1 00:00:02,000 --> 00:00:04,800 NARRATOR: Deep within Egypt's vast interior 2 00:00:06,100 --> 00:00:08,734 lies a unique ancient complex, 3 00:00:09,867 --> 00:00:11,867 Dendera. 4 00:00:11,867 --> 00:00:13,700 It's really, really impressive. 5 00:00:13,700 --> 00:00:17,066 There's absolutely nothing else like it all over Egypt. 6 00:00:17,066 --> 00:00:19,867 NARRATOR: This majestic temple is adorned with 7 00:00:19,867 --> 00:00:23,734 a spectacular array of mysterious signs of the zodiac. 8 00:00:23,800 --> 00:00:25,800 WOMAN: The temple of Dendera is a place 9 00:00:25,900 --> 00:00:29,467 to understand and decode the ancient universe. 10 00:00:29,467 --> 00:00:30,000 NARRATOR: Now, investigators venture 11 00:00:30,000 --> 00:00:31,900 NARRATOR: Now, investigators venture 12 00:00:32,000 --> 00:00:33,900 deep into the temple's crypts... 13 00:00:34,000 --> 00:00:35,600 The access is very low. 14 00:00:35,600 --> 00:00:38,634 ...and bring vibrant paintings back to life... 15 00:00:38,634 --> 00:00:41,867 These images are the most unique in Egypt. 16 00:00:41,867 --> 00:00:44,533 ...to unlock Dendera's secrets. 17 00:00:45,533 --> 00:00:47,867 What is this captivating site, 18 00:00:47,867 --> 00:00:49,900 and who builds it? 19 00:00:50,000 --> 00:00:52,266 He was one of the last members of 20 00:00:52,333 --> 00:00:55,166 one of the last dynasties of ancient Egypt. 21 00:00:55,233 --> 00:00:58,367 NARRATOR: And why does it entice the most beguiling pharaoh of 22 00:00:58,433 --> 00:01:00,000 them all, Cleopatra? 23 00:01:00,000 --> 00:01:01,533 them all, Cleopatra? 24 00:01:03,500 --> 00:01:05,533 To solve these mysteries, 25 00:01:07,600 --> 00:01:10,900 we blow Dendera apart and unearth 26 00:01:11,000 --> 00:01:12,433 its unique interior. 27 00:01:13,867 --> 00:01:17,367 We hunt for the rulers who build this temple. 28 00:01:17,367 --> 00:01:21,367 We decode its incredible zodiac depictions, 29 00:01:21,433 --> 00:01:23,166 digitally reconstruct 30 00:01:23,166 --> 00:01:25,800 this magnificent complex in its prime, 31 00:01:27,000 --> 00:01:29,467 and reveal the secrets 32 00:01:29,533 --> 00:01:30,000 of Dendera's Zodiac Temple. 33 00:01:30,000 --> 00:01:32,166 of Dendera's Zodiac Temple. 34 00:01:40,367 --> 00:01:42,166 Dendera, 35 00:01:42,166 --> 00:01:44,900 an ancient complex on the banks of the Nile. 36 00:01:46,166 --> 00:01:51,333 Dendera is situated 285 miles south of Cairo 37 00:01:53,000 --> 00:01:57,000 and is revered for millennia by ancient Egypt's pharaohs. 38 00:01:58,367 --> 00:02:00,000 This is a religious site that is 39 00:02:00,000 --> 00:02:00,500 This is a religious site that is 40 00:02:00,500 --> 00:02:04,533 almost as ancient as the Egyptian civilization itself. 41 00:02:04,533 --> 00:02:07,467 NARRATOR: Each part of this awe-inspiring temple 42 00:02:07,533 --> 00:02:10,800 is built over 3,000 years of Egyptian history. 43 00:02:16,867 --> 00:02:18,533 In antiquity, 44 00:02:18,634 --> 00:02:20,734 Dendera is sacred. 45 00:02:22,266 --> 00:02:24,533 A 3,500-foot-long mud brick wall 46 00:02:24,533 --> 00:02:27,433 protects 18 acres of holy ground. 47 00:02:32,000 --> 00:02:34,533 A monumental gate 48 00:02:34,533 --> 00:02:39,867 leads to a series of temples, store rooms, 49 00:02:39,867 --> 00:02:41,100 a bathhouse, 50 00:02:43,867 --> 00:02:45,734 and a ceremonial pool. 51 00:02:48,634 --> 00:02:51,266 One majestic temple 52 00:02:51,266 --> 00:02:53,900 dominates the heart of this complex. 53 00:02:55,000 --> 00:02:58,734 What is this ancient site, and who builds it? 54 00:03:00,867 --> 00:03:02,367 Cedric Gobeil 55 00:03:02,367 --> 00:03:05,233 is on a mission to uncover the secrets of Dendera. 56 00:03:06,967 --> 00:03:10,367 GOBEIL: I've been coming to this place for more than 15 years, 57 00:03:10,433 --> 00:03:13,367 and what strikes me is the size of the monuments, 58 00:03:13,433 --> 00:03:14,800 really, the diversity, 59 00:03:14,900 --> 00:03:17,266 all the details of every scenes that are there to 60 00:03:17,266 --> 00:03:18,467 be seen. 61 00:03:18,533 --> 00:03:20,266 NARRATOR: Cedric ventures to the heart of 62 00:03:20,266 --> 00:03:23,800 the complex to look for clues to Dendera's purpose. 63 00:03:25,066 --> 00:03:28,266 The colossal facade of the central temple features 64 00:03:28,266 --> 00:03:30,000 six vast columns, each one 50 feet tall. 65 00:03:30,000 --> 00:03:32,533 six vast columns, each one 50 feet tall. 66 00:03:34,367 --> 00:03:37,734 And on the top of each column, a mysterious figure. 67 00:03:38,867 --> 00:03:40,166 The figure on the top of 68 00:03:40,166 --> 00:03:43,500 the columns must be extremely important. 69 00:03:43,500 --> 00:03:46,634 These are the head of a powerful entity, 70 00:03:46,734 --> 00:03:50,367 perhaps a deity, and it looks like she has some cow-like 71 00:03:50,367 --> 00:03:53,000 features, like for the ears, for instance. 72 00:03:53,000 --> 00:03:55,900 NARRATOR: Most of the figure's key features have been removed. 73 00:03:57,166 --> 00:03:59,533 It makes it difficult for Cedric to establish 74 00:03:59,533 --> 00:04:00,000 who the God is or what it might represent. 75 00:04:00,000 --> 00:04:02,734 who the God is or what it might represent. 76 00:04:05,867 --> 00:04:08,500 Cedric examines the temple's exterior walls 77 00:04:08,500 --> 00:04:10,867 for clues to the deity. 78 00:04:10,867 --> 00:04:14,467 Here, she has the horns on the top of her head. 79 00:04:14,467 --> 00:04:17,266 She's having the sun disc between these horns, 80 00:04:17,333 --> 00:04:19,500 which means that she must be very powerful, 81 00:04:19,500 --> 00:04:22,634 very powerful goddess, because sun is linked 82 00:04:22,734 --> 00:04:24,066 with life and power. 83 00:04:24,066 --> 00:04:26,467 She is depicted all over the walls of 84 00:04:26,467 --> 00:04:30,000 the temple and on many features of this monument. 85 00:04:30,000 --> 00:04:30,467 the temple and on many features of this monument. 86 00:04:30,467 --> 00:04:33,634 NARRATOR: Cedric is curious to learn more about the goddess. 87 00:04:35,266 --> 00:04:37,467 He ventures inside the temple. 88 00:04:39,467 --> 00:04:41,800 It is breathtaking. 89 00:04:41,900 --> 00:04:43,634 The vast walls and columns 90 00:04:43,734 --> 00:04:46,100 are covered with inscriptions and images. 91 00:04:47,100 --> 00:04:49,734 No surface is left undecorated. 92 00:04:50,734 --> 00:04:53,166 The preservation is unique in Egypt. 93 00:04:54,634 --> 00:04:57,467 The colors are still vivid after millennia. 94 00:04:59,166 --> 00:05:00,000 Cedric looks for evidence to identify this mysterious deity, 95 00:05:00,000 --> 00:05:03,266 Cedric looks for evidence to identify this mysterious deity, 96 00:05:03,266 --> 00:05:05,166 and something catches his eye. 97 00:05:06,867 --> 00:05:10,533 A large relief of the goddess sits on the interior wall. 98 00:05:11,500 --> 00:05:13,467 The same goddess that we've been seeing 99 00:05:13,467 --> 00:05:15,266 all around in this temple. 100 00:05:15,266 --> 00:05:17,900 NARRATOR: Ancient hieroglyphs surround the image. 101 00:05:20,100 --> 00:05:22,533 GOBEIL: I can read her name, and her name is right there -- 102 00:05:22,533 --> 00:05:23,900 Hathor. 103 00:05:24,000 --> 00:05:26,066 So it's the goddess Hathor. 104 00:05:26,066 --> 00:05:30,000 NARRATOR: Hathor is a powerful female goddess worshiped from 105 00:05:30,000 --> 00:05:30,467 NARRATOR: Hathor is a powerful female goddess worshiped from 106 00:05:30,467 --> 00:05:33,867 the Old Kingdom until the Greco-Roman period of 107 00:05:33,867 --> 00:05:35,166 Egyptian history. 108 00:05:36,600 --> 00:05:39,467 What Hathor represents from what I gathered here that 109 00:05:39,533 --> 00:05:40,967 she represents a very positive 110 00:05:40,967 --> 00:05:43,734 aspect of life, among those love 111 00:05:43,800 --> 00:05:46,900 dance, music, motherhood. 112 00:05:47,000 --> 00:05:49,800 NARRATOR: The image of the goddess Hathor is everywhere, 113 00:05:50,967 --> 00:05:53,800 most notably at the apex of the huge pillars. 114 00:05:56,967 --> 00:05:59,634 Ancient Egyptian pharaohs build the main structure 115 00:05:59,734 --> 00:06:00,000 as a temple to worship her. 116 00:06:00,000 --> 00:06:01,734 as a temple to worship her. 117 00:06:03,500 --> 00:06:06,533 Pepi I, a pharaoh of Egypt's Old Kingdom 118 00:06:06,634 --> 00:06:08,500 is the first to build here, 119 00:06:08,500 --> 00:06:10,800 over 4,000 years ago. 120 00:06:12,266 --> 00:06:14,900 There must have been a lot of very important 121 00:06:15,000 --> 00:06:17,734 and sacred rituals happening in this temple. 122 00:06:20,266 --> 00:06:23,634 NARRATOR: In its prime, hieroglyphic inscriptions adorn 123 00:06:23,734 --> 00:06:26,333 the 24 sandstone pillars of this hall. 124 00:06:29,367 --> 00:06:30,000 At their top, 125 00:06:30,000 --> 00:06:31,166 At their top, 126 00:06:31,166 --> 00:06:34,433 the faces of Hathor are painted in vivid colors. 127 00:06:37,467 --> 00:06:39,500 At the back of the temple, 128 00:06:39,500 --> 00:06:43,166 22 chambers surround a sanctuary. 129 00:06:45,967 --> 00:06:50,600 Inside are two sacred barques and a stone shrine 130 00:06:50,600 --> 00:06:52,900 for a 6-foot golden statue of Hathor. 131 00:06:55,600 --> 00:06:58,467 Can clues within the temple reveal 132 00:06:58,467 --> 00:07:00,000 what sacred rituals take place here? 133 00:07:00,000 --> 00:07:00,734 what sacred rituals take place here? 134 00:07:04,166 --> 00:07:06,867 Evidence may lie in the thousands of images 135 00:07:06,867 --> 00:07:09,533 and hieroglyphs that cover the walls, 136 00:07:09,634 --> 00:07:11,800 but many are difficult to decipher. 137 00:07:15,066 --> 00:07:17,367 The temple lies abandoned for centuries 138 00:07:17,367 --> 00:07:19,166 after the fall of the pharaohs. 139 00:07:20,166 --> 00:07:24,700 Sand, dirt, and soot builds up over the ancient reliefs, 140 00:07:24,700 --> 00:07:26,900 concealing them from investigators. 141 00:07:29,600 --> 00:07:30,000 Mamdouh Ghandar is an expert in ancient restoration. 142 00:07:30,000 --> 00:07:32,900 Mamdouh Ghandar is an expert in ancient restoration. 143 00:07:34,700 --> 00:07:36,533 He and his team are tasked 144 00:07:36,634 --> 00:07:39,900 with restoring Hathor Temple's centuries-old reliefs. 145 00:07:41,467 --> 00:07:43,367 They work chamber by chamber 146 00:07:43,367 --> 00:07:46,700 to delicately transform the ancient walls, 147 00:07:46,700 --> 00:07:50,100 removing layers of soot from modern settlers' fires 148 00:07:50,100 --> 00:07:54,000 to reveal previously hidden details. 149 00:08:03,867 --> 00:08:06,800 NARRATOR: Mamdouh starts by removing the compacted dirt 150 00:08:06,900 --> 00:08:09,000 with a fine brush. 151 00:08:09,000 --> 00:08:12,634 Next, he applies a paper press with a specialized 152 00:08:12,734 --> 00:08:16,000 chemical solution to remove the final layer of dirt. 153 00:08:18,266 --> 00:08:20,166 Mamdouh and his team have restored 154 00:08:20,166 --> 00:08:22,734 up to half of the temple's reliefs. 155 00:08:22,734 --> 00:08:25,367 And now Cedric can investigate them to 156 00:08:25,433 --> 00:08:27,634 find out what rituals are performed here. 157 00:08:31,500 --> 00:08:34,333 Cedric makes his way up the ancient staircase. 158 00:08:35,533 --> 00:08:39,533 I see a group of priests carrying a portable shrine 159 00:08:39,533 --> 00:08:41,867 and all they have these leather straps 160 00:08:41,867 --> 00:08:44,500 around their neck -- must have been very heavy. 161 00:08:44,500 --> 00:08:47,266 And the reason is, inside was 162 00:08:47,266 --> 00:08:49,634 the gold statue of the goddess Hathor. 163 00:08:50,600 --> 00:08:53,533 NARRATOR: These reliefs imitate the priests who walk 164 00:08:53,634 --> 00:08:56,900 these exact steps over 2,000 years ago. 165 00:08:57,967 --> 00:09:00,000 And for the ancient Egyptians, it was not only a statue, 166 00:09:00,000 --> 00:09:00,734 And for the ancient Egyptians, it was not only a statue, 167 00:09:00,734 --> 00:09:03,266 it was the goddess herself. 168 00:09:03,266 --> 00:09:05,467 NARRATOR: The procession is evidence of 169 00:09:05,467 --> 00:09:08,266 an important event in the Egyptian calendar -- 170 00:09:08,333 --> 00:09:09,900 the Egyptian New Year. 171 00:09:15,867 --> 00:09:19,166 Every new year before sunrise, 172 00:09:19,233 --> 00:09:21,467 the temple priests purify themselves 173 00:09:21,467 --> 00:09:23,367 in the ceremonial pool. 174 00:09:26,734 --> 00:09:28,800 They then carry the golden statue 175 00:09:28,900 --> 00:09:30,000 of Hathor up the sacred staircase 176 00:09:30,000 --> 00:09:31,900 of Hathor up the sacred staircase 177 00:09:32,000 --> 00:09:33,800 to the temple roof. 178 00:09:37,367 --> 00:09:40,533 Here they place the statue in a small chapel 179 00:09:42,066 --> 00:09:45,433 so it is ready to be exposed to the first rays of the sun. 180 00:09:48,367 --> 00:09:52,700 As the dawn breaks, the sun illuminates the statue, 181 00:09:52,700 --> 00:09:55,467 and Hathor is reunited with her father, 182 00:09:55,467 --> 00:09:57,000 the sun god, Re. 183 00:10:01,700 --> 00:10:04,333 Cedric investigates the rooftop chapel. 184 00:10:06,266 --> 00:10:09,066 GOBEIL: While it was covered with a veil, 185 00:10:09,100 --> 00:10:12,266 the priest, while standing outside, would have been waiting 186 00:10:12,266 --> 00:10:14,500 for the sun to be at the right position. 187 00:10:14,500 --> 00:10:17,367 At that very moment, they would have unveiled 188 00:10:17,367 --> 00:10:18,533 the kiosk, 189 00:10:18,634 --> 00:10:21,634 therefore revealing the statue to the rays of sunlight. 190 00:10:21,734 --> 00:10:24,166 That would have made this goddess, 191 00:10:24,166 --> 00:10:27,533 Hathor, being fully rejuvenated by the sun. 192 00:10:29,634 --> 00:10:30,000 NARRATOR: The rulers of ancient Egypt built this magnificent 193 00:10:30,000 --> 00:10:32,867 NARRATOR: The rulers of ancient Egypt built this magnificent 194 00:10:32,867 --> 00:10:36,533 temple to honor the powerful and popular goddess, Hathor. 195 00:10:39,266 --> 00:10:42,100 Here, they celebrate her rebirth 196 00:10:42,100 --> 00:10:44,533 and all the positive aspects she represents. 197 00:10:45,467 --> 00:10:47,867 But Dendera's magnificent reliefs 198 00:10:47,867 --> 00:10:49,266 depict more than just Hathor. 199 00:10:51,500 --> 00:10:55,533 Why does Egypt's most alluring pharaoh, Cleopatra, 200 00:10:55,533 --> 00:10:58,800 depict herself as the goddess Hathor here? 201 00:10:58,900 --> 00:11:00,000 Could unique reliefs discovered around the site 202 00:11:00,000 --> 00:11:02,266 Could unique reliefs discovered around the site 203 00:11:02,266 --> 00:11:03,634 hold clues? 204 00:11:13,734 --> 00:11:16,066 NARRATOR: Dendera, Egypt, 205 00:11:17,600 --> 00:11:19,467 a holy site centered around 206 00:11:19,467 --> 00:11:21,967 a temple to the powerful goddess, Hathor. 207 00:11:24,467 --> 00:11:27,800 But Hathor is not the only goddess depicted here. 208 00:11:29,367 --> 00:11:32,166 Cedric Gobeil investigates a stunning relief 209 00:11:32,166 --> 00:11:34,266 at the back of the temple. 210 00:11:34,266 --> 00:11:38,100 Here, I see the image of a very important person, 211 00:11:38,100 --> 00:11:38,520 and I know that, because we have a pair of cartouche 212 00:11:38,520 --> 00:11:41,634 and I know that, because we have a pair of cartouche 213 00:11:41,634 --> 00:11:43,166 in front of it. 214 00:11:43,166 --> 00:11:45,367 So it must be a pharaoh of some kind. 215 00:11:45,367 --> 00:11:47,734 There's a K-L-O-P-A, 216 00:11:47,800 --> 00:11:49,166 so Cleo, 217 00:11:49,166 --> 00:11:51,467 then D-R-A -- Cleopatra. 218 00:11:51,467 --> 00:11:52,533 This is fantastic. 219 00:11:52,600 --> 00:11:54,900 This is an image of the queen, Cleopatra, 220 00:11:54,900 --> 00:11:56,433 the legendary ruler. 221 00:11:58,533 --> 00:12:02,000 There's the horn of a cow, the sun disc between the horns. 222 00:12:02,000 --> 00:12:03,734 So she's really seeing herself 223 00:12:03,800 --> 00:12:06,734 and putting herself here as a goddess. 224 00:12:06,734 --> 00:12:08,520 NARRATOR: Cleopatra is Egypt's last pharaoh, born 225 00:12:08,520 --> 00:12:10,533 NARRATOR: Cleopatra is Egypt's last pharaoh, born 226 00:12:10,533 --> 00:12:14,867 in 69 BCE from Greek Macedonian heritage. 227 00:12:14,867 --> 00:12:17,333 She rules the country for 21 years 228 00:12:17,367 --> 00:12:19,433 from her capital, Alexandria. 229 00:12:20,467 --> 00:12:22,533 She is an accomplished mathematician 230 00:12:22,533 --> 00:12:26,467 and a gifted linguist, fluent in nine languages. 231 00:12:26,467 --> 00:12:28,900 Cleopatra is the only foreign ruler 232 00:12:28,900 --> 00:12:31,333 who learns to speak the Egyptian language. 233 00:12:32,700 --> 00:12:34,967 This relief is powerful evidence 234 00:12:35,000 --> 00:12:38,467 of her direct association with Hathor. 235 00:12:38,467 --> 00:12:38,520 This representation of Cleopatra, 236 00:12:38,520 --> 00:12:40,634 This representation of Cleopatra, 237 00:12:40,634 --> 00:12:42,266 in fact, is very rare. 238 00:12:42,333 --> 00:12:46,066 Only very few evidences remain in Egypt of her. 239 00:12:48,467 --> 00:12:50,266 NARRATOR: Cedric hunts for further evidence 240 00:12:50,333 --> 00:12:53,867 of why Cleopatra associates herself with Dendera. 241 00:12:54,800 --> 00:12:57,433 He explores an intriguing structure near 242 00:12:57,500 --> 00:13:00,433 to her relief, which could contain clues. 243 00:13:04,367 --> 00:13:07,967 Hathor's temple is the main structure at Dendera. 244 00:13:09,467 --> 00:13:10,634 Next to it, 245 00:13:10,634 --> 00:13:14,066 two small chapels -- in the furthest, 246 00:13:15,000 --> 00:13:18,066 a columned entrance leads to three rooms. 247 00:13:20,900 --> 00:13:23,634 The last is a sanctuary 248 00:13:23,634 --> 00:13:27,634 for a statue of Hathor nursing the child god, Ihy. 249 00:13:28,900 --> 00:13:31,867 Priests come here to honor the birth of the gods 250 00:13:34,367 --> 00:13:37,166 and to celebrate the birth of new pharaohs. 251 00:13:38,700 --> 00:13:41,066 What can this small chapel tell us 252 00:13:41,100 --> 00:13:44,734 about Hathor and Cleopatra's devotion to her? 253 00:13:48,467 --> 00:13:50,433 Cedric investigates a relief on 254 00:13:50,500 --> 00:13:52,800 the exterior of the small chapel. 255 00:13:54,467 --> 00:13:56,634 This is a very good representation 256 00:13:56,634 --> 00:13:57,867 of the goddess Hathor. 257 00:13:57,900 --> 00:14:00,734 In fact, she's not here only represented as a goddess 258 00:14:00,800 --> 00:14:03,734 but as a mother goddess, because we can see 259 00:14:03,734 --> 00:14:05,867 that she's breastfeeding a child god. 260 00:14:05,900 --> 00:14:08,520 There's a hieroglyph here that can be read, 261 00:14:08,520 --> 00:14:08,533 There's a hieroglyph here that can be read, 262 00:14:08,533 --> 00:14:09,533 "mut n," 263 00:14:09,533 --> 00:14:13,000 which can be translated "mother of," 264 00:14:13,000 --> 00:14:15,533 and she's clearly here the mother to gods. 265 00:14:16,600 --> 00:14:18,634 NARRATOR: Cedric explores the inside wall 266 00:14:18,634 --> 00:14:20,634 of the chapel for more evidence. 267 00:14:22,166 --> 00:14:24,967 GOBEIL: We clearly see the goddess Hathor offering 268 00:14:25,000 --> 00:14:29,533 the ankh sign, the symbol of life, to the coming pharaoh. 269 00:14:29,533 --> 00:14:33,266 This not only tells us that Hathor was the mother of 270 00:14:33,266 --> 00:14:35,166 the gods, but that she was also 271 00:14:35,233 --> 00:14:37,166 the mother to the pharaohs. 272 00:14:37,166 --> 00:14:38,520 Maybe this is why Cleopatra depicts herself as Hathor. 273 00:14:38,520 --> 00:14:40,900 Maybe this is why Cleopatra depicts herself as Hathor. 274 00:14:43,166 --> 00:14:44,533 NARRATOR: Cedric wants to find out 275 00:14:44,533 --> 00:14:48,266 why Cleopatra depicts herself as Hathor, 276 00:14:48,333 --> 00:14:50,900 the divine mother to gods and pharaohs. 277 00:14:52,533 --> 00:14:54,734 He believes the reason could be linked 278 00:14:54,800 --> 00:14:57,634 with her efforts to maintain her political power. 279 00:14:59,800 --> 00:15:03,100 What I'm looking at here are two coins. 280 00:15:03,100 --> 00:15:06,100 The one to the right depicts Mark Antony, 281 00:15:06,100 --> 00:15:08,520 a late partner of Cleopatra. 282 00:15:08,520 --> 00:15:08,533 a late partner of Cleopatra. 283 00:15:08,600 --> 00:15:12,634 Whereas the coin to the left depicts Cleopatra herself. 284 00:15:12,634 --> 00:15:15,967 The first thing I see is that she is depicting herself 285 00:15:16,000 --> 00:15:18,634 with Romanesque features that are similar 286 00:15:18,734 --> 00:15:20,533 to those of Mark Antony. 287 00:15:20,533 --> 00:15:23,533 She's trying to establish a clear affiliation with 288 00:15:23,533 --> 00:15:26,867 the world dominant power at the time, the Roman Empire. 289 00:15:28,700 --> 00:15:31,333 NARRATOR: In 51 BCE, 290 00:15:31,367 --> 00:15:34,166 Cleopatra succeeds her father, Ptolemy XII, 291 00:15:35,700 --> 00:15:38,520 but has to share the throne with her 10-year-old brother. 292 00:15:38,520 --> 00:15:38,734 but has to share the throne with her 10-year-old brother. 293 00:15:41,734 --> 00:15:44,433 A power struggle between the two siblings 294 00:15:45,467 --> 00:15:47,900 forces the queen to flee from Egypt. 295 00:15:52,000 --> 00:15:54,533 She plots her return to power, 296 00:15:54,600 --> 00:15:56,967 forms an alliance with Julius Caesar, 297 00:15:57,000 --> 00:15:58,100 [baby crying] 298 00:15:58,100 --> 00:16:01,066 and bears him a child, Caesarion. 299 00:16:03,166 --> 00:16:05,333 Caesar's mighty Roman legions 300 00:16:05,367 --> 00:16:08,367 help Cleopatra defeat her brother 301 00:16:08,367 --> 00:16:08,520 and reclaim the Egyptian throne. 302 00:16:08,520 --> 00:16:10,734 and reclaim the Egyptian throne. 303 00:16:13,467 --> 00:16:15,867 GOBEIL: Cleopatra was a formidable diplomat. 304 00:16:15,867 --> 00:16:18,367 Despite seeking alliances with Rome, 305 00:16:18,367 --> 00:16:22,100 she was determined to keep Egypt independent 306 00:16:22,100 --> 00:16:23,634 and under her rule. 307 00:16:24,867 --> 00:16:27,166 NARRATOR: The precarious power politics could help 308 00:16:27,166 --> 00:16:29,166 explain Cleopatra's efforts 309 00:16:29,233 --> 00:16:32,233 to depict herself as at one with Hathor. 310 00:16:34,367 --> 00:16:36,867 Cedric returns to the relief of Cleopatra 311 00:16:36,900 --> 00:16:38,520 on the main temple 312 00:16:38,520 --> 00:16:38,734 on the main temple 313 00:16:38,734 --> 00:16:40,734 to piece together the clues. 314 00:16:42,000 --> 00:16:44,634 It was very smart of Cleopatra to choose 315 00:16:44,634 --> 00:16:48,367 to depict herself as one of the most beloved goddesses. 316 00:16:48,367 --> 00:16:51,867 By doing so, she was trying to increase her popularity 317 00:16:51,900 --> 00:16:54,166 with the Egyptians at a difficult time in 318 00:16:54,233 --> 00:16:55,467 the country's history. 319 00:16:55,467 --> 00:16:58,066 In fact, it was a very good political strategy. 320 00:16:59,166 --> 00:17:01,634 NARRATOR: Cleopatra is a savvy politician, 321 00:17:01,634 --> 00:17:04,734 and she has one eye on the future. 322 00:17:04,734 --> 00:17:07,734 Next to Cleopatra is a depiction of 323 00:17:07,800 --> 00:17:08,520 the son that she had with Caesar, Caesarion. 324 00:17:08,520 --> 00:17:11,533 the son that she had with Caesar, Caesarion. 325 00:17:11,533 --> 00:17:14,266 By portraying herself as the goddess Hathor, 326 00:17:14,333 --> 00:17:17,000 she was also legitimizing her son, 327 00:17:17,000 --> 00:17:20,533 Caesarion, as the rightful ruler after her. 328 00:17:22,600 --> 00:17:25,166 NARRATOR: Cleopatra adds her reliefs to the temple 329 00:17:25,166 --> 00:17:27,433 around 44 BCE. 330 00:17:29,533 --> 00:17:34,333 But Dendera and the worship of Hathor begin long before then. 331 00:17:35,734 --> 00:17:37,000 Who are the rulers of 332 00:17:37,000 --> 00:17:38,520 the mighty civilization that builds this temple? 333 00:17:38,520 --> 00:17:40,066 the mighty civilization that builds this temple? 334 00:17:41,000 --> 00:17:44,900 Can crypts hidden deep beneath the temple's structure 335 00:17:44,900 --> 00:17:46,800 hold important clues? 336 00:17:59,266 --> 00:18:01,367 NARRATOR: The great temple of 337 00:18:01,367 --> 00:18:03,433 Hathor at the mysterious complex of Dendera. 338 00:18:07,867 --> 00:18:10,634 Its spectacular reliefs make it unique. 339 00:18:11,734 --> 00:18:14,367 But what's hidden beneath these ornate chambers 340 00:18:14,367 --> 00:18:16,634 is equally compelling. 341 00:18:21,367 --> 00:18:22,320 Below the temple, 342 00:18:22,320 --> 00:18:23,634 Below the temple, 343 00:18:23,634 --> 00:18:27,634 a series of crypts stretches 300 feet underground. 344 00:18:29,634 --> 00:18:32,000 In one of the crypts at the back of the temple, 345 00:18:33,266 --> 00:18:36,433 priests store small ceremonial objects 346 00:18:37,600 --> 00:18:40,100 and offerings for festivals to the goddess... 347 00:18:42,066 --> 00:18:43,867 an ancient musical instrument, 348 00:18:43,867 --> 00:18:46,533 a sistrum, carved in the likeness of Hathor, 349 00:18:49,266 --> 00:18:50,900 an incense burner, 350 00:18:52,367 --> 00:18:53,533 bread, 351 00:18:54,600 --> 00:18:57,000 and even beer jars. 352 00:18:57,000 --> 00:18:59,734 Could these crypts reveal more clues 353 00:18:59,734 --> 00:19:02,533 about the rulers that build this temple? 354 00:19:06,100 --> 00:19:10,066 Cedric Gobeil searches the subterranean crypts.... 355 00:19:10,066 --> 00:19:11,900 The access is very low. 356 00:19:12,000 --> 00:19:15,367 ...for evidence of the main temple's construction. 357 00:19:19,734 --> 00:19:22,320 Here I can see gods and goddesses 358 00:19:22,320 --> 00:19:22,467 Here I can see gods and goddesses 359 00:19:22,533 --> 00:19:25,266 from Egypt's deep past. 360 00:19:25,333 --> 00:19:27,166 I can clearly recognize Tefnut 361 00:19:27,166 --> 00:19:29,333 and Nucknun. 362 00:19:30,867 --> 00:19:32,800 They're absolutely beautiful. 363 00:19:34,000 --> 00:19:36,100 NARRATOR: He makes his way through the chambers 364 00:19:37,266 --> 00:19:40,166 and discovers a depiction of a pharaoh 365 00:19:40,233 --> 00:19:43,000 resplendent in his distinctive headdress. 366 00:19:44,600 --> 00:19:46,533 GOBEIL: This is Ptolemy XII. 367 00:19:46,634 --> 00:19:51,266 He was Cleopatra's father, and he ruled Egypt for 26 years. 368 00:19:51,333 --> 00:19:52,320 He was one of the last members of 369 00:19:52,320 --> 00:19:53,600 He was one of the last members of 370 00:19:53,600 --> 00:19:56,266 one of the last dynasties of ancient Egypt, the Ptolomies. 371 00:19:58,000 --> 00:20:00,967 NARRATOR: The Ptolemies are the final dynasty 372 00:20:00,967 --> 00:20:03,734 of 3,000 years of ancient Egypt. 373 00:20:04,734 --> 00:20:06,734 This evidence of Ptolemy XII in 374 00:20:06,734 --> 00:20:10,066 the crypt is vital for Cedric's understanding of 375 00:20:10,100 --> 00:20:12,066 Dendera temple. 376 00:20:12,066 --> 00:20:16,266 This image of Ptolemy XII is an important discovery, 377 00:20:16,266 --> 00:20:19,000 because it tells me that the construction 378 00:20:19,000 --> 00:20:21,900 of this temple was started under his reign. 379 00:20:24,600 --> 00:20:27,000 NARRATOR: Cedric wants to find out why the Ptolemies 380 00:20:27,000 --> 00:20:30,734 choose to construct this magnificent temple to Hathor 381 00:20:30,800 --> 00:20:32,533 at Dendera. 382 00:20:32,533 --> 00:20:35,533 He ascends to the ground floor of the temple 383 00:20:35,533 --> 00:20:39,800 to look for clues in its best preserved room, the Pronaos. 384 00:20:41,100 --> 00:20:44,166 On the ceiling is a series of cryptic images, 385 00:20:44,166 --> 00:20:46,734 strange creatures and mysterious gods, 386 00:20:46,734 --> 00:20:49,266 which could help his investigation. 387 00:20:51,066 --> 00:20:52,320 Here, we have the depiction of the night sky, 388 00:20:52,320 --> 00:20:54,367 Here, we have the depiction of the night sky, 389 00:20:54,367 --> 00:20:58,467 and we see some constellations there that are represented 390 00:20:58,467 --> 00:21:00,166 with Egyptian gods. 391 00:21:00,166 --> 00:21:04,066 Some other star signs are absolutely familiar to us. 392 00:21:04,066 --> 00:21:08,533 For example, the Scorpio here or the Sagittarius sign. 393 00:21:09,734 --> 00:21:12,734 NARRATOR: The symbols are signs of the zodiac, 394 00:21:12,800 --> 00:21:15,634 which aren't typically used in ancient Egypt 395 00:21:15,734 --> 00:21:18,266 and must derive from elsewhere. 396 00:21:18,333 --> 00:21:20,266 Cedric deciphers their origin. 397 00:21:21,367 --> 00:21:22,320 GOBEIL: These star signs are of Greek influence. 398 00:21:22,320 --> 00:21:24,600 GOBEIL: These star signs are of Greek influence. 399 00:21:24,600 --> 00:21:28,166 The Ptolemies are not native Egyptian rulers. 400 00:21:28,166 --> 00:21:31,634 They are Macedonian Greeks, and they bring with 401 00:21:31,634 --> 00:21:34,533 them the reading of the cosmos to Egypt. 402 00:21:34,533 --> 00:21:36,900 And it's the very same one that we use today. 403 00:21:38,000 --> 00:21:39,967 NARRATOR: The Ptolemaic dynasty follows 404 00:21:39,967 --> 00:21:42,734 a tumultuous period in Egyptian history. 405 00:21:44,734 --> 00:21:47,166 Around 500 BCE, 406 00:21:47,233 --> 00:21:50,066 Egypt falls under Persian rule 407 00:21:50,066 --> 00:21:52,320 and, for 200 years, remains a vassal state of this empire. 408 00:21:52,320 --> 00:21:54,100 and, for 200 years, remains a vassal state of this empire. 409 00:21:57,266 --> 00:21:59,266 In 334 BCE, 410 00:21:59,266 --> 00:22:01,867 Greek leader Alexander the Great conquers 411 00:22:01,867 --> 00:22:03,867 Persian territories 412 00:22:03,867 --> 00:22:05,900 before setting his sights on Egypt. 413 00:22:09,066 --> 00:22:12,100 His army overthrows the Persian occupiers, 414 00:22:13,166 --> 00:22:16,634 and Alexander is hailed as a liberator in Egypt. 415 00:22:18,533 --> 00:22:22,320 He is crowned pharaoh but dies shortly after. 416 00:22:22,320 --> 00:22:22,634 He is crowned pharaoh but dies shortly after. 417 00:22:22,634 --> 00:22:25,367 His general, Ptolomy, succeeds him 418 00:22:25,367 --> 00:22:27,900 and establishes the Ptolemaic dynasty. 419 00:22:31,600 --> 00:22:38,166 The Ptolemies rule Egypt for 275 years, from 305 BCE 420 00:22:38,166 --> 00:22:41,533 until the death of Cleopatra in 30 BCE. 421 00:22:42,734 --> 00:22:45,734 They are an authoritarian Greek elite. 422 00:22:45,800 --> 00:22:47,867 They build temples across Egypt in 423 00:22:47,867 --> 00:22:50,800 a blend of Greek and Egyptian style 424 00:22:50,900 --> 00:22:52,320 to solidify their presence as the new rightful rulers. 425 00:22:52,320 --> 00:22:54,467 to solidify their presence as the new rightful rulers. 426 00:22:55,600 --> 00:22:57,066 And they take special care 427 00:22:57,066 --> 00:22:58,967 to worship the ancient Egyptian deities, 428 00:22:58,967 --> 00:23:00,967 like Isis at Philae 429 00:23:00,967 --> 00:23:03,800 and Hathor at Dendera. 430 00:23:05,700 --> 00:23:09,367 They build an exquisite temple like no other. 431 00:23:09,367 --> 00:23:11,500 It is decorated with more vibrant 432 00:23:11,500 --> 00:23:14,533 and intricate images than any before it. 433 00:23:15,734 --> 00:23:17,166 What is the meaning of 434 00:23:17,233 --> 00:23:20,266 the zodiac symbols that cover the ceiling? 435 00:23:20,266 --> 00:23:22,320 Could they hold clues to what happens in this temple? 436 00:23:22,320 --> 00:23:24,000 Could they hold clues to what happens in this temple? 437 00:23:36,900 --> 00:23:38,533 NARRATOR: Dendera. 438 00:23:38,533 --> 00:23:40,233 For thousands of years, 439 00:23:40,266 --> 00:23:41,867 this temple complex is 440 00:23:41,900 --> 00:23:45,066 a significant religious site for ancient Egyptians. 441 00:23:46,867 --> 00:23:50,166 Constructed over centuries by successive pharaohs, 442 00:23:51,734 --> 00:23:53,867 it stands today as one of 443 00:23:53,900 --> 00:23:56,333 the best preserved temples in Egypt. 444 00:23:59,166 --> 00:24:00,080 The ceiling is covered with ancient 445 00:24:00,080 --> 00:24:01,166 The ceiling is covered with ancient 446 00:24:01,166 --> 00:24:04,166 depictions of constellations of the night sky... 447 00:24:07,634 --> 00:24:09,166 ...the star signs of both 448 00:24:09,233 --> 00:24:12,166 ancient Egyptian pharaohs and Greek rulers, 449 00:24:13,734 --> 00:24:16,066 but on the roof of the temple 450 00:24:16,100 --> 00:24:18,867 is a relief that has confounded investigators 451 00:24:18,867 --> 00:24:20,066 for centuries. 452 00:24:26,700 --> 00:24:29,166 On the ceiling of this small chapel, 453 00:24:30,100 --> 00:24:32,333 beneath a layer of soot, 454 00:24:32,367 --> 00:24:35,634 archaeologists discover a stunning carving. 455 00:24:35,634 --> 00:24:38,533 Originally painted in vivid colors, 456 00:24:38,533 --> 00:24:41,100 it depicts figures and mystical signs 457 00:24:41,100 --> 00:24:43,367 inscribed on a disc. 458 00:24:43,367 --> 00:24:47,166 Thirty-six Egyptian gods surround the outside. 459 00:24:48,600 --> 00:24:50,867 Other Egyptian gods 460 00:24:50,867 --> 00:24:53,533 and Greek zodiac signs fill the middle. 461 00:24:55,000 --> 00:24:58,433 These icons from different cultures seem 462 00:24:58,500 --> 00:25:00,080 to be arranged in a specific order. 463 00:25:00,080 --> 00:25:01,266 to be arranged in a specific order. 464 00:25:01,266 --> 00:25:03,433 What does this ceiling tell us 465 00:25:03,500 --> 00:25:06,433 about the ancient understanding of the universe? 466 00:25:11,634 --> 00:25:16,066 Yossra Ibrahim is an expert in ancient Egyptian astronomy. 467 00:25:17,166 --> 00:25:20,266 She examines Dendera's chapel to decode 468 00:25:20,266 --> 00:25:23,000 the mysteries of this incredible zodiac. 469 00:25:23,000 --> 00:25:25,634 IBRAHIM: The ceiling at Dendera is one of the earliest 470 00:25:25,634 --> 00:25:26,634 Egyptian zodiacs 471 00:25:26,634 --> 00:25:29,233 we have available for investigation. 472 00:25:29,266 --> 00:25:30,080 And after years of research, 473 00:25:30,080 --> 00:25:30,734 And after years of research, 474 00:25:30,734 --> 00:25:34,333 there is still a lot to learn about these zodiacal images. 475 00:25:35,900 --> 00:25:37,734 NARRATOR: Investigators have debated 476 00:25:37,734 --> 00:25:40,066 when the Dendera zodiac is created. 477 00:25:41,266 --> 00:25:43,100 Many believe it dates to the end of 478 00:25:43,100 --> 00:25:46,634 the Ptolemaic period and the rule of Cleopatra. 479 00:25:48,533 --> 00:25:52,900 The original Zodiac is now in the Louvre Museum in Paris. 480 00:25:52,900 --> 00:25:55,900 It is removed and taken there in the 1800s. 481 00:25:57,000 --> 00:25:59,333 The ceiling of the chapel today holds 482 00:25:59,367 --> 00:26:00,080 an exact replica for investigators to examine. 483 00:26:00,080 --> 00:26:02,634 an exact replica for investigators to examine. 484 00:26:04,634 --> 00:26:07,533 This 8-foot-wide carving offers a unique 485 00:26:07,533 --> 00:26:11,066 insight into how the ancient Egyptians viewed the cosmos. 486 00:26:12,700 --> 00:26:14,900 IBRAHIM: The zodiac is one of the visual 487 00:26:14,900 --> 00:26:16,233 and graphic representations 488 00:26:16,266 --> 00:26:19,333 of the ancient Egyptian night sky. 489 00:26:19,367 --> 00:26:22,634 NARRATOR: The zodiac depicts the heavens as a disc held 490 00:26:22,634 --> 00:26:27,233 up by four female pillars and assisted by eight falcons. 491 00:26:28,367 --> 00:26:30,080 Twenty-four hands hold up the disc. 492 00:26:30,080 --> 00:26:30,900 Twenty-four hands hold up the disc. 493 00:26:32,000 --> 00:26:34,634 IBRAHIM: Around the circle, we have different deities. 494 00:26:34,634 --> 00:26:37,166 These deities represent decans. 495 00:26:37,233 --> 00:26:40,367 The decans here are special stars utilized by 496 00:26:40,367 --> 00:26:43,634 the Ancient Egyptians to record and measure time. 497 00:26:44,734 --> 00:26:47,166 NARRATOR: A decan is a star that appears 498 00:26:47,166 --> 00:26:48,900 in the eastern sky at dawn, 499 00:26:49,900 --> 00:26:52,533 right before the sun rises. 500 00:26:52,600 --> 00:26:56,066 A new decan star group appears every 10 days. 501 00:26:56,900 --> 00:26:59,467 Ancient Egyptians use this recurring event 502 00:26:59,467 --> 00:27:00,080 to regulate their calendar. 503 00:27:00,080 --> 00:27:01,867 to regulate their calendar. 504 00:27:01,867 --> 00:27:03,734 IBRAHIM: By accurately measuring time, 505 00:27:03,734 --> 00:27:06,734 the ancient Egyptians were able to determine the time of 506 00:27:06,734 --> 00:27:08,433 important festivals, such as 507 00:27:08,500 --> 00:27:11,634 the New Year's Festival, and seasonal changes that were 508 00:27:11,634 --> 00:27:14,533 central to the Egyptian society. 509 00:27:14,600 --> 00:27:16,634 NARRATOR: The 12 Zodiac signs represent 510 00:27:16,634 --> 00:27:20,333 the 12 months of the year, then just as now. 511 00:27:21,467 --> 00:27:22,867 IBRAHIM: In the middle of the zodiac, 512 00:27:22,900 --> 00:27:25,000 we have several star constellations. 513 00:27:25,000 --> 00:27:27,100 Some of them took the Egyptian iconography 514 00:27:27,100 --> 00:27:29,066 and represent Egyptian concepts, 515 00:27:29,100 --> 00:27:30,080 while others look familiar to us today. 516 00:27:30,080 --> 00:27:31,533 while others look familiar to us today. 517 00:27:31,533 --> 00:27:35,266 For example, we have Leo depicted as a lion striding on 518 00:27:35,266 --> 00:27:38,734 a snake, Pisces as fish tied to ropes, 519 00:27:38,734 --> 00:27:40,333 and Scorpio. 520 00:27:42,900 --> 00:27:46,066 NARRATOR: This incredible scene blends ancient Egyptian 521 00:27:46,100 --> 00:27:49,634 and Greek ideas of how the universe can be understood. 522 00:27:50,867 --> 00:27:53,900 Astronomer priests carefully study the cosmos. 523 00:27:55,100 --> 00:27:57,967 The regular appearance of stars and constellations in 524 00:27:58,000 --> 00:28:00,080 the night sky is recorded across the centuries. 525 00:28:00,080 --> 00:28:01,166 the night sky is recorded across the centuries. 526 00:28:02,867 --> 00:28:04,867 They use their records to make sense of 527 00:28:04,867 --> 00:28:08,066 their universe and to try to predict the future. 528 00:28:09,367 --> 00:28:11,867 IBRAHIM: The zodiac is a representation of how 529 00:28:11,867 --> 00:28:14,734 the ancient Egyptians visualized the night sky. 530 00:28:14,800 --> 00:28:17,433 Astronomy in itself is a very practical science. 531 00:28:17,500 --> 00:28:20,800 The Egyptians depended on it for the measuring of time. 532 00:28:22,166 --> 00:28:24,867 NARRATOR: Yossra explores how the ancient astronomer priests 533 00:28:24,867 --> 00:28:27,634 track the stars across the night sky. 534 00:28:29,467 --> 00:28:30,080 IBRAHIM: The ancient Egyptian priest astronomers would climb 535 00:28:30,080 --> 00:28:32,467 IBRAHIM: The ancient Egyptian priest astronomers would climb 536 00:28:32,467 --> 00:28:35,433 to the roof during the night and use these tools, 537 00:28:35,500 --> 00:28:39,233 the merkhet and the sighting rod in order to find the stars 538 00:28:39,266 --> 00:28:42,533 and plot them as they crossed the ancient night sky. 539 00:28:44,000 --> 00:28:47,867 NARRATOR: Dendera's priests are expert astronomers. 540 00:28:47,867 --> 00:28:51,233 They use cutting-edge ancient technology to study the cosmos. 541 00:28:53,166 --> 00:28:56,367 So the merkhet is this L-shaped wooden object, 542 00:28:56,367 --> 00:28:58,100 and attached to it is 543 00:28:58,100 --> 00:29:00,080 the plumb line and the bob to hold it steady in its place. 544 00:29:00,080 --> 00:29:01,634 the plumb line and the bob to hold it steady in its place. 545 00:29:01,634 --> 00:29:03,867 The merkhet would be used in conjunction 546 00:29:03,867 --> 00:29:06,166 with the sighting rod in order to 547 00:29:06,166 --> 00:29:09,634 plot the exact location of the star and track it 548 00:29:09,634 --> 00:29:12,967 as it crosses the sky, so perhaps like this. 549 00:29:16,734 --> 00:29:19,867 NARRATOR: Ancient priests use the merkhet 550 00:29:19,900 --> 00:29:22,734 to observe the stars and planets in the sky. 551 00:29:28,367 --> 00:29:30,080 They group stars into constellations, patterns 552 00:29:30,080 --> 00:29:31,967 They group stars into constellations, patterns 553 00:29:32,000 --> 00:29:33,867 representing Egyptian gods 554 00:29:33,900 --> 00:29:35,800 and the Greek signs of the zodiac. 555 00:29:38,734 --> 00:29:41,734 The priests map out the ancient sky on the ceiling 556 00:29:41,800 --> 00:29:43,233 of the Hathor Temple 557 00:29:43,266 --> 00:29:46,333 so that they can try to predict the will of the gods. 558 00:29:49,467 --> 00:29:52,000 They use the stars to devise a calendar for 559 00:29:52,000 --> 00:29:55,000 their religious festivals and predict 560 00:29:55,000 --> 00:29:56,233 when the Nile will flood. 561 00:29:59,533 --> 00:30:00,080 The priests practice and perfect 562 00:30:00,080 --> 00:30:01,734 The priests practice and perfect 563 00:30:01,800 --> 00:30:02,900 their astronomy at Dendera. 564 00:30:04,100 --> 00:30:08,233 Their knowledge of the cosmos gives them great power. 565 00:30:08,266 --> 00:30:10,233 The temple of Dendera is more 566 00:30:10,266 --> 00:30:12,233 than a celebration of the goddess Hathor, 567 00:30:13,634 --> 00:30:17,867 it's a place where we can decode the Egyptian universe. 568 00:30:17,867 --> 00:30:20,367 How do ancient engineers construct 569 00:30:20,367 --> 00:30:23,467 this magnificent dual purpose temple? 570 00:30:23,467 --> 00:30:27,333 Could clues lie buried beneath the desert sands? 571 00:30:35,533 --> 00:30:39,467 NARRATOR: Hathor Temple looms over the site of Dendera. 572 00:30:41,266 --> 00:30:44,233 This structure dominates the desert landscape. 573 00:30:45,467 --> 00:30:47,433 It has stood here for millennia. 574 00:30:49,100 --> 00:30:52,367 Cedric Gobeil investigates how the ancient engineers 575 00:30:52,367 --> 00:30:55,367 build this majestic temple in the sand. 576 00:30:57,734 --> 00:31:01,000 This is a religious site for thousands of years 577 00:31:01,000 --> 00:31:01,640 before Cleopatra makes her additions to the temple. 578 00:31:01,640 --> 00:31:04,233 before Cleopatra makes her additions to the temple. 579 00:31:05,266 --> 00:31:07,967 NARRATOR: Cedric's eye is drawn to what looks like 580 00:31:07,967 --> 00:31:11,900 an old wall, half buried beneath the sand, 581 00:31:12,000 --> 00:31:14,266 but there's more here than meets the eye. 582 00:31:15,367 --> 00:31:19,533 GOBEIL: These are mud brick foundations, and these are 583 00:31:19,634 --> 00:31:23,533 set before the construction of the whole temple. 584 00:31:23,634 --> 00:31:26,066 And this is the very first stage 585 00:31:26,066 --> 00:31:28,734 of the construction of the whole building. 586 00:31:30,600 --> 00:31:31,640 NARRATOR: It is a hidden example of ancient engineering 587 00:31:31,640 --> 00:31:33,266 NARRATOR: It is a hidden example of ancient engineering 588 00:31:33,266 --> 00:31:34,634 at its finest. 589 00:31:39,867 --> 00:31:42,734 Ancient Egyptians build a 600-foot-long 590 00:31:42,734 --> 00:31:45,166 mud brick enclosure for the foundations. 591 00:31:46,500 --> 00:31:48,734 They fill it with sand 592 00:31:48,734 --> 00:31:51,066 before laying down slabs of stone 593 00:31:51,066 --> 00:31:52,634 to produce a flat surface. 594 00:31:54,500 --> 00:31:57,333 On top, they erect their temple. 595 00:31:59,266 --> 00:32:01,640 Egyptian temples like this usually align with 596 00:32:01,640 --> 00:32:02,266 Egyptian temples like this usually align with 597 00:32:02,266 --> 00:32:05,266 the path of the sun from east to west. 598 00:32:05,266 --> 00:32:06,533 But in Dendera, 599 00:32:06,533 --> 00:32:09,734 the temple of Hathor deviates by 90 degrees. 600 00:32:11,533 --> 00:32:14,066 Why does Dendera break from tradition? 601 00:32:16,634 --> 00:32:19,467 Cedric is on a mission to find out. 602 00:32:20,367 --> 00:32:23,166 He makes his way to the temple roof. 603 00:32:23,233 --> 00:32:25,734 When Egyptian engineers build a temple, 604 00:32:25,734 --> 00:32:27,900 they do so with the greatest precision. 605 00:32:28,000 --> 00:32:31,640 The sun is always central in every religious ritual. 606 00:32:31,640 --> 00:32:32,600 The sun is always central in every religious ritual. 607 00:32:32,600 --> 00:32:36,266 This is why most of the temples are built along 608 00:32:36,333 --> 00:32:38,166 an east-west axis, 609 00:32:38,233 --> 00:32:39,800 but then Dendera is different. 610 00:32:39,900 --> 00:32:41,166 There must be a reason. 611 00:32:42,533 --> 00:32:45,800 NARRATOR: Cedric scans the landscape for clues. 612 00:32:47,100 --> 00:32:50,467 In the distance to the southwest is a mountain range. 613 00:32:52,533 --> 00:32:55,533 GOBEIL: This range is called the Western Mountains. 614 00:32:56,600 --> 00:32:59,467 It is of a sacred importance to the ancient Egyptians, 615 00:33:00,734 --> 00:33:01,640 partly because the sun is sitting behind it. 616 00:33:01,640 --> 00:33:03,066 partly because the sun is sitting behind it. 617 00:33:03,066 --> 00:33:07,100 Hathor is known as the goddess of the Western Mountains. 618 00:33:08,634 --> 00:33:11,367 NARRATOR: Ancient priests and engineers choose 619 00:33:11,433 --> 00:33:13,900 this site for the temple to Hathor 620 00:33:14,000 --> 00:33:17,100 due to its proximity to this sacred mountain range. 621 00:33:18,100 --> 00:33:20,166 But the orientation to the north 622 00:33:20,166 --> 00:33:23,533 rather than the east remains a mystery. 623 00:33:25,266 --> 00:33:27,266 Cedric launches a high-resolution 624 00:33:27,266 --> 00:33:29,367 drone-mounted camera... 625 00:33:29,367 --> 00:33:30,467 [robotic voice] Take off. 626 00:33:30,467 --> 00:33:31,640 ...to explore the surrounding area for clues. 627 00:33:31,640 --> 00:33:33,266 ...to explore the surrounding area for clues. 628 00:33:33,266 --> 00:33:36,066 The access of the temple. 629 00:33:36,066 --> 00:33:38,867 And then from here, if you could start 630 00:33:38,867 --> 00:33:41,467 then also to go a little bit higher. 631 00:33:41,467 --> 00:33:43,266 Yeah, please. Yeah. 632 00:33:43,333 --> 00:33:46,166 -Towards the Nile? -Yeah. Yes, absolutely. 633 00:33:46,166 --> 00:33:48,066 -We clearly see, yes, -Mountains. 634 00:33:48,066 --> 00:33:50,500 the enclosure, the whole site. 635 00:33:50,500 --> 00:33:54,166 We really have the whole -- the whole landscape 636 00:33:54,233 --> 00:33:55,467 of the temple. 637 00:33:56,967 --> 00:33:58,266 It's absolutely amazing. 638 00:33:59,367 --> 00:34:01,640 So from what I see, actually the temple is facing 639 00:34:01,640 --> 00:34:03,867 So from what I see, actually the temple is facing 640 00:34:03,867 --> 00:34:06,367 north towards the Nile, 641 00:34:06,367 --> 00:34:10,967 but the bank of the Nile is located one mile away. 642 00:34:10,967 --> 00:34:15,367 So the access to the river must have changed over time. 643 00:34:16,634 --> 00:34:19,266 NARRATOR: The access changes due to centuries 644 00:34:19,266 --> 00:34:21,233 of irrigation and damming. 645 00:34:24,634 --> 00:34:27,066 In ancient times, the Nile flows 646 00:34:27,100 --> 00:34:29,233 directly in front of this complex. 647 00:34:31,600 --> 00:34:31,640 The Nile's position is more than a coincidence. 648 00:34:31,640 --> 00:34:35,000 The Nile's position is more than a coincidence. 649 00:34:35,000 --> 00:34:38,100 It could explain the temple's unusual orientation. 650 00:34:42,500 --> 00:34:44,500 Cedric heads due north towards 651 00:34:44,500 --> 00:34:47,533 the Nile out of Dendera's main gateway. 652 00:34:48,500 --> 00:34:50,500 He soon comes across the remains 653 00:34:50,500 --> 00:34:52,800 of what could be an important clue. 654 00:34:54,266 --> 00:34:57,166 GOBEIL: I see the outline of an ancient ruin that appears 655 00:34:57,166 --> 00:35:00,467 to be either an access ramp or a boat pier. 656 00:35:00,467 --> 00:35:01,640 These are the remains of a large man-made harbor, 657 00:35:01,640 --> 00:35:03,734 These are the remains of a large man-made harbor, 658 00:35:03,800 --> 00:35:06,867 allowing access to boats to the temple. 659 00:35:06,867 --> 00:35:10,467 And this is hugely significant, because without proper access 660 00:35:10,467 --> 00:35:12,533 to the river, the temple would have been 661 00:35:12,634 --> 00:35:15,634 cut off from the lifeline of Egypt. 662 00:35:15,734 --> 00:35:18,634 It is essential that goods and offerings 663 00:35:18,734 --> 00:35:21,734 can easily reach the Dendera temple complex. 664 00:35:23,533 --> 00:35:27,266 NARRATOR: The Nile is the main transport route in Egypt. 665 00:35:27,266 --> 00:35:29,066 Priests rely on its waters to 666 00:35:29,066 --> 00:35:31,533 ship food and ritual offerings to Dendera. 667 00:35:35,000 --> 00:35:37,533 They also view the Nile as sacred 668 00:35:37,634 --> 00:35:39,634 for its life-giving powers 669 00:35:39,734 --> 00:35:43,500 and monitor its flood cycle using a set of stairs called 670 00:35:43,500 --> 00:35:44,634 a Nilometer. 671 00:35:45,734 --> 00:35:47,266 Before the flood season, 672 00:35:47,266 --> 00:35:50,066 the priests tow the statue of Hathor over 673 00:35:50,066 --> 00:35:53,533 100 miles up the Nile, from Dendera 674 00:35:53,533 --> 00:35:56,166 to another temple in Edfu. 675 00:35:57,600 --> 00:36:01,533 Here, Hathor is reunited with the falcon god, Horus, 676 00:36:01,634 --> 00:36:01,640 so that the two can conceive the child god, Ihy. 677 00:36:01,640 --> 00:36:05,333 so that the two can conceive the child god, Ihy. 678 00:36:08,266 --> 00:36:10,166 Ancient priests and engineers need 679 00:36:10,166 --> 00:36:13,734 a location that both honors the goddess Hathor 680 00:36:13,800 --> 00:36:16,800 and allows quick and easy access to the Nile. 681 00:36:18,066 --> 00:36:20,367 Every aspect of the temple has 682 00:36:20,367 --> 00:36:23,467 been designed to fit a specific need. 683 00:36:23,467 --> 00:36:27,266 Ancient engineers considered the construction, position, 684 00:36:27,266 --> 00:36:30,467 and orientation of the temple with the utmost care. 685 00:36:32,100 --> 00:36:35,266 NARRATOR: Pharaohs use this site for their rituals 686 00:36:35,266 --> 00:36:37,066 for thousands of years, 687 00:36:37,066 --> 00:36:40,266 all the way through to Cleopatra, who holds it in 688 00:36:40,266 --> 00:36:42,066 high regard. 689 00:36:42,100 --> 00:36:45,333 After the fall of Cleopatra, what becomes of Dendera? 690 00:36:46,867 --> 00:36:49,600 Could one of the last structures to be built 691 00:36:49,600 --> 00:36:51,166 at this extraordinary site 692 00:36:51,233 --> 00:36:53,900 reveal clues to its later use? 693 00:37:03,533 --> 00:37:06,166 NARRATOR: Dendera. 694 00:37:06,233 --> 00:37:08,734 Much of the existing temple complex is 695 00:37:08,734 --> 00:37:12,066 built under the rule of Egypt's last pharaohs, 696 00:37:12,100 --> 00:37:13,533 the Ptolomies, 697 00:37:14,734 --> 00:37:18,734 particularly Cleopatra's father, Ptolemy XII. 698 00:37:22,867 --> 00:37:25,467 Cedric wants to find out if Dendera can 699 00:37:25,467 --> 00:37:29,320 reveal who rules Egypt after this last dynasty. 700 00:37:29,320 --> 00:37:29,333 reveal who rules Egypt after this last dynasty. 701 00:37:30,634 --> 00:37:33,166 He hunts for the last structure to be built at Dendera 702 00:37:34,100 --> 00:37:36,433 and returns to the small chapel. 703 00:37:38,266 --> 00:37:42,867 Distinctive hieroglyphic texts here can date its construction 704 00:37:42,867 --> 00:37:45,533 and are a clue to what happens to Egypt 705 00:37:45,533 --> 00:37:47,533 after Cleopatra's rule. 706 00:37:54,867 --> 00:37:59,266 In 44 BCE, a group of senators kill Caesar. 707 00:37:59,266 --> 00:37:59,320 Cleopatra is left with no ally in Rome. 708 00:37:59,320 --> 00:38:02,433 Cleopatra is left with no ally in Rome. 709 00:38:04,800 --> 00:38:08,266 She begins an affair with Caesar's general, Mark Antony. 710 00:38:08,266 --> 00:38:11,533 He joins her in Alexandria and declares Caesar's son, 711 00:38:11,533 --> 00:38:14,900 Caesarion, as the ruler of Rome's eastern provinces. 712 00:38:14,900 --> 00:38:19,166 But Caesar's adopted son, Octavian, sees this 713 00:38:19,166 --> 00:38:21,166 as a threat to his own ambition. 714 00:38:21,233 --> 00:38:25,533 He invades Egypt in 30 BCE and defeats Mark Antony. 715 00:38:27,100 --> 00:38:29,320 In despair, Cleopatra commits suicide 716 00:38:29,320 --> 00:38:29,800 In despair, Cleopatra commits suicide 717 00:38:29,800 --> 00:38:33,266 ending 275 years of Ptolemaic rule 718 00:38:33,266 --> 00:38:36,533 and marking the beginning of Roman Egypt. 719 00:38:37,533 --> 00:38:39,734 After Cleopatra's death, 720 00:38:39,734 --> 00:38:42,967 Egypt is subsumed by the growing Roman Empire. 721 00:38:44,734 --> 00:38:48,100 But clues at Dendera suggest that Egyptian and Greek 722 00:38:48,100 --> 00:38:52,066 culture and religion continue to thrive under Roman rule. 723 00:38:53,900 --> 00:38:56,967 Cedric studies the exterior of the small chapel. 724 00:38:58,166 --> 00:38:59,320 GOBEIL: We believe that it was constructed 725 00:38:59,320 --> 00:39:00,634 GOBEIL: We believe that it was constructed 726 00:39:00,734 --> 00:39:02,333 by no less than Octavian. 727 00:39:03,266 --> 00:39:05,233 After he defeated Cleopatra, 728 00:39:05,266 --> 00:39:08,467 he became emperor of Rome and he changed his name 729 00:39:08,467 --> 00:39:09,800 to Augustus. 730 00:39:10,700 --> 00:39:15,333 He constructed this to project power over his new dominion. 731 00:39:15,367 --> 00:39:18,867 However, the construction also makes another statement, 732 00:39:18,900 --> 00:39:20,734 that Rome was willing 733 00:39:20,734 --> 00:39:23,734 to allow the continuation of the practice of Egyptian 734 00:39:23,734 --> 00:39:25,066 religion and customs. 735 00:39:26,900 --> 00:39:29,166 NARRATOR: Cedric scours the small chapel for 736 00:39:29,233 --> 00:39:29,320 more clues about Egypt under Roman rule. 737 00:39:29,320 --> 00:39:33,000 more clues about Egypt under Roman rule. 738 00:39:33,000 --> 00:39:35,333 He examines a stunning relief. 739 00:39:36,500 --> 00:39:38,166 Wow. 740 00:39:38,166 --> 00:39:40,634 This is really extraordinary. 741 00:39:40,634 --> 00:39:45,367 We have here the Emperor Trojan himself, and we clearly 742 00:39:45,367 --> 00:39:48,467 see that, because of -- he has his cartouche here, 743 00:39:48,467 --> 00:39:51,100 where you have his name, he is depicted 744 00:39:51,100 --> 00:39:52,533 as an Egyptian pharaoh. 745 00:39:52,533 --> 00:39:55,900 He is wearing the red crown, and here on the belt, 746 00:39:55,900 --> 00:39:58,066 he is having the word pharaoh. 747 00:39:59,000 --> 00:39:59,320 And what he's doing is giving offerings to no other 748 00:39:59,320 --> 00:40:04,000 And what he's doing is giving offerings to no other 749 00:40:04,000 --> 00:40:08,533 than the goddess of the Dendera temple herself, Hathor. 750 00:40:09,467 --> 00:40:11,867 NARRATOR: Long after the fall of the Ptolemies, 751 00:40:13,100 --> 00:40:16,266 Roman rulers are still portrayed adhering to 752 00:40:16,266 --> 00:40:19,433 the religious customs and traditions of ancient Egypt. 753 00:40:20,800 --> 00:40:23,266 After the death of Cleopatra, 754 00:40:23,266 --> 00:40:25,967 Rome conquers Egypt. 755 00:40:26,000 --> 00:40:29,320 However, Dendera shows us that culturally, 756 00:40:29,320 --> 00:40:29,800 However, Dendera shows us that culturally, 757 00:40:31,266 --> 00:40:33,634 it is Egypt that has conquered Rome. 758 00:40:37,500 --> 00:40:41,734 NARRATOR: Dendera's divine temple is an ancient marvel, 759 00:40:43,266 --> 00:40:47,066 from its colossal columns to its elaborate interior. 760 00:40:50,000 --> 00:40:51,967 Dedicated to the mother goddess, Hathor, 761 00:40:55,467 --> 00:40:58,333 discoveries here shed new light on how 762 00:40:58,367 --> 00:40:59,320 Cleopatra portrays herself as a living goddess 763 00:40:59,320 --> 00:41:01,734 Cleopatra portrays herself as a living goddess 764 00:41:04,100 --> 00:41:06,634 and allow investigators to decode how 765 00:41:06,634 --> 00:41:09,266 the ancients understand their universe 766 00:41:09,266 --> 00:41:11,634 through the mysterious zodiac. 767 00:41:16,367 --> 00:41:18,967 Dendera's treasures survived for millennia. 768 00:41:20,500 --> 00:41:22,867 It is one of the best preserved temples 769 00:41:22,900 --> 00:41:24,734 in all of Egypt.