1 00:00:02,767 --> 00:00:04,767 Narrator: The valley of the queens, 2 00:00:04,767 --> 00:00:06,300 The burial site of some of 3 00:00:06,367 --> 00:00:09,167 The most powerful women in Ancient egypt. 4 00:00:09,267 --> 00:00:11,467 Mummies and parts of Mummies have 5 00:00:11,467 --> 00:00:13,200 Been found All over the valley. 6 00:00:13,267 --> 00:00:17,567 Narrator: this vast necropolis Contains dozens more tombs than 7 00:00:17,667 --> 00:00:18,800 The valley of the kings 8 00:00:18,867 --> 00:00:20,867 On the other side Of these cliffs. 9 00:00:20,967 --> 00:00:23,267 And that's why The valley of the queens 10 00:00:23,267 --> 00:00:26,867 Was chosen to be here, In this location. 11 00:00:26,867 --> 00:00:29,967 Narrator: and it conceals some Of egypt's greatest wonders. 12 00:00:29,967 --> 00:00:32,967 Ismail: This is an incredible tomb. 13 00:00:32,967 --> 00:00:36,167 It's like the sistine chapel Of ancient egypt. 14 00:00:36,267 --> 00:00:38,500 The colors are so vivid. 15 00:00:38,567 --> 00:00:40,567 Narrator: Today, investigators venture 16 00:00:40,567 --> 00:00:43,767 Deep into these dark tunnels And uncover 17 00:00:43,767 --> 00:00:46,867 Long-lost clues to unlock The secrets of egypt's 18 00:00:46,867 --> 00:00:48,600 Powerful leaders. 19 00:00:48,667 --> 00:00:53,000 She really was this great ruler In a male-dominated society. 20 00:00:53,067 --> 00:00:56,400 Narrator: what does this Enigmatic necropolis reveal 21 00:00:56,467 --> 00:00:59,467 About the queens of Ancient egypt? 22 00:00:59,467 --> 00:01:01,467 To solve these mysteries, 23 00:01:01,467 --> 00:01:05,767 We unearth this royal valley From the mountains of luxor 24 00:01:05,767 --> 00:01:10,367 And digitally reconstruct one Of the finest tombs ever built. 25 00:01:10,367 --> 00:01:13,767 We uncover millennia-old clues Buried in the sand 26 00:01:15,100 --> 00:01:18,067 And reveal the hidden story Of an all-powerful 27 00:01:18,067 --> 00:01:20,067 Female pharaoh 28 00:01:20,067 --> 00:01:23,567 To discover the golden age of Egypt's queens. 29 00:01:31,600 --> 00:01:36,900 Straddling the mighty river Nile, 300 miles south of cairo, 30 00:01:37,067 --> 00:01:40,500 Are the ancient temples Of luxor and karnak 31 00:01:40,567 --> 00:01:42,100 And the valley of the kings. 32 00:01:44,867 --> 00:01:46,567 This is where to tutankhamun 33 00:01:46,567 --> 00:01:49,300 Discovered 100 years ago, Buried with 34 00:01:49,367 --> 00:01:50,767 Extraordinary riches. 35 00:01:52,100 --> 00:01:55,100 But only a mile west From his tomb lies a second 36 00:01:55,167 --> 00:01:58,967 Huge and more enigmatic Burial site, 37 00:01:58,967 --> 00:02:01,767 The valley of the queens. 38 00:02:01,867 --> 00:02:04,100 Who was buried here, And why? 39 00:02:04,167 --> 00:02:06,667 The valley of the queens Is much 40 00:02:06,767 --> 00:02:08,400 Bigger than The valley of the kings, 41 00:02:08,467 --> 00:02:10,367 And there's so many queens Buried here. 42 00:02:10,467 --> 00:02:14,167 There's so many burials, It's so massive in size. 43 00:02:17,400 --> 00:02:19,367 Narrator: cut into The limestone landscape 44 00:02:19,467 --> 00:02:21,467 Are more than 90 tombs. 45 00:02:22,900 --> 00:02:26,367 Steep passageways descend Into the mountainside, 46 00:02:26,467 --> 00:02:28,367 Some of them over 60 feet deep. 47 00:02:30,700 --> 00:02:32,667 Complex subterranean palaces 48 00:02:32,767 --> 00:02:35,667 Are carved into the rock to Keep mummies with their 49 00:02:35,767 --> 00:02:37,567 Treasures safe for eternity. 50 00:02:39,367 --> 00:02:41,600 These are some of The most lavish 51 00:02:41,667 --> 00:02:44,600 And richly-decorated tombs In ancient egypt. 52 00:02:46,067 --> 00:02:50,500 Each hides clues of mysterious And powerful queens. 53 00:02:50,567 --> 00:02:52,767 What can new discoveries in This sprawling 54 00:02:52,767 --> 00:02:56,467 Necropolis reveal about the Female rulers of ancient egypt? 55 00:03:00,467 --> 00:03:02,567 Aliaa ismail Is on a mission to 56 00:03:02,567 --> 00:03:05,067 Discover why the queens Are buried here. 57 00:03:06,367 --> 00:03:08,867 She uses an old map created 58 00:03:08,867 --> 00:03:12,267 By past explorers to Investigate the site. 59 00:03:13,667 --> 00:03:15,667 The map reveals The tombs of many of 60 00:03:15,767 --> 00:03:18,067 The most eminent queens Of the new kingdom. 61 00:03:19,300 --> 00:03:22,667 Aliaa wants to find the very First tomb in the valley. 62 00:03:22,667 --> 00:03:26,267 She follows the map to The most likely suspect. 63 00:03:26,267 --> 00:03:28,900 So this is A very simple shaft tomb, 64 00:03:29,067 --> 00:03:31,167 And, as you can see, It's a shaft, 65 00:03:31,167 --> 00:03:32,867 And it goes into A little chamber 66 00:03:32,867 --> 00:03:34,900 Where she would Have been buried there. 67 00:03:35,067 --> 00:03:38,800 Narrator: the first explorers Here find a mummy and other 68 00:03:38,867 --> 00:03:41,067 Items inside The tomb that reveal 69 00:03:41,067 --> 00:03:42,667 The identity of the owner. 70 00:03:42,667 --> 00:03:46,300 This is the tomb of Princess ahmose and probably 71 00:03:46,367 --> 00:03:49,767 The first person to be buried In the valley of the queens. 72 00:03:51,067 --> 00:03:55,067 Narrator: princess ahmose died 3,500 years ago. 73 00:03:55,100 --> 00:03:58,800 Aliaa believes this date is Highly significant. 74 00:03:58,867 --> 00:04:02,167 Princess ahmose was buried in The valley of the queens 75 00:04:02,267 --> 00:04:05,767 Right about the same time that The first king was buried in 76 00:04:05,767 --> 00:04:07,100 The valley of the kings. 77 00:04:07,167 --> 00:04:10,267 So the valley of the queens Was not an afterthought, 78 00:04:10,367 --> 00:04:12,967 But rather it happened right At the same time 79 00:04:12,967 --> 00:04:14,767 As the valley of the kings. 80 00:04:16,167 --> 00:04:18,167 Narrator: the valleys Of the kings and queens 81 00:04:18,267 --> 00:04:22,100 Are created together Around 1550 b.C., 82 00:04:22,167 --> 00:04:25,100 Equal partners in A new royal design. 83 00:04:26,500 --> 00:04:29,767 They marked the beginning of The new kingdom of egypt, 84 00:04:29,767 --> 00:04:31,600 The last of The three great periods 85 00:04:31,667 --> 00:04:33,567 Of egyptian might And unity. 86 00:04:34,600 --> 00:04:37,500 Ismail: both of these sides show How the tradition has 87 00:04:37,567 --> 00:04:40,300 Changed dramatically for Burying royals 88 00:04:40,367 --> 00:04:42,067 In the new kingdom. 89 00:04:42,067 --> 00:04:44,300 They have moved from Being buried 90 00:04:44,367 --> 00:04:48,367 Under pyramids to being buried Under mountains. 91 00:04:48,367 --> 00:04:50,400 Narrator: why do the ancient Egyptians break 92 00:04:50,467 --> 00:04:53,767 So radically from building Tombs under pyramids? 93 00:04:55,467 --> 00:04:57,467 Ismail: Mountains have more security. 94 00:04:57,467 --> 00:04:59,567 Mountains are hard to break in 95 00:04:59,667 --> 00:05:03,767 And are easy to hide A tomb inside. 96 00:05:03,867 --> 00:05:07,567 Narrator: the pyramids are The envy of the ancient world, 97 00:05:07,667 --> 00:05:11,467 But they also identify The pharaoh's buried treasures, 98 00:05:11,567 --> 00:05:14,767 An easy target For ancient robbers. 99 00:05:14,867 --> 00:05:17,667 Ismail: in a mountain, In the solid rock, 100 00:05:17,667 --> 00:05:19,467 It's much more hidden. 101 00:05:19,467 --> 00:05:22,067 It's much harder for robbers To find it, 102 00:05:22,067 --> 00:05:25,567 And if you can't find it, You can't rob it. 103 00:05:26,567 --> 00:05:28,300 Narrator: The valleys sit on either side 104 00:05:28,367 --> 00:05:30,567 Of the tallest peak In the hills, 105 00:05:30,667 --> 00:05:33,200 The distinctive pyramid-shaped El qurn. 106 00:05:37,067 --> 00:05:39,467 In the valley below The mountain of el qurn, 107 00:05:39,467 --> 00:05:42,467 Pharaohs carved 64 tombs Deep into 108 00:05:42,567 --> 00:05:45,667 The rock over the course of Five centuries. 109 00:05:47,300 --> 00:05:50,167 They hope that their bodies And treasures are safe, 110 00:05:50,167 --> 00:05:53,067 Hidden away in these Underground graves. 111 00:05:54,767 --> 00:05:56,600 Just across the theban hills 112 00:05:56,667 --> 00:05:59,067 Lies another Similarly-shaped valley. 113 00:06:02,300 --> 00:06:05,267 The pharaohs bury their wives Here in the same way. 114 00:06:06,667 --> 00:06:09,767 Why are the kings and queens Buried so far apart? 115 00:06:14,067 --> 00:06:16,200 Ismail: previously, It would have been 116 00:06:16,267 --> 00:06:19,067 A grand pyramid for the king And a smaller one 117 00:06:19,067 --> 00:06:22,167 For the queen And his children around him. 118 00:06:22,267 --> 00:06:24,067 But that completely changes. 119 00:06:24,067 --> 00:06:26,667 Now we have three queens with 120 00:06:26,667 --> 00:06:28,867 Their children buried together, And the kings 121 00:06:28,967 --> 00:06:31,767 Away from them In a different valley. 122 00:06:31,867 --> 00:06:33,500 Narrator: The valley of the queens marks 123 00:06:33,567 --> 00:06:35,867 A new era in ancient egypt. 124 00:06:35,867 --> 00:06:37,767 Here, for the first time, 125 00:06:37,767 --> 00:06:41,667 Royal women have their own Special necropolis. 126 00:06:41,667 --> 00:06:44,567 Could it be a sign of the rise Of the queens? 127 00:06:44,667 --> 00:06:48,067 Clues may lie Beneath the ground, 128 00:06:48,067 --> 00:06:51,167 Where archaeologists make A surprising discovery. 129 00:06:53,300 --> 00:06:57,167 Cut into the rock Nearly 3,500 years ago, 130 00:06:57,167 --> 00:07:00,400 Explorers unearth a steep Staircase that leads down to 131 00:07:00,467 --> 00:07:03,400 The most spectacular tomb in The valley of the queens. 132 00:07:04,767 --> 00:07:06,767 Seven chambers Are adorned with 133 00:07:06,867 --> 00:07:09,700 Over 5,000 square feet Of decoration. 134 00:07:10,767 --> 00:07:13,167 On the ceiling is A sky blue canopy 135 00:07:13,167 --> 00:07:15,267 Covered in thousands of stars, 136 00:07:15,267 --> 00:07:18,600 So the deceased queen's soul Is free to fly. 137 00:07:20,167 --> 00:07:23,167 On the walls are images of A young woman. 138 00:07:23,267 --> 00:07:24,533 Wearing a white dress, 139 00:07:24,567 --> 00:07:28,100 She is covered in gold on her Journey through the afterlife. 140 00:07:29,567 --> 00:07:32,167 Who is this mysterious queen? 141 00:07:32,267 --> 00:07:35,067 Why is she buried in this Incredibly rich tomb? 142 00:07:37,567 --> 00:07:40,467 Visits to this fragile tomb Are strictly limited 143 00:07:40,567 --> 00:07:41,767 To protect it, 144 00:07:41,767 --> 00:07:44,200 But aliaa has been granted Unique access 145 00:07:44,267 --> 00:07:46,467 To examine its wonders. 146 00:07:46,467 --> 00:07:49,367 She believes the exquisite Paintings across 147 00:07:49,367 --> 00:07:52,500 The walls could hide Vital clues. 148 00:07:52,567 --> 00:07:54,900 Ismail: This is an incredible tomb. 149 00:07:55,067 --> 00:08:00,100 It's like the sistine chapel Of ancient egypt -- so amazing. 150 00:08:00,167 --> 00:08:02,700 The colors are so vivid. 151 00:08:02,767 --> 00:08:04,267 Narrator: She searches for the name of 152 00:08:04,367 --> 00:08:07,700 The tomb owner and finds it Emblazoned in gold. 153 00:08:07,767 --> 00:08:10,367 Ismail: the oval shape has A name inside of it. 154 00:08:10,467 --> 00:08:13,267 Nefertari, meaning Beautiful companion. 155 00:08:13,367 --> 00:08:15,400 She was queen consort. 156 00:08:17,067 --> 00:08:19,200 Narrator: queen nefertari Is married to 157 00:08:19,267 --> 00:08:21,067 The great ramesses ii, 158 00:08:21,067 --> 00:08:24,467 The most powerful Pharaoh in egyptian history. 159 00:08:24,567 --> 00:08:27,367 Here at the entrance to Her tomb, 160 00:08:27,467 --> 00:08:30,167 You have all her titles listed. 161 00:08:30,267 --> 00:08:34,500 The most notable title here is "Great wife." 162 00:08:34,567 --> 00:08:37,367 A king in ancient egypt Had many wives, 163 00:08:37,367 --> 00:08:40,367 And that's why a chief wife Would have been 164 00:08:40,367 --> 00:08:43,100 A very important title. 165 00:08:43,167 --> 00:08:46,267 But aliaa finds another of Nefertari's titles, 166 00:08:46,267 --> 00:08:49,267 Which reveals an astonishing Rise to power. 167 00:08:49,267 --> 00:08:53,667 Another title here is mistress Of upper and lower egypt. 168 00:08:53,767 --> 00:08:56,067 That's an important title. 169 00:08:56,067 --> 00:08:59,267 Narrator: this evidence suggests Nefertari has real 170 00:08:59,367 --> 00:09:01,300 Influence as queen. 171 00:09:01,367 --> 00:09:03,600 She has political and Religious authority 172 00:09:03,667 --> 00:09:05,067 Over all of egypt. 173 00:09:06,367 --> 00:09:09,500 She is much more influential Than previously believed. 174 00:09:11,867 --> 00:09:13,800 Could mysterious Grave goods found 175 00:09:13,867 --> 00:09:17,700 In her tomb reveal How she rises to power? 176 00:09:17,767 --> 00:09:19,700 And can elaborate Paintings reveal 177 00:09:19,767 --> 00:09:21,900 More about her life And death? 178 00:09:31,400 --> 00:09:33,067 Narrator: The valley of the queens, 179 00:09:33,067 --> 00:09:35,267 The final resting place For the wives 180 00:09:35,267 --> 00:09:38,467 Of the most Formidable pharaohs in history. 181 00:09:38,567 --> 00:09:40,667 Among them -- nefertari, 182 00:09:40,767 --> 00:09:43,767 Queen of the mighty Ramesses ii. 183 00:09:45,367 --> 00:09:48,167 Inscriptions inside her tomb Reveal her power 184 00:09:48,267 --> 00:09:53,100 Extends over all of egypt, Politically and religiously, 185 00:09:53,167 --> 00:09:55,467 But the ancient queens Don't normally have 186 00:09:55,467 --> 00:09:57,567 So much influence. 187 00:09:57,567 --> 00:09:59,067 Why does nefertari? 188 00:10:02,300 --> 00:10:06,100 When archaeologists Open her tomb in 1904, 189 00:10:06,167 --> 00:10:08,267 They aren't the first to Go inside. 190 00:10:09,800 --> 00:10:12,367 The queen's treasures are All gone, 191 00:10:12,367 --> 00:10:14,667 Leaving behind just Her mummified legs 192 00:10:14,667 --> 00:10:18,067 And a pair of reed sandals. 193 00:10:18,067 --> 00:10:21,267 But nearby, they find A strange ceramic object, 194 00:10:21,367 --> 00:10:24,500 Glazed blue with copper salts And decorated with 195 00:10:24,567 --> 00:10:27,400 The cartouche of The pharaoh ay. 196 00:10:27,467 --> 00:10:31,567 Some egyptologists believe it Could be a family heirloom. 197 00:10:31,667 --> 00:10:33,767 Is nefertari descended from 198 00:10:33,767 --> 00:10:36,700 This pharaoh Or another royal lineage? 199 00:10:36,767 --> 00:10:39,000 Can further clues Within the tomb 200 00:10:39,100 --> 00:10:42,000 Reveal if nefertari Is born into power? 201 00:10:47,667 --> 00:10:51,100 Among her titles, "Hereditary noble woman" -- 202 00:10:51,167 --> 00:10:53,167 That shows that she was from 203 00:10:53,167 --> 00:10:56,067 The highest echelons Of society, 204 00:10:56,067 --> 00:10:59,867 And that would have been Important to ramesses. 205 00:11:00,067 --> 00:11:02,200 Nefertari's family Connections may matter, 206 00:11:02,267 --> 00:11:04,267 Because she is A native of thebes. 207 00:11:05,900 --> 00:11:09,867 Ramesses has total rule over Egypt, but his family comes 208 00:11:09,867 --> 00:11:11,867 From a northern power base, 209 00:11:11,867 --> 00:11:14,267 An ancient rival to The capital, thebes. 210 00:11:15,700 --> 00:11:17,867 Marrying into theban Nobility can 211 00:11:17,867 --> 00:11:20,467 Unite the city's powerful Priests behind him. 212 00:11:23,300 --> 00:11:25,500 When ramesses Is crowned king, 213 00:11:25,567 --> 00:11:28,867 Nefertari becomes The great royal wife. 214 00:11:28,867 --> 00:11:31,100 How much power does This new role give her 215 00:11:31,167 --> 00:11:32,467 In the governing of egypt? 216 00:11:34,467 --> 00:11:37,800 Aliaa finds important Evidence in the antechamber. 217 00:11:37,867 --> 00:11:42,367 Nefertari faces The god thoth, god of knowledge, 218 00:11:42,467 --> 00:11:45,900 And she's facing him With a scribal palette. 219 00:11:46,067 --> 00:11:48,800 This is evidence that she can Read and write, 220 00:11:48,867 --> 00:11:51,900 And that she's very proud of Her education. 221 00:11:52,067 --> 00:11:56,167 Narrator: alongside it, aliaa Finds another important clue. 222 00:11:56,267 --> 00:12:00,067 So here we have Nefertari wearing 223 00:12:00,067 --> 00:12:04,600 An earring that does not Look very egyptian. 224 00:12:04,667 --> 00:12:07,700 Narrator: the distinctive Earring is a greek style 225 00:12:07,767 --> 00:12:10,967 Not normally seen in Ancient egypt. 226 00:12:10,967 --> 00:12:13,067 It appears to be A gift reflecting 227 00:12:13,067 --> 00:12:15,267 Nefertari's diplomatic Contacts with 228 00:12:15,267 --> 00:12:17,667 Foreign dignitaries. 229 00:12:17,767 --> 00:12:20,067 It is evident That nefertari achieved 230 00:12:20,067 --> 00:12:22,467 A whole new level Of queenship. 231 00:12:23,800 --> 00:12:25,900 Narrator: but aliaa suspects That nefertari's 232 00:12:26,067 --> 00:12:28,700 Power and influence Extend even further. 233 00:12:30,067 --> 00:12:31,467 A majestic construction in 234 00:12:31,567 --> 00:12:34,067 The south of egypt Reveals more clues. 235 00:12:36,867 --> 00:12:40,800 Next to the great temple at Abu simbel is a second temple. 236 00:12:40,867 --> 00:12:43,567 Standing guard outside 237 00:12:43,567 --> 00:12:47,567 Are four colossal Statues of ramesses 238 00:12:47,567 --> 00:12:50,067 And two of nefertari, 239 00:12:50,100 --> 00:12:52,367 Each towering 33 feet high. 240 00:12:55,967 --> 00:12:59,767 Inside, depictions of The queen cover the walls on 241 00:12:59,867 --> 00:13:02,867 Every side, stretching Deep into the mountain. 242 00:13:05,067 --> 00:13:07,767 And in the center, Goddesses anoint her 243 00:13:07,867 --> 00:13:09,100 With a sacred crown. 244 00:13:11,700 --> 00:13:13,067 What can this temple for 245 00:13:13,067 --> 00:13:15,867 The queen reveal about Her power over egypt? 246 00:13:21,200 --> 00:13:23,800 In abu simbel, there are Many interesting features. 247 00:13:23,867 --> 00:13:26,767 Of these is a statue of Nefertari of 248 00:13:26,867 --> 00:13:30,667 The same size as that of Ramesses ii. 249 00:13:30,667 --> 00:13:31,800 Narrator: In ancient egypt, 250 00:13:31,867 --> 00:13:35,800 Depictions of the same size Are highly significant. 251 00:13:35,867 --> 00:13:38,067 Ismail: the equal size means That they were equal 252 00:13:38,100 --> 00:13:40,200 In power and stature, And it's there 253 00:13:40,267 --> 00:13:42,900 For the whole world To see it. 254 00:13:43,067 --> 00:13:46,167 Narrator: the iconography At abu simbel is clear. 255 00:13:46,167 --> 00:13:49,900 Nefertari shares power with The most formidable pharaoh in 256 00:13:50,067 --> 00:13:52,500 The ancient world, Ramesses ii. 257 00:13:53,667 --> 00:13:56,567 But the depictions of Nefertari with a sacred crown 258 00:13:56,667 --> 00:13:58,667 Reveal an even higher status. 259 00:13:58,667 --> 00:14:00,500 At abu simbel, 260 00:14:00,567 --> 00:14:03,167 Nefertari Becomes a goddess, 261 00:14:03,267 --> 00:14:05,767 And there's no greater Honor for a queen. 262 00:14:08,267 --> 00:14:10,267 Narrator: Ramesses has eight wives, 263 00:14:10,267 --> 00:14:13,667 Who bear him Over 100 children, 264 00:14:13,767 --> 00:14:17,167 But nefertari is his first Wife and favorite queen. 265 00:14:19,400 --> 00:14:21,567 During their 24 years Together, 266 00:14:21,667 --> 00:14:24,467 She gives birth to four sons, 267 00:14:24,467 --> 00:14:27,467 Who become high priests And army commanders. 268 00:14:30,100 --> 00:14:34,467 Nefertari plays an active role In egypt's state religion, 269 00:14:34,467 --> 00:14:37,967 Performing sacred rituals at Festivals and ceremonies. 270 00:14:41,600 --> 00:14:43,967 She even engages in diplomacy, 271 00:14:43,967 --> 00:14:46,467 Sending letters and gifts to Foreign queens 272 00:14:46,567 --> 00:14:49,267 To maintain peace Between nations. 273 00:14:51,867 --> 00:14:54,800 Clues inside the valley Of the queens reveal 274 00:14:54,867 --> 00:14:59,100 That egypt's queens can reach Remarkable levels of power. 275 00:14:59,167 --> 00:15:01,700 Ismail: compared to other Countries in the ancient world, 276 00:15:01,767 --> 00:15:04,367 Women have more rights In ancient egypt. 277 00:15:04,467 --> 00:15:08,200 They could own property and Have the right to divorce. 278 00:15:08,267 --> 00:15:14,767 Also, queens had a real Political role with power. 279 00:15:14,767 --> 00:15:19,267 Narrator: in her lifetime, Nefertari is a formidable queen. 280 00:15:19,367 --> 00:15:21,467 Does her burial In the valley of the queens 281 00:15:21,567 --> 00:15:25,067 Make her powerful In the after life, too? 282 00:15:25,067 --> 00:15:28,867 Or do some special privileges Only apply to the king? 283 00:15:38,800 --> 00:15:41,467 Narrator: the queens of ancient Egypt are buried in 284 00:15:41,467 --> 00:15:45,267 Majestic tombs inside The valley of the queens. 285 00:15:45,267 --> 00:15:48,200 But how do their tombs Compare to the kings? 286 00:15:48,267 --> 00:15:51,767 Will they be reunited with Their husbands in an afterlife 287 00:15:51,867 --> 00:15:55,300 Among the gods, filled with Power and royal privileges? 288 00:15:56,967 --> 00:15:59,400 The most splendid tomb In the valley belongs to 289 00:15:59,467 --> 00:16:00,567 Queen nefertari, 290 00:16:00,567 --> 00:16:03,800 Great wife to the mighty Pharaoh ramesses ii. 291 00:16:03,867 --> 00:16:07,267 It is an ancient masterpiece, 292 00:16:07,367 --> 00:16:10,600 But the elaborate paintings Aren't just for show. 293 00:16:10,667 --> 00:16:15,067 They are a tool for her to use To get to the afterlife. 294 00:16:15,067 --> 00:16:18,267 The tomb was designed to be A magical machine to 295 00:16:18,267 --> 00:16:22,067 Transform the deceased from This world to the next, 296 00:16:22,067 --> 00:16:23,300 And for that to happen, 297 00:16:23,367 --> 00:16:26,167 Religious texts And spells had to be 298 00:16:26,267 --> 00:16:29,167 Present to aid the deceased On this mission. 299 00:16:31,500 --> 00:16:35,767 Narrator: what do the spells Reveal of nefertari's afterlife? 300 00:16:35,767 --> 00:16:38,767 Ismail: the deceased needs to Pass through the knives of 301 00:16:38,867 --> 00:16:42,200 The gatekeepers In order to pass the gates 302 00:16:42,267 --> 00:16:45,467 Or be lost forever. 303 00:16:45,467 --> 00:16:48,967 Narrator: the spells help Ensure her safe passage. 304 00:16:48,967 --> 00:16:51,667 The tomb, It's covered with spells 305 00:16:51,667 --> 00:16:53,200 From the book of the dead. 306 00:16:53,267 --> 00:16:56,200 It's a dangerous journey to The afterlife, 307 00:16:56,267 --> 00:16:59,367 And nefertari needs all The help she can get. 308 00:16:59,467 --> 00:17:01,267 In a large tomb like this, 309 00:17:01,367 --> 00:17:05,267 Nefertari has space for All the spells she needs. 310 00:17:05,367 --> 00:17:07,400 Narrator: What do all these spells say? 311 00:17:08,767 --> 00:17:12,167 Ken griffin is an expert In decoding magical 312 00:17:12,267 --> 00:17:15,367 Hieroglyphs at the university Of swansea in wales. 313 00:17:15,467 --> 00:17:18,567 A secure storeroom Holds many 314 00:17:18,667 --> 00:17:21,467 Precious artifacts from Ancient egypt, 315 00:17:21,467 --> 00:17:24,967 Including an original shroud Dating from the era 316 00:17:24,967 --> 00:17:26,467 Of ramesses. 317 00:17:26,567 --> 00:17:29,100 Ken thinks It might hold a clue. 318 00:17:29,167 --> 00:17:33,300 Here we have this really Rare textile shroud that 319 00:17:33,367 --> 00:17:36,367 Would have covered the body of A man called hapi. 320 00:17:36,367 --> 00:17:38,400 We have chapter one of The book of the dead, 321 00:17:38,467 --> 00:17:41,467 In which we have these four Individuals who are carrying 322 00:17:41,567 --> 00:17:45,467 A boat containing the body of The deceased hapi. 323 00:17:45,467 --> 00:17:47,267 So these shrouds are Similar to 324 00:17:47,367 --> 00:17:51,267 What you get in the time Of nefertari. 325 00:17:51,267 --> 00:17:53,600 Narrator: the drawings come From the same scripture 326 00:17:53,667 --> 00:17:56,100 As the paintings In nefertari's tomb. 327 00:17:56,167 --> 00:17:58,167 So the chapters That we have here is 328 00:17:58,267 --> 00:18:00,300 All part of The book of the dead. 329 00:18:00,367 --> 00:18:02,567 Narrator: How does the book of the dead 330 00:18:02,567 --> 00:18:06,067 Help ancient egyptians Reach their afterlife? 331 00:18:06,100 --> 00:18:09,200 Ken examines mummy bandages That are covered in 332 00:18:09,267 --> 00:18:11,367 Ancient texts. 333 00:18:11,467 --> 00:18:13,867 They are a guide for The deceased 334 00:18:13,967 --> 00:18:16,867 On how to face Knife-wielding demons. 335 00:18:16,967 --> 00:18:21,067 The deceased has to pass By a series of mounds, which 336 00:18:21,067 --> 00:18:23,967 Are guarded by these really Scary demons 337 00:18:23,967 --> 00:18:25,167 With their large knives. 338 00:18:25,267 --> 00:18:27,600 These demons don't Look like you or me. 339 00:18:27,667 --> 00:18:29,867 They have the heads of Different animals, 340 00:18:29,967 --> 00:18:32,100 Some animals that don't Make sense. 341 00:18:32,167 --> 00:18:35,167 For example, this one has The head of two snakes. 342 00:18:35,167 --> 00:18:37,367 The egyptians believed that By knowing the name of 343 00:18:37,467 --> 00:18:40,800 The guardians was enough for You to have power over them. 344 00:18:42,100 --> 00:18:44,567 Narrator: they hope their Journey will lead to eternity 345 00:18:44,567 --> 00:18:48,400 In a paradise called The field of reeds. 346 00:18:48,467 --> 00:18:52,067 Only those that deserve it Will succeed. 347 00:18:52,100 --> 00:18:54,100 Nefertari's vast tomb 348 00:18:54,167 --> 00:18:57,100 Is spacious enough to Accommodate hundreds of spells, 349 00:18:57,167 --> 00:19:00,767 Giving her great protection in Her journey to the afterlife. 350 00:19:02,267 --> 00:19:03,700 Her tomb is covered With over 351 00:19:03,767 --> 00:19:07,667 5,000 square feet Of paintings and spells, 352 00:19:07,667 --> 00:19:11,800 Equivalent to over 1,000 Mona lisa's in area. 353 00:19:11,867 --> 00:19:13,167 But how does her tomb 354 00:19:13,167 --> 00:19:15,700 Compare to those in The valley of the kings? 355 00:19:17,967 --> 00:19:20,400 There, the grandest And most lavishly 356 00:19:20,467 --> 00:19:24,100 Decorated tomb is seti I's, 357 00:19:24,167 --> 00:19:25,967 Father of ramesses the great. 358 00:19:30,867 --> 00:19:35,100 Seti's master engineers carve 17 rooms on two floors, 359 00:19:36,367 --> 00:19:39,200 All immaculately decorated With raised relief 360 00:19:39,267 --> 00:19:41,267 Paintings like in Nefertari's tomb. 361 00:19:44,067 --> 00:19:47,067 Its many chambers are Decorated with sacred texts, 362 00:19:48,500 --> 00:19:51,067 But the book of the dead Is nowhere to be seen. 363 00:19:53,500 --> 00:19:55,600 What are these texts, And why 364 00:19:55,667 --> 00:19:57,400 Are they different from The queens'? 365 00:19:58,800 --> 00:20:01,567 How do they help the king Reach his afterlife? 366 00:20:05,900 --> 00:20:09,667 Ken investigates the writing On seti's walls to find out. 367 00:20:10,800 --> 00:20:12,000 The tomb of set I 368 00:20:12,067 --> 00:20:14,500 Contains a number of Religious texts, such as the 369 00:20:14,567 --> 00:20:18,600 Amduat, the book of gates, And the litany of re. 370 00:20:18,667 --> 00:20:22,000 Narrator: ken analyzes What these spells say. 371 00:20:22,067 --> 00:20:24,400 Griffin: the amduat relates To the sun god, re's, 372 00:20:24,467 --> 00:20:27,467 Journey through The 12 hours of the night. 373 00:20:27,567 --> 00:20:30,067 Narrator: each hour holds A different challenge 374 00:20:30,067 --> 00:20:32,800 That the deceased king Must face. 375 00:20:32,867 --> 00:20:35,367 In the seventh hour, The sun god 376 00:20:35,367 --> 00:20:37,267 Has entered The mysterious cavern. 377 00:20:37,367 --> 00:20:41,167 His arch enemy, apophis, Who takes the form of a snake, 378 00:20:41,267 --> 00:20:45,100 Tries to swallow the sun god Every evening to defeat him. 379 00:20:45,167 --> 00:20:50,500 And apophis is subdued with A series of daggers in his back. 380 00:20:50,567 --> 00:20:53,067 Narrator: the texts are like An instruction manual for 381 00:20:53,067 --> 00:20:56,167 The deceased pharaoh to travel Through the afterlife. 382 00:20:58,300 --> 00:21:01,767 The book of the heavenly cow Instructs the king to follow 383 00:21:01,767 --> 00:21:03,567 The example of The sun god, re, 384 00:21:03,567 --> 00:21:06,967 And depart earth For the realm of the gods. 385 00:21:10,200 --> 00:21:13,067 The amduat names all gods And monsters of 386 00:21:13,067 --> 00:21:16,867 The underworld so the king Can ask them for help 387 00:21:16,867 --> 00:21:19,167 Or use their name To destroy them. 388 00:21:22,400 --> 00:21:25,400 The book of gates Names the 12 goddesses 389 00:21:25,467 --> 00:21:27,800 Guarding the gates Of the underworld 390 00:21:27,867 --> 00:21:30,067 So the king Can pass unharmed. 391 00:21:31,367 --> 00:21:35,400 And the litany of re shows all 75 forms of the god, 392 00:21:35,467 --> 00:21:38,600 Which the king Must recognize to join re 393 00:21:38,667 --> 00:21:40,500 On his journey Through the sky. 394 00:21:42,767 --> 00:21:44,867 Griffin: so the point Of these texts is to 395 00:21:44,867 --> 00:21:48,067 Ensure that the deceased king Can be resurrected 396 00:21:48,067 --> 00:21:53,567 Just like the sun god re is Reborn again every morning, 397 00:21:53,667 --> 00:21:56,667 And just as the sun rises Every morning, 398 00:21:56,667 --> 00:22:00,067 The egyptians believed that Their pharaoh would do likewise. 399 00:22:00,067 --> 00:22:02,267 Narrator: Ken discovers that seti 400 00:22:02,267 --> 00:22:04,467 Has a different afterlife Promised to him 401 00:22:04,467 --> 00:22:06,100 Because he is a pharaoh. 402 00:22:07,100 --> 00:22:10,067 The special texts in his tomb Can't be used by 403 00:22:10,100 --> 00:22:11,367 Other egyptians, 404 00:22:11,400 --> 00:22:15,367 Even the powerful queens like Nefertari and others buried in 405 00:22:15,467 --> 00:22:16,700 The valley of the queens. 406 00:22:18,800 --> 00:22:20,967 Griffin: In the valley of the queens, 407 00:22:20,967 --> 00:22:23,767 You don't see the amduat, The book of caverns, 408 00:22:23,867 --> 00:22:26,367 The book of gates, The litany of re. 409 00:22:26,367 --> 00:22:29,467 Instead, what you see are Different religious texts, 410 00:22:29,467 --> 00:22:32,267 Mainly taken From the book of the dead. 411 00:22:32,267 --> 00:22:36,067 Narrator: while kings Prepare for an after life among 412 00:22:36,067 --> 00:22:39,267 The gods, everyone else, Including queens, 413 00:22:39,367 --> 00:22:41,767 Can only use The book of the dead. 414 00:22:44,267 --> 00:22:47,700 But there is one queen Who breaks the barriers 415 00:22:47,767 --> 00:22:49,767 And reaches the apex of power. 416 00:22:51,100 --> 00:22:54,400 She is not buried alongside The other royal wives. 417 00:22:56,267 --> 00:22:58,700 Why is the tomb of Egypt's most powerful 418 00:22:58,767 --> 00:23:01,267 Queen missing from The valley of the queens? 419 00:23:03,367 --> 00:23:05,767 And what unexpected Danger threatens 420 00:23:05,767 --> 00:23:08,167 To destroy These ancient chambers? 421 00:23:17,700 --> 00:23:20,167 Narrator: the valley of The queens shelters tombs 422 00:23:20,267 --> 00:23:22,567 Of many of egypt's most Powerful queens, 423 00:23:22,567 --> 00:23:26,367 Like nefertari, wife to The mighty ramesses ii. 424 00:23:28,100 --> 00:23:32,067 But one important queen Is not there. She is missing. 425 00:23:33,500 --> 00:23:37,200 One mile away, In the valley of the kings, 426 00:23:37,267 --> 00:23:39,867 Archaeologists make A startling discovery. 427 00:23:43,667 --> 00:23:46,200 Among the tombs of The great pharaohs, 428 00:23:46,267 --> 00:23:48,767 Investigators unearth A long shaft 429 00:23:48,867 --> 00:23:50,667 That descends Over 600 feet. 430 00:23:52,100 --> 00:23:54,667 It leads to a pillared chamber 431 00:23:54,667 --> 00:23:57,700 That contains the sarcophagus Of thutmose I, 432 00:23:59,667 --> 00:24:01,767 But behind the pillars 433 00:24:01,867 --> 00:24:03,467 Is a second sarcophagus. 434 00:24:05,467 --> 00:24:08,767 It is beautifully carved From quartzite stone, 435 00:24:08,767 --> 00:24:12,567 Covered in imagery of Underworld gods. 436 00:24:12,667 --> 00:24:17,300 The end reveals the cartouche Of its owner, queen hatshepsut. 437 00:24:18,400 --> 00:24:22,867 Why is a queen buried here in The valley of the kings 438 00:24:22,867 --> 00:24:24,667 And not with All the other queens? 439 00:24:28,200 --> 00:24:29,867 Aliaa thinks one of egypt's 440 00:24:29,967 --> 00:24:33,300 Most iconic buildings May hold clues. 441 00:24:33,367 --> 00:24:35,367 Located between The valley of the queens 442 00:24:35,467 --> 00:24:38,067 And the valley of The kings, 443 00:24:38,067 --> 00:24:40,367 This is The temple of hatshepsut. 444 00:24:41,667 --> 00:24:44,067 It's a mortuary temple, 445 00:24:44,100 --> 00:24:45,467 A place where priests keep 446 00:24:45,467 --> 00:24:49,067 The deceased person's name Alive for eternity, 447 00:24:49,100 --> 00:24:52,267 And devotees can Make offerings. 448 00:24:52,367 --> 00:24:54,567 But this one is unusual. 449 00:24:54,667 --> 00:24:56,367 Ismail: Pharaohs have mortuary temples. 450 00:24:56,467 --> 00:25:00,067 Queens don't Have mortuary temples. 451 00:25:00,067 --> 00:25:03,200 Narrator: aliaa searches The temple for clues to 452 00:25:03,267 --> 00:25:06,500 Why queen hatshepsut Is honored in this way. 453 00:25:06,567 --> 00:25:11,400 Here, we have a woman, And this woman 454 00:25:11,467 --> 00:25:14,367 Is hatshepsut's mother. 455 00:25:14,467 --> 00:25:19,067 You can see here, the legs Are intertwining. 456 00:25:19,067 --> 00:25:21,767 Narrator: the faint red drawing Shows hatshepsut's mother 457 00:25:21,867 --> 00:25:24,867 Locked in an embrace with A male, 458 00:25:24,867 --> 00:25:27,167 But it's not her husband. 459 00:25:27,167 --> 00:25:30,067 Who she's mating with Does not really appear, 460 00:25:30,067 --> 00:25:32,667 But the curly beard, You know it's a god. 461 00:25:32,667 --> 00:25:35,267 She is getting intimate With the god, 462 00:25:35,367 --> 00:25:39,467 And we can see here that He is giving her the ankh, 463 00:25:39,467 --> 00:25:41,767 Which is life. 464 00:25:41,767 --> 00:25:44,567 Narrator: the curious image Has a purpose. 465 00:25:44,567 --> 00:25:49,267 Hatshepsut is telling us That amun-re is her father. 466 00:25:49,267 --> 00:25:53,167 Even kings do not claim Divine birth. 467 00:25:53,267 --> 00:25:57,400 So this is truly a bold move For hatshepsut. 468 00:25:58,667 --> 00:26:00,067 Narrator: How can queen hatshepsut 469 00:26:00,067 --> 00:26:02,967 Make such an audacious claim? 470 00:26:02,967 --> 00:26:07,067 Another scene reveals the true Extent of her power. 471 00:26:07,067 --> 00:26:12,767 She is being crowned as king Of upper and lower egypt. 472 00:26:12,867 --> 00:26:15,767 Narrator: hatshepsut is missing From the valley of the queens 473 00:26:15,767 --> 00:26:18,967 Because she is, in fact, king. 474 00:26:22,700 --> 00:26:24,900 Hatshepsut is The daughter of king thutmose I, 475 00:26:25,067 --> 00:26:29,667 Most the first who rules over Egypt in the 16th century b.C. 476 00:26:33,600 --> 00:26:36,100 When her father dies, Hatshepsut's 477 00:26:36,167 --> 00:26:39,967 Half-brother becomes pharaoh, And she's forced to marry him 478 00:26:39,967 --> 00:26:41,100 At the age of 12. 479 00:26:44,300 --> 00:26:45,767 When her brother dies, 480 00:26:45,867 --> 00:26:49,900 Hatshepsut rules Alongside her baby stepson, 481 00:26:50,067 --> 00:26:52,700 But slowly, she takes Full control as king. 482 00:26:55,767 --> 00:26:58,300 She builds a grand temple In thebes, 483 00:26:58,367 --> 00:27:02,100 Plastering her name and Likeness over the monuments 484 00:27:02,167 --> 00:27:03,800 To immortalize her rule. 485 00:27:06,067 --> 00:27:09,067 She rules as king Of egypt for two decades, 486 00:27:10,367 --> 00:27:14,367 But the paintings on the walls Reveal something intriguing. 487 00:27:14,467 --> 00:27:18,067 So here we have A man -- the kilt, 488 00:27:18,067 --> 00:27:22,100 The beard, The crowns, 489 00:27:22,167 --> 00:27:23,567 But it's not a man. 490 00:27:23,667 --> 00:27:26,100 This has to be hatshepsut. 491 00:27:26,167 --> 00:27:31,267 She is depicted As a man and a king. 492 00:27:31,267 --> 00:27:33,100 Narrator: Why is hatshepsut trying 493 00:27:33,167 --> 00:27:35,467 To depict herself as male? 494 00:27:35,467 --> 00:27:38,367 Is it impossible for A woman to rule egypt? 495 00:27:40,300 --> 00:27:43,167 Egyptologist ken griffin Thinks there's more to 496 00:27:43,267 --> 00:27:44,567 The story. 497 00:27:44,567 --> 00:27:46,767 He investigates several Depictions of 498 00:27:46,867 --> 00:27:49,367 Hatshepsut from throughout Her reign. 499 00:27:49,367 --> 00:27:53,467 This is a statue of hatshepsut From her very early years, 500 00:27:53,567 --> 00:27:56,967 As the pharaoh -- we can clearly See that she's female, 501 00:27:56,967 --> 00:27:59,900 From the breasts, From the long dress 502 00:28:00,067 --> 00:28:03,067 That she wears Down to her ankles. 503 00:28:03,067 --> 00:28:04,867 Narrator: But as her reign progresses, 504 00:28:04,967 --> 00:28:07,067 The statues begin to change. 505 00:28:07,067 --> 00:28:10,667 Griffin: gone are the long dress Associated with females, 506 00:28:10,767 --> 00:28:12,600 And this is quite Extraordinary, really. 507 00:28:12,667 --> 00:28:15,367 She is now shown wearing A short kilt. 508 00:28:15,467 --> 00:28:17,067 Narrator: by wearing a kilt, 509 00:28:17,067 --> 00:28:20,500 Hatshepsut is choosing to be Seen in male clothes, 510 00:28:20,567 --> 00:28:22,667 But it doesn't stop there. 511 00:28:22,767 --> 00:28:26,267 Griffin: so in the final image, Her breasts are gone. 512 00:28:26,367 --> 00:28:30,267 She wears a short kilt and The divine beard associated with 513 00:28:30,367 --> 00:28:31,567 The pharaoh. 514 00:28:31,600 --> 00:28:34,500 Narrator: hatshepsut transforms Her images dramatically 515 00:28:34,567 --> 00:28:38,067 During her reign From female to male, 516 00:28:38,067 --> 00:28:41,067 And she is buried not with The queens but 517 00:28:41,067 --> 00:28:44,167 With the men in The valley of the kings. 518 00:28:44,167 --> 00:28:47,167 Griffin: hatshepsut is not Doing this in order to 519 00:28:47,167 --> 00:28:50,167 Show that she has to be male In order to rule, 520 00:28:50,167 --> 00:28:54,067 But it's a way to be recognized By the egyptian people. 521 00:28:54,100 --> 00:28:56,500 Narrator: hatshepsut uses The familiar emblems of 522 00:28:56,567 --> 00:28:59,067 Power to show That she is king. 523 00:28:59,067 --> 00:29:00,867 Griffin: the egyptians Couldn't read and write, 524 00:29:00,967 --> 00:29:02,400 The majority of them, 525 00:29:02,467 --> 00:29:04,800 But they could identify with The iconography. 526 00:29:06,267 --> 00:29:08,567 Narrator: her depiction As a male ensures that 527 00:29:08,667 --> 00:29:12,100 Everybody understands that She is egypt's supreme ruler. 528 00:29:13,367 --> 00:29:15,367 Hatshepsut establishes A solid 529 00:29:15,467 --> 00:29:19,067 And successful reign Lasting 20 years. 530 00:29:19,067 --> 00:29:22,067 Hatshepsut was really one Of egypt's greatest rulers. 531 00:29:22,100 --> 00:29:25,300 If we look at her achievements, From her expedition 532 00:29:25,367 --> 00:29:26,767 To the land of punt, 533 00:29:26,867 --> 00:29:30,067 Her building activities at Karnak and deir el-bahri -- 534 00:29:30,067 --> 00:29:34,467 She really was this great ruler In a male-dominated society. 535 00:29:35,767 --> 00:29:38,067 Narrator: but at her temple, Aliaa discovers 536 00:29:38,067 --> 00:29:41,100 Surprising evidence that Hatshepsut has enemies. 537 00:29:41,167 --> 00:29:46,067 Ismail: the uraeus has been Hacked out, and the beard, 538 00:29:46,067 --> 00:29:47,200 Completely gone, 539 00:29:47,267 --> 00:29:50,767 But you can only see The trace of it. 540 00:29:50,767 --> 00:29:52,400 Narrator: it is not Just the statues 541 00:29:52,467 --> 00:29:53,767 That have been attacked. 542 00:29:53,767 --> 00:29:57,100 Ismail: she should be here Making the offering to anubis, 543 00:29:57,167 --> 00:30:00,167 But she has been completely Chiseled out, 544 00:30:00,167 --> 00:30:02,767 And here, we have the name Of thutmose iii. 545 00:30:02,867 --> 00:30:06,400 Hatshepsut's name Has been erased. 546 00:30:06,467 --> 00:30:09,367 We can only see The traces of her cartouche. 547 00:30:09,367 --> 00:30:13,467 Her name has been erased From her own temple. 548 00:30:13,467 --> 00:30:16,167 Narrator: why has hatshepsut's Name been erased, 549 00:30:16,267 --> 00:30:18,567 But thutmose's Remains intact? 550 00:30:20,167 --> 00:30:25,000 As king, hatshepsut treats her Daughter, neferure, as queen, 551 00:30:25,100 --> 00:30:29,000 Leaving her stepson, Thutmose iii in the shadows. 552 00:30:29,100 --> 00:30:32,367 But hatshepsut and neferure Die first. 553 00:30:32,467 --> 00:30:35,100 Thutmose finally Becomes pharaoh. 554 00:30:35,167 --> 00:30:37,867 He erases his stepmother From history 555 00:30:37,967 --> 00:30:40,067 To strengthen his claim to The throne. 556 00:30:43,267 --> 00:30:46,700 For centuries, her life has Been a mystery, 557 00:30:46,767 --> 00:30:49,800 But now, archaeologists are Piecing together the evidence 558 00:30:49,867 --> 00:30:52,367 To reveal her true identity 559 00:30:52,367 --> 00:30:55,067 And the incredible Story of her reign. 560 00:30:55,067 --> 00:30:57,600 But just like Hatshepsut's temple, 561 00:30:57,667 --> 00:30:59,867 Many tombs in The valley of the queens 562 00:31:00,067 --> 00:31:02,100 Also show traces of destruction. 563 00:31:03,367 --> 00:31:06,867 Some show evidence of Catastrophic damage. 564 00:31:06,867 --> 00:31:08,667 Can new research reveal 565 00:31:08,667 --> 00:31:12,067 What causes such Widespread devastation? 566 00:31:12,067 --> 00:31:15,467 Are queens an easy target For vengeful kings? 567 00:31:24,067 --> 00:31:25,867 Narrator: The queens of ancient egypt 568 00:31:25,967 --> 00:31:28,300 Wield great control over Their country. 569 00:31:28,367 --> 00:31:30,767 Hatshepsut reaches The pinnacle 570 00:31:30,767 --> 00:31:32,867 Of power and becomes pharaoh. 571 00:31:34,067 --> 00:31:36,667 But the temple she builds To glorify her rule 572 00:31:36,767 --> 00:31:38,267 Is badly defaced. 573 00:31:39,767 --> 00:31:41,867 Tombs in the valley of The queens are all 574 00:31:41,967 --> 00:31:43,867 Hidden underground. 575 00:31:43,867 --> 00:31:45,567 Is this enough to Protect them? 576 00:31:49,867 --> 00:31:53,767 The queens want their tombs To survive for eternity, 577 00:31:53,767 --> 00:31:56,767 Buried deep inside the rock 578 00:31:56,767 --> 00:31:58,867 So their souls can Live forever. 579 00:32:00,900 --> 00:32:03,967 But when archaeologists First enter, 580 00:32:03,967 --> 00:32:06,667 They find signs of Destruction everywhere. 581 00:32:09,300 --> 00:32:12,767 Hundreds of paintings across The walls lie in pieces. 582 00:32:16,067 --> 00:32:18,567 Stone pillars are shattered, 583 00:32:18,567 --> 00:32:21,067 And ceilings have caved in. 584 00:32:22,700 --> 00:32:26,600 What is behind this Catastrophic destruction 585 00:32:26,667 --> 00:32:29,467 That erases many of These queens from history? 586 00:32:32,467 --> 00:32:36,800 Aliaa examines the inside Of queen nefertari's tomb, 587 00:32:36,867 --> 00:32:40,167 Scouring the walls for The cause of the damage. 588 00:32:40,167 --> 00:32:43,367 You can see here that the Paint's coming off, and so is 589 00:32:43,367 --> 00:32:45,467 The plaster -- You can see here 590 00:32:45,467 --> 00:32:49,367 That this -- this is The bedrock of the mountain. 591 00:32:49,467 --> 00:32:51,567 The plaster's Completely come up. 592 00:32:51,667 --> 00:32:54,200 Narrator: but unlike Hatshepsut's temple, 593 00:32:54,267 --> 00:32:56,267 Aliaa believes this Destruction is 594 00:32:56,367 --> 00:32:59,600 Not caused by spiteful rulers. 595 00:32:59,667 --> 00:33:01,767 This crack over here Is definitely 596 00:33:01,767 --> 00:33:05,367 Water damage and blackened Around the edges. 597 00:33:05,467 --> 00:33:07,867 Narrator: left unattended, These paintings 598 00:33:07,967 --> 00:33:09,367 Could be lost forever. 599 00:33:10,900 --> 00:33:15,467 Aliaa suspects water gets in Through the bedrock itself. 600 00:33:15,467 --> 00:33:18,167 She heads outside To investigate. 601 00:33:18,167 --> 00:33:21,100 Ismail: here, you can see The quality of the stone 602 00:33:21,167 --> 00:33:23,867 That the valley of the queens Is carved in. 603 00:33:23,867 --> 00:33:26,167 You can see how weak The stone is. 604 00:33:26,167 --> 00:33:30,267 The water can get in Easily and damage it. 605 00:33:30,267 --> 00:33:32,667 Narrator: Aliaa spots another defect. 606 00:33:32,767 --> 00:33:35,467 The other problem With this stone is it 607 00:33:35,467 --> 00:33:39,267 Is so cracked on sloping -- It is so hard 608 00:33:39,267 --> 00:33:43,400 To use ancient tools to get A clean cut here. 609 00:33:43,467 --> 00:33:45,367 Narrator: Could the geology explain why 610 00:33:45,367 --> 00:33:47,267 So many tombs have Been destroyed? 611 00:33:48,767 --> 00:33:52,367 To find out, khaled nassar Designs an experiment 612 00:33:52,467 --> 00:33:53,800 To investigate the process 613 00:33:53,867 --> 00:33:57,467 Of carving limestone In the valley of the queens. 614 00:33:57,567 --> 00:33:59,067 Building material is Obviously very 615 00:33:59,067 --> 00:34:00,600 Important to what You're trying to do. 616 00:34:00,667 --> 00:34:01,867 It is very hard to work 617 00:34:01,967 --> 00:34:04,467 With limestone, because Structurally, it's very weak. 618 00:34:04,567 --> 00:34:05,967 It's a very brittle material. 619 00:34:05,967 --> 00:34:07,467 I can break it With my own hand, 620 00:34:07,467 --> 00:34:09,867 And that creates a lot of Problems when 621 00:34:09,867 --> 00:34:12,467 You're trying to use it For structural purposes. 622 00:34:12,467 --> 00:34:15,467 Khaled's team gets to work With bronze chisels, 623 00:34:15,467 --> 00:34:18,967 Identical to The ancient workers' tool kit. 624 00:34:18,967 --> 00:34:22,167 In order to carve and paint Precision artwork, 625 00:34:22,267 --> 00:34:25,667 Khaled needs a perfectly Flat, smooth surface. 626 00:34:25,667 --> 00:34:28,367 It's coming out in chunks, And it's creating a surface 627 00:34:28,467 --> 00:34:29,700 That is curved, 628 00:34:29,767 --> 00:34:32,767 Sometimes slanted, and other Times, it's very uneven. 629 00:34:32,867 --> 00:34:34,467 It's not As smooth as we want. 630 00:34:34,567 --> 00:34:37,467 It's not as flat as we want it To be, so we can paint on it. 631 00:34:38,900 --> 00:34:42,067 Narrator: limestone is difficult To carve accurately, 632 00:34:42,100 --> 00:34:45,767 And weaknesses can compromise The structure of the tomb. 633 00:34:45,867 --> 00:34:48,667 Khaled believes that rather Than solve the problem, 634 00:34:48,667 --> 00:34:50,600 Ancient workers Tried to hide it. 635 00:34:51,867 --> 00:34:56,467 They add thick layers of Plaster to create flush walls. 636 00:34:56,567 --> 00:34:59,900 Nassar: this process is Much quicker to achieving 637 00:35:00,067 --> 00:35:02,467 A smooth surface Than the chiseling, 638 00:35:02,567 --> 00:35:05,667 And finally, getting a surface That we can paint on. 639 00:35:05,767 --> 00:35:07,700 Narrator: the plaster is ready To decorate. 640 00:35:07,767 --> 00:35:10,900 Now it has to last For eternity. 641 00:35:11,067 --> 00:35:13,700 Nassar: this plaster has been Setting for a week. 642 00:35:13,767 --> 00:35:15,700 As you can see, It's pretty sturdy. 643 00:35:15,767 --> 00:35:17,100 It's adhered pretty well. 644 00:35:17,167 --> 00:35:19,067 It's hardened pretty well, 645 00:35:19,067 --> 00:35:22,400 And it's created the smooth Surface that's perfect 646 00:35:22,467 --> 00:35:23,567 For painting. 647 00:35:23,567 --> 00:35:25,200 Narrator: But there's a huge problem. 648 00:35:25,267 --> 00:35:28,067 Because the plaster We have here is made up 649 00:35:28,067 --> 00:35:29,700 Essentially of Natural material, 650 00:35:29,767 --> 00:35:32,867 Such a straw, it doesn't really React that well with water. 651 00:35:35,067 --> 00:35:37,467 Narrator: the valley of the Queens sits under a mountain. 652 00:35:38,667 --> 00:35:41,067 Rare dessert rains Run quickly off 653 00:35:41,067 --> 00:35:44,200 The slopes and can turn Into flash floods. 654 00:35:46,567 --> 00:35:49,100 Water seeps through The salt-rich limestone 655 00:35:49,167 --> 00:35:51,600 Into the tomb chambers 656 00:35:51,667 --> 00:35:54,800 Or rushes in when floods Break through the entrance. 657 00:35:57,067 --> 00:35:58,567 Khaled modifies the block 658 00:35:58,667 --> 00:36:01,267 To put the plaster to The test. 659 00:36:01,267 --> 00:36:03,467 He cuts channels Into the top surface 660 00:36:03,467 --> 00:36:06,167 To simulate water seeping Through the bedrock. 661 00:36:07,667 --> 00:36:10,200 When it reaches the plaster Covering the vertical surface 662 00:36:10,267 --> 00:36:11,300 At the front, 663 00:36:11,367 --> 00:36:14,300 Khaled can immediately see The impact. 664 00:36:14,367 --> 00:36:17,667 Plaster that is used Is made of natural material 665 00:36:17,667 --> 00:36:19,600 That absorbs a lot of water 666 00:36:19,667 --> 00:36:21,267 And absorbs A lot of water quickly. 667 00:36:21,267 --> 00:36:24,967 But it's also made This material so brittle 668 00:36:24,967 --> 00:36:27,467 That it comes off in my hand Very easily. 669 00:36:27,467 --> 00:36:30,300 Narrator: but as more water Seeps in from the rock, 670 00:36:30,367 --> 00:36:33,667 It has more Disastrous consequences. 671 00:36:33,667 --> 00:36:35,967 Nassar: you can see that there's A crack forming already 672 00:36:35,967 --> 00:36:38,767 Because of the water that soaks Through to the surface of 673 00:36:38,867 --> 00:36:40,267 The plaster. 674 00:36:40,267 --> 00:36:43,367 As more and more plaster soaks More and more water, 675 00:36:43,467 --> 00:36:46,567 The plaster becomes saturated, And large chunks 676 00:36:46,567 --> 00:36:48,200 Will fall off very easy. 677 00:36:51,467 --> 00:36:53,300 Narrator: over time, This process leads 678 00:36:53,367 --> 00:36:54,867 To widespread destruction 679 00:36:54,967 --> 00:36:57,067 Of the tombs in The valley of the queens. 680 00:36:58,467 --> 00:37:00,700 This is quite a large piece of Plaster that 681 00:37:00,767 --> 00:37:03,867 Has fallen off after it got Saturated with water. 682 00:37:03,967 --> 00:37:05,767 And it's quite possible That parts 683 00:37:05,767 --> 00:37:08,267 Of the limestone Actually fell off with it. 684 00:37:08,367 --> 00:37:11,467 And this can spell disaster For the tomb, for 685 00:37:11,467 --> 00:37:13,967 The entire valley, Because it can compromise 686 00:37:13,967 --> 00:37:15,300 The structural integrity. 687 00:37:16,800 --> 00:37:19,300 Narrator: the undoing of The valley of the queens 688 00:37:19,367 --> 00:37:22,167 Is the weak and porous Valley rock itself. 689 00:37:23,167 --> 00:37:25,767 Why do the queens choose This water-damaged 690 00:37:25,767 --> 00:37:27,900 Valley for their Sacred necropolis? 691 00:37:28,900 --> 00:37:31,667 What clues lie hidden In this strange cavern 692 00:37:31,667 --> 00:37:33,967 At the entrance to The valley of the queens? 693 00:37:43,567 --> 00:37:46,167 Narrator: some of the most Magnificent tombs of egypt 694 00:37:46,167 --> 00:37:48,467 Lie hidden away Beneath the sands 695 00:37:48,567 --> 00:37:50,567 Of the valley of the queens. 696 00:37:50,667 --> 00:37:55,267 But here, the bedrock is weak And difficult to carve. 697 00:37:55,367 --> 00:37:57,367 So why do they choose This location? 698 00:37:58,867 --> 00:38:01,567 Aliaa investigates The sprawling site. 699 00:38:01,667 --> 00:38:03,867 She discovers An intriguing rock formation 700 00:38:03,867 --> 00:38:05,867 Overlooking the head of The valley. 701 00:38:05,967 --> 00:38:08,467 There's a niche In the mountain. 702 00:38:08,567 --> 00:38:09,600 Narrator: Just below it, 703 00:38:09,667 --> 00:38:11,300 She finds a curious feature. 704 00:38:12,400 --> 00:38:15,667 Ismail: this looks like a wall, But this is a dam. 705 00:38:15,667 --> 00:38:18,567 We have a line here where The wall of the dam 706 00:38:18,567 --> 00:38:19,567 Would have been. 707 00:38:19,567 --> 00:38:21,767 You can see from The thickness of the wall, 708 00:38:21,867 --> 00:38:23,600 That would have been Very massive. 709 00:38:26,600 --> 00:38:28,667 Narrator: After rare desert storms, 710 00:38:28,767 --> 00:38:32,367 Water from the mountain Forms a cascade 711 00:38:32,367 --> 00:38:35,467 That carves out A cavernous space. 712 00:38:35,467 --> 00:38:37,867 Inside the cavern itself, 713 00:38:37,867 --> 00:38:40,500 Aliaa discovers Ancient drawings. 714 00:38:40,567 --> 00:38:44,167 Some of them even date back to Prehistoric times. 715 00:38:44,267 --> 00:38:46,600 Ismail: the most prominent Of this graffiti is 716 00:38:46,667 --> 00:38:48,867 A representation of The goddess hathor 717 00:38:48,967 --> 00:38:50,700 In her cow form. 718 00:38:53,367 --> 00:38:57,367 Narrator: hathor is the goddess Of women, fertility, and love. 719 00:38:57,467 --> 00:39:01,400 In her human form, she wears A hallmark cow-horned crown. 720 00:39:05,367 --> 00:39:09,600 One myth tells that each night, The sun god enters hathor's 721 00:39:09,667 --> 00:39:13,267 Mouth to sleep And comes back out at dawn. 722 00:39:16,100 --> 00:39:19,867 In the new kingdom, Egyptian men want to be reborn 723 00:39:19,867 --> 00:39:21,767 As the god osiris, 724 00:39:21,767 --> 00:39:23,467 But the women as hathor. 725 00:39:25,600 --> 00:39:29,767 So the cascade and the cavern With hathor's image are powerful 726 00:39:29,867 --> 00:39:32,300 Symbols of femininity And rebirth 727 00:39:32,367 --> 00:39:34,167 For those buried In the valley. 728 00:39:36,900 --> 00:39:38,867 Aliaa believes That this cavern is 729 00:39:38,967 --> 00:39:41,500 The key to why this valley Is chosen. 730 00:39:41,567 --> 00:39:45,067 This is where the goddess Hathor is represented, 731 00:39:45,067 --> 00:39:48,200 Even in prehistoric times. 732 00:39:48,267 --> 00:39:50,067 She's the goddess Of motherhood. 733 00:39:50,067 --> 00:39:55,300 She is the one who gives birth And generates life, 734 00:39:55,367 --> 00:39:58,267 And that's why The valley of the queens 735 00:39:58,267 --> 00:39:59,700 Was chosen to be here. 736 00:40:01,100 --> 00:40:02,967 Narrator: the pharaohs Changed tradition, 737 00:40:02,967 --> 00:40:06,800 Hiding their tombs beneath A pyramid-shaped mountain. 738 00:40:06,867 --> 00:40:08,100 For their queens, 739 00:40:08,167 --> 00:40:11,367 They choose a site fit for The matriarchs of egypt. 740 00:40:11,467 --> 00:40:14,000 The women are no longer just An afterthought of 741 00:40:14,067 --> 00:40:15,367 Their husbands. 742 00:40:15,467 --> 00:40:18,500 Kings, they chose To be buried in 743 00:40:18,567 --> 00:40:23,000 A site alone, where they can Follow the sacred journey. 744 00:40:23,067 --> 00:40:25,367 But for the queens, They chose 745 00:40:25,467 --> 00:40:29,300 A site that's protected By the goddess hathor. 746 00:40:30,467 --> 00:40:33,900 Narrator: for almost 400 years, The valley of the queens is 747 00:40:34,000 --> 00:40:37,467 The exclusive cemetery for The most powerful women in egypt 748 00:40:37,567 --> 00:40:39,767 And their families. 749 00:40:39,767 --> 00:40:42,767 Here, the elaborate tombs Help the deceased queens 750 00:40:42,867 --> 00:40:44,867 Make their journey to The afterlife, 751 00:40:46,867 --> 00:40:50,200 All the while protected By hathor. 752 00:40:50,267 --> 00:40:52,767 The new kingdom is A golden age for women, 753 00:40:52,767 --> 00:40:55,000 And there are so many names That have survived from 754 00:40:55,100 --> 00:40:56,267 This period. 755 00:41:00,167 --> 00:41:01,700 Narrator: The valley of the queens is 756 00:41:01,767 --> 00:41:04,500 A vast burial site in The mountains of luxor, 757 00:41:05,567 --> 00:41:08,400 Showcasing some of the most Magnificent tombs of 758 00:41:08,467 --> 00:41:10,067 Ancient egypt. 759 00:41:10,100 --> 00:41:12,867 Here, elaborate spells help Queens do 760 00:41:12,867 --> 00:41:15,200 Battle with monsters in The afterlife. 761 00:41:17,167 --> 00:41:20,067 These are the women That shape ancient egypt. 762 00:41:21,267 --> 00:41:24,800 The waters that draw them here Also bring destruction. 763 00:41:26,367 --> 00:41:28,600 But the surviving Clues reveal 764 00:41:28,667 --> 00:41:31,900 The truth behind egypt's Most powerful queens. 765 00:41:32,067 --> 00:41:41,900 * 766 00:41:42,067 --> 00:41:51,900 * 767 00:41:52,067 --> 00:42:02,067 *