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1
00:00:03,137 --> 00:00:07,806
Narrator: Mysterious ancient
ruins in northwest turkey --
2
00:00:07,808 --> 00:00:11,377
Could this be
the fabled city of troy?
3
00:00:11,379 --> 00:00:14,079
Rose: Troy is such an important
and legendary place
4
00:00:14,081 --> 00:00:18,217
That finding it would be
the discovery of a lifetime.
5
00:00:18,219 --> 00:00:20,052
Narrator:
The famous city is backdrop
6
00:00:20,054 --> 00:00:22,955
To one of the greatest
stories ever told,
7
00:00:22,957 --> 00:00:25,791
The tale of the trojan war.
8
00:00:25,793 --> 00:00:27,826
Tallis:
Brave hero, a beautiful woman,
9
00:00:27,828 --> 00:00:31,563
A cunning trick --
this story has it all.
10
00:00:31,565 --> 00:00:35,434
Narrator: But did it really
happen, or is it just a myth?
11
00:00:35,436 --> 00:00:38,637
Could this ruined citadel
provide the answer?
12
00:00:38,639 --> 00:00:42,574
We thought it was all made up,
but what if it's really true?
13
00:00:42,576 --> 00:00:45,411
Narrator: Today, experts
dig deeper than ever before
14
00:00:45,413 --> 00:00:48,180
To solve this ancient mystery
15
00:00:48,182 --> 00:00:50,382
And use innovative
computer modeling
16
00:00:50,384 --> 00:00:54,953
To discover the truth
about the iconic trojan horse.
17
00:00:54,955 --> 00:00:57,356
It's a phenomenal feat
of engineering, craftsmanship,
18
00:00:57,358 --> 00:00:58,924
And skill.
19
00:00:58,926 --> 00:01:00,426
Narrator:
In the search for the truth,
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00:01:00,428 --> 00:01:03,328
We'll reconstruct
this ancient city.
21
00:01:03,330 --> 00:01:08,000
We'll rebuild its walls, tunnel
into its very foundations,
22
00:01:08,002 --> 00:01:10,369
And investigate
if a man-made horse
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00:01:10,371 --> 00:01:13,038
Could conceal a secret army
24
00:01:13,040 --> 00:01:16,575
To reveal what really happens
to the city of troy.
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00:01:16,577 --> 00:01:19,578
-- Captions by vitac --
www.Vitac.Com
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00:01:19,580 --> 00:01:22,581
Captions paid for by
discovery communications
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The windswept coast
of northwest turkey --
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00:01:26,053 --> 00:01:29,888
Mysterious ruined buildings
dating back thousands of years.
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00:01:29,890 --> 00:01:32,157
♪
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00:01:32,159 --> 00:01:34,726
Could this be
the famous city of troy?
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00:01:34,728 --> 00:01:41,266
♪
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00:01:41,268 --> 00:01:43,335
According to legend, troy rises
33
00:01:43,337 --> 00:01:47,806
From the coastal plains
of asia minor.
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00:01:47,808 --> 00:01:49,875
It's the most powerful city
in the region,
35
00:01:49,877 --> 00:01:54,580
Housing more than
10,000 citizens.
36
00:01:54,582 --> 00:01:58,150
At its heart is a great citadel
37
00:01:58,152 --> 00:02:02,287
Protected by mighty stone walls.
38
00:02:02,289 --> 00:02:06,125
Outside its gates stands a gift
from a hostile greek army
39
00:02:06,127 --> 00:02:10,229
That besieges the city
for 10 long years --
40
00:02:10,231 --> 00:02:12,397
A gigantic wooden horse
41
00:02:12,399 --> 00:02:16,268
That will bring about
the destruction of troy.
42
00:02:16,270 --> 00:02:18,670
But is there any truth
to this tale?
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00:02:18,672 --> 00:02:22,708
♪
44
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Archaeologist brian rose
has been excavating this site
45
00:02:25,813 --> 00:02:28,013
For 30 years.
46
00:02:28,015 --> 00:02:32,818
He investigates how much
of the legend is really true.
47
00:02:32,820 --> 00:02:35,020
The story of the trojan wars,
it's one of the oldest
48
00:02:35,022 --> 00:02:37,389
And most famous stories
ever told.
49
00:02:37,391 --> 00:02:41,093
♪
50
00:02:41,095 --> 00:02:42,694
Narrator:
The tale is first recorded
51
00:02:42,696 --> 00:02:44,396
By the greek writer homer
52
00:02:44,398 --> 00:02:47,299
In about 750 b.C.
53
00:02:47,301 --> 00:02:49,635
He immortalizes the city
and the siege
54
00:02:49,637 --> 00:02:54,273
In an epic poem
called "the iliad."
55
00:02:54,275 --> 00:02:57,409
Rose:
Homer left clues to the location
of troy throughout "the iliad,"
56
00:02:57,411 --> 00:03:00,646
And the details are so precise
that many historians believe
57
00:03:00,648 --> 00:03:03,649
He was talking about
an actual place.
58
00:03:03,651 --> 00:03:06,785
Narrator: In the story,
the greeks launch 1,000 ships
59
00:03:06,787 --> 00:03:09,655
And sail across the sea
to attack troy.
60
00:03:09,657 --> 00:03:13,859
They besiege the city
for 10 years.
61
00:03:13,861 --> 00:03:16,728
Rose: It ends because of
the trick of the trojan horse,
62
00:03:16,730 --> 00:03:19,498
Where a monumental wooden horse
with a hollow stomach
63
00:03:19,500 --> 00:03:21,433
In which greek soldiers
have hidden
64
00:03:21,435 --> 00:03:23,535
Is brought into
the city of troy.
65
00:03:23,537 --> 00:03:26,405
At night, the greek soldiers
creep out of the hollow stomach
66
00:03:26,407 --> 00:03:28,473
Of the horse,
open the gates of the city,
67
00:03:28,475 --> 00:03:31,677
Let in the greek army,
and troy is destroyed.
68
00:03:31,679 --> 00:03:35,180
♪
69
00:03:35,182 --> 00:03:39,251
Narrator: For centuries, experts
searched for troy's location.
70
00:03:39,253 --> 00:03:43,655
In northwest turkey,
they find this huge mound.
71
00:03:43,657 --> 00:03:47,960
Buried inside, they find the
remains of a once-mighty city.
72
00:03:47,962 --> 00:03:55,033
♪
73
00:03:55,035 --> 00:03:57,603
Imposing towers
of a fortified gatehouse
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00:03:57,605 --> 00:04:00,672
Flank the broad entranceway.
75
00:04:00,674 --> 00:04:02,307
It's one of three main openings
76
00:04:02,309 --> 00:04:07,279
In the thick, high walls
of stone and mud brick.
77
00:04:07,281 --> 00:04:10,882
Inside, the city covers 5 acres,
78
00:04:10,884 --> 00:04:13,652
With grand houses packed in
close to one another,
79
00:04:13,654 --> 00:04:18,156
Vying for space
in the protected citadel.
80
00:04:18,158 --> 00:04:22,561
And overlooking them all,
an immense palace complex.
81
00:04:22,563 --> 00:04:25,564
This is a seat of power
and wealth,
82
00:04:25,566 --> 00:04:30,102
A fortified stronghold
that dominates the landscape.
83
00:04:30,104 --> 00:04:32,271
It has all the right hallmarks.
84
00:04:32,273 --> 00:04:35,374
So is this the legendary city
of troy?
85
00:04:35,376 --> 00:04:37,976
♪
86
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Brian hunts for evidence.
87
00:04:40,381 --> 00:04:44,950
The first clue is in
the mighty walls themselves.
88
00:04:44,952 --> 00:04:46,551
Rose: Homer describes
the walls of troy
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00:04:46,553 --> 00:04:49,154
As being incredibly strong
and incredibly high,
90
00:04:49,156 --> 00:04:50,956
And that's
what you see behind me.
91
00:04:50,958 --> 00:04:53,859
As you look at these walls
of the northeast bastion,
92
00:04:53,861 --> 00:04:56,728
You can see that they fit
his description perfectly.
93
00:04:56,730 --> 00:04:59,164
Narrator: This ruined gateway
in the south of the city
94
00:04:59,166 --> 00:05:01,333
Provides more evidence.
95
00:05:01,335 --> 00:05:03,935
Rose: Homer speaks
of the strength of the gateways
96
00:05:03,937 --> 00:05:05,237
Leading into the citadel
97
00:05:05,239 --> 00:05:07,606
And especially the strength
of the south gateway.
98
00:05:07,608 --> 00:05:09,374
This is the south side
of the citadel,
99
00:05:09,376 --> 00:05:12,277
And this comes pretty close
to that description.
100
00:05:12,279 --> 00:05:15,147
These gates and these towers
101
00:05:15,149 --> 00:05:17,416
Would have been
extraordinarily high,
102
00:05:17,418 --> 00:05:19,284
Clearly built
to withstand a siege
103
00:05:19,286 --> 00:05:23,388
And, indeed,
a series of sieges over time.
104
00:05:23,390 --> 00:05:25,524
Narrator: But although
the citadel looks the part,
105
00:05:25,526 --> 00:05:30,395
It only covers 5 acres,
about four football fields.
106
00:05:30,397 --> 00:05:32,164
It's not big enough
to be the great city
107
00:05:32,166 --> 00:05:34,866
Homer describes.
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00:05:34,868 --> 00:05:37,369
Archaeologists continue
their search,
109
00:05:37,371 --> 00:05:41,573
Convinced there's more to this
site than first meets the eye.
110
00:05:41,575 --> 00:05:44,409
We started looking outside
the walls of the citadel,
111
00:05:44,411 --> 00:05:46,712
And we found
this enormous lower city
112
00:05:46,714 --> 00:05:48,080
Where there are
defensive systems
113
00:05:48,082 --> 00:05:49,915
Surrounding bronze-age houses
114
00:05:49,917 --> 00:05:52,150
And the pottery that
the residents were using,
115
00:05:52,152 --> 00:05:55,587
Which showed that the city was
far larger than we had expected.
116
00:05:55,589 --> 00:05:58,390
Narrator:
The lower city covers 75 acres
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00:05:58,392 --> 00:06:01,693
And is large enough
for 10,000 inhabitants.
118
00:06:01,695 --> 00:06:04,763
There were two main zones
of occupation -- the citadel,
119
00:06:04,765 --> 00:06:07,332
Which is where the wealthy
and powerful would have lived,
120
00:06:07,334 --> 00:06:09,134
And the lower city,
which surrounds us,
121
00:06:09,136 --> 00:06:12,571
Which is where the lower classes
would have lived.
122
00:06:12,573 --> 00:06:15,340
Narrator: This groundbreaking
discovery proves this site
123
00:06:15,342 --> 00:06:18,977
Really is big enough to be
the magnificent city of troy.
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00:06:18,979 --> 00:06:21,580
♪
125
00:06:21,582 --> 00:06:23,648
But is it old enough?
126
00:06:23,650 --> 00:06:25,684
Experts believe
homer sets his story
127
00:06:25,686 --> 00:06:30,322
Around the beginning
of the 13th century b.C.
128
00:06:30,324 --> 00:06:32,924
But finding out if the age
of this city matches
129
00:06:32,926 --> 00:06:35,460
Is a challenge.
130
00:06:35,462 --> 00:06:38,296
Rose: Excavating in the city is
one of the most difficult things
131
00:06:38,298 --> 00:06:41,633
That an archaeologist can do,
because it's not just one city,
132
00:06:41,635 --> 00:06:45,070
But rather nine of them,
one built on top of the other.
133
00:06:45,072 --> 00:06:48,306
And when we dig down,
we encounter a series of layers.
134
00:06:48,308 --> 00:06:50,242
Each one is a different city.
135
00:06:50,244 --> 00:06:52,811
And some lasted
for a few decades,
136
00:06:52,813 --> 00:06:55,647
And some lasted for
a few centuries.
137
00:06:55,649 --> 00:06:59,050
Narrator: Archaeologists number
the layers from one to nine.
138
00:06:59,052 --> 00:07:02,954
Each layer is a city from
a different period in history.
139
00:07:02,956 --> 00:07:07,159
The city that we're interested
in is from layers six and seven.
140
00:07:07,161 --> 00:07:09,027
That coincides
with the late bronze age,
141
00:07:09,029 --> 00:07:11,396
With the 13th
and 12th centuries b.C.
142
00:07:11,398 --> 00:07:14,733
♪
143
00:07:14,735 --> 00:07:19,204
Narrator:
The magnificent citadel matches
the date of the trojan war,
144
00:07:19,206 --> 00:07:22,174
But there's one more piece
of the puzzle.
145
00:07:22,176 --> 00:07:25,143
Is this powerful metropolis
in the right location
146
00:07:25,145 --> 00:07:27,212
To be homer's legendary city?
147
00:07:27,214 --> 00:07:30,449
♪
148
00:07:30,451 --> 00:07:34,352
Ancient texts locate troy
in modern-day turkey,
149
00:07:34,354 --> 00:07:38,123
East of greece and southwest
of the black sea,
150
00:07:38,125 --> 00:07:39,925
Right on the aegean coast.
151
00:07:39,927 --> 00:07:42,194
♪
152
00:07:42,196 --> 00:07:46,097
Homer says the city overlooks
the dardanelles strait
153
00:07:46,099 --> 00:07:49,935
And sits at the mouth of
a mighty river, the scamander.
154
00:07:49,937 --> 00:07:52,237
♪
155
00:07:52,239 --> 00:07:53,705
During the trojan war,
156
00:07:53,707 --> 00:07:57,609
The greek fleet hides
behind the island of tenedos,
157
00:07:57,611 --> 00:08:00,245
Putting troy
within striking distance.
158
00:08:00,247 --> 00:08:04,015
♪
159
00:08:04,017 --> 00:08:07,152
And legend has it
that the gods watch the war
160
00:08:07,154 --> 00:08:09,154
From mount ida,
161
00:08:09,156 --> 00:08:11,790
The final clue
in the hunt for troy.
162
00:08:11,792 --> 00:08:15,460
♪
163
00:08:15,462 --> 00:08:18,430
Rose: Homer's description
of the geography of troy
164
00:08:18,432 --> 00:08:21,500
Matches very closely
this archaeological site.
165
00:08:21,502 --> 00:08:23,368
The aegean is right over there.
166
00:08:23,370 --> 00:08:26,404
The dardanelles is only 4 miles
to the north.
167
00:08:26,406 --> 00:08:30,008
The ida mountain's only
20 miles to the south,
168
00:08:30,010 --> 00:08:33,445
And the island of tenedos
is just over there.
169
00:08:33,447 --> 00:08:35,113
Narrator: The location fits.
170
00:08:35,115 --> 00:08:37,048
The place is real.
171
00:08:37,050 --> 00:08:40,886
This really is the legendary
lost city of troy.
172
00:08:40,888 --> 00:08:43,922
But what can discoveries
around the walls tell us
173
00:08:43,924 --> 00:08:47,893
About whether the epic trojan
war actually takes place here?
174
00:09:05,145 --> 00:09:07,479
Narrator:
The legendary trojan war,
175
00:09:07,481 --> 00:09:11,082
An epic siege that's said to end
with a cunning trick --
176
00:09:11,084 --> 00:09:14,185
A gift of a horse
full of warriors.
177
00:09:14,187 --> 00:09:16,621
Archaeologists unearth
the ruins of troy
178
00:09:16,623 --> 00:09:19,257
In modern-day turkey.
179
00:09:19,259 --> 00:09:21,526
Now they search
for new evidence of the war
180
00:09:21,528 --> 00:09:23,428
Around the city walls.
181
00:09:23,430 --> 00:09:27,198
♪
182
00:09:27,200 --> 00:09:28,934
Legend has it these mighty walls
183
00:09:28,936 --> 00:09:32,704
Are the work of the gods
apollo and poseidon.
184
00:09:32,706 --> 00:09:35,473
Thousands of large,
close-fitting limestone blocks
185
00:09:35,475 --> 00:09:38,243
Form an impenetrable barrier.
186
00:09:38,245 --> 00:09:41,479
At the height of troy's power,
they're over 16 feet thick
187
00:09:41,481 --> 00:09:44,015
And 32 feet high,
188
00:09:44,017 --> 00:09:47,852
Taller on average
than the great wall of china.
189
00:09:47,854 --> 00:09:50,121
Inside the walls,
archaeologists unearth
190
00:09:50,123 --> 00:09:52,490
Piles of slingshot ammunition,
191
00:09:52,492 --> 00:09:55,627
Classical siege defense weapons,
192
00:09:55,629 --> 00:09:59,264
And outside, they find bronze
arrowheads and spearheads
193
00:09:59,266 --> 00:10:02,300
More than 3,000 years old.
194
00:10:02,302 --> 00:10:06,204
Are these missiles evidence
of the legendary siege of troy?
195
00:10:06,206 --> 00:10:10,508
♪
196
00:10:10,510 --> 00:10:12,844
Troy's site director
rustem aslan
197
00:10:12,846 --> 00:10:17,182
Has been investigating
this lost city for 30 years.
198
00:10:17,184 --> 00:10:20,085
He's amazed to find
metal weapons here.
199
00:10:34,401 --> 00:10:35,967
Finding bronze-age weapons
200
00:10:35,969 --> 00:10:40,038
Confirms a bloody war
takes place here,
201
00:10:40,040 --> 00:10:42,040
And the citadel's
solid, high walls
202
00:10:42,042 --> 00:10:46,945
Show the trojans are prepared
to withstand a siege.
203
00:10:46,947 --> 00:10:48,513
But what about
in the lower town,
204
00:10:48,515 --> 00:10:51,549
Where most of
the inhabitants live?
205
00:10:51,551 --> 00:10:53,685
Is there evidence
of an attack here?
206
00:11:04,331 --> 00:11:07,999
The ditch is an impressive feat
of bronze-age engineering.
207
00:11:08,001 --> 00:11:11,069
It measures 13 feet wide
and 8 feet deep,
208
00:11:11,071 --> 00:11:15,040
Carved by hand
directly into the bedrock.
209
00:11:15,042 --> 00:11:18,677
Fully completed, it runs
the perimeter of the lower city,
210
00:11:18,679 --> 00:11:20,879
About 7 1/2 miles.
211
00:11:33,160 --> 00:11:37,629
Rustem believes there's only one
reason to dig a ditch this big,
212
00:11:37,631 --> 00:11:40,031
To defend the city
against the ancient world's
213
00:11:40,033 --> 00:11:43,301
Most terrifying weapon --
the chariot.
214
00:11:43,303 --> 00:11:46,871
♪
215
00:11:46,873 --> 00:11:51,409
The chariot is the tank
of the bronze age,
216
00:11:51,411 --> 00:11:53,645
A lightweight, wheeled
wooden platform
217
00:11:53,647 --> 00:11:55,780
Pulled by two or four horses.
218
00:11:55,782 --> 00:11:59,284
[ horse neighs ]
219
00:11:59,286 --> 00:12:03,455
One charioteer holds the reins,
while a warrior
220
00:12:03,457 --> 00:12:06,891
In full bronze armor
wields a long deadly spear.
221
00:12:06,893 --> 00:12:09,861
♪
222
00:12:09,863 --> 00:12:13,131
With a top speed
of almost 30 miles an hour,
223
00:12:13,133 --> 00:12:17,202
A few chariots can decimate
infantry on an open battlefield.
224
00:12:17,204 --> 00:12:20,739
[ battle cries ]
225
00:12:20,741 --> 00:12:23,641
But a simple ditch
with steep sides
226
00:12:23,643 --> 00:12:27,378
Can stop a speeding chariot
in its tracks.
227
00:12:27,380 --> 00:12:29,414
[ horse neighs ]
228
00:12:29,416 --> 00:12:33,118
♪
229
00:12:33,120 --> 00:12:35,787
Troy's defensive ditch
and strong walls
230
00:12:35,789 --> 00:12:39,224
Show the city is designed to
withstand a well-equipped army,
231
00:12:39,226 --> 00:12:42,694
Just as homer says.
232
00:12:42,696 --> 00:12:47,265
But these defenses
are only half the story.
233
00:12:47,267 --> 00:12:52,270
Historian nigel tallis is
an expert in bronze age warfare.
234
00:12:52,272 --> 00:12:54,706
He thinks troy's residents
can't afford to wait
235
00:12:54,708 --> 00:12:57,909
For their city to be overrun
by galloping chariots.
236
00:12:59,880 --> 00:13:01,746
They must strike first.
237
00:13:03,750 --> 00:13:07,051
If you sit inside your city,
you're going to run out of food.
238
00:13:07,053 --> 00:13:10,021
There's a danger of disease
and plague.
239
00:13:10,023 --> 00:13:13,057
As they say, the best form
of defense is attack.
240
00:13:13,059 --> 00:13:16,628
You have to take the fight
to the enemy.
241
00:13:16,630 --> 00:13:19,964
Narrator:
Nigel believes bands of trojan
warriors leave the city
242
00:13:19,966 --> 00:13:24,169
To take on the enemy
on the plains outside.
243
00:13:24,171 --> 00:13:26,504
Sometimes their leaders
might engage each other
244
00:13:26,506 --> 00:13:29,274
In single combat.
245
00:13:29,276 --> 00:13:32,744
It's an age of kings
and heroes and champions,
246
00:13:32,746 --> 00:13:35,280
And this is the way
you win a great name.
247
00:13:35,282 --> 00:13:38,783
This is how you win
wealth and fortune,
248
00:13:38,785 --> 00:13:42,620
Is through showing
your prowess in battle.
249
00:13:42,622 --> 00:13:45,356
Narrator: In the bronze age,
the outcome of such a duel
250
00:13:45,358 --> 00:13:48,159
Can settle the entire war.
251
00:13:48,161 --> 00:13:51,396
It's a practical way
to avoid bloodshed.
252
00:13:51,398 --> 00:13:55,099
Tallis: Most of the soldiers are
militia, and they're conscripts.
253
00:13:55,101 --> 00:13:56,801
These are your farmers
254
00:13:56,803 --> 00:13:59,971
And people
who make things back at home.
255
00:13:59,973 --> 00:14:04,742
You don't want them
to be needlessly slaughtered.
256
00:14:04,744 --> 00:14:07,278
Narrator: Nigel investigates
how the trojan champions
257
00:14:07,280 --> 00:14:11,182
Might prepare for
this life-or-death battle.
258
00:14:11,184 --> 00:14:14,819
He works with historic weapons
expert hamish macleod,
259
00:14:14,821 --> 00:14:18,690
Who builds replica
bronze-age armor.
260
00:14:18,692 --> 00:14:21,559
This is made of solid plate.
261
00:14:21,561 --> 00:14:23,795
In the time,
it would have been bronze,
262
00:14:23,797 --> 00:14:25,830
And this suit over here
263
00:14:25,832 --> 00:14:28,032
Is made out of the individual
small plates
264
00:14:28,034 --> 00:14:31,302
Sewn onto
a leather bodice underneath.
265
00:14:31,304 --> 00:14:33,504
Tallis:
This amount of bronze
266
00:14:33,506 --> 00:14:35,506
Would be fantastically
expensive.
267
00:14:35,508 --> 00:14:38,776
Only the very richest and
the most important warriors
268
00:14:38,778 --> 00:14:41,079
Would have
this sort of gear.
269
00:14:41,081 --> 00:14:44,282
Narrator: As well as armor, the
fighters also protect themselves
270
00:14:44,284 --> 00:14:46,651
With heavy shields.
271
00:14:46,653 --> 00:14:51,222
So, this shield here is
big enough to hide behind.
272
00:14:51,224 --> 00:14:54,959
It's also been covered
with cowhide.
273
00:14:54,961 --> 00:14:56,794
Incredibly tough.
274
00:14:56,796 --> 00:15:00,865
And now, looking at this shield,
very distinctive shape.
275
00:15:00,867 --> 00:15:05,770
Could I ask you, please, could
you adopt the en garde position?
276
00:15:05,772 --> 00:15:09,407
Now our warrior is getting
the full protection width
277
00:15:09,409 --> 00:15:12,243
Of that shield,
but with that cutout,
278
00:15:12,245 --> 00:15:15,513
He's now able to present
his thrusting sword forward.
279
00:15:15,515 --> 00:15:17,815
♪
280
00:15:17,817 --> 00:15:21,719
Narrator: Each soldier also
carries a sharp sword.
281
00:15:21,721 --> 00:15:24,589
Macleod: It would have been
cast out of bronze.
282
00:15:24,591 --> 00:15:27,058
Bronze is quite
a brittle material.
283
00:15:27,060 --> 00:15:30,695
If you hit it on the side,
it will either bend or shatter.
284
00:15:30,697 --> 00:15:31,896
That's not good.
285
00:15:31,898 --> 00:15:34,432
The best way to get the sword
to last in combat
286
00:15:34,434 --> 00:15:37,168
Is to make sure you're always
fighting edge on edge.
287
00:15:37,170 --> 00:15:38,736
Right.
That's why this blade
288
00:15:38,738 --> 00:15:41,472
Is a lot fatter in the center
than it is at the edge.
289
00:15:41,474 --> 00:15:43,374
That's literally
to give it strength.
290
00:15:43,376 --> 00:15:47,445
Narrator:
Each champion's aim is to find
his opponent's weak spot.
291
00:15:47,447 --> 00:15:50,782
Macleod:
When we look at our character
here in his full plate armor,
292
00:15:50,784 --> 00:15:53,451
We can see that, really,
the only place
293
00:15:53,453 --> 00:15:56,120
Where you're going
to successfully take him out
294
00:15:56,122 --> 00:15:59,657
Is here, the neck,
the thrust here,
295
00:15:59,659 --> 00:16:02,794
And that's what it's all about.
296
00:16:02,796 --> 00:16:06,364
Narrator: Nigel believes these
battles are short but deadly.
297
00:16:06,366 --> 00:16:09,233
Tallis: The actual combat itself
might be over in seconds,
298
00:16:09,235 --> 00:16:10,535
If you get a lucky shot.
299
00:16:10,537 --> 00:16:14,839
Or it can go on for perhaps
10 minutes or so,
300
00:16:14,841 --> 00:16:19,010
Until the stress and the heat
exhaustion takes its toll,
301
00:16:19,012 --> 00:16:22,313
And you finish your enemy,
or your enemy finishes you.
302
00:16:22,315 --> 00:16:25,850
Narrator: These bloody duels
don't end the trojan war.
303
00:16:25,852 --> 00:16:29,120
The siege of troy goes on
for 10 years.
304
00:16:29,122 --> 00:16:30,722
But who are the attackers?
305
00:16:30,724 --> 00:16:33,124
Are they greek,
as the legend says?
306
00:16:33,126 --> 00:16:37,395
Can evidence found near
the coast reveal their identity?
307
00:16:54,414 --> 00:16:56,714
Narrator:
The ancient city of troy,
308
00:16:56,716 --> 00:16:59,283
Scene of the epic trojan war.
309
00:16:59,285 --> 00:17:01,252
[ battle cries,
swords clanging ]
310
00:17:01,254 --> 00:17:03,021
Searching for truth
in the legend,
311
00:17:03,023 --> 00:17:06,090
Experts locate the city
in modern turkey
312
00:17:06,092 --> 00:17:09,293
And find the remains
of a deadly siege.
313
00:17:09,295 --> 00:17:11,629
But who were the invaders?
314
00:17:11,631 --> 00:17:15,867
Homer writes that a huge
greek army attacks troy.
315
00:17:15,869 --> 00:17:19,037
What evidence is there
that the army is really here?
316
00:17:19,039 --> 00:17:22,974
♪
317
00:17:22,976 --> 00:17:24,675
Close to the shoreline,
318
00:17:24,677 --> 00:17:27,445
Investigators unearth
a strange burial site
319
00:17:27,447 --> 00:17:30,715
Of 95 bodies.
320
00:17:30,717 --> 00:17:34,519
Huge clay jars contain
jumbled human skeletons.
321
00:17:34,521 --> 00:17:38,656
♪
322
00:17:38,658 --> 00:17:42,026
It's a traditional style
of burial in the bronze age.
323
00:17:42,028 --> 00:17:46,864
♪
324
00:17:46,866 --> 00:17:50,501
Nearby, carved beads,
seals, and fragments of pottery
325
00:17:50,503 --> 00:17:52,837
Painted with ocher
date this graveyard
326
00:17:52,839 --> 00:17:54,772
To the time of the trojan war,
327
00:17:54,774 --> 00:17:57,642
But they are not trojan.
328
00:17:57,644 --> 00:18:00,611
Can these be the graves
of troy's attackers?
329
00:18:00,613 --> 00:18:07,285
♪
330
00:18:07,287 --> 00:18:10,054
Archaeologist louise schofield
has been studying
331
00:18:10,056 --> 00:18:13,091
The bronze age greeks
for 40 years.
332
00:18:13,093 --> 00:18:16,894
She investigates the area
where the burial site is found.
333
00:18:16,896 --> 00:18:19,163
She thinks the shape of the bay
could be evidence
334
00:18:19,165 --> 00:18:22,633
That homer's tale of an invading
greek army is true.
335
00:18:24,604 --> 00:18:26,671
In the story, homer describes
336
00:18:26,673 --> 00:18:29,807
How the greeks set up
their camp in a sheltered bay,
337
00:18:29,809 --> 00:18:32,410
Protected on both sides
by headlands,
338
00:18:32,412 --> 00:18:34,345
And it has fresh water nearby,
339
00:18:34,347 --> 00:18:37,081
Both for the people
and the horses.
340
00:18:37,083 --> 00:18:41,953
Narrator:
Louise believes this location
perfectly fits that description.
341
00:18:41,955 --> 00:18:43,821
Schofield: And if you look
at where we are now,
342
00:18:43,823 --> 00:18:45,223
You've got a lovely
sheltered bay
343
00:18:45,225 --> 00:18:48,092
Protected by headlands
and a water source nearby.
344
00:18:48,094 --> 00:18:52,797
So it fits the account
in the story very well.
345
00:18:52,799 --> 00:18:56,467
Narrator: But is this really
the site of an army camp?
346
00:18:56,469 --> 00:19:00,438
A clue may lie in the types
of objects found here.
347
00:19:00,440 --> 00:19:03,307
Schofield:
When this area was excavated,
lots of burials were found,
348
00:19:03,309 --> 00:19:07,345
Pottery, weapons,
but no permanent structures.
349
00:19:07,347 --> 00:19:10,515
So that suggests to me that
it may well have been a campsite
350
00:19:10,517 --> 00:19:12,517
Where people were living
without permanent structures
351
00:19:12,519 --> 00:19:13,751
Because they had no idea
352
00:19:13,753 --> 00:19:15,753
How long they were
going to be there.
353
00:19:15,755 --> 00:19:18,856
♪
354
00:19:18,858 --> 00:19:21,626
Narrator: Louise investigates
whether any of the grave goods
355
00:19:21,628 --> 00:19:25,596
Can reveal the identity
of these mysterious attackers.
356
00:19:25,598 --> 00:19:28,166
Are they greek, as homer says?
357
00:19:28,168 --> 00:19:31,102
Schofield:
The pottery we see here
is the material that was found
358
00:19:31,104 --> 00:19:34,205
In the excavations
on one of the big headlands,
359
00:19:34,207 --> 00:19:36,908
And it's very
distinctive pottery,
360
00:19:36,910 --> 00:19:39,944
But it's surprising to find it
in such quantities
361
00:19:39,946 --> 00:19:41,879
On the shores of troy.
362
00:19:41,881 --> 00:19:44,081
Narrator: As an expert
on the ancient greeks,
363
00:19:44,083 --> 00:19:47,151
Louise has seen
these designs before.
364
00:19:47,153 --> 00:19:50,821
This style of pottery exactly
matches the style of pottery
365
00:19:50,823 --> 00:19:53,824
That we find at sites
like mycenae in greece.
366
00:19:53,826 --> 00:19:56,827
♪
367
00:19:56,829 --> 00:19:59,030
Narrator:
At the time of the trojan war,
368
00:19:59,032 --> 00:20:01,265
The mycenaens are
a formidable people
369
00:20:01,267 --> 00:20:03,267
Who control most
of southern greece
370
00:20:03,269 --> 00:20:05,069
And the surrounding islands.
371
00:20:05,071 --> 00:20:07,605
♪
372
00:20:07,607 --> 00:20:09,774
Their capital city, mycenae,
373
00:20:09,776 --> 00:20:12,143
Is a mighty fortress
with huge walls
374
00:20:12,145 --> 00:20:15,646
That legend says
can only be the work of giants.
375
00:20:15,648 --> 00:20:18,683
♪
376
00:20:18,685 --> 00:20:22,420
They lay the foundations
for the ancient greek language,
377
00:20:22,422 --> 00:20:25,356
And they produce
intricate pottery and metalwork.
378
00:20:25,358 --> 00:20:29,193
♪
379
00:20:29,195 --> 00:20:32,563
Their fearsome fleet
rules the aegean sea
380
00:20:32,565 --> 00:20:36,367
And is easily able to sail
the 200 miles to troy.
381
00:20:36,369 --> 00:20:43,441
♪
382
00:20:43,443 --> 00:20:46,043
Louise believes finding
this much greek pottery
383
00:20:46,045 --> 00:20:51,015
On the shores of troy
proves the greeks are here.
384
00:20:51,017 --> 00:20:54,051
But why have they come?
385
00:20:54,053 --> 00:20:57,755
In the legend, the war starts
because prince paris of troy
386
00:20:57,757 --> 00:21:02,793
Runs away with the beautiful
greek queen, helen.
387
00:21:02,795 --> 00:21:04,362
Schofield:
Everybody loves the story,
388
00:21:04,364 --> 00:21:06,097
And everybody loves
a good romance,
389
00:21:06,099 --> 00:21:07,999
But would the greeks
of the bronze age
390
00:21:08,001 --> 00:21:12,870
Really have come here
and started a war over a woman?
391
00:21:12,872 --> 00:21:15,840
Narrator: Louise thinks the war
might be less about love
392
00:21:15,842 --> 00:21:17,975
And more about geography.
393
00:21:17,977 --> 00:21:19,810
Schofield: Just down here,
this piece of water,
394
00:21:19,812 --> 00:21:21,746
This is the dardanelles,
395
00:21:21,748 --> 00:21:25,850
And it's the boundary
between asia and europe.
396
00:21:25,852 --> 00:21:28,519
So on the far side of the water,
we've got europe,
397
00:21:28,521 --> 00:21:31,422
And on this side, we have asia.
398
00:21:31,424 --> 00:21:33,658
Narrator: The dardanelles strait
connects the black sea
399
00:21:33,660 --> 00:21:35,526
To the mediterranean.
400
00:21:35,528 --> 00:21:37,261
Today, it's one of
the most important
401
00:21:37,263 --> 00:21:38,963
Shipping lanes in the world,
402
00:21:38,965 --> 00:21:42,266
Carrying oil and 1/5
of all the world's grain exports
403
00:21:42,268 --> 00:21:46,370
From russia to africa
and western europe.
404
00:21:46,372 --> 00:21:51,409
Around 50,000 ships
pass through here every year.
405
00:21:51,411 --> 00:21:53,778
In the bronze age,
it would have been no different.
406
00:21:53,780 --> 00:21:56,314
So this would have been
a very busy waterway,
407
00:21:56,316 --> 00:21:58,716
Ships from various
nationalities traveling
408
00:21:58,718 --> 00:22:01,919
Through the dardanelles
to get access to the black sea.
409
00:22:01,921 --> 00:22:05,790
♪
410
00:22:05,792 --> 00:22:08,292
Narrator:
The site of troy is just 4 miles
411
00:22:08,294 --> 00:22:10,828
From the entrance
to the dardanelles.
412
00:22:10,830 --> 00:22:14,265
It's a vital strategic location.
413
00:22:14,267 --> 00:22:17,068
Close to troy
was the last safe harbor
414
00:22:17,070 --> 00:22:18,703
Before entering
into the dardanelles
415
00:22:18,705 --> 00:22:20,571
And going into the black sea.
416
00:22:20,573 --> 00:22:22,440
And the greeks would wait there
417
00:22:22,442 --> 00:22:24,742
For the winds to be
in the right direction
418
00:22:24,744 --> 00:22:30,047
And to get supplies and to make
any repairs to their ships.
419
00:22:30,049 --> 00:22:32,049
Narrator:
Troy is in the perfect place
420
00:22:32,051 --> 00:22:34,652
To control this vital
trade route.
421
00:22:34,654 --> 00:22:36,587
Its rulers take full advantage,
422
00:22:36,589 --> 00:22:39,990
Levying a tax
on any passing ships.
423
00:22:39,992 --> 00:22:42,660
The city becomes rich
and powerful,
424
00:22:42,662 --> 00:22:47,298
An obvious target
for the warlike greeks.
425
00:22:47,300 --> 00:22:49,166
I think they probably felt
two things,
426
00:22:49,168 --> 00:22:51,602
That, "a," they wanted
to teach troy a lesson,
427
00:22:51,604 --> 00:22:53,971
And "b," troy would have been
a very rich prize
428
00:22:53,973 --> 00:22:55,506
For them to take.
429
00:22:55,508 --> 00:22:58,442
Narrator: For louise, this is
the most likely reason
430
00:22:58,444 --> 00:23:00,111
For the trojan war.
431
00:23:00,113 --> 00:23:01,946
Schofield: Although
it's a lovely romantic story
432
00:23:01,948 --> 00:23:03,347
That the greeks
came here for love,
433
00:23:03,349 --> 00:23:04,949
They're much more likely
to have come here
434
00:23:04,951 --> 00:23:08,352
In search of wealth and riches.
435
00:23:08,354 --> 00:23:11,288
Narrator: The evidence shows
the story of the trojan war
436
00:23:11,290 --> 00:23:13,657
Is based on real events.
437
00:23:13,659 --> 00:23:16,694
But what can clues
from deep below the city
438
00:23:16,696 --> 00:23:19,730
Reveal about
how the war plays out?
439
00:23:19,732 --> 00:23:24,101
Does this epic siege really last
10 years, as homer says?
440
00:23:40,019 --> 00:23:43,287
Narrator:
The historic city of troy --
441
00:23:43,289 --> 00:23:46,891
Not just a myth,
but a real place,
442
00:23:46,893 --> 00:23:49,927
Site of the real trojan war.
443
00:23:49,929 --> 00:23:55,232
According to the story, this
epic battle rages for 10 years.
444
00:23:55,234 --> 00:23:58,369
How can the city and its
inhabitants survive a siege
445
00:23:58,371 --> 00:24:01,906
That lasts that long?
446
00:24:01,908 --> 00:24:04,608
Rose: Normally, troy had access
to plenty of food and water.
447
00:24:04,610 --> 00:24:06,544
There were fields
that surrounded the site,
448
00:24:06,546 --> 00:24:08,746
And two rivers that bordered it.
449
00:24:08,748 --> 00:24:10,848
But what do you do
if the greek army
450
00:24:10,850 --> 00:24:12,383
Is camped outside
your battlements?
451
00:24:12,385 --> 00:24:14,985
How do you survive
through a 10-year war?
452
00:24:14,987 --> 00:24:16,954
♪
453
00:24:16,956 --> 00:24:18,489
Narrator:
In the search for clues,
454
00:24:18,491 --> 00:24:23,561
Archaeologist brian rose
returns to troy's lower city.
455
00:24:23,563 --> 00:24:27,131
Here, he investigates
a mysterious entrance.
456
00:24:27,133 --> 00:24:29,633
Looks like no one's been here
for decades,
457
00:24:29,635 --> 00:24:32,102
And I've never seen
so many cobwebs in my life.
458
00:24:32,104 --> 00:24:33,804
Narrator: Whatever lies
behind the entrance
459
00:24:33,806 --> 00:24:36,173
Is off-limits to visitors,
460
00:24:36,175 --> 00:24:40,578
But brian's been given
unique access to investigate.
461
00:24:40,580 --> 00:24:42,813
I can see a little bit of light.
462
00:24:42,815 --> 00:24:47,384
So I should be able
to navigate the corridor.
463
00:24:47,386 --> 00:24:49,820
Narrator: Brian wants
to find out what's inside
464
00:24:49,822 --> 00:24:52,590
And if it can explain
how the trojans endure
465
00:24:52,592 --> 00:24:56,293
A 10-year siege.
466
00:24:56,295 --> 00:24:58,395
Rose: This is incredible.
467
00:24:58,397 --> 00:25:00,397
Narrator: A long, dark tunnel
stretches deep
468
00:25:00,399 --> 00:25:04,001
Into an underground world.
469
00:25:04,003 --> 00:25:08,405
Could this be the key
to how the trojans survive?
470
00:25:08,407 --> 00:25:10,241
Rose: I can see water,
471
00:25:10,243 --> 00:25:14,378
Not terribly much of it,
but there is some.
472
00:25:14,380 --> 00:25:17,715
Narrator: The claustrophobic
labyrinth runs for over 500 feet
473
00:25:17,717 --> 00:25:19,316
Right beneath the city.
474
00:25:19,318 --> 00:25:21,952
♪
475
00:25:21,954 --> 00:25:24,555
Brian believes it's not
an escape tunnel,
476
00:25:24,557 --> 00:25:27,091
But a vast
underground reservoir.
477
00:25:27,093 --> 00:25:29,460
♪
478
00:25:29,462 --> 00:25:32,129
It's summer now,
so the level is low,
479
00:25:32,131 --> 00:25:35,766
But in the wet season,
this would be full of water.
480
00:25:35,768 --> 00:25:38,903
The water comes from
an underground water source,
481
00:25:38,905 --> 00:25:41,705
As well as from rainwater
that collects in the cave
482
00:25:41,707 --> 00:25:43,841
Through several holes
in the ceiling
483
00:25:43,843 --> 00:25:47,511
And then ushers out
through the mouth of the cave.
484
00:25:47,513 --> 00:25:49,914
Narrator: The tunnel could
supply the inhabitants of troy
485
00:25:49,916 --> 00:25:53,784
With all the fresh water
they need.
486
00:25:53,786 --> 00:25:57,054
What this means is that
if there had been a siege,
487
00:25:57,056 --> 00:25:59,156
The residents would have had
plenty of fresh water
488
00:25:59,158 --> 00:26:02,893
To survive, no matter
how long the siege lasted.
489
00:26:02,895 --> 00:26:06,297
Narrator:
The trojans have enough water
to hold out for 10 years,
490
00:26:06,299 --> 00:26:09,900
Just as homer describes.
491
00:26:09,902 --> 00:26:12,469
But how do they get enough food?
492
00:26:12,471 --> 00:26:15,005
The answer may lie
in objects unearthed
493
00:26:15,007 --> 00:26:16,874
Back in the upper citadel.
494
00:26:16,876 --> 00:26:19,410
♪
495
00:26:19,412 --> 00:26:22,446
Rose: These enormous storage
vessels are called pithoi.
496
00:26:22,448 --> 00:26:25,416
They were designed
to hold grain primarily,
497
00:26:25,418 --> 00:26:29,420
But also lentils, dried fruits,
and other foodstuffs.
498
00:26:29,422 --> 00:26:32,723
Narrator: The residents bury the
jars in the ground to save space
499
00:26:32,725 --> 00:26:35,960
And protect the contents
from the hot sun.
500
00:26:35,962 --> 00:26:38,762
Some of these storage vessels
are over 6 feet tall,
501
00:26:38,764 --> 00:26:40,297
And in one of the houses,
502
00:26:40,299 --> 00:26:44,201
We found as many as 23 pithoi
sunk into the floor.
503
00:26:44,203 --> 00:26:46,437
Narrator: Brian believes
these underground larders
504
00:26:46,439 --> 00:26:49,273
Could explain how the trojans
are able to survive
505
00:26:49,275 --> 00:26:52,309
Being cut off
from the outside world.
506
00:26:52,311 --> 00:26:54,778
Rose: The fact
that they had so many of these
507
00:26:54,780 --> 00:26:57,548
Suggests that the residents
were concerned about surviving
508
00:26:57,550 --> 00:27:00,918
A very long siege
and having enough to eat.
509
00:27:00,920 --> 00:27:04,154
Narrator:
These storage jars mean
the trojans can last for months
510
00:27:04,156 --> 00:27:07,024
Or even years without
running out of food.
511
00:27:07,026 --> 00:27:10,127
♪
512
00:27:10,129 --> 00:27:12,930
But experts believe
surviving a siege is about more
513
00:27:12,932 --> 00:27:15,566
Than just holding out
until the enemy gives up.
514
00:27:15,568 --> 00:27:17,201
It's about fighting back.
515
00:27:17,203 --> 00:27:19,870
♪
516
00:27:19,872 --> 00:27:22,406
The trojan defenders
sneak out at night...
517
00:27:22,408 --> 00:27:24,308
[ battle cries ]
518
00:27:24,310 --> 00:27:27,778
...To seize or destroy
the invaders' weapons...
519
00:27:27,780 --> 00:27:30,914
♪
520
00:27:30,916 --> 00:27:33,550
...And they target
the greek fleet...
521
00:27:33,552 --> 00:27:35,586
♪
522
00:27:35,588 --> 00:27:38,122
...Attacking and wrecking
their ships.
523
00:27:38,124 --> 00:27:41,725
♪
524
00:27:41,727 --> 00:27:46,096
But the greeks are still
determined to take the city.
525
00:27:46,098 --> 00:27:50,234
They attack with siege towers,
battering rams, and ladders.
526
00:27:50,236 --> 00:27:53,737
♪
527
00:27:53,739 --> 00:27:57,841
They even consider
building earth ramps
528
00:27:57,843 --> 00:28:02,479
To get their forces
over troy's mighty walls.
529
00:28:02,481 --> 00:28:05,115
But does this war of attrition
really go on
530
00:28:05,117 --> 00:28:09,486
For 10 straight years,
as the story says?
531
00:28:09,488 --> 00:28:13,057
Brian believes homer bases
his tale not on one epic siege,
532
00:28:13,059 --> 00:28:15,526
But a series of wars.
533
00:28:15,528 --> 00:28:18,228
Rose: Homer describes the trojan
war as lasting for 10 years,
534
00:28:18,230 --> 00:28:20,664
But this is probably
just dramatic license.
535
00:28:20,666 --> 00:28:22,599
We typically speak
of one trojan war,
536
00:28:22,601 --> 00:28:24,168
But in fact, there were many,
537
00:28:24,170 --> 00:28:26,369
Lasting probably
for two centuries,
538
00:28:26,371 --> 00:28:29,673
From about 1400 to 1200.
539
00:28:29,675 --> 00:28:32,209
Narrator: For the defenders,
these repeated short attacks
540
00:28:32,211 --> 00:28:34,144
Have one advantage --
541
00:28:34,146 --> 00:28:39,016
They don't need enough food
to last a full 10 years.
542
00:28:39,018 --> 00:28:41,885
During this period, there would
have been opportunities
543
00:28:41,887 --> 00:28:44,221
For the trojans
to restock the settlement,
544
00:28:44,223 --> 00:28:45,923
Because the wars
would not have continued
545
00:28:45,925 --> 00:28:47,925
For that entire period.
546
00:28:47,927 --> 00:28:50,761
♪
547
00:28:50,763 --> 00:28:52,963
Narrator: The evidence
unearthed at troy shows
548
00:28:52,965 --> 00:28:55,833
That the trojan war
really happens.
549
00:28:55,835 --> 00:28:59,636
But does it end with a cunning
trick, as the legend says?
550
00:28:59,638 --> 00:29:02,106
Can cutting-edge
computer modeling
551
00:29:02,108 --> 00:29:05,676
Finally reveal the truth
about the trojan horse?
552
00:29:20,292 --> 00:29:22,793
Narrator:
The tale of the trojan war --
553
00:29:22,795 --> 00:29:27,264
One of the most famous
stories in history.
554
00:29:27,266 --> 00:29:31,602
Archaeologists have shown there
really is a war here at troy.
555
00:29:31,604 --> 00:29:33,203
But how does it end?
556
00:29:33,205 --> 00:29:35,839
♪
557
00:29:35,841 --> 00:29:38,976
According to the legend,
after 10 long years,
558
00:29:38,978 --> 00:29:42,946
The greeks appear
to abandon their siege.
559
00:29:42,948 --> 00:29:45,449
They leave behind an offering,
560
00:29:45,451 --> 00:29:49,119
A gigantic wooden horse,
561
00:29:49,121 --> 00:29:51,955
But this gift hides
a deadly secret.
562
00:29:51,957 --> 00:29:55,359
♪
563
00:29:55,361 --> 00:29:58,529
Stuffed inside
are 30 greek warriors,
564
00:29:58,531 --> 00:30:00,864
Taking up all available space.
565
00:30:00,866 --> 00:30:05,669
♪
566
00:30:05,671 --> 00:30:07,738
They hope they can
fool the trojans
567
00:30:07,740 --> 00:30:09,773
Into taking them into the city.
568
00:30:09,775 --> 00:30:11,875
♪
569
00:30:11,877 --> 00:30:16,513
Can there be any truth
in this legend?
570
00:30:16,515 --> 00:30:19,316
Archaeologist louise schofield
searches for evidence
571
00:30:19,318 --> 00:30:24,121
That the trojans might really
fall for the famous trick.
572
00:30:24,123 --> 00:30:28,292
Chilling remains found in
the citadel hint at an answer.
573
00:30:28,294 --> 00:30:30,227
Schofield:
During the excavations at troy,
574
00:30:30,229 --> 00:30:32,763
Dozens and dozens of
horse skeletons were found,
575
00:30:32,765 --> 00:30:34,731
Of which these are two skulls.
576
00:30:34,733 --> 00:30:36,333
The fact that we found so many
577
00:30:36,335 --> 00:30:39,203
Is really unusual
for a bronze age site,
578
00:30:39,205 --> 00:30:41,705
And it backs up
the importance of horses
579
00:30:41,707 --> 00:30:44,775
To the culture of the trojans.
580
00:30:44,777 --> 00:30:49,112
Narrator:
Horses are a significant part of
bronze age culture and economy.
581
00:30:49,114 --> 00:30:52,516
They also play
a vital religious role.
582
00:30:52,518 --> 00:30:55,485
People make statues of them
or even sacrifice them
583
00:30:55,487 --> 00:30:59,523
To seek favor from the gods.
584
00:30:59,525 --> 00:31:02,092
It would make perfect sense
that the greeks would leave
585
00:31:02,094 --> 00:31:05,562
A large statue of a wooden horse
on the plains of troy
586
00:31:05,564 --> 00:31:07,130
As an offering to their gods.
587
00:31:07,132 --> 00:31:10,033
Also, given the importance
of the horse to the trojans,
588
00:31:10,035 --> 00:31:13,303
You can see why they would want
to bring it without their city
589
00:31:13,305 --> 00:31:17,007
And offer it
to their goddess themselves.
590
00:31:17,009 --> 00:31:19,710
Narrator: But the legend says
that in just three days,
591
00:31:19,712 --> 00:31:22,279
The greeks build a horse
big enough to conceal
592
00:31:22,281 --> 00:31:25,249
Around 30 warriors.
593
00:31:25,251 --> 00:31:29,753
Could such a feat be possible
for bronze age engineers?
594
00:31:29,755 --> 00:31:33,523
A clue could lie in the nearby
town of canakkale.
595
00:31:33,525 --> 00:31:36,827
When hollywood decided to make
their epic movie "troy,"
596
00:31:36,829 --> 00:31:38,729
This is the way
that they envisaged
597
00:31:38,731 --> 00:31:41,331
The famous trojan horse
as looking,
598
00:31:41,333 --> 00:31:44,968
Made of the remains of
several dismembered greek ships.
599
00:31:46,939 --> 00:31:51,008
Narrator: The greeks are expert
engineers and boat-builders.
600
00:31:51,010 --> 00:31:54,111
Louise believes they used this
incredible ship-building talent
601
00:31:54,113 --> 00:31:57,648
To break the terrible siege
of troy.
602
00:31:57,650 --> 00:32:00,317
Schofield: I don't think they
could have built a wooden horse
603
00:32:00,319 --> 00:32:04,454
From scratch in just three days,
but they had their warships,
604
00:32:04,456 --> 00:32:07,891
And they could have dismantled
those to build such a horse.
605
00:32:07,893 --> 00:32:09,960
♪
606
00:32:09,962 --> 00:32:14,564
Narrator: But is this
replica horse the right size?
607
00:32:14,566 --> 00:32:15,933
Schofield:
Wow. This thing is huge.
608
00:32:15,935 --> 00:32:18,201
It's nearly 40 feet tall.
609
00:32:18,203 --> 00:32:20,103
I wonder if it would have needed
to be this big
610
00:32:20,105 --> 00:32:21,838
To house 30 greek warriors
611
00:32:21,840 --> 00:32:24,207
Or whether it's a hollywood
exaggeration.
612
00:32:24,209 --> 00:32:28,111
♪
613
00:32:28,113 --> 00:32:32,316
Narrator:
At nottingham trent university,
England, head of engineering
614
00:32:32,318 --> 00:32:36,987
Neil mansfield gears up to
undertake a unique experiment
615
00:32:36,989 --> 00:32:41,591
To investigate how big
the trojan horse has to be.
616
00:32:41,593 --> 00:32:44,628
Mansfield: Question is, can we
really build a wooden horse
617
00:32:44,630 --> 00:32:46,596
That will fit 30 men
618
00:32:46,598 --> 00:32:50,801
And to get it through
those gates to the city of troy?
619
00:32:50,803 --> 00:32:54,705
Narrator: Neil starts with
a modern-day comparison.
620
00:32:54,707 --> 00:32:57,441
Okay. So we're going to be
getting into the van.
621
00:32:57,443 --> 00:33:01,178
Narrator:
He wants to know what size
vehicle will hold 30 people.
622
00:33:01,180 --> 00:33:03,013
-In you come.
-Sorry.
623
00:33:03,015 --> 00:33:04,681
Narrator:
He estimates this empty van
624
00:33:04,683 --> 00:33:07,617
Could be a good starting point
for the body of the horse.
625
00:33:07,619 --> 00:33:12,055
21, 22.
626
00:33:12,057 --> 00:33:14,725
We've only got 22 crammed
into this van.
627
00:33:14,727 --> 00:33:17,327
So if you make it even bigger
to fit 30 in,
628
00:33:17,329 --> 00:33:18,962
It's going to be enormous.
629
00:33:18,964 --> 00:33:20,697
I can feel the heat
already up here.
630
00:33:20,699 --> 00:33:24,134
♪
631
00:33:24,136 --> 00:33:27,337
Narrator: Neil wants to know
what size the horse needs to be
632
00:33:27,339 --> 00:33:30,407
And whether it will
fit through the city gates.
633
00:33:30,409 --> 00:33:31,641
See what you're up to.
634
00:33:31,643 --> 00:33:35,112
He works with human ergonomist
john lovegrove.
635
00:33:35,114 --> 00:33:37,848
So how big does a trojan horse
need to be
636
00:33:37,850 --> 00:33:40,851
To fit 30
greek soldiers inside?
637
00:33:40,853 --> 00:33:42,386
That's a really
good question.
638
00:33:42,388 --> 00:33:44,354
The first thing you have to do
is think about the size
639
00:33:44,356 --> 00:33:46,857
Of the people
inside the horse.
640
00:33:46,859 --> 00:33:49,726
Skeletal remains show
that 3,000 years ago,
641
00:33:49,728 --> 00:33:54,197
The average greek soldier
was around 5'7" tall.
642
00:33:54,199 --> 00:33:57,501
They would be fit,
smaller than today.
643
00:33:57,503 --> 00:34:01,204
Next, john works out how the
greeks would design their horse.
644
00:34:01,206 --> 00:34:03,940
He bases his model on a ship.
645
00:34:03,942 --> 00:34:06,576
In this model, I've placed
a boat hull inside the horse
646
00:34:06,578 --> 00:34:10,113
And then sat the greek soldiers
side-by-side
647
00:34:10,115 --> 00:34:12,015
Down both
sides of the boat,
648
00:34:12,017 --> 00:34:14,985
And in the center,
we are able to put a third row.
649
00:34:14,987 --> 00:34:16,686
And while the soldiers
are in here,
650
00:34:16,688 --> 00:34:18,989
They probably wouldn't
be wearing their armor?
651
00:34:18,991 --> 00:34:20,524
No.
652
00:34:20,526 --> 00:34:23,627
Storing their armor separately
would keep the warriors cool
653
00:34:23,629 --> 00:34:27,697
And prevent them from
being heard by the trojans.
654
00:34:27,699 --> 00:34:30,634
So if we put them all together,
how big is it?
655
00:34:30,636 --> 00:34:33,770
We have an approximate height
of 5 meters
656
00:34:33,772 --> 00:34:35,405
To the back of the horse,
657
00:34:35,407 --> 00:34:38,375
And then 6, 6 1/2 meters
to the head.
658
00:34:38,377 --> 00:34:40,744
15, 20 feet,
that's pretty big.
659
00:34:40,746 --> 00:34:42,479
Yeah, it's huge, yeah.
Yeah.
660
00:34:42,481 --> 00:34:45,615
Question is,
would that fit through
661
00:34:45,617 --> 00:34:48,652
The gates of troy?
662
00:34:48,654 --> 00:34:50,754
Archaeologists think
the main gate at troy
663
00:34:50,756 --> 00:34:54,191
Is about 13 feet wide
and 16 feet high,
664
00:34:54,193 --> 00:34:57,127
With a mud-brick arch
over the top.
665
00:34:57,129 --> 00:35:01,631
At 20 feet tall,
john's design is too big.
666
00:35:01,633 --> 00:35:03,500
But he believes
with some adjustments,
667
00:35:03,502 --> 00:35:06,536
The trojan horse
could be a success.
668
00:35:06,538 --> 00:35:09,973
It could have been
that the trojans removed
669
00:35:09,975 --> 00:35:11,608
The top
of the gates of troy
670
00:35:11,610 --> 00:35:13,877
To allow the horse
to pass through,
671
00:35:13,879 --> 00:35:16,746
Or I personally think
that it was actually
672
00:35:16,748 --> 00:35:19,349
A much smaller group
of soldiers.
673
00:35:21,320 --> 00:35:24,287
According to the story,
all this squad needs to do
674
00:35:24,289 --> 00:35:28,792
Is overpower the guards
and open the city gates.
675
00:35:28,794 --> 00:35:31,461
So you're saying
with fewer soldiers,
676
00:35:31,463 --> 00:35:32,896
We get a smaller horse.
677
00:35:32,898 --> 00:35:35,732
It fits through the gate,
and that would have worked.
678
00:35:35,734 --> 00:35:38,702
Yes.
679
00:35:38,704 --> 00:35:41,605
John's new design shows
the ingenious trojan horse
680
00:35:41,607 --> 00:35:43,573
Really could be
the stealth weapon
681
00:35:43,575 --> 00:35:47,043
That ends
the brutal siege of troy.
682
00:35:47,045 --> 00:35:50,213
Maybe there weren't 30 soldiers
inside the trojan horse.
683
00:35:50,215 --> 00:35:53,216
Maybe it was a smaller number.
But we can't forget,
684
00:35:53,218 --> 00:35:55,285
These greeks, they were
outstanding engineers.
685
00:35:55,287 --> 00:35:56,720
They knew what they were doing,
686
00:35:56,722 --> 00:35:59,756
And I think
they could have done it.
687
00:35:59,758 --> 00:36:02,859
Narrator: Building a big
wooden horse is one thing.
688
00:36:02,861 --> 00:36:06,363
Tricking the trojans into taking
it into their city is another.
689
00:36:06,365 --> 00:36:08,899
♪
690
00:36:08,901 --> 00:36:12,569
According to legend,
after the greeks retreat,
691
00:36:12,571 --> 00:36:15,906
The trojans come out to admire
the mysterious horse.
692
00:36:15,908 --> 00:36:19,843
[ applause, crowd chattering ]
693
00:36:19,845 --> 00:36:24,781
Laocoon, a trojan priest,
suspects greek foul play
694
00:36:24,783 --> 00:36:26,750
And hurls a spear at the horse
695
00:36:26,752 --> 00:36:30,887
To prove there are men
hidden inside.
696
00:36:30,889 --> 00:36:33,890
But suddenly, two giant serpents
emerge from the sea...
697
00:36:33,892 --> 00:36:35,625
[ man screaming ]
698
00:36:35,627 --> 00:36:38,195
Narrator: ...And kill laocoon
and his sons.
699
00:36:38,197 --> 00:36:39,829
Aah!
700
00:36:39,831 --> 00:36:42,299
♪
701
00:36:42,301 --> 00:36:44,467
Worried about angering the gods,
702
00:36:44,469 --> 00:36:47,938
The trojans accept the horse
as a gift
703
00:36:47,940 --> 00:36:50,006
And drag it inside.
704
00:36:50,008 --> 00:36:52,642
[ ropes creaking ]
705
00:36:52,644 --> 00:36:55,912
Myths like this
are often based in truth.
706
00:36:55,914 --> 00:37:00,183
Bronze-age societies
frequently give horses as gifts.
707
00:37:00,185 --> 00:37:02,419
But does this greek gift
of a horse
708
00:37:02,421 --> 00:37:05,121
Succeed in tricking the trojans?
709
00:37:05,123 --> 00:37:06,890
Can new archaeological evidence
710
00:37:06,892 --> 00:37:10,594
Reveal what really happens
in troy's final hours?
711
00:37:25,911 --> 00:37:28,511
♪
712
00:37:28,513 --> 00:37:31,514
Narrator: Troy --
713
00:37:31,516 --> 00:37:35,118
Setting of the legendary
trojan war.
714
00:37:35,120 --> 00:37:40,023
Archaeological evidence shows
the city and the war are real,
715
00:37:40,025 --> 00:37:45,161
And the iconic trojan horse
could also be based in truth.
716
00:37:45,163 --> 00:37:46,796
But how does it all end?
717
00:37:46,798 --> 00:37:49,399
♪
718
00:37:49,401 --> 00:37:51,201
According to the story,
719
00:37:51,203 --> 00:37:54,104
The unsuspecting trojans
accept their gift
720
00:37:54,106 --> 00:37:56,506
And bring it within
the city walls.
721
00:37:56,508 --> 00:38:00,377
♪
722
00:38:00,379 --> 00:38:02,545
But under the cover of darkness,
723
00:38:02,547 --> 00:38:06,549
Its stowaways emerge.
724
00:38:06,551 --> 00:38:10,287
A small squad of warriors
cannot take the city alone.
725
00:38:10,289 --> 00:38:13,590
♪
726
00:38:13,592 --> 00:38:17,327
All they must do is open
the gates for the greek army
727
00:38:17,329 --> 00:38:19,596
That has approached
the walls in secret.
728
00:38:19,598 --> 00:38:22,465
[ battle cries ]
729
00:38:22,467 --> 00:38:24,334
Taking the trojans by surprise,
730
00:38:24,336 --> 00:38:28,438
They storm the city
and set fire to it.
731
00:38:28,440 --> 00:38:31,808
Does this furtive act
spell the end for troy?
732
00:38:31,810 --> 00:38:35,378
♪
733
00:38:35,380 --> 00:38:37,681
Archaeologist brian rose
wants to find out
734
00:38:37,683 --> 00:38:40,216
What really happens next.
735
00:38:40,218 --> 00:38:42,319
Is the mighty city burnt
to the ground
736
00:38:42,321 --> 00:38:45,322
By an attacking army
as the story says?
737
00:38:45,324 --> 00:38:49,292
♪
738
00:38:49,294 --> 00:38:51,828
When brian and his team
dig into the city's remains,
739
00:38:51,830 --> 00:38:53,730
They find a clue.
740
00:38:53,732 --> 00:38:55,799
When we first came here
to excavate,
741
00:38:55,801 --> 00:38:58,368
The entire area
was completely covered,
742
00:38:58,370 --> 00:39:00,303
But over the course of the dig,
743
00:39:00,305 --> 00:39:02,505
We found a thick
destruction level,
744
00:39:02,507 --> 00:39:04,774
Up to 4 feet high
in some places,
745
00:39:04,776 --> 00:39:06,943
In which we found
blackened earth,
746
00:39:06,945 --> 00:39:09,946
Burned wood probably from
the roof of the building.
747
00:39:09,948 --> 00:39:14,551
You don't see it now because, of
course, it's all been excavated.
748
00:39:14,553 --> 00:39:17,020
Narrator: The charred layer
shows this city is destroyed
749
00:39:17,022 --> 00:39:21,558
By a major fire,
just as homer describes.
750
00:39:21,560 --> 00:39:24,894
But what happens
to its heroic defenders?
751
00:39:24,896 --> 00:39:29,265
In the story, the trojans are
massacred by the greek invaders.
752
00:39:29,267 --> 00:39:31,935
In this area, as well
as at the south gate
753
00:39:31,937 --> 00:39:35,038
And at the east gate,
skeletons have been found.
754
00:39:35,040 --> 00:39:38,074
Two skulls at the south gate,
a full skeleton here,
755
00:39:38,076 --> 00:39:39,676
Part of a skeleton
at the east gate,
756
00:39:39,678 --> 00:39:42,846
And what's unusual
is that they weren't buried.
757
00:39:42,848 --> 00:39:45,482
Narrator: Does the way
these people are left unburied
758
00:39:45,484 --> 00:39:48,918
Show they're slaughtered
by an attacking army?
759
00:39:48,920 --> 00:39:51,621
The fact that they weren't
buried in these three cases
760
00:39:51,623 --> 00:39:53,556
Means that there was no one
around to bury them,
761
00:39:53,558 --> 00:39:54,958
And they were all at gates.
762
00:39:54,960 --> 00:39:58,294
So it seems reasonable that
they were defending the city
763
00:39:58,296 --> 00:40:00,263
And died during an attack.
764
00:40:00,265 --> 00:40:02,565
Narrator: The brave trojan
warriors fight to the death
765
00:40:02,567 --> 00:40:05,902
Defending their city,
just as homer says.
766
00:40:05,904 --> 00:40:08,104
♪
767
00:40:08,106 --> 00:40:12,776
Troy may be destroyed,
but its story doesn't end here.
768
00:40:12,778 --> 00:40:15,278
A few settlers return
to live in the ruins,
769
00:40:15,280 --> 00:40:18,081
And later, a new city
is built on top.
770
00:40:18,083 --> 00:40:20,183
♪
771
00:40:20,185 --> 00:40:23,586
In 750 b.C., homer writes
his epic tale
772
00:40:23,588 --> 00:40:26,890
And puts troy on the map.
773
00:40:26,892 --> 00:40:29,192
The resident of the city
sell the city
774
00:40:29,194 --> 00:40:30,894
As the location
of the trojan war,
775
00:40:30,896 --> 00:40:33,630
And the tourist industry
takes off.
776
00:40:33,632 --> 00:40:35,265
Narrator:
The persian king xerxes,
777
00:40:35,267 --> 00:40:38,635
On his way to conquer greece
in the 5th century b.C.,
778
00:40:38,637 --> 00:40:42,272
Visits the must-see site.
779
00:40:42,274 --> 00:40:44,574
And the greek king
alexander the great
780
00:40:44,576 --> 00:40:48,578
Comes here 100 years later on
his way to attack the persians.
781
00:40:48,580 --> 00:40:51,080
♪
782
00:40:51,082 --> 00:40:52,515
Rose: Then, as well as now,
783
00:40:52,517 --> 00:40:57,320
The trojan war stands as an
endless source of fascination.
784
00:40:57,322 --> 00:41:01,224
Narrator: But the famous city's
fortunes don't last forever.
785
00:41:01,226 --> 00:41:03,927
After a series of earthquakes
in the 5th century,
786
00:41:03,929 --> 00:41:07,964
The site is abandoned,
and its location is lost.
787
00:41:07,966 --> 00:41:10,600
Troy's story passes into legend,
788
00:41:10,602 --> 00:41:14,204
It's name assumed to be
no more than fiction...
789
00:41:14,206 --> 00:41:16,172
Until now.
790
00:41:16,174 --> 00:41:18,808
Not all of the details
in homer's "iliad" are true.
791
00:41:18,810 --> 00:41:20,777
Many of them are mythological,
792
00:41:20,779 --> 00:41:23,046
But homer was writing about
a real city,
793
00:41:23,048 --> 00:41:25,748
And this is that city.
794
00:41:25,750 --> 00:41:28,818
Narrator: The city of troy,
its legend recorded
795
00:41:28,820 --> 00:41:33,089
In one of the most famous tales
ever written,
796
00:41:33,091 --> 00:41:37,527
A mighty fortress,
a bloody siege
797
00:41:37,529 --> 00:41:39,863
Won with a cunning trick.
798
00:41:39,865 --> 00:41:41,097
For thousands of years,
799
00:41:41,099 --> 00:41:44,300
This story is thought to be
just a fairytale,
800
00:41:44,302 --> 00:41:46,836
But now the truth is revealed.
801
00:41:46,838 --> 00:41:49,606
♪
802
00:41:49,608 --> 00:41:51,841
The trojan war is real,
803
00:41:51,843 --> 00:41:55,144
And so is
the historic city of troy.
804
00:41:55,146 --> 00:42:03,353
♪
805
00:42:03,355 --> 00:42:11,461
♪
806
00:42:11,463 --> 00:42:19,569
♪
807
00:42:19,571 --> 00:42:27,677
♪
71738
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