32:41,867 --> 00:32:45,501 of the rocking/walking motion used to transport them. 651 00:32:45,501 --> 00:32:49,000 The truth may involve a combination of methods adapted 652 00:32:49,000 --> 00:32:51,967 to different terrains and statue sizes. 653 00:32:51,967 --> 00:32:53,833 What's clear is that moving 654 00:32:53,833 --> 00:32:57,500 the Moai required immense effort and planning. 655 00:32:57,500 --> 00:33:00,334 The amount of labor and resources needed to create, 656 00:33:00,334 --> 00:33:04,100 transport, and erect a single Moai suggest 657 00:33:04,100 --> 00:33:07,934 a highly structured society with shared beliefs and goals. 658 00:33:09,800 --> 00:33:12,933 So why did the Rapa Nui invest so much effort 659 00:33:12,933 --> 00:33:14,901 into this practice? 660 00:33:14,901 --> 00:33:17,067 By the time the Europeans first arrived 661 00:33:17,067 --> 00:33:19,733 on Easter Island in 1722, 662 00:33:19,733 --> 00:33:24,201 they found a decimated population and many Moai toppled. 663 00:33:25,434 --> 00:33:28,400 For centuries, the creation of the Moai was central 664 00:33:28,400 --> 00:33:30,234 to Rapa Nui culture, 665 00:33:30,234 --> 00:33:33,634 but sometime in the 18th century this practice came 666 00:33:33,634 --> 00:33:34,700 to an end. 667 00:33:34,700 --> 00:33:36,733 - What happened to the society? 668 00:33:36,733 --> 00:33:38,400 How did a culture capable 669 00:33:38,400 --> 00:33:42,467 of such monumental achievements seemingly collapse? 670 00:33:42,467 --> 00:33:46,367 - [Narrator] By 1868, all of the Moai had been toppled. 671 00:33:47,200 --> 00:33:48,867 The reasons behind this shift, 672 00:33:48,867 --> 00:33:51,867 and the alleged collapse of the Rapa Nui society, 673 00:33:51,867 --> 00:33:54,900 have been the subject of intense debate. 674 00:33:54,900 --> 00:33:57,801 Traditionally, many scholars believed in a narrative 675 00:33:57,801 --> 00:33:59,901 of ecological collapse. 676 00:33:59,901 --> 00:34:01,367 This theory suggested 677 00:34:01,367 --> 00:34:05,001 that the Rapa Nui people overexploited their resources, 678 00:34:05,001 --> 00:34:09,867 leading to deforestation, warfare, and population decline. 679 00:34:09,867 --> 00:34:13,000 Recent research paints a new picture. 680 00:34:13,000 --> 00:34:16,034 - Ongoing research in the form of archeological digs 681 00:34:16,034 --> 00:34:19,534 and others is suggesting that actually colonization 682 00:34:19,534 --> 00:34:21,133 was the real culprit. 683 00:34:21,133 --> 00:34:24,133 That we actually have a thriving society much longer 684 00:34:24,133 --> 00:34:27,967 than they initially thought, right until the 18th century, 685 00:34:27,967 --> 00:34:31,634 and that it was the arrival of European colonizers 686 00:34:31,634 --> 00:34:33,967 that ultimately led to the devastation 687 00:34:33,967 --> 00:34:35,301 of the local population. 688 00:34:36,634 --> 00:34:38,667 - [Narrator] These factors, including the devastation 689 00:34:38,667 --> 00:34:40,734 of the island's population, 690 00:34:40,734 --> 00:34:43,101 also disrupted traditional practices, 691 00:34:43,101 --> 00:34:45,201 including Moai construction. 692 00:34:46,600 --> 00:34:49,467 What was once seen as evidence of internal conflict 693 00:34:49,467 --> 00:34:53,634 and societal collapse has now been painted as resilience 694 00:34:53,634 --> 00:34:55,534 in the face of external pressure. 695 00:34:56,967 --> 00:35:01,367 - When people invest so much time in constructing things 696 00:35:02,567 --> 00:35:04,067 like the Moai or giant structures, 697 00:35:04,067 --> 00:35:07,100 it really says it has to be very important to them 698 00:35:07,100 --> 00:35:09,801 and a central feature of their culture. 699 00:35:10,734 --> 00:35:12,367 - [Narrator] While some may have fallen due 700 00:35:12,367 --> 00:35:14,867 to natural causes like earthquakes, 701 00:35:14,867 --> 00:35:17,067 many were likely deliberately toppled during 702 00:35:17,067 --> 00:35:19,967 the turmoil following European contact. 703 00:35:21,867 --> 00:35:25,200 Rather than self-inflicted ecological disaster, 704 00:35:25,200 --> 00:35:28,400 the changes in Rapa Nui society appear to be the result 705 00:35:28,400 --> 00:35:30,700 of colonial impact. 706 00:35:30,700 --> 00:35:32,100 The Rapa Nui people, 707 00:35:32,100 --> 00:35:35,034 facing new threats and cultural upheaval, 708 00:35:35,034 --> 00:35:37,100 may have turned against these symbols 709 00:35:37,100 --> 00:35:38,867 of their traditional beliefs. 710 00:35:42,500 --> 00:35:46,800 Nestled within the Ellora caves of Maharashtra, India lies 711 00:35:46,800 --> 00:35:50,167 a Hindu temple also carved from volcanic rock, 712 00:35:50,167 --> 00:35:53,567 but on a scale that seems to defy belief. 713 00:35:53,567 --> 00:35:58,234 - The sheer size of Kailasa Temple is truly breathtaking. 714 00:35:58,234 --> 00:36:01,967 - So the interesting thing about Kailasa is really, 715 00:36:01,967 --> 00:36:04,567 it's difficult to envision at the start. 716 00:36:04,567 --> 00:36:07,601 I mean, you're going to have to think about things 717 00:36:07,601 --> 00:36:10,133 a little bit differently to construct it. 718 00:36:10,133 --> 00:36:14,167 Most structures that humans build start with the ground up 719 00:36:14,167 --> 00:36:17,300 so you can see where you're going. 720 00:36:17,300 --> 00:36:20,000 With Kailasa, it's kind of the opposite. 721 00:36:20,000 --> 00:36:21,667 - Ancient builders had to remove 722 00:36:21,667 --> 00:36:24,967 an estimated 200,000 tons of rock. 723 00:36:24,967 --> 00:36:28,267 This is the equivalent weight of 20 Eiffel Towers. 724 00:36:29,267 --> 00:36:30,967 - [Narrator] Even more astonishing 725 00:36:30,967 --> 00:36:34,767 is the level of detail achieved by its ancient sculptors. 726 00:36:34,767 --> 00:36:36,767 - Kailasa is also well known 727 00:36:36,767 --> 00:36:40,434 for its elaborate, ornate interior. 728 00:36:40,434 --> 00:36:42,634 It has over 30,000 carvings. 729 00:36:42,634 --> 00:36:46,101 These are often mystical beast deities, 730 00:36:46,101 --> 00:36:49,134 narratives of Hindu stories, 731 00:36:49,134 --> 00:36:53,434 and clearly the work that went into this was the work 732 00:36:53,434 --> 00:36:55,933 of incredibly skilled artisans. 733 00:36:55,933 --> 00:36:57,567 - [Narrator] For all its grandeur, 734 00:36:57,567 --> 00:37:01,834 Kailasa Temple continues to astound experts to this day. 735 00:37:01,834 --> 00:37:04,567 - You're basically carving out the negative space. 736 00:37:04,567 --> 00:37:06,401 You're taking away from this rock 737 00:37:06,401 --> 00:37:07,867 instead of adding something, 738 00:37:07,867 --> 00:37:09,034 instead of building something from the ground up. 739 00:37:09,034 --> 00:37:11,667 It just totally inverts your thinking process 740 00:37:11,667 --> 00:37:13,234 of how to construct something. 741 00:37:14,867 --> 00:37:18,667 - How did they manage to carve such a complex piece 742 00:37:18,667 --> 00:37:21,834 of architecture from a piece of rock? 743 00:37:25,433 --> 00:37:26,734 - [Narrator] As you enter, 744 00:37:26,734 --> 00:37:29,467 you're greeted by the imposing entrance tower. 745 00:37:29,467 --> 00:37:30,867 Moving past it, 746 00:37:30,867 --> 00:37:34,134 you encounter the iconic sculpture of Ravana attempting 747 00:37:34,134 --> 00:37:38,034 to lift Mount Kailash carved from a single rock. 748 00:37:38,034 --> 00:37:40,967 Nearby stands the Nandi Mandapa, 749 00:37:40,967 --> 00:37:44,400 housing a large sculpture of Shiva's sacred bull. 750 00:37:44,400 --> 00:37:47,834 At the heart of the temple lies the main hall. 751 00:37:47,834 --> 00:37:50,400 If you look up, you'll see a ceiling adorned 752 00:37:50,400 --> 00:37:52,233 with intricate paintings. 753 00:37:52,233 --> 00:37:56,000 The walls showcase scenes from Hindu epics. 754 00:37:56,000 --> 00:37:58,401 But a burning question remains: 755 00:37:58,401 --> 00:38:02,300 How did ancient craftsmen, armed with only basic tools, 756 00:38:02,300 --> 00:38:06,101 manage to carve something so complex from a single rock? 757 00:38:07,400 --> 00:38:10,233 Kailasa Temple's construction is generally attributed 758 00:38:10,233 --> 00:38:12,401 to the Rashtrakuta king Krishna I, 759 00:38:13,767 --> 00:38:18,301 who ruled from approximately 756 to 773 CE. 760 00:38:19,567 --> 00:38:20,967 - One of the greatest mysteries associated with the site 761 00:38:20,967 --> 00:38:23,867 is where all that rock went. 762 00:38:23,867 --> 00:38:25,967 - [Narrator] A captivating legend offers 763 00:38:25,967 --> 00:38:29,100 a more romantic depiction of the temple's creation, 764 00:38:29,100 --> 00:38:32,434 tying its construction to a miraculous healing. 765 00:38:32,434 --> 00:38:34,567 - The queen prays to Lord Shiva, 766 00:38:34,567 --> 00:38:39,301 vowing to build a grand temple dedicated to the deity 767 00:38:39,301 --> 00:38:40,900 if her husband recovers. 768 00:38:40,900 --> 00:38:43,967 - Here, because they're asking for divine help, 769 00:38:44,633 --> 00:38:45,934 she has to make a promise. 770 00:38:45,934 --> 00:38:47,901 And in that sense, 771 00:38:47,901 --> 00:38:50,600 what do I think the person asking for help wants? 772 00:38:50,600 --> 00:38:54,000 Well, it's a divine being. We need to build a temple. 773 00:38:54,000 --> 00:38:58,901 And where is my hardship for asking for this boon or favor? 774 00:38:59,700 --> 00:39:01,434 And I will fast until it's done. 775 00:39:01,434 --> 00:39:06,467 So it's set up as a bargain, not just a prayer. 776 00:39:07,467 --> 00:39:08,667 - When the king recovers, 777 00:39:08,667 --> 00:39:12,000 the queen is eager to fulfill her vow. 778 00:39:12,000 --> 00:39:13,967 - This not only saves the queen's life, 779 00:39:13,967 --> 00:39:15,301 but also results in 780 00:39:15,301 --> 00:39:18,967 the remarkable monolithic structure we see today. 781 00:39:18,967 --> 00:39:21,934 - [Narrator] The Kailasa Temple story begins long before 782 00:39:21,934 --> 00:39:24,134 chisel strikes the first stone. 783 00:39:25,967 --> 00:39:28,800 To fully grasp its origins requires delving 784 00:39:28,800 --> 00:39:31,267 into the area's volcanic past. 785 00:39:35,134 --> 00:39:37,967 The entire Ellora complex sits atop 786 00:39:37,967 --> 00:39:41,534 a massive plateau called the Deccan Traps. 787 00:39:41,534 --> 00:39:44,133 - What many don't realize is that the very foundation 788 00:39:44,133 --> 00:39:46,467 of the temple is volcanic in nature. 789 00:39:46,467 --> 00:39:49,034 - [Narrator] This massive volcanic formation began 790 00:39:49,034 --> 00:39:53,834 to take shape around 66.25 million years ago, 791 00:39:53,834 --> 00:39:57,834 as India drifted northward over the Reunion hotspot. 792 00:39:57,834 --> 00:40:01,200 - As India moves northward over this hotspot, 793 00:40:01,200 --> 00:40:04,201 it triggers enormous volcanic eruptions. 794 00:40:05,267 --> 00:40:06,967 - [Narrator] This geological event 795 00:40:06,967 --> 00:40:09,200 triggered colossal fissure eruptions 796 00:40:09,200 --> 00:40:12,800 spewing lava through cracks in the Earth's crust. 797 00:40:12,800 --> 00:40:15,134 In less than 30,000 years, 798 00:40:15,134 --> 00:40:17,401 these eruptions blanketed an area 799 00:40:17,401 --> 00:40:20,301 of 500,000 square kilometers 800 00:40:20,301 --> 00:40:24,134 with lava flows up to 3,200 meters thick, 801 00:40:24,134 --> 00:40:25,701 forever altering the landscape 802 00:40:25,701 --> 00:40:28,734 of what would become modern day India. 803 00:40:28,734 --> 00:40:31,933 This ancient lava flow creates layer upon layer 804 00:40:31,933 --> 00:40:33,534 of basalt rock, 805 00:40:33,534 --> 00:40:37,467 providing the perfect canvas for the temple's creators. 806 00:40:37,467 --> 00:40:41,134 - The builders of the temple weren't just master sculptors; 807 00:40:41,134 --> 00:40:43,467 they were geological geniuses. 808 00:40:45,067 --> 00:40:47,633 - [Narrator] The site's geology itself also influences 809 00:40:47,633 --> 00:40:49,567 the temple's design. 810 00:40:49,567 --> 00:40:51,500 - We know that rock is strong. 811 00:40:51,500 --> 00:40:53,133 We know that it's monolithic. 812 00:40:53,133 --> 00:40:55,600 So it doesn't have a lot of cracks in it. 813 00:40:55,600 --> 00:40:59,000 It doesn't have a lot of defects which are going to act 814 00:40:59,000 --> 00:41:01,233 as potential failure points for large structures. 815 00:41:01,233 --> 00:41:02,934 So with Kailasa, 816 00:41:02,934 --> 00:41:06,067 what they did was actually really innovative in that they, 817 00:41:06,067 --> 00:41:08,200 very likely at the outset, 818 00:41:08,200 --> 00:41:11,801 would recognize that if they built their structure 819 00:41:11,801 --> 00:41:14,834 as they designed it, it would be self-supporting. 820 00:41:14,834 --> 00:41:16,400 - [Narrator] While the volcanic origins 821 00:41:16,400 --> 00:41:19,367 of the Deccan Traps provide the raw materials 822 00:41:19,367 --> 00:41:21,133 for the Kailasa Temple, 823 00:41:21,133 --> 00:41:25,367 they also set the stage for one of its greatest mysteries. 824 00:41:25,367 --> 00:41:29,234 How did the ancient craftsmen carve this massive structure 825 00:41:29,234 --> 00:41:30,534 from the top down? 826 00:41:32,001 --> 00:41:33,600 - When we're building new structures, 827 00:41:33,600 --> 00:41:35,034 we start at the ground up. 828 00:41:35,034 --> 00:41:36,567 We start with that foundation 829 00:41:36,567 --> 00:41:38,867 that's going to support everything we're gonna build above. 830 00:41:38,867 --> 00:41:41,201 In this case, we're doing the complete opposite. 831 00:41:41,201 --> 00:41:46,034 How do you even design where you're gonna get to? 832 00:41:46,034 --> 00:41:50,967 You have to be thinking about the end even before you start 833 00:41:52,201 --> 00:41:55,533 and thinking about what you're going to leave in place 834 00:41:55,533 --> 00:42:00,501 and take away to make sure that that meets your needs 835 00:42:02,167 --> 00:42:04,100 instead of putting a piece in place to build what you want. 836 00:42:04,100 --> 00:42:06,767 It's the complete opposite thought process 837 00:42:06,767 --> 00:42:08,667 of designing and building. 838 00:42:08,667 --> 00:42:11,101 This is like, this is discovering. 839 00:42:12,234 --> 00:42:14,300 - When we're digging structures in the ground 840 00:42:14,300 --> 00:42:16,767 and relying on the native material 841 00:42:16,767 --> 00:42:19,100 to support the structure in the long run, 842 00:42:19,100 --> 00:42:21,167 it's always a bit of a gamble. 843 00:42:21,167 --> 00:42:24,233 We build a lot of tunnels nowadays as engineers, 844 00:42:24,233 --> 00:42:27,800 and we spend vast amounts of time drilling holes 845 00:42:27,800 --> 00:42:30,500 into the ground to see what's underground 846 00:42:30,500 --> 00:42:33,000 and whether we're going to encounter, you know, 847 00:42:33,000 --> 00:42:35,267 a soft area or, you know, 848 00:42:35,267 --> 00:42:37,567 some shale that's in the limestone 849 00:42:37,567 --> 00:42:40,634 that's not gonna be load supporting in the long run. 850 00:42:40,634 --> 00:42:43,234 So we spend a lot of time in monitoring 851 00:42:43,234 --> 00:42:45,267 or figuring out what the ground looks like 852 00:42:45,267 --> 00:42:48,434 before we start building structures underground. 853 00:42:48,434 --> 00:42:50,667 When Kailasa was built, 854 00:42:50,667 --> 00:42:53,634 we didn't have the technology to drill into the ground 855 00:42:53,634 --> 00:42:54,934 and know what was there. 856 00:42:54,934 --> 00:42:57,267 So they were taking a bit of a gamble 857 00:42:57,267 --> 00:43:00,267 in that they may not have known specifically 858 00:43:00,267 --> 00:43:05,333 whether there were seams or unusual materials 859 00:43:05,333 --> 00:43:07,467 in the material that they were excavating 860 00:43:07,467 --> 00:43:08,734 before they started. 861 00:43:08,734 --> 00:43:11,234 So there is a bit of luck to what happened, 862 00:43:11,234 --> 00:43:13,667 is that they didn't encounter anything 863 00:43:13,667 --> 00:43:16,867 that was really problematic for the structure itself. 864 00:43:16,867 --> 00:43:18,701 - [Narrator] The architects would have to envision 865 00:43:18,701 --> 00:43:21,167 the entire structure within the rock 866 00:43:21,167 --> 00:43:23,367 before they started carving. 867 00:43:23,367 --> 00:43:26,700 Any miscalculation could have been disastrous 868 00:43:26,700 --> 00:43:28,667 as errors couldn't be corrected easily 869 00:43:28,667 --> 00:43:30,500 in the top down approach. 870 00:43:30,500 --> 00:43:33,834 They likely started by carving out the temple's main shrine 871 00:43:33,834 --> 00:43:36,500 and its roof then worked their way down, 872 00:43:36,500 --> 00:43:39,367 removing more rock to create the lower levels, 873 00:43:39,367 --> 00:43:42,200 courtyards, and subsidiary shrines. 874 00:43:42,200 --> 00:43:45,500 - The process to me is that of shaping 875 00:43:45,500 --> 00:43:46,867 and discovering along the way. 876 00:43:46,867 --> 00:43:50,301 You might excavate out the major volumes. 877 00:43:51,534 --> 00:43:52,967 You take away all the material 878 00:43:52,967 --> 00:43:54,900 around that main central volume, 879 00:43:54,900 --> 00:43:56,967 and then you start carving out the inside of it 880 00:43:56,967 --> 00:43:58,967 to create that interior space. 881 00:43:58,967 --> 00:44:01,200 - [Narrator] The craftsmen's skill is evident 882 00:44:01,200 --> 00:44:03,734 in the temple's intricate details. 883 00:44:03,734 --> 00:44:06,367 And, incredibly, this massive undertaking 884 00:44:06,367 --> 00:44:09,300 was accomplished only using chisels and hammers, 885 00:44:09,300 --> 00:44:11,867 the tools available in the eighth century CE. 886 00:44:12,867 --> 00:44:14,067 The precision achieved 887 00:44:14,067 --> 00:44:17,567 with such basic implements is astounding. 888 00:44:17,567 --> 00:44:19,900 - And then you start going back to the details of things. 889 00:44:19,900 --> 00:44:22,734 You carve in a sconce, you carve in a column, 890 00:44:22,734 --> 00:44:25,967 you evolve the structure as you're discovering 891 00:44:25,967 --> 00:44:28,501 and designing it, which is just really neat. 892 00:44:28,501 --> 00:44:30,767 It sounds like a lot of fun 893 00:44:30,767 --> 00:44:34,567 and a lot of hard work, obviously, as well. 894 00:44:34,567 --> 00:44:35,867 You're taking this material away 895 00:44:35,867 --> 00:44:37,401 and then you have to discard that material 896 00:44:37,401 --> 00:44:38,834 as well somewhere else. 897 00:44:40,067 --> 00:44:42,133 - [Narrator] This construction method would require 898 00:44:42,133 --> 00:44:46,733 the removal of an estimated 200,000 tons of volcanic rock, 899 00:44:46,733 --> 00:44:51,034 but perplexingly, it seems to have vanished into thin air. 900 00:44:52,734 --> 00:44:54,800 To put the scale in perspective, 901 00:44:54,800 --> 00:44:57,234 the amount of rock removed is enough to build 902 00:44:57,234 --> 00:45:01,167 a three meter high wall stretching for two kilometers. 903 00:45:01,167 --> 00:45:05,467 It's as if the 200,000 tons of rock simply vanished. 904 00:45:07,934 --> 00:45:11,001 The mystery of the absence of debris has given rise 905 00:45:11,001 --> 00:45:12,934 to fascinating tales, 906 00:45:12,934 --> 00:45:15,701 including the legend of a divine tool gifted 907 00:45:15,701 --> 00:45:18,033 by Lord Shiva himself. 908 00:45:18,033 --> 00:45:20,600 - Archeologists have not been able to figure out 909 00:45:20,600 --> 00:45:21,934 where it is. 910 00:45:21,934 --> 00:45:23,334 It seems to, in other words, have vanished. 911 00:45:23,334 --> 00:45:27,467 And here we have this wonderful story of how the rock, 912 00:45:27,467 --> 00:45:30,600 as it was being dug out of the temple, simply vanished. 913 00:45:30,600 --> 00:45:31,967 It turned into mist. 914 00:45:31,967 --> 00:45:35,134 And when we think about that, that says that Shiva, 915 00:45:35,134 --> 00:45:37,367 to whom the temple was dedicated, 916 00:45:37,367 --> 00:45:40,767 was supporting this and considered this a worthy tribute 917 00:45:40,767 --> 00:45:41,767 in his honor. 918 00:45:41,767 --> 00:45:43,100 - [Narrator] According to myth, 919 00:45:43,100 --> 00:45:45,201 the tool called a Bhumi Astra, 920 00:45:45,201 --> 00:45:48,467 had the power to turn rock and soil into vapor, 921 00:45:48,467 --> 00:45:51,667 in addition to powers such as summoning jewels. 922 00:45:51,667 --> 00:45:53,467 - It's an intriguing question, isn't it, 923 00:45:53,467 --> 00:45:55,834 whether these stories 924 00:45:55,834 --> 00:45:58,834 that seem to imply supernatural origins 925 00:45:58,834 --> 00:46:03,700 to these famous temples are, in fact, you know, 926 00:46:03,700 --> 00:46:05,234 generated by the fact that these 927 00:46:05,234 --> 00:46:07,434 are spectacular sights in themselves. 928 00:46:07,434 --> 00:46:08,801 And I think that that's it. 929 00:46:08,801 --> 00:46:11,333 I think we have to put ourselves in the person 930 00:46:11,333 --> 00:46:15,533 of the typical, ordinary person who comes across the temple 931 00:46:15,533 --> 00:46:18,967 the first time and sees something extraordinary, 932 00:46:18,967 --> 00:46:21,900 and Kailasa is one of those extraordinary sights. 933 00:46:21,900 --> 00:46:24,800 - [Narrator] This miraculous tool allegedly allowed 934 00:46:24,800 --> 00:46:27,134 the temple to be built from top to bottom 935 00:46:27,134 --> 00:46:31,501 with incredible speed, leaving no trace of the removed rock. 936 00:46:32,700 --> 00:46:34,567 While this supernatural tale serves 937 00:46:34,567 --> 00:46:36,334 to capture the imagination, 938 00:46:36,334 --> 00:46:40,367 researchers have unearthed more grounded explanations. 939 00:46:40,367 --> 00:46:45,067 - When you're talking about 200,000 tons of material, 940 00:46:45,067 --> 00:46:48,301 if we divide that by a density of four, 941 00:46:48,301 --> 00:46:49,367 we're actually talking 942 00:46:49,367 --> 00:46:53,900 about 50,000 cubic meters of material. 943 00:46:53,900 --> 00:46:56,233 This is, it's a huge amount of material. 944 00:46:56,233 --> 00:46:58,067 To put that in a modern perspective, 945 00:46:58,067 --> 00:47:02,700 large dump trucks carry about ten cubic meters of material. 946 00:47:02,700 --> 00:47:06,800 So, the 50,000 cubic meters of material 947 00:47:06,800 --> 00:47:09,334 that was removed at Kailasa represents 948 00:47:09,334 --> 00:47:12,400 about 5,000 dump trucks. 949 00:47:12,400 --> 00:47:15,634 So imagine trying to do all that by hand 950 00:47:15,634 --> 00:47:19,767 and trying to find a place to put all of that material. 951 00:47:19,767 --> 00:47:21,167 - [Narrator] The rock could have been used 952 00:47:21,167 --> 00:47:23,800 to build other structures in the area, 953 00:47:23,800 --> 00:47:26,667 but no evidence of this has been found. 954 00:47:26,667 --> 00:47:28,233 Others proposed that it was crushed 955 00:47:28,233 --> 00:47:30,967 and used as building material elsewhere. 956 00:47:30,967 --> 00:47:33,667 But again, there's no historical record 957 00:47:33,667 --> 00:47:35,933 of such a massive undertaking. 958 00:47:35,933 --> 00:47:38,900 Ancient builders may have had a system for removing 959 00:47:38,900 --> 00:47:41,167 and disposing of the rock as they carved, 960 00:47:41,167 --> 00:47:44,001 perhaps using a series of ramps or pulleys 961 00:47:44,001 --> 00:47:46,601 to transport the debris away from the site. 962 00:47:46,601 --> 00:47:47,967 - So as you excavate along, 963 00:47:47,967 --> 00:47:51,834 you have to discard the material that you're extracting. 964 00:47:51,834 --> 00:47:56,100 And there's no evidence of a city nearby, a town, 965 00:47:56,100 --> 00:47:57,800 a village that would have needed 966 00:47:57,800 --> 00:47:59,100 these materials or something. 967 00:47:59,100 --> 00:48:01,401 There's no indication of where that refuse went. 968 00:48:01,401 --> 00:48:02,501 We don't really know. 969 00:48:03,901 --> 00:48:06,533 - [Narrator] This absence of historical documentation 970 00:48:06,533 --> 00:48:08,334 only deepens the mystery. 971 00:48:09,701 --> 00:48:11,834 Also discovered in the temple is a network 972 00:48:11,834 --> 00:48:14,200 of hidden passages and chambers. 973 00:48:14,200 --> 00:48:17,734 A main hidden passage features intricately carved walls 974 00:48:17,734 --> 00:48:19,733 and a narrow entry leading to 975 00:48:19,733 --> 00:48:22,334 an unknown chamber deep within the temple. 976 00:48:22,334 --> 00:48:24,167 These secretive spaces 977 00:48:24,167 --> 00:48:26,834 have puzzled researchers for centuries. 978 00:48:26,834 --> 00:48:29,034 - What secrets do they hold? 979 00:48:29,034 --> 00:48:31,933 Who was allowed to access them, 980 00:48:31,933 --> 00:48:35,701 and what rituals or activities might have taken place 981 00:48:35,701 --> 00:48:38,501 with their shadowy confines? 982 00:48:38,501 --> 00:48:40,634 - [Narrator] Some speculate that these passages 983 00:48:40,634 --> 00:48:43,334 may have been used for secret rituals, 984 00:48:43,334 --> 00:48:46,501 perhaps ceremonies too sacred for public view. 985 00:48:47,534 --> 00:48:49,501 - The fact that people have come 986 00:48:49,501 --> 00:48:52,333 to build stories around them 987 00:48:52,333 --> 00:48:55,734 that imply a more mysterious past is not surprising, 988 00:48:55,734 --> 00:48:57,501 because here we are dealing with 989 00:48:57,501 --> 00:49:02,400 a very profoundly spiritual place, a place that, 990 00:49:02,400 --> 00:49:06,234 as a temple, functions in the cultural mindsets 991 00:49:06,234 --> 00:49:09,567 of the people at the time, as a meeting zone, 992 00:49:09,567 --> 00:49:12,234 a site of communication between the living and the dead, 993 00:49:12,234 --> 00:49:14,667 between the divine and the earthly. 994 00:49:14,667 --> 00:49:19,067 And as such, is it really that unreasonable 995 00:49:19,067 --> 00:49:22,267 that they wouldn't believe that these interior, cavernous, 996 00:49:22,267 --> 00:49:25,734 dark, mysterious spaces also participated 997 00:49:25,734 --> 00:49:29,267 in that supernatural activity? 998 00:49:31,834 --> 00:49:35,267 There's still so much we don't know about Kailasa, 999 00:49:35,267 --> 00:49:36,733 how it was used. 1000 00:49:36,733 --> 00:49:41,367 And this includes these underground chambers and other areas 1001 00:49:42,900 --> 00:49:45,601 that clearly played an important role in the temple. 1002 00:49:45,601 --> 00:49:47,933 But how they were used, we don't know. 1003 00:49:47,933 --> 00:49:51,300 Could they have been sites of ritual, 1004 00:49:51,300 --> 00:49:55,067 of other kinds of religious or spiritual uses? 1005 00:49:56,100 --> 00:49:58,067 Very possibly. We simply don't know. 1006 00:49:59,867 --> 00:50:01,267 - [Narrator] As we continue to study 1007 00:50:01,267 --> 00:50:04,067 these mysterious passages and chambers, 1008 00:50:04,067 --> 00:50:06,834 we're left with more questions than answers. 1009 00:50:08,134 --> 00:50:10,700 Will we ever uncover the secrets hidden 1010 00:50:10,700 --> 00:50:12,967 within this ancient volcanic structure? 1011 00:50:14,367 --> 00:50:17,067 (gentle music) 1012 00:50:18,567 --> 00:50:21,500 Sigiriya, with its enigmatic origins 1013 00:50:21,500 --> 00:50:23,300 and elaborate engineering, 1014 00:50:23,300 --> 00:50:25,600 continues to challenge our understanding 1015 00:50:25,600 --> 00:50:28,434 of ancient Sri Lankan civilization. 1016 00:50:28,434 --> 00:50:29,900 - There are features of Sigiriya 1017 00:50:29,900 --> 00:50:32,900 which hint at a purpose very different 1018 00:50:32,900 --> 00:50:36,234 than simply a military fortress. 1019 00:50:36,234 --> 00:50:39,401 It hints at something far more beautiful, 1020 00:50:39,401 --> 00:50:43,933 a place of elaborate water fountains fed by complex 1021 00:50:43,933 --> 00:50:46,400 and sophisticated water hydraulic systems, 1022 00:50:46,400 --> 00:50:49,600 of beautiful terraced, well-kept gardens. 1023 00:50:49,600 --> 00:50:51,301 This was something different. 1024 00:50:52,567 --> 00:50:54,367 - [Narrator] The Easter Island Moai, 1025 00:50:54,367 --> 00:50:57,901 standing solemnly over a remote Pacific island, 1026 00:50:57,901 --> 00:51:00,967 remain silent on the mysteries of their past. 1027 00:51:00,967 --> 00:51:04,433 - They acted as a conduit between the mortal world 1028 00:51:04,433 --> 00:51:06,134 and the realm of the gods. 1029 00:51:07,133 --> 00:51:08,633 - [Narrator] And the Kailasa Temple, 1030 00:51:08,633 --> 00:51:12,334 carved from a single rock with inexplicable precision, 1031 00:51:12,334 --> 00:51:14,434 defies full explanation. 1032 00:51:16,001 --> 00:51:17,967 - Traditionally, to build a temple like that 1033 00:51:17,967 --> 00:51:19,301 would take years. 1034 00:51:21,001 --> 00:51:24,267 - [Narrator] The enduring questions and mysteries associated 1035 00:51:24,267 --> 00:51:27,000 with these ancient structures continue 1036 00:51:27,000 --> 00:51:30,434 to elude archeologists and historians to this day. 1037 00:51:33,401 --> 00:51:34,901 Will modern archeology 1038 00:51:34,901 --> 00:51:39,001 and science one day unveil their hidden secrets? 1039 00:51:39,001 --> 00:51:42,801 (gentle music continues)