1
00:00:01,435 --> 00:00:05,504
Can we find evidence
of the story of moses
and exodus?
2
00:00:07,108 --> 00:00:09,508
[man] here, at this site,
we have the tomb of moses.
3
00:00:09,510 --> 00:00:10,709
-There's a tomb here?
-[man] yeah.
4
00:00:10,711 --> 00:00:11,643
-Of moses?
-Yes.
5
00:00:12,813 --> 00:00:14,346
Can we see it?
6
00:00:15,716 --> 00:00:19,852
Were israelites ever driven
out of egypt from inside
its borders?
7
00:00:19,887 --> 00:00:20,819
It's happened.
8
00:00:20,821 --> 00:00:21,653
-It did happen?
-Yes.
9
00:00:24,325 --> 00:00:25,157
[josh] all right.
10
00:00:25,226 --> 00:00:26,658
It's hammer time.
11
00:00:26,727 --> 00:00:28,027
Kids, ask your parents
what that means.
12
00:00:30,131 --> 00:00:31,530
Little bit of a drop off.
13
00:00:31,532 --> 00:00:33,799
What'd you find?
Oh, my word.
14
00:00:33,801 --> 00:00:34,533
Fire!
15
00:00:36,203 --> 00:00:37,336
And this is the burning bush.
16
00:00:37,405 --> 00:00:38,837
Wait, you mean
the burning bush?
17
00:00:38,939 --> 00:00:39,938
This is the burning bush?
18
00:00:46,047 --> 00:00:47,112
[josh yells]
19
00:00:47,114 --> 00:00:48,614
Holy, moses, hah!
20
00:00:48,616 --> 00:00:49,948
Look at this place.
21
00:01:00,694 --> 00:01:02,528
Let my people go.
22
00:01:02,530 --> 00:01:05,531
This unapologetic demand
for justice
23
00:01:05,533 --> 00:01:09,134
Echoes across the millennia
from the story of moses.
24
00:01:10,938 --> 00:01:15,340
Prophet, law giver,
freedom fighter,
his resume is legendary.
25
00:01:15,409 --> 00:01:18,110
He delivers the israelites
from slavery in egypt.
26
00:01:18,112 --> 00:01:20,446
Receives the 10 commandment
from god.
27
00:01:20,514 --> 00:01:24,016
And leads his people
to the promised land.
28
00:01:24,018 --> 00:01:28,320
But are the incidents
in the book of exodus
based on historical events?
29
00:01:28,322 --> 00:01:31,223
And, frankly, was moses
a real person?
30
00:01:31,225 --> 00:01:33,358
Did he speak to god?
31
00:01:33,427 --> 00:01:35,828
Plague the pharaoh
and part the red sea?
32
00:01:35,830 --> 00:01:39,264
Scholars have long debated
the origins of these stories,
33
00:01:39,300 --> 00:01:42,101
And now archeology
may have answers.
34
00:01:43,604 --> 00:01:45,704
In egypt, a long sealed tom
35
00:01:45,706 --> 00:01:49,408
Hides tantalizing clues
about the identity of moses.
36
00:01:49,410 --> 00:01:52,211
Meanwhile, inscriptions
in an ancient mine
37
00:01:52,213 --> 00:01:54,680
Might lead us
to the fleeing israelites.
38
00:01:54,748 --> 00:01:56,915
And I plan to climb
a remote peak,
39
00:01:56,917 --> 00:02:00,319
That the faithful believe
is the true mount sinai.
40
00:02:00,321 --> 00:02:02,855
And then there's a question
you may never have thought of:
41
00:02:02,923 --> 00:02:05,557
Where exactly is moses burie
42
00:02:05,593 --> 00:02:08,227
The controversy
over his final resting place
43
00:02:08,229 --> 00:02:11,396
Not to mention the discover
of a strange man-made
structure
44
00:02:11,398 --> 00:02:12,798
In the sea of galilee,
45
00:02:12,800 --> 00:02:16,401
Might change what we think
we know about his story.
46
00:02:16,403 --> 00:02:19,838
So join me on a quest
of biblical proportions.
47
00:02:19,907 --> 00:02:22,207
As we cross nations
and deserts
48
00:02:22,209 --> 00:02:24,543
In the shadow
of the prince of egypt
49
00:02:24,645 --> 00:02:28,347
To uncover the truth
behind the mysteries
of moses.
50
00:02:32,119 --> 00:02:33,719
My name is josh gates.
51
00:02:34,054 --> 00:02:34,753
Hello!
52
00:02:35,289 --> 00:02:36,121
Explorer...
53
00:02:37,124 --> 00:02:37,956
...Adventurer...
54
00:02:38,025 --> 00:02:39,024
Amazing.
55
00:02:39,026 --> 00:02:40,559
Help!
56
00:02:40,561 --> 00:02:43,028
...And a guy who ends up
in some very strange
situations.
57
00:02:43,030 --> 00:02:45,464
Oh! [bleep] whoo!
That was exciting.
58
00:02:45,499 --> 00:02:47,099
With a degree in archeology
59
00:02:47,101 --> 00:02:48,700
And a passion
for the unexplained,
60
00:02:48,702 --> 00:02:49,734
[exclaims]
61
00:02:49,736 --> 00:02:51,336
I travel to the ends
of the earth,
62
00:02:51,405 --> 00:02:54,106
Investigating the greatest
legends in history.
63
00:02:54,108 --> 00:02:55,807
'kay, let's punch it.
64
00:02:55,809 --> 00:02:57,943
This is expedition unkno.
65
00:03:09,356 --> 00:03:10,756
In the words of scripture,
66
00:03:10,857 --> 00:03:14,359
This is where the story
of moses begins, the nile.
67
00:03:15,062 --> 00:03:17,262
It's the 13th century bce,
68
00:03:17,364 --> 00:03:20,632
Egypt is at the height
of its power and prosperity
69
00:03:20,734 --> 00:03:23,202
In a period known
as the new kingdom.
70
00:03:23,204 --> 00:03:27,239
Cities and monuments
spread out across
the nile delta.
71
00:03:27,308 --> 00:03:28,941
But according to the bible,
72
00:03:29,009 --> 00:03:33,345
All that prestige is built
on the backs of hebrew slaves.
73
00:03:33,414 --> 00:03:37,249
It's a powerful story
but is there any proof
that it's true?
74
00:03:37,318 --> 00:03:40,552
We're sailing to one
of the oldest parts of cairo
to find out.
75
00:03:45,626 --> 00:03:48,060
Today, cairo is a mostly
muslim city.
76
00:03:48,062 --> 00:03:51,029
But for centuries,
the neighborhood
of coptic cairo,
77
00:03:51,031 --> 00:03:53,398
Has been the center
of christianity in egypt,
78
00:03:53,400 --> 00:03:57,603
And a melting pot for all
the abrahamic faiths.
79
00:03:57,605 --> 00:04:01,740
My search for moses
begins near the oldest
jewish synagogue in cairo,
80
00:04:01,842 --> 00:04:05,010
Ben ezra, founded in 1115.
81
00:04:05,012 --> 00:04:08,413
I'm here to meet
my old friend, egyptologist
aidan dodson.
82
00:04:09,350 --> 00:04:11,116
-Josh, great to see you.
-How are you?
83
00:04:11,118 --> 00:04:12,150
Not too bad.
84
00:04:12,252 --> 00:04:13,185
Here we are again in egypt.
85
00:04:13,187 --> 00:04:14,352
Indeed.
86
00:04:14,354 --> 00:04:15,954
I have to say, all the times
I've been to cairo,
87
00:04:16,023 --> 00:04:18,023
I've never been
to this neighborhood.
88
00:04:18,025 --> 00:04:18,757
Where are we?
89
00:04:18,826 --> 00:04:20,259
We're in old cairo.
90
00:04:20,360 --> 00:04:22,227
-Okay.
-And this goes back
to roman times.
91
00:04:22,229 --> 00:04:24,329
And this tower behind
just here
92
00:04:24,331 --> 00:04:26,798
Is past that roman fortress.
93
00:04:26,800 --> 00:04:32,137
Also here we've got
the oldest church in cairo,
which is this one here,
94
00:04:32,239 --> 00:04:34,706
-So called hanging church.
-Beautiful.
95
00:04:34,708 --> 00:04:36,541
Also, if you just go
down the road,
96
00:04:36,643 --> 00:04:40,612
We get to the oldest mosque
in the whole of egypt.
97
00:04:40,614 --> 00:04:42,247
[josh] wow,
this is the meeting
point of faiths here.
98
00:04:42,316 --> 00:04:43,348
Very much so, yeah.
99
00:04:43,350 --> 00:04:45,517
Okay, so what does this
have to do with moses?
100
00:04:45,519 --> 00:04:47,452
Well,
according to tradition...
101
00:04:47,521 --> 00:04:50,222
...It was near here
that the baby moses
102
00:04:50,224 --> 00:04:52,324
Was found in a basket
in the nile.
103
00:04:53,193 --> 00:04:54,926
As the story goes,
104
00:04:54,928 --> 00:05:00,032
The pharaoh decided
to have all the first born
hebrew babies killed,
105
00:05:00,034 --> 00:05:02,200
Because a prophecy
had said that one of them
106
00:05:02,202 --> 00:05:06,004
Would lead the hebrew slaves
out of bondage.
107
00:05:06,006 --> 00:05:07,639
Right, so a chosen one.
108
00:05:07,741 --> 00:05:09,308
-A chosen one.
-Uh-huh.
109
00:05:09,310 --> 00:05:13,612
To save her son,
moses' mother puts him
in a basket,
110
00:05:13,614 --> 00:05:15,714
And puts him in the river
111
00:05:15,716 --> 00:05:18,116
And trusts him
to the river's care.
112
00:05:18,118 --> 00:05:20,619
And that's really
just the prologue
of the moses story,
113
00:05:20,621 --> 00:05:23,955
Because he goes on
to have this, you know,
harrowing adventure.
114
00:05:24,057 --> 00:05:26,325
This is like the great epic
of the old testament.
115
00:05:26,327 --> 00:05:28,427
We need a moses 101 package,
hit it.
116
00:05:30,331 --> 00:05:31,596
[booming] the
[normal] heavily abridged
117
00:05:31,598 --> 00:05:34,032
[booming] life of moses!
118
00:05:34,101 --> 00:05:35,901
Okay, so after being hidden
in a basket,
119
00:05:35,903 --> 00:05:37,836
Moses is saved
by the pharaoh's daughter
120
00:05:37,938 --> 00:05:39,871
And is raised
as a prince of egypt,
121
00:05:39,873 --> 00:05:41,806
Which feels like
a pretty solid upgrade.
122
00:05:41,808 --> 00:05:45,210
Things seemed to be going we
until moses learns of his tr
hebrew heritage.
123
00:05:45,212 --> 00:05:47,946
Upon seeing an egyptian
beating one of his enslaved
brethren,
124
00:05:47,948 --> 00:05:51,049
Moses kills the assailant
and buries him in the sand.
125
00:05:51,051 --> 00:05:52,951
Note to self:
Do not cross moses.
126
00:05:53,020 --> 00:05:54,720
He then goes on the lam
for decades,
127
00:05:54,722 --> 00:05:57,122
And is eventually confronte
by a burning bush
128
00:05:57,124 --> 00:05:59,024
That, oh, also happens
to talk.
129
00:05:59,026 --> 00:06:00,625
The speaking shrub
is the voice of god
130
00:06:00,627 --> 00:06:03,228
And commands moses
to free the israelites
from bondage.
131
00:06:03,230 --> 00:06:05,931
Moses says, "no, thanks,"
the bush says, "uh, I'm god
do it".
132
00:06:05,933 --> 00:06:07,699
Moses is like, "okay,
yeah, fair point".
133
00:06:07,701 --> 00:06:09,101
Moses then goes to the phara
134
00:06:09,103 --> 00:06:11,103
And delivers the now
legendary message,
135
00:06:11,105 --> 00:06:12,938
[booming] "let my people go
136
00:06:12,940 --> 00:06:15,207
[normal] with the threat
of plagues
as added incentive.
137
00:06:15,209 --> 00:06:16,808
Pharaoh declines, bad move.
138
00:06:16,810 --> 00:06:18,210
And god does as promised,
139
00:06:18,212 --> 00:06:20,445
Unleashing a series
of 10 fierce curses
140
00:06:20,514 --> 00:06:22,614
Which do not seem
at all fun for anyone.
141
00:06:22,616 --> 00:06:25,350
The last plague,
killing every first born
egyptian son,
142
00:06:25,452 --> 00:06:26,852
Really seals the deal.
143
00:06:26,854 --> 00:06:28,987
Moses and the newly
freed people
invent matzah,
144
00:06:28,989 --> 00:06:31,556
And hightail it out of egyp
while the getting is good.
145
00:06:31,625 --> 00:06:33,225
Moses' brother aaron
is also in tow,
146
00:06:33,227 --> 00:06:34,559
As is his sister, miriam.
147
00:06:34,661 --> 00:06:36,395
The pharaoh chases
them all to the red sea
148
00:06:36,397 --> 00:06:37,796
Where moses raises his staff
149
00:06:37,798 --> 00:06:39,765
And, with a little help
from the almighty upstairs,
150
00:06:39,833 --> 00:06:42,701
Parts the body of water,
allowing his people
to safely cross
151
00:06:42,703 --> 00:06:44,436
Before engulfing
the egyptian army.
152
00:06:44,504 --> 00:06:47,506
Next, moses climbs
a mountain and returns
after, like, 40 days
153
00:06:47,508 --> 00:06:51,610
With 10 commandments
inscribed by god himself
on two stone tablets.
154
00:06:51,612 --> 00:06:53,678
Except, a little awkward,
his followers are like,
155
00:06:53,747 --> 00:06:56,314
"oh, hi, uh,
you were up in that mountai
for a very long time
156
00:06:56,316 --> 00:06:59,251
So we started worshipping
this golden cow statue
while you were gone."
157
00:06:59,352 --> 00:07:01,453
Moses is furious!
158
00:07:01,522 --> 00:07:04,256
Smashes the tablets,
cools off, gets more,
things are fine.
159
00:07:04,291 --> 00:07:06,925
Then, in the ultimate act
of not asking for directions
160
00:07:06,927 --> 00:07:10,729
Moses and the israelites
wander around in the desert
for 40 years,
161
00:07:10,731 --> 00:07:12,063
Before reaching
the promised land,
162
00:07:12,165 --> 00:07:13,799
Otherwise known as canaan.
163
00:07:13,801 --> 00:07:15,534
Today known as israel.
164
00:07:15,635 --> 00:07:18,737
Due to some anger issues,
moses himself is not allowe
to enter,
165
00:07:18,839 --> 00:07:20,505
And is buried, by god,
on a mountain.
166
00:07:20,507 --> 00:07:23,308
But he does get
the satisfaction of, at leas
seeing his people
167
00:07:23,310 --> 00:07:25,911
Enter into the promised lan
which is pretty good.
168
00:07:25,913 --> 00:07:26,711
And scene.
169
00:07:27,614 --> 00:07:29,247
Everybody got all that? Okay.
170
00:07:29,349 --> 00:07:32,517
There's something
very archetypal about this
as a foundation myth.
171
00:07:33,554 --> 00:07:36,121
In particular,
the foundation myth of a hero.
172
00:07:36,457 --> 00:07:37,155
Right.
173
00:07:37,791 --> 00:07:39,524
If the story
174
00:07:39,526 --> 00:07:41,927
Of an orphaned child
who's really the chosen one
sounds familiar
175
00:07:41,929 --> 00:07:45,764
That's because it's been
adapted again and again
in popular culture,
176
00:07:45,833 --> 00:07:46,765
From oliver twist,
177
00:07:46,833 --> 00:07:48,099
To luke skywalker,
178
00:07:48,101 --> 00:07:49,434
To harry potter.
179
00:07:49,536 --> 00:07:50,702
But in the case of moses,
180
00:07:50,704 --> 00:07:53,605
It's the origin story
of a faith.
181
00:07:53,607 --> 00:07:56,942
Because this is the whole
foundation of the idea
182
00:07:56,944 --> 00:07:59,411
Of there being
the israelite people,
183
00:07:59,413 --> 00:08:01,213
The origin of the religion.
184
00:08:01,215 --> 00:08:07,419
Everything ultimately
comes down to the whole
exodus narrative.
185
00:08:07,421 --> 00:08:10,055
So now I ask you
as an egyptologist...
186
00:08:10,123 --> 00:08:13,058
...Did any of these events
align with history?
187
00:08:13,060 --> 00:08:15,227
There are certainly elements
of the story
188
00:08:15,229 --> 00:08:18,163
Which could be tied
into archeological evidence.
189
00:08:18,231 --> 00:08:19,097
Okay.
190
00:08:19,099 --> 00:08:20,165
But also,
there are big problems.
191
00:08:20,233 --> 00:08:22,801
Particularly to do
with chronology.
192
00:08:22,803 --> 00:08:26,338
First, if you sort of
add up the numbers of years
in the bible,
193
00:08:26,406 --> 00:08:30,408
It suggests the whole thing
took place around 1450 bc.
194
00:08:30,410 --> 00:08:33,445
-Uh-huh.
-But there is absolutely
no evidence at that point
195
00:08:33,547 --> 00:08:36,348
Of any large grouping
of people leaving the country.
196
00:08:36,416 --> 00:08:39,150
-No huge exodus happening
at that time.
-No.
197
00:08:39,219 --> 00:08:41,419
100 years earlier, however,
198
00:08:41,421 --> 00:08:44,923
There is clear evidence
of this sort of thing
happening.
199
00:08:44,925 --> 00:08:48,960
-Hmm.
-When a large number
of semites left egypt...
200
00:08:49,530 --> 00:08:52,097
...And moved into canaan.
201
00:08:52,099 --> 00:08:54,533
So some of the events
are historical...
202
00:08:54,634 --> 00:08:56,801
...But their sequence
is jumbled.
203
00:08:56,803 --> 00:08:58,469
Yeah.
204
00:08:58,471 --> 00:09:02,207
It's important to recognize
that this overall narrative
as we have it today,
205
00:09:02,209 --> 00:09:05,010
Was being pieced together
by a group of people
206
00:09:05,012 --> 00:09:08,146
1,000 years after the events
in question.
207
00:09:08,248 --> 00:09:11,016
-Right.
-And they probably had
in front of them
208
00:09:11,018 --> 00:09:15,320
Folk tales, little bits of,
what you might call,
genuine history.
209
00:09:15,322 --> 00:09:20,859
Which they were trying
to produce this overarching
origin story
210
00:09:20,927 --> 00:09:22,527
For the people of israel.
211
00:09:22,529 --> 00:09:25,797
So right now
we have more
mystery than history here.
212
00:09:25,799 --> 00:09:28,333
So how do we investigate this?
213
00:09:28,435 --> 00:09:31,603
Can we find evidence,
either for or against,
214
00:09:31,605 --> 00:09:33,705
The story of moses and exodus?
215
00:09:33,707 --> 00:09:35,807
There are certainly
some places
where you can look.
216
00:09:35,809 --> 00:09:38,643
And in fact there's somewhere
quite close to here
217
00:09:38,712 --> 00:09:41,146
Where we may find
a useful clue or two.
218
00:09:41,247 --> 00:09:42,147
I like clues.
219
00:09:42,215 --> 00:09:43,381
-Let's go and have a look.
-Come on.
220
00:09:44,751 --> 00:09:47,319
To begin my hunt
for the history behind moses
221
00:09:47,321 --> 00:09:52,223
We pile into my truck
and head about 20 miles sout
from cairo to saqqara.
222
00:09:54,628 --> 00:09:57,495
Saqqara is home
to egypt's oldest pyramid,
223
00:09:57,497 --> 00:10:01,299
As well as
an immense necropolis,
or city of the dead.
224
00:10:01,301 --> 00:10:04,603
Literally thousands
of egyptian nobles
were entombed here
225
00:10:04,605 --> 00:10:06,504
Near the pharaohs they serve
226
00:10:06,506 --> 00:10:09,874
Now, aidan is bringing me
to visit one of them.
227
00:10:09,876 --> 00:10:12,811
-We're just coming up to it
down here on the left.
-Okay.
228
00:10:16,850 --> 00:10:17,749
-All right, here we are.
-All right.
229
00:10:17,818 --> 00:10:19,317
-Let's do this.
-Here we go.
230
00:10:23,523 --> 00:10:25,924
Okay, so,
what are we here to see?
231
00:10:25,926 --> 00:10:27,225
That tomb there.
232
00:10:28,428 --> 00:10:29,160
[josh] who was buried there
233
00:10:29,262 --> 00:10:31,329
[aidan] okay, it's a vizier
234
00:10:31,331 --> 00:10:35,000
So there's the pharaoh
and then below him
are two viziers,
235
00:10:35,002 --> 00:10:37,702
Who are effectively
the prime ministers
of the two halves of egypt.
236
00:10:37,704 --> 00:10:41,206
And so what does he maybe have
to do with the story of moses?
237
00:10:41,208 --> 00:10:43,942
We'll have to actually
go in and have a look
for me to tell you that.
238
00:10:44,011 --> 00:10:45,944
-Inside?
-In there, yeah.
239
00:10:45,946 --> 00:10:49,414
[josh] like any good teacher
aidan isn't going to make
this easy for me.
240
00:10:49,416 --> 00:10:52,150
He figures it's better to sh
than to tell.
241
00:10:52,252 --> 00:10:56,521
But I can't help but notice
there's a slight impediment
to getting inside.
242
00:10:56,523 --> 00:10:58,089
That there does not appear
to be a door there,
243
00:10:58,091 --> 00:10:59,490
That appears to be a wall.
244
00:10:59,492 --> 00:11:02,460
Yeah, the tomb has not
been entered
for a very long time,
245
00:11:02,529 --> 00:11:05,797
And the authorities
brick them up to stop
tomb raiders getting in.
246
00:11:05,799 --> 00:11:07,098
Okay, so what's our move?
247
00:11:07,100 --> 00:11:09,234
All we need to do now
is take the wall down.
248
00:11:09,335 --> 00:11:11,236
Breaking things
is my specialty, aidan.
249
00:11:11,337 --> 00:11:12,237
-Great.
-We got this.
250
00:11:12,305 --> 00:11:13,872
-Come on.
-Let's go.
251
00:11:14,641 --> 00:11:17,942
[josh] aidan has acquired
exclusive permission
to open this tomb
252
00:11:17,944 --> 00:11:20,412
For the first time in decade
253
00:11:20,414 --> 00:11:22,514
To get ourselves,
and you, inside,
254
00:11:22,516 --> 00:11:25,250
We're being assisted
by a professional work crew
255
00:11:25,351 --> 00:11:27,118
From the egyptian
antiquities authority.
256
00:11:29,122 --> 00:11:31,890
-Here we go,
we got some backup here.
-Absolutely, yes.
257
00:11:31,892 --> 00:11:32,690
Salaam!
258
00:11:33,827 --> 00:11:35,026
-Hello.
-Nice to meet you.
259
00:11:35,028 --> 00:11:35,960
[speaking arabic]
260
00:11:36,830 --> 00:11:37,529
[speaking arabic]
261
00:11:37,531 --> 00:11:38,663
[speaking arabic]
262
00:11:41,401 --> 00:11:42,333
-[speaking arabic]
-mmm.
263
00:11:42,936 --> 00:11:43,601
-Yeah?
-Yeah.
264
00:11:43,603 --> 00:11:44,602
-It's okay?
-Okay.
265
00:11:45,038 --> 00:11:45,937
Oh, boy. [laughs]
266
00:11:45,939 --> 00:11:47,505
-[aidan laughs]
-[josh] here we go.
267
00:11:47,507 --> 00:11:49,407
Follow exactly
what he's telling you.
268
00:11:49,409 --> 00:11:51,509
-Otherwise you'll bring
the whole mountain down.
-All right.
269
00:11:52,279 --> 00:11:53,511
It's hammer time.
270
00:11:53,513 --> 00:11:54,813
Kids, ask your parents
what that means.
271
00:11:55,415 --> 00:11:56,514
Here we go.
272
00:11:58,418 --> 00:12:00,118
[josh] the entryway
behind these bricks
273
00:12:00,120 --> 00:12:02,821
Dates back well over
3,500 years.
274
00:12:02,823 --> 00:12:04,222
So, you know, no pressure.
275
00:12:12,232 --> 00:12:13,832
One brick down,
few hundred to go.
276
00:12:21,041 --> 00:12:22,107
[hammer clanging]
277
00:12:22,109 --> 00:12:23,508
We're getting there.
278
00:12:23,510 --> 00:12:25,810
Brick by brick,
I widen the opening,
279
00:12:25,812 --> 00:12:29,080
Until we get
our first whiff
of the air inside.
280
00:12:29,082 --> 00:12:29,948
[whispers] okay.
281
00:12:30,049 --> 00:12:31,216
All right, we got darkness,
aidan.
282
00:12:32,052 --> 00:12:33,017
Something back there.
283
00:12:33,019 --> 00:12:34,419
It doesn't smell good,
I can tell you that.
284
00:12:35,455 --> 00:12:36,254
Okay, well.
285
00:12:36,857 --> 00:12:37,756
Should we go in?
286
00:12:37,758 --> 00:12:38,623
Let's go.
287
00:12:38,625 --> 00:12:39,824
We're gonna need some lights.
288
00:12:41,294 --> 00:12:43,161
Time to cross the threshold
289
00:12:43,163 --> 00:12:48,032
Out of the 21st century,
and into a long-sealed tomb
from the time of moses.
290
00:12:48,034 --> 00:12:51,202
One that might reveal
whether he was man or myth.
291
00:12:51,838 --> 00:12:52,804
Woah.
292
00:12:52,806 --> 00:12:53,605
[laughs]
293
00:12:54,407 --> 00:12:56,841
This is awesome.
294
00:12:56,910 --> 00:12:57,942
Look at this place!
295
00:13:04,451 --> 00:13:05,717
Woah.
296
00:13:05,719 --> 00:13:07,519
Look at this,
it just goes back...
297
00:13:07,521 --> 00:13:08,419
-[aidan] I know.
-...And back.
298
00:13:08,421 --> 00:13:10,722
Look at the size
of this chamber!
299
00:13:10,724 --> 00:13:13,691
Egyptologist aidan dodson
and I have just entered
300
00:13:13,693 --> 00:13:17,595
The long sealed tomb
of an egyptian vizier
unlike any other.
301
00:13:17,597 --> 00:13:21,633
One that may reveal
something about the story
of moses.
302
00:13:21,734 --> 00:13:23,802
-Oh, and look
at the roof decoration.
-Yeah.
303
00:13:23,804 --> 00:13:25,637
That ceiling decoration
is gorgeous, isn't it?
304
00:13:25,738 --> 00:13:27,505
[josh] wow! It's beautiful.
305
00:13:28,708 --> 00:13:31,242
The tomb is chiseled
into the rock itself.
306
00:13:31,344 --> 00:13:33,912
Posts and beams
from previous excavations he
307
00:13:33,914 --> 00:13:36,047
Have been installed
to stabilize the ceiling.
308
00:13:37,517 --> 00:13:40,018
[aidan] but the best
is behind you josh,
look over there.
309
00:13:40,020 --> 00:13:40,752
[josh] wow.
310
00:13:41,321 --> 00:13:42,554
Absolutely stunning.
311
00:13:43,723 --> 00:13:45,623
While aidan knows the conten
of the tomb
312
00:13:45,625 --> 00:13:48,059
From the publications
of previous excavators,
313
00:13:48,161 --> 00:13:50,495
This is his first time insid
314
00:13:50,497 --> 00:13:52,564
That means we're both
getting our bearings.
315
00:13:54,401 --> 00:13:57,135
-All of this is unbelievable.
-Mmm-hmm.
316
00:13:57,237 --> 00:13:58,436
What're we looking for?
317
00:13:58,538 --> 00:14:00,104
We're looking for the name
of the vizier.
318
00:14:00,106 --> 00:14:03,508
All right, usually these guys
plaster their names all over
everything
319
00:14:03,510 --> 00:14:04,609
In their tombs, don't they?
320
00:14:04,611 --> 00:14:05,977
They do.
321
00:14:05,979 --> 00:14:08,546
The trouble is this tomb
is unfinished
and also damaged.
322
00:14:08,615 --> 00:14:13,117
So therefore it's less easy
to find undamaged names.
323
00:14:13,119 --> 00:14:15,053
[josh] the tomb owner's nam
will be enclosed
324
00:14:15,055 --> 00:14:17,722
Within clusters of hieroglyp
along the walls.
325
00:14:17,724 --> 00:14:19,724
So that's where we need
to look.
326
00:14:19,726 --> 00:14:21,259
All right, well,
should we split up
327
00:14:21,361 --> 00:14:22,861
In a creepy ancient tomb
and look for it?
328
00:14:22,929 --> 00:14:23,928
Seems reasonable enough to me.
329
00:14:23,930 --> 00:14:25,129
-Yeah, what could go wrong?
-[chuckles]
330
00:14:25,131 --> 00:14:26,231
All right,
I'll look back here.
331
00:14:26,233 --> 00:14:27,031
You wanna start on this side?
332
00:14:27,033 --> 00:14:27,765
I will do.
333
00:14:27,801 --> 00:14:29,467
-Okay, here we go.
-Right.
334
00:14:32,105 --> 00:14:35,006
[josh] aidan's insistence
that we find the name
of this vizier
335
00:14:35,008 --> 00:14:37,308
Would normally be
a welcome challenge.
336
00:14:37,310 --> 00:14:39,577
But I soon realize
this particular tomb
337
00:14:39,579 --> 00:14:41,512
Is more like
an underground maze.
338
00:14:42,115 --> 00:14:42,947
Goin' down.
339
00:14:48,555 --> 00:14:49,220
Woah.
340
00:14:50,523 --> 00:14:51,155
[hushed] wow.
341
00:14:52,859 --> 00:14:54,225
This is unbelievable.
342
00:14:55,295 --> 00:14:56,261
[whispers] look at this.
343
00:15:01,701 --> 00:15:05,036
So these appear to be
human remains...
344
00:15:05,138 --> 00:15:07,405
...From the last excavation
that was done here
in the tomb.
345
00:15:07,407 --> 00:15:09,941
And there are thousands
of bones here.
346
00:15:10,844 --> 00:15:13,111
What we don't see here
are any...
347
00:15:13,113 --> 00:15:14,512
...Decorations of any kind.
348
00:15:14,514 --> 00:15:17,148
The walls are just raw
in this part of the tomb.
349
00:15:17,217 --> 00:15:18,316
No paintings.
350
00:15:18,318 --> 00:15:19,150
No inscriptions.
351
00:15:19,219 --> 00:15:19,851
Nothing.
352
00:15:23,623 --> 00:15:24,255
And here...
353
00:15:25,058 --> 00:15:26,457
...It looks like we have...
354
00:15:27,127 --> 00:15:28,660
...The actual burial shaft.
355
00:15:29,562 --> 00:15:30,528
[exclaims]
356
00:15:30,530 --> 00:15:32,630
Which just goes straight down.
357
00:15:33,500 --> 00:15:34,799
Our vizier...
358
00:15:34,801 --> 00:15:36,234
...Woulda been buried
down there.
359
00:15:37,203 --> 00:15:37,902
[exhales]
360
00:15:44,377 --> 00:15:45,410
[yells] aidan!
361
00:15:45,412 --> 00:15:48,046
I'm gonna go down
the scary shaft of death.
362
00:15:50,050 --> 00:15:50,715
I'll be back.
363
00:15:58,625 --> 00:15:59,724
[breathless] okay.
364
00:15:59,726 --> 00:16:01,759
I'm down to the next level,
which is...
365
00:16:01,861 --> 00:16:03,127
...A tiny wooden platform.
366
00:16:03,863 --> 00:16:05,063
And then it keeps going.
367
00:16:08,034 --> 00:16:09,100
Oh, man.
368
00:16:09,102 --> 00:16:11,102
I literally cannot see
the bottom from here.
369
00:16:16,042 --> 00:16:17,108
So, here we go.
370
00:16:20,847 --> 00:16:21,979
[pants]
371
00:16:25,318 --> 00:16:27,251
This is the great length
I've ever gone
372
00:16:27,353 --> 00:16:29,320
To find out someone's name.
373
00:16:29,322 --> 00:16:31,756
Well there was this one
girl in college
but... Nevermind.
374
00:16:34,828 --> 00:16:35,460
[whispers] okay.
375
00:16:39,966 --> 00:16:41,299
Oh, my word.
376
00:16:42,435 --> 00:16:43,801
Wow.
377
00:16:43,803 --> 00:16:47,405
So here we are,
these are the actual
burial chambers,
378
00:16:47,407 --> 00:16:50,041
For not just the vizier
but his whole family
379
00:16:50,043 --> 00:16:51,809
Would have been buried
down here.
380
00:16:53,713 --> 00:16:55,213
What I don't see down here,
381
00:16:55,215 --> 00:16:58,282
Are any inscriptions at all.
382
00:16:58,284 --> 00:16:59,817
We'll keep looking
in these side chambers
383
00:16:59,819 --> 00:17:01,519
But I don't think
it's down here.
384
00:17:04,524 --> 00:17:07,959
The further I explore
the pitch black chambers
of this tomb,
385
00:17:08,061 --> 00:17:11,195
The more I start to worry
I might become a permanent
resident.
386
00:17:11,197 --> 00:17:13,531
Lucky for me,
aidan has a sharp eye.
387
00:17:15,035 --> 00:17:15,733
[aidan yelling] josh!
388
00:17:16,736 --> 00:17:17,635
Yeah?
389
00:17:17,704 --> 00:17:19,237
I think I may have found it.
390
00:17:19,305 --> 00:17:19,937
Coming!
391
00:17:24,911 --> 00:17:25,743
Comin' up!
392
00:17:36,322 --> 00:17:37,055
Find something?
393
00:17:40,560 --> 00:17:41,659
-You got it?
-[aidan] yup.
394
00:17:41,728 --> 00:17:42,927
Found it.
395
00:17:42,929 --> 00:17:44,829
-[josh] where?
-It's right in the corner
here.
396
00:17:44,831 --> 00:17:46,264
Right in the far corner.
397
00:17:46,365 --> 00:17:48,032
The bottom
is a little seated man.
398
00:17:48,134 --> 00:17:49,000
[josh] yes.
399
00:17:49,002 --> 00:17:50,001
Above it is that
400
00:17:50,069 --> 00:17:51,936
Flattened oval
and little stripe next to it.
401
00:17:54,307 --> 00:17:56,107
[josh] so this is our vizier
402
00:17:56,109 --> 00:17:57,108
-[aidan] it is.
-All right.
403
00:17:57,110 --> 00:17:58,309
And his name is?
404
00:17:58,311 --> 00:18:00,011
His name is aper-el.
405
00:18:00,013 --> 00:18:00,711
Aper-el.
406
00:18:01,214 --> 00:18:02,046
Okay.
407
00:18:02,148 --> 00:18:03,481
And why is that significant?
408
00:18:03,483 --> 00:18:07,118
Well, what's exciting
about that is it's not
an egyptian name.
409
00:18:07,120 --> 00:18:08,586
-His name is not egyptian?
-Not at all.
410
00:18:08,588 --> 00:18:10,121
So what is it?
411
00:18:10,123 --> 00:18:11,889
It's a semitic name.
412
00:18:14,060 --> 00:18:17,628
[josh] semites in this case
refer to the people
who, according to exodus,
413
00:18:17,630 --> 00:18:21,833
Left egypt and would later
be known as the hebrews
or israelites.
414
00:18:21,901 --> 00:18:25,002
Moses, who is said
to have been raised
in the pharaoh's court,
415
00:18:25,004 --> 00:18:26,804
Was their earliest
named leader.
416
00:18:26,806 --> 00:18:30,341
It is therefore remarkable
that here in ancient egypt,
417
00:18:30,443 --> 00:18:35,113
At the possible time of mose
we have archeological eviden
of a semite
418
00:18:35,115 --> 00:18:38,716
Serving as a high-ranking
member of the pharaoh's cour
419
00:18:38,718 --> 00:18:42,453
There are interesting
biblical links here too.
420
00:18:42,555 --> 00:18:46,858
The "l" in the name, "aperel
is how god is referred
to in the torah,
421
00:18:46,959 --> 00:18:52,196
And appears in other
biblical names like
daniel and raphael.
422
00:18:52,198 --> 00:18:56,300
And aperel's resume
is every bit as intriguing
as his name.
423
00:18:56,302 --> 00:19:00,638
Among his many titles
listed on the walls
is, "child of the palace."
424
00:19:00,740 --> 00:19:06,110
Meaning he likely grew up
alongside the pharaoh,
just like moses.
425
00:19:06,112 --> 00:19:11,349
Another interesting thing
is that aperel died under
king akhenaten.
426
00:19:11,417 --> 00:19:14,085
-Mmm-hmm. The sun king.
-Yeah. Indeed.
427
00:19:14,087 --> 00:19:17,488
Who introduced what looks like
a monotheistic religion
into egypt.
428
00:19:17,490 --> 00:19:21,225
Right. Akhenaten
is this renegade pharaoh
429
00:19:21,227 --> 00:19:23,327
Who basically says,
"all of these gods
430
00:19:23,329 --> 00:19:25,196
That we've been worshipping
for a very long time,
431
00:19:25,198 --> 00:19:28,132
We're gonna chuck all
them out, and we're gonna
worship the sun."
432
00:19:29,736 --> 00:19:32,904
This monotheism
didn't last long
for the egyptians,
433
00:19:32,906 --> 00:19:35,406
But it stuck for other
emerging religions.
434
00:19:37,810 --> 00:19:40,611
Some people have wondered,
"could this have some kind
of influence
435
00:19:40,613 --> 00:19:43,714
-On the hebrew idea
of one god?"
-right.
436
00:19:43,716 --> 00:19:48,119
To be clear,
nobody is claiming that thi
aperel is mosel himself,
437
00:19:48,121 --> 00:19:52,223
But confirmation that
a high-ranking semite
who grew up in the palace
438
00:19:52,225 --> 00:19:54,425
At a time when
one god was worshipped,
439
00:19:54,427 --> 00:19:58,462
Makes the story of moses
and egypt feel much
more possible.
440
00:19:58,531 --> 00:20:01,799
Still, I have many more
questions about
the exodus story.
441
00:20:01,801 --> 00:20:04,101
So I thank aidan
kickstarting my journey,
442
00:20:04,103 --> 00:20:06,504
And I hit the road to look
for more evidence.
443
00:20:09,509 --> 00:20:12,043
Okay, so we've seen
that a man like moses
444
00:20:12,045 --> 00:20:14,645
Could have come
to prominence
in ancient egypt.
445
00:20:14,681 --> 00:20:16,414
That part of the story
is plausible,
446
00:20:16,416 --> 00:20:19,650
But what about the miracles
described in exodus?
447
00:20:19,719 --> 00:20:23,054
Do they require a religious
leap of faith?
448
00:20:23,089 --> 00:20:26,824
Should we dismiss
them as, uh, literary license?
449
00:20:26,826 --> 00:20:33,531
Or can science explain,
or help explain, how moses
became a master of miracles?
450
00:20:34,400 --> 00:20:36,100
Specifically, those plagues
451
00:20:39,105 --> 00:20:41,939
With the pharaoh
still refusing to let
moses' people go,
452
00:20:42,041 --> 00:20:46,310
God rains down a succession
of horrific plagues
on the egyptians
453
00:20:46,312 --> 00:20:48,179
To further the negotiations
454
00:20:48,181 --> 00:20:53,217
First, the nile turns
to blood, followed by
infestations of frogs,
455
00:20:53,219 --> 00:20:56,187
Lice, flies and the death
of livestock.
456
00:20:56,189 --> 00:21:02,827
Next up, pestilence, boils,
hail, locusts and three day
of darkness.
457
00:21:02,829 --> 00:21:08,032
On face value, these events
seem utterly supernatural,
or were they?
458
00:21:08,034 --> 00:21:12,603
To find out, I make my way
to an enigmatic structure
on the banks of the nile.
459
00:21:16,609 --> 00:21:20,544
This chamber may look
like a temple, but in fact,
it's a tool.
460
00:21:20,613 --> 00:21:22,613
This is known
as the nilometer,
461
00:21:22,615 --> 00:21:26,817
A massive column covered
in these precisely-cut
notches
462
00:21:26,819 --> 00:21:31,122
To measure the depth
of the nile and predict
its behavior.
463
00:21:31,124 --> 00:21:35,226
It is impossible to overstat
the importance of the nile
in ancient egypt.
464
00:21:35,228 --> 00:21:38,629
The river's annual flood
brought agricultural life,
465
00:21:38,631 --> 00:21:41,499
But if something went wrong
it also brought death.
466
00:21:43,436 --> 00:21:47,038
Too much flooding,
and crops would be destroyed.
467
00:21:48,408 --> 00:21:51,442
Too little flooding,
and nothing would grow.
468
00:21:51,544 --> 00:21:54,111
The nilometer allowed
ancient egyptians
469
00:21:54,113 --> 00:21:57,381
To forecast harvests
and better stave off famine
470
00:21:57,383 --> 00:22:00,818
Okay, so what does any
of this have to do with moses?
471
00:22:00,820 --> 00:22:04,789
Well, some scientists
have suggested that
a disaster in the nile
472
00:22:04,791 --> 00:22:08,959
Could have actually caused
some of the legendary
ten plagues.
473
00:22:08,961 --> 00:22:16,334
Impossible? Well, maybe not
if the nile became infested
with toxic, red algae.
474
00:22:16,402 --> 00:22:20,805
Also known as "red tide,"
it happens when algae bloom
out of control,
475
00:22:20,807 --> 00:22:23,841
Staining water so
that it appears like blood.
476
00:22:23,910 --> 00:22:26,944
Red tide can also kill off
some species,
477
00:22:26,946 --> 00:22:29,780
While causing
population explosion
of others,
478
00:22:29,782 --> 00:22:34,051
Such as frogs, lice,
flies and locusts.
479
00:22:34,120 --> 00:22:38,055
The insects could then sprea
disease to livestock
and to people,
480
00:22:38,157 --> 00:22:40,658
Manifesting as pestilence
and boils.
481
00:22:41,794 --> 00:22:43,928
But what about hail
and darkness?
482
00:22:43,930 --> 00:22:47,164
Well, climate scientists
now theorize that
a volcanic eruption
483
00:22:47,233 --> 00:22:51,202
On the greek island
of santorini in 1500 bce,
484
00:22:51,204 --> 00:22:55,940
Could have spread ash
all the way to egypt,
blocking out the sun.
485
00:22:58,644 --> 00:23:02,513
Those darkening skies
would certainly have appeare
to people across egypt
486
00:23:02,515 --> 00:23:04,615
As the work of divine forces
487
00:23:05,718 --> 00:23:08,719
So, did the plagues
actually happen?
488
00:23:08,721 --> 00:23:11,455
Well, it depends
on what you believe.
489
00:23:11,524 --> 00:23:14,425
And whether caused by nature
of the wrath of god,
490
00:23:14,427 --> 00:23:18,529
They remain a cautionary tale
about angering the almighty,
491
00:23:18,531 --> 00:23:21,098
A horror story
in the ethic of the bible,
492
00:23:21,100 --> 00:23:24,301
As mysterious as the life
of moses himself.
493
00:23:26,406 --> 00:23:30,808
Now that I've seen proof tha
a semitic person held high
position in ancient egypt,
494
00:23:30,810 --> 00:23:35,346
And the possibility that
the plagues could be inspire
by real-world events,
495
00:23:35,415 --> 00:23:39,350
I'm starting to feel hopefu
about the idea
of a historic moses,
496
00:23:39,418 --> 00:23:41,318
But I want some hard facts.
497
00:23:43,723 --> 00:23:46,657
And that brings us
to one character
in the exodus story
498
00:23:46,759 --> 00:23:51,762
That we should be able
to easily verify,
moses' nemesis, the pharaoh
499
00:23:52,832 --> 00:23:54,832
So, now I set off
on a new mission
500
00:23:54,901 --> 00:24:00,004
To find the egyptian king
who defied both moses
and his god.
501
00:24:06,612 --> 00:24:09,313
[josh] from my investigatio
into the mysteries of moses
502
00:24:09,315 --> 00:24:12,516
I'm on a search to identify
the pharaoh from exodus.
503
00:24:13,653 --> 00:24:16,020
The bible never mentions
him by name,
504
00:24:16,022 --> 00:24:18,556
But if you've seen
the ten commandments,
you know who he is.
505
00:24:18,624 --> 00:24:23,194
Yep, it's yul brynner,
I mean, ramesses.
506
00:24:23,196 --> 00:24:27,465
To get to know
ramesses better, I'm drivin
450 miles south of cairo
507
00:24:27,533 --> 00:24:29,733
To the ancient capital
of luxor.
508
00:24:35,374 --> 00:24:38,409
On the east bank
of the nile, the world
of the living
509
00:24:38,411 --> 00:24:41,745
And the ruined majesty
of luxor and karnak,
510
00:24:41,847 --> 00:24:44,215
And on the west bank,
the land of the dead,
511
00:24:44,217 --> 00:24:46,217
Home to the valley
of the kings.
512
00:24:48,120 --> 00:24:49,753
And this.
513
00:24:52,091 --> 00:24:56,927
The tumbledown remnants
of a mortuary temple known
as the ramesseum.
514
00:24:56,929 --> 00:25:01,999
Inside the eerie ruins, I fi
my old friend, egyptologist
bahaa gaber.
515
00:25:02,935 --> 00:25:04,201
-Bahaa.
-[bahaa gaber] josh. Hey.
516
00:25:04,203 --> 00:25:06,036
[josh] hey!
How are you, my friend?
517
00:25:06,138 --> 00:25:07,905
-[gaber] fine, and you?
-I'm great, thanks.
518
00:25:07,907 --> 00:25:11,442
-This is spectacular.
-[gaber] yeah, this is
the ramesseum temple.
519
00:25:11,511 --> 00:25:15,112
-So this is devoted
to ramesses ii?
-Yes.
520
00:25:15,114 --> 00:25:18,516
Okay, now, every story
needs a bad guy,
521
00:25:18,518 --> 00:25:23,053
And for many years people
have said that this guy,
ramesses ii,
522
00:25:23,055 --> 00:25:25,122
He's the pharaoh
from the old testament.
523
00:25:25,124 --> 00:25:28,192
-So, and he is a serious
villain in exodus.
-[gaber] mmm-hmm. Mmm-hmm.
524
00:25:28,194 --> 00:25:31,228
[josh] I mean, we're talkin
darth vader level,
thanos level,
525
00:25:31,230 --> 00:25:33,464
-Moustache twirling
bad guy, right?
-[gaber chuckles]
526
00:25:33,532 --> 00:25:37,134
So, how is he referred
to here in egypt?
527
00:25:37,236 --> 00:25:40,304
-We call him
ramesses the great.
-Ramesses the great?
528
00:25:40,306 --> 00:25:43,707
-Yes.
-Not "ramesses the evil," not
"ramesses the bad guy."
529
00:25:43,709 --> 00:25:46,010
And not "ramesses the nasty."
530
00:25:46,012 --> 00:25:48,512
-No, not "ramesses
the nasty." the great.
-Exactly.
531
00:25:49,815 --> 00:25:52,716
[josh] despite his bad pres
in biblical pop culture,
532
00:25:52,718 --> 00:25:56,687
If anyone earned the title
of "great," it's ramesses ii
533
00:25:56,689 --> 00:26:01,191
He ruled egypt for 67 years
well into his 90s,
534
00:26:01,193 --> 00:26:05,095
Building grand temples
to his divinity all over
the country.
535
00:26:05,097 --> 00:26:07,598
Here at the ramesseum
are the toppled remains
536
00:26:07,600 --> 00:26:10,935
Of one of the largest
ancient statues ever found,
537
00:26:10,937 --> 00:26:16,140
A seated colossus of ramesse
which once rose more
than 60 feet tall.
538
00:26:16,241 --> 00:26:18,175
So why does he have
this reputation?
539
00:26:18,177 --> 00:26:22,846
Why do so many people
associate the story of exodus
with ramesses?
540
00:26:22,915 --> 00:26:26,350
Because when people try
to figure out when exactly
541
00:26:26,419 --> 00:26:31,855
Moses lived in egypt,
they assumed it that it could
happen during
542
00:26:31,957 --> 00:26:33,523
-The 13th century...
-[josh] mmm-hmm.
543
00:26:33,525 --> 00:26:37,227
...And because the king ruled
egypt a long time, and he was
so powerful,
544
00:26:37,229 --> 00:26:40,397
So they assumed
that he should be the guy.
545
00:26:40,399 --> 00:26:42,933
[josh] so, if ramesses
is supposed to be the bad gu
546
00:26:43,035 --> 00:26:45,436
Then this brings up
an important question.
547
00:26:45,504 --> 00:26:49,740
Were there hebrew slaves here
in ancient egypt?
548
00:26:49,842 --> 00:26:54,511
Do we have archeological
evidence of mass numbers
549
00:26:54,513 --> 00:26:57,214
Of semitic people
enslaved here?
550
00:26:57,216 --> 00:26:59,149
-No, we didn't have any
evidence for that.
-[josh] no evidence?
551
00:26:59,218 --> 00:27:01,051
No evidence.
552
00:27:01,053 --> 00:27:04,421
But what about the people
who built these
incredible temples?
553
00:27:04,423 --> 00:27:08,425
The people who built
the pyramids? Were these
built by slaves?
554
00:27:08,427 --> 00:27:11,195
-No, built by workmen.
-By workmen.
555
00:27:11,197 --> 00:27:12,630
-[gaber] exactly.
-Built by egyptians?
556
00:27:12,632 --> 00:27:14,098
By egyptians.
557
00:27:14,100 --> 00:27:15,833
[josh] contrary to the idea
that egypt's
558
00:27:15,901 --> 00:27:18,035
Mightiest monuments
were built by slaves,
559
00:27:18,137 --> 00:27:21,805
There is ample evidence
of a skilled, local
labor force
560
00:27:21,807 --> 00:27:26,577
From excavations of workers
burials to ancient graffiti
from the workers themselves
561
00:27:26,579 --> 00:27:32,249
But there is no archeologica
evidence of a huge army
of laboring slaves.
562
00:27:32,318 --> 00:27:36,120
So then where do we get
this idea that there are
not just slaves,
563
00:27:36,122 --> 00:27:41,825
But israelites here in egypt
that are fleeing the country?
Where does it come from?
564
00:27:41,827 --> 00:27:46,697
Josh, we have temple
very close from here,
have these answers.
565
00:27:46,699 --> 00:27:48,599
-[josh] really?
-Come with me.
566
00:27:52,038 --> 00:27:56,140
Steps from the ramesseum,
bahaa leads me to the nearl
obliterated remains
567
00:27:56,208 --> 00:28:01,045
Of the funerary temple
of the king, merneptah,
son of ramesses ii.
568
00:28:01,146 --> 00:28:05,616
And in the corner is a stele
or stone monument,
which is covered in writing
569
00:28:05,618 --> 00:28:09,520
And in one spot
it says something historic.
570
00:28:09,522 --> 00:28:11,555
-So here's the king
right here, yes?
-[gaber] yes.
571
00:28:11,657 --> 00:28:14,625
-So, this chronicles all
his military accomplishments?
-Yes.
572
00:28:14,627 --> 00:28:16,493
Okay, so what's
significant here?
573
00:28:16,495 --> 00:28:19,229
Josh, we have something
very important here,
574
00:28:19,231 --> 00:28:21,999
-Something shocking. Here.
-Okay.
575
00:28:22,001 --> 00:28:26,136
The king said that he defeated
the people of israel.
576
00:28:26,238 --> 00:28:28,972
-Israel?
-[gaber] yes, and that's
the first time
577
00:28:28,974 --> 00:28:33,944
That the word israel
had been mentioned
outside of the bible.
578
00:28:33,946 --> 00:28:35,312
This is incredible.
579
00:28:39,318 --> 00:28:43,420
-Okay.
-Here it mentioned
that he took his army
580
00:28:43,422 --> 00:28:45,022
Outside of egypt.
581
00:28:45,024 --> 00:28:47,424
They tried to attack egypt
from the north.
582
00:28:47,426 --> 00:28:50,227
-Wait, this is, like,
a complete flip...
-[gaber] yeah. Right.
583
00:28:50,229 --> 00:28:53,931
...Of the script.
So, instead of them
being slaves,
584
00:28:53,933 --> 00:28:57,034
-They're actually powerful.
They're actually someone...
-Yes.
585
00:28:57,036 --> 00:29:00,337
-...That he sees
as an invading force.
-[gaber] right.
586
00:29:00,406 --> 00:29:03,807
[josh] so, is there any
evidence, historically,
587
00:29:03,809 --> 00:29:08,846
That semitic people were ever
driven out of egypt
from inside its borders?
588
00:29:08,947 --> 00:29:10,914
-It's happened.
-It did happen?
589
00:29:10,916 --> 00:29:15,619
Yes, but when, 300 years
before the time
of the king ramesses.
590
00:29:15,621 --> 00:29:16,920
-Before ramesses?
-Yes.
591
00:29:18,657 --> 00:29:20,223
The hyksos people.
592
00:29:28,801 --> 00:29:31,201
[josh] hundreds of years
before the possible time
of moses,
593
00:29:31,203 --> 00:29:34,505
There are records in egypt
from the land of canaan,
594
00:29:34,507 --> 00:29:38,475
What is today in the area
of israel and the palestinia
territories.
595
00:29:38,477 --> 00:29:41,578
But they weren't here
as a group of slaves, rather
596
00:29:41,580 --> 00:29:43,747
They were traders
and even rulers.
597
00:29:43,816 --> 00:29:47,818
One group of canaanites
actually lorded over
lower egypt for a time,
598
00:29:47,820 --> 00:29:51,955
Before being defeated
by another group of semites
known as the hyksos,
599
00:29:51,957 --> 00:29:55,092
Who were eventually driven
out of egypt.
600
00:29:55,094 --> 00:29:58,162
You have these people
that are from the land
of canaan,
601
00:29:58,197 --> 00:30:03,133
And they're not slaves,
they are invaders.
Is there a linkage here?
602
00:30:03,235 --> 00:30:08,939
Is the story of exodus somehow
inspired by the hyksos
leaving egypt?
603
00:30:14,814 --> 00:30:17,815
-And they were run out
by the pharaoh.
-By a pharaoh. Yeah.
604
00:30:19,051 --> 00:30:21,018
[josh] there's a pattern
emerging here.
605
00:30:21,020 --> 00:30:22,820
Events from exodus
seem to have
606
00:30:22,822 --> 00:30:25,322
Compelling similarities
to recorded history,
607
00:30:25,324 --> 00:30:30,427
But often at a slightly
different time, or under
different circumstances.
608
00:30:30,429 --> 00:30:34,097
So, could the hyksos
be the true israelites
of the exodus?
609
00:30:34,099 --> 00:30:37,501
To find out,
and to keep hunting
for a historical moses,
610
00:30:37,503 --> 00:30:41,605
There's only one thing to do
flee the same direction
they did,
611
00:30:41,607 --> 00:30:43,640
Out of egypt
and into the sinai.
612
00:30:45,744 --> 00:30:47,611
Of course, when the israelit
did it,
613
00:30:47,613 --> 00:30:50,314
Moses led them
on a unique shortcut.
614
00:30:52,418 --> 00:30:54,418
This is the red sea.
615
00:30:54,420 --> 00:30:58,055
In the bible,
moses is desperate to get
his people from here
616
00:30:58,123 --> 00:31:02,259
All the way over
the sinai peninsula,
about 15 miles away.
617
00:31:02,361 --> 00:31:05,262
Lucky for him,
he has some divine backup.
618
00:31:05,331 --> 00:31:08,599
Okay, let's do this.
Can I get a staff?
619
00:31:09,735 --> 00:31:12,636
Really? Okay. [clears throat]
620
00:31:12,705 --> 00:31:15,806
The host of this show
will do battle for us.
621
00:31:15,808 --> 00:31:19,710
Behold the might hand
of josh!
622
00:31:22,514 --> 00:31:25,349
Part! Do the...
Do the thing!
623
00:31:26,852 --> 00:31:28,485
Was worth a try.
624
00:31:31,223 --> 00:31:34,324
According to the story
from exodus, as well
as from hollywood,
625
00:31:34,326 --> 00:31:37,361
The israelites had their bac
to the red sea
626
00:31:37,429 --> 00:31:39,796
As the pharaoh's army
was closing in.
627
00:31:39,798 --> 00:31:44,534
So moses raised his staff,
and the red sea miraculousl
parted before them.
628
00:31:44,603 --> 00:31:47,704
The israelites ran
through safely
to the other side,
629
00:31:47,706 --> 00:31:51,742
As for the pursuing
egyptian army, the passage
collapsed midway.
630
00:31:51,810 --> 00:31:55,412
Which cecil b. Demille
pulled off by pouring water
over jell-o, by the way.
631
00:31:55,414 --> 00:31:56,513
Pretty effective.
632
00:31:59,218 --> 00:32:02,552
So is there any
scientific basis for this?
633
00:32:04,823 --> 00:32:07,758
One recent theory
is that we've been reading
the bible wrong.
634
00:32:07,826 --> 00:32:11,762
The hebrew name of the body
of water moses parted
is yam suph.
635
00:32:11,830 --> 00:32:15,599
Yam suph means,
"the sea of reeds,"
or, "the reed sea."
636
00:32:15,601 --> 00:32:18,502
Which might not refer
to this body of water at all
637
00:32:18,504 --> 00:32:21,438
But's a part of the nile del
to the north.
638
00:32:21,540 --> 00:32:24,441
The bible speaks
of a strong east wind
639
00:32:24,510 --> 00:32:26,677
That blew just before
the sea parted.
640
00:32:26,679 --> 00:32:30,447
And it turns out that
the sea of reeds, much like
parts of the red sea here,
641
00:32:30,516 --> 00:32:34,051
Has a unique topography.
Hang on a second,
I'll show you.
642
00:32:35,254 --> 00:32:36,954
Ah! Ah, that's cold.
643
00:32:41,327 --> 00:32:44,061
[shouting] the waters
here are really shallow!
644
00:32:47,032 --> 00:32:50,801
Recent computer modelling
has shown that
a 60 mile an hour wind
645
00:32:50,803 --> 00:32:53,603
Blowing for eight hours
in shallow marshland,
646
00:32:53,605 --> 00:32:57,407
Could push back the waters
and expose a land bridge.
647
00:32:57,409 --> 00:33:01,011
And if the wind
died down just after
the israelites crossed,
648
00:33:01,013 --> 00:33:04,948
A wall of rushing water
could have engulfed
the pursuing egyptian army.
649
00:33:07,953 --> 00:33:10,654
But even if it were
scientifically possible,
650
00:33:10,756 --> 00:33:14,358
What are the odds
that the winds would blow
right when moses needed them?
651
00:33:14,426 --> 00:33:16,927
Or that they would blow
in the israelites' favor?
652
00:33:16,929 --> 00:33:22,132
It would be a tremendous
stroke of luck or, dare I say,
divine intervention.
653
00:33:24,236 --> 00:33:28,338
And since god has better
things to do than perform
a miracle on television,
654
00:33:28,440 --> 00:33:30,139
I'm taking the long route,
655
00:33:30,141 --> 00:33:34,211
North up the coast
of the red sea until I cros
from africa into asia
656
00:33:34,213 --> 00:33:37,114
And the vast deserts
of the sinai peninsula,
657
00:33:37,816 --> 00:33:40,817
26,000 square miles of sand
658
00:33:44,323 --> 00:33:49,059
The sinai is also the setting
for perhaps the most
consequential moment
659
00:33:49,128 --> 00:33:50,827
In the book of exodus,
660
00:33:50,829 --> 00:33:54,698
Because somewhere out here,
somewhere amidst
all this sand
661
00:33:54,700 --> 00:33:57,334
On top of a place
known as mount sinai,
662
00:33:57,403 --> 00:33:59,903
Moses receives
the ten commandments.
663
00:34:02,941 --> 00:34:06,009
In the book of exodus,
three months after
escaping egypt,
664
00:34:06,011 --> 00:34:08,311
The children of israel
reach mount sinai,
665
00:34:08,313 --> 00:34:12,449
And moses is called
to the summit where god
directly bestows upon him
666
00:34:12,517 --> 00:34:14,751
The unbreakable laws
of his covenant,
667
00:34:14,853 --> 00:34:17,954
Ten commandments carved
into stone tablets.
668
00:34:19,458 --> 00:34:22,626
And believe it or not,
no fewer than six locations
669
00:34:22,628 --> 00:34:24,861
Have laid claim
to be mount sinai,
670
00:34:24,930 --> 00:34:28,698
But one above all
has emerged
as the true holy site.
671
00:34:30,602 --> 00:34:33,437
I pull up at the gate
of a fortified monastery
672
00:34:33,538 --> 00:34:35,705
Tucked into the base
of an imposing mountain.
673
00:34:35,707 --> 00:34:38,241
In arabic, it's called,
jabal musa.
674
00:34:38,343 --> 00:34:41,545
In english,
this is mount sinai.
675
00:34:48,320 --> 00:34:52,756
I'm at the base of a mountai
believed to be the location
of the true mount sinai,
676
00:34:52,858 --> 00:34:56,059
Where moses received
the ten commandments from go
677
00:34:57,729 --> 00:35:00,397
The greek orthodox monaster
of saint catherine
678
00:35:00,399 --> 00:35:05,902
Was built here in the mid-50
atop one of the oldest
christian sites on earth.
679
00:35:05,904 --> 00:35:09,940
Inside the courtyard,
I'm warmly welcomed
by father justin of sinai.
680
00:35:11,143 --> 00:35:13,710
Father, I feel like
I've stepped into
another time here.
681
00:35:13,712 --> 00:35:16,279
And the outside looks
almost like a fortress.
682
00:35:16,281 --> 00:35:19,950
It was built as a fortress
to protect the monks,
683
00:35:19,952 --> 00:35:24,321
To honor this holy place,
but also this is the border
of the roman empire.
684
00:35:24,323 --> 00:35:26,122
Right.
685
00:35:26,124 --> 00:35:31,828
But the monastery has never
been abandoned and never
been destroyed in 1700 years.
686
00:35:31,830 --> 00:35:34,965
Wow. What an incredible place.
687
00:35:37,202 --> 00:35:39,803
And there are other
connections here
to the story of moses,
688
00:35:39,805 --> 00:35:42,806
Like one
of the main characters.
689
00:35:42,808 --> 00:35:44,741
[father justin] everything
was built here because
690
00:35:44,810 --> 00:35:46,643
This is the place
of the burning bush,
691
00:35:46,712 --> 00:35:50,313
And this is the burning bush
growing behind the church
692
00:35:50,315 --> 00:35:52,916
Next to the chapel
of the burning bush.
693
00:35:52,918 --> 00:35:55,652
Wait, you mean
the burning bush?
694
00:35:55,754 --> 00:35:59,523
Like the burning bush from
the bible where god speaks
to moses?
695
00:35:59,525 --> 00:36:01,424
While the fire is out
and the bush
696
00:36:01,426 --> 00:36:03,260
May not be talking to anyon
these days,
697
00:36:03,361 --> 00:36:07,063
Its very existence
seems miraculous.
698
00:36:07,132 --> 00:36:11,201
It is mentioned by egeria,
who came here
in the year 383.
699
00:36:11,203 --> 00:36:14,204
So even in 383, she mentions
700
00:36:14,206 --> 00:36:17,807
In the valley there's
a garden, and in the garden
there's a church
701
00:36:17,809 --> 00:36:21,244
Next to the bush,
and the bush is alive
to this day,
702
00:36:21,346 --> 00:36:22,879
And sends out green shoots.
703
00:36:22,881 --> 00:36:25,115
So this was described
in the fourth century.
704
00:36:25,117 --> 00:36:29,219
-It's been described
by pilgrims ever since.
-[josh] wow.
705
00:36:29,221 --> 00:36:34,324
That is awesome.
This monastery is filled
with miraculous things.
706
00:36:34,326 --> 00:36:36,626
Lead on.
I want to see
what else we have here.
707
00:36:37,429 --> 00:36:38,828
The burning bush.
708
00:36:42,434 --> 00:36:45,936
Father justin brings me insi
the monastery's library,
709
00:36:46,037 --> 00:36:48,305
A treasure trove
of priceless documents
710
00:36:48,307 --> 00:36:50,407
Stretching back
through the centuries.
711
00:36:50,409 --> 00:36:53,643
He's pulled a few volumes
for me to examine.
712
00:36:53,712 --> 00:36:56,713
The first one
is a 10th century
manuscript of--
713
00:36:56,715 --> 00:36:59,816
-I'm sorry, this
is a 1000-year-old book?
-Yes.
714
00:37:00,519 --> 00:37:02,552
Written on parchment.
715
00:37:02,621 --> 00:37:06,122
It's the text of genesis,
exodus and leviticus,
716
00:37:06,124 --> 00:37:09,125
And then it has commentary
in the margins.
717
00:37:09,127 --> 00:37:14,598
Many years ago someone took
the entire account of genesis
and exodus,
718
00:37:14,600 --> 00:37:16,933
And they wrote it out
in greek verses.
719
00:37:16,935 --> 00:37:20,503
This is a 16th century
manuscript of that text.
720
00:37:20,505 --> 00:37:21,805
This is one of your
new books?
721
00:37:21,807 --> 00:37:24,608
[chuckles]
and then it's filled
with illustrations.
722
00:37:24,610 --> 00:37:27,043
And I believe this is our
guy right here, right?
723
00:37:27,145 --> 00:37:28,712
Let's talk about
this illustration,
724
00:37:28,714 --> 00:37:32,382
In particular this mountain
that moses is standing on.
725
00:37:32,384 --> 00:37:35,952
This is mount sinai
or mount horeb
in the bible,
726
00:37:35,988 --> 00:37:39,623
And I know that there have
been a lot of places
put forward
727
00:37:39,625 --> 00:37:41,958
By the historians
and theologians
over the years
728
00:37:41,960 --> 00:37:43,593
As the possible real location,
729
00:37:43,595 --> 00:37:48,298
But saint catherine's sits
at the foot of the place
that is really considered...
730
00:37:49,601 --> 00:37:50,634
...Where this happened.
731
00:37:51,536 --> 00:37:53,136
Why is that?
732
00:37:53,138 --> 00:37:56,406
What is it about this place
that gives it authenticity
and credibility?
733
00:37:56,408 --> 00:38:00,243
Many people ask us,
"how do you know
that this is the real sinai?"
734
00:38:00,312 --> 00:38:02,712
-[josh] right.
-We point out that
the prophet, elijah,
735
00:38:02,714 --> 00:38:04,781
Came to horeb,
the mountain of god,
736
00:38:04,783 --> 00:38:07,751
And he lived 600 years
after moses.
737
00:38:07,852 --> 00:38:09,085
Right, and he knew
where it was.
738
00:38:09,087 --> 00:38:13,156
So 600 years after moses,
they knew where sinai was.
739
00:38:13,225 --> 00:38:15,258
So when the monks came here,
740
00:38:15,360 --> 00:38:18,228
In the latter third,
early fourth centuries,
741
00:38:18,230 --> 00:38:20,930
They also picked up
this living heritage
742
00:38:20,932 --> 00:38:25,402
That this was the place
where god revealed himself
in such a special way.
743
00:38:25,404 --> 00:38:28,338
[josh] it is this
stunning continuity
of history here
744
00:38:28,440 --> 00:38:31,408
That has led so many
to venerate this place.
745
00:38:31,410 --> 00:38:36,313
And it is for that reason
that people also attempt
to ascend to the summit.
746
00:38:36,315 --> 00:38:39,549
I know that many people come
here to visit the monastery
747
00:38:39,651 --> 00:38:43,019
And also to make the ascent
to the top of mount sinai.
748
00:38:43,021 --> 00:38:47,924
I'd like to do that.
Do you have any advice
for a first-time climber?
749
00:38:49,027 --> 00:38:50,260
It's not an easy ascent.
750
00:38:50,329 --> 00:38:52,829
[laughing] okay.
751
00:38:52,831 --> 00:38:57,701
When you make the ascent,
you think, "I'll never
get there."
752
00:38:57,703 --> 00:39:01,104
But then you finally do arrive
and it's such a joy
753
00:39:01,106 --> 00:39:04,207
To see the spectacular
landscape.
754
00:39:05,210 --> 00:39:06,643
I can't wait.
755
00:39:06,745 --> 00:39:11,114
So here's something
I'd like to give you
for the ascent.
756
00:39:11,116 --> 00:39:14,784
This is a bible that I bought
in jerusalem in 1978,
757
00:39:14,786 --> 00:39:17,253
The first time I made
a pilgrimage there.
758
00:39:17,322 --> 00:39:20,523
When you read the scriptures,
they come alive,
759
00:39:20,525 --> 00:39:22,225
Because you're
at the very place
760
00:39:22,227 --> 00:39:25,662
And it's something
that you can treasure
for the rest of your life.
761
00:39:25,731 --> 00:39:29,799
This is really,
really special,
thank you so much.
762
00:39:29,801 --> 00:39:31,801
I will take very,
very good care of it, father.
763
00:39:31,803 --> 00:39:36,539
Thank you so much
for time and for showing us
this awesome place.
764
00:39:36,641 --> 00:39:37,807
I really appreciate it.
765
00:39:37,809 --> 00:39:40,710
And all the best
on your ascent to the peak.
766
00:39:40,712 --> 00:39:43,146
Thank you, father. Cheers.
767
00:39:43,181 --> 00:39:47,150
And so I'm preparing
to follow in moses'
most arduous footsteps,
768
00:39:47,185 --> 00:39:50,854
To the meeting point
between god and man.
769
00:39:50,922 --> 00:39:54,257
The climb is always attempte
well before the light of daw
770
00:39:54,359 --> 00:39:57,727
And so the next day,
in the frigid desert darknes
771
00:39:57,729 --> 00:40:00,430
I return to the foot
of the monastery.
772
00:40:00,432 --> 00:40:06,136
Well, it is about 2:30
in the morning and I'm here
at the base of mount sinai.
773
00:40:06,237 --> 00:40:07,937
You know, when we think
about moses leading
774
00:40:07,939 --> 00:40:11,408
The israelites through
the desert, we think
about sweltering heat.
775
00:40:11,410 --> 00:40:15,678
Right now, it's
about 28 degrees fahrenheit,
it is absolutely freezing.
776
00:40:15,680 --> 00:40:19,916
And between us and the summit
is about 2,500 vertical feet
777
00:40:19,918 --> 00:40:23,119
And a nearly three-mile hike
in complete darkness.
778
00:40:23,622 --> 00:40:24,454
Let's do it.
779
00:40:30,529 --> 00:40:32,962
Man, it is cold.
780
00:40:32,964 --> 00:40:36,399
And the higher you get,
the windier it gets.
781
00:40:36,401 --> 00:40:38,601
Just feels like walking
into nothingness.
782
00:40:48,447 --> 00:40:51,648
[exhales] so, as we come
through this pass here,
783
00:40:51,749 --> 00:40:55,151
You can hear the wind
just sailing through.
784
00:40:55,253 --> 00:40:56,853
It's getting colder
and colder.
785
00:40:56,921 --> 00:40:59,255
I've got my trusty
king james bible here.
786
00:40:59,357 --> 00:41:01,624
We're about halfway
up the mountain
and I have to say,
787
00:41:01,626 --> 00:41:04,427
It really does feel
so mysterious here.
788
00:41:04,429 --> 00:41:06,463
And it is hard
not to feel the parallels
789
00:41:06,564 --> 00:41:08,832
With the description
in the book of exodus.
790
00:41:08,900 --> 00:41:12,535
So, much of the talk
about sinai is
about the weather here.
791
00:41:12,604 --> 00:41:15,939
They say that there's thunder
and lightning on the mount
792
00:41:15,941 --> 00:41:18,208
And the people
in the camp trembled.
793
00:41:18,210 --> 00:41:21,311
And mount sinai
quaked greatly.
794
00:41:21,313 --> 00:41:23,947
And then the lord came
down upon mount sinai
795
00:41:24,048 --> 00:41:26,716
To the top of the mount
and called moses up.
796
00:41:26,718 --> 00:41:28,351
And moses went.
797
00:41:28,453 --> 00:41:29,953
And I guess, so will we.
798
00:41:33,492 --> 00:41:36,159
Hundreds of pilgrims are
here with me today.
799
00:41:36,228 --> 00:41:39,329
They come by the thousands
every year to connect
800
00:41:39,331 --> 00:41:43,399
To the spirit of moses
and the god he was said
to have met on sinai.
801
00:41:46,104 --> 00:41:47,804
[exhales] come on.
802
00:41:50,008 --> 00:41:51,107
You got this.
803
00:41:52,410 --> 00:41:54,043
Man.
804
00:41:55,313 --> 00:41:58,648
Fortunately, the mountain
is dotted with simple
stone buildings,
805
00:41:58,716 --> 00:42:01,117
Which serve as rest stops
for the faithful.
806
00:42:01,119 --> 00:42:03,419
Inside, merchants make
fresh bread.
807
00:42:03,421 --> 00:42:06,322
Pilgrims rest and get
something warm to drink.
808
00:42:07,559 --> 00:42:10,193
[speaking arabic]
809
00:42:10,195 --> 00:42:12,662
[in english] a hot cup
of coffee in this bitter col
810
00:42:12,764 --> 00:42:15,365
Is a bit of a religious
experience in itself.
811
00:42:16,401 --> 00:42:17,200
[exhales]
812
00:42:18,303 --> 00:42:19,536
Thou shalt be caffeinated.
813
00:42:22,307 --> 00:42:26,209
Oh, yes. Thank you.
814
00:42:26,211 --> 00:42:28,511
The walls are lined
with photos and notes
815
00:42:28,513 --> 00:42:30,680
From people who have
made the climb.
816
00:42:30,682 --> 00:42:33,216
After my cup of joe,
I hit the trail,
817
00:42:33,218 --> 00:42:35,752
Leaving my own scripture
for future travelers.
818
00:42:37,022 --> 00:42:38,721
[indistinct conversation]
819
00:42:43,061 --> 00:42:46,229
Coming into this
slot canyon here,
820
00:42:46,231 --> 00:42:47,931
Toward the top of the peak.
821
00:42:47,933 --> 00:42:50,700
Now it gets really rocky
and really vertical.
822
00:42:52,237 --> 00:42:53,102
[whispers] okay.
823
00:42:58,343 --> 00:43:01,144
[grunts] come one.
824
00:43:01,245 --> 00:43:04,814
This may be the holiest
mountain on earth,
but that doesn't make it sof
825
00:43:06,418 --> 00:43:07,617
[exclaiming]
826
00:43:13,725 --> 00:43:16,526
Manna from heaven,
that miraculous food
827
00:43:16,528 --> 00:43:19,362
That god delivered
to those desert-wandering
israelites
828
00:43:19,397 --> 00:43:22,732
Every day of the week
except on Sunday,
just like chick-fil-a.
829
00:43:22,834 --> 00:43:26,235
But what was
this life-sustaining,
heaven-sent snack?
830
00:43:26,337 --> 00:43:28,605
Well, some scientists think
it may have been a lichen,
831
00:43:28,607 --> 00:43:30,807
A kind of algae
that coats the desert floor.
832
00:43:30,809 --> 00:43:34,744
Others believe it was this,
a congealed insect secretion
833
00:43:34,846 --> 00:43:37,146
Found in the sap
of the tamarisk tree.
834
00:43:37,248 --> 00:43:39,048
Today this stuff is
kind of a delicacy.
835
00:43:39,050 --> 00:43:41,517
Sells for about 10 bucks
a gram, even though it looks
836
00:43:41,519 --> 00:43:43,319
Like the rocks at the bottom
of your fish tank.
837
00:43:43,321 --> 00:43:44,721
Okay, here goes nothing.
838
00:43:46,157 --> 00:43:48,958
Tangy, gummy,
sweet aftertaste.
839
00:43:48,960 --> 00:43:51,561
Not bad for congealed
insect excrement.
840
00:43:51,663 --> 00:43:53,930
I mean, I wouldn't want
to eat it for 40 years.
841
00:43:54,833 --> 00:43:55,898
Manna, anyone?
842
00:43:57,202 --> 00:43:58,034
It's bug [bleep].
843
00:44:04,576 --> 00:44:06,009
[exhales] come on.
844
00:44:10,715 --> 00:44:12,715
[exclaiming]
845
00:44:14,352 --> 00:44:17,320
Yeah, I'm okay. [bleep] ow.
846
00:44:17,722 --> 00:44:20,223
Ugh, my knee.
847
00:44:20,225 --> 00:44:24,127
I suppose it makes sense
that in visiting mount sinai
I'd end up on one knee.
848
00:44:24,496 --> 00:44:26,729
Okay. I'm okay.
849
00:44:28,199 --> 00:44:30,833
I'm okay. Okay, here we go.
Oh, man, that was close.
850
00:44:35,140 --> 00:44:37,140
All right, well,
we are getting close.
851
00:44:37,208 --> 00:44:41,811
We're within a quarter mile
of the summit, of course,
there's one last obstacle.
852
00:44:41,813 --> 00:44:44,747
Actually, there's 750 of them.
853
00:44:44,816 --> 00:44:48,351
These steep, stone stairs
that go all the way
to the top.
854
00:44:49,421 --> 00:44:50,620
Okay, come on.
855
00:44:52,223 --> 00:44:54,123
These are the steps
of penitence,
856
00:44:54,125 --> 00:44:56,959
Which lead to the very top
of mount sinai.
857
00:45:07,238 --> 00:45:11,708
Oh, god. Oh.
If only I had some sort
of sign...
858
00:45:11,710 --> 00:45:13,710
[man] how about we keep
walking, it's freezing.
859
00:45:13,712 --> 00:45:15,945
-God?
-[man] no, camera department.
860
00:45:16,047 --> 00:45:18,047
Yeah, okay. Here we go.
861
00:45:26,958 --> 00:45:30,293
We are now above
most of the other peaks.
862
00:45:30,295 --> 00:45:33,362
You can just see them,
their outlines,
in the darkness.
863
00:45:33,431 --> 00:45:37,200
Totally exposed here
now to the wind.
Must be close to the top.
864
00:45:44,309 --> 00:45:47,543
Sort of a bottleneck here
as we get close to the top.
865
00:45:48,513 --> 00:45:50,713
It's really a hive
of activity.
866
00:45:52,817 --> 00:45:58,321
There are people here
from all over the world
and from every major religion.
867
00:45:58,323 --> 00:46:01,524
Christians, jews,
muslims, hindus.
868
00:46:01,526 --> 00:46:03,860
And people from just
about every country
in the world.
869
00:46:03,961 --> 00:46:06,462
I heard every accent
and language imaginable.
870
00:46:06,498 --> 00:46:10,500
All of them here to experience
the summit of this holy place.
871
00:46:15,507 --> 00:46:18,040
They climb because they
believe that, like moses,
872
00:46:18,109 --> 00:46:21,711
When they reach the top,
they will be
in the presence of god.
873
00:46:21,713 --> 00:46:26,249
And as I reach the summit,
the same feeling begins
to tug within me.
874
00:46:33,024 --> 00:46:36,826
You can see while we're here,
the sky is starting
to lighten.
875
00:46:36,828 --> 00:46:39,962
The sun will be here soon.
876
00:46:39,998 --> 00:46:44,233
Everyone is now racing
to the top, trying to catch
the first light.
877
00:46:51,042 --> 00:46:55,111
And there, at the summit
of mount sinai,
I greet the dawn.
878
00:47:00,518 --> 00:47:03,219
Next time,
on expedition unknown,
879
00:47:04,956 --> 00:47:10,159
The conclusion
of our epic quest to unlock
the mysteries of moses.
880
00:47:10,261 --> 00:47:14,363
As I follow
in the prophet's footsteps
from the peak of mount sina
881
00:47:14,432 --> 00:47:18,935
And search for evidence
that moses led his people
through the desert.
882
00:47:18,937 --> 00:47:21,804
In the world
of the old testament,
this would be an israelite,
883
00:47:21,806 --> 00:47:23,339
This would be someone
from the land of canaan.
884
00:47:23,374 --> 00:47:25,240
This is pretty extraordinary.
885
00:47:25,242 --> 00:47:29,946
And a relic from the exodus
may be lost in the depths
of the sea of galilee.
886
00:47:30,047 --> 00:47:32,315
It cannot be natural,
it has to be manmade.
887
00:47:32,317 --> 00:47:33,816
Can you show me where it is?
888
00:47:33,818 --> 00:47:35,218
The water's warm,
though, right?
889
00:47:35,220 --> 00:47:36,452
No.
890
00:47:36,554 --> 00:47:37,353
Okay, great.
891
00:47:40,625 --> 00:47:42,124
Slight hill here.
892
00:47:42,126 --> 00:47:43,960
Holy moses! [yells]
893
00:47:44,729 --> 00:47:45,795
Fire!
894
00:47:48,132 --> 00:47:50,933
It's an adventure
with only one commandment.
895
00:47:50,935 --> 00:47:52,735
Thou shalt watch.
896
00:47:54,038 --> 00:47:55,404
I'd say that about sums it up.