Ancient & Flooded Tombs: Christ, Terracotta Army, & More | MEGA Episode | National Geographic

Key Concepts

• Herod the Great’s Legacy: Herod’s complex character as both a brutal ruler and a prolific builder, and the ongoing search for his tomb at Herodium.
• The Church of the Holy Sepulchre Restoration: The urgent need to restore the Edicule, the discovery of original tomb walls and tunnels, and confirmation of Constantine’s account.
• Kushite Civilization: The rise and fall of the Kushite kingdom, its interactions with Egypt, and the mysteries surrounding the shift in power following King Nastasen’s reign.
• Archaeological Challenges: The difficulties inherent in archaeological excavation, including waterlogged tombs, political sensitivities, and the need for innovative techniques.

Herod the Great: Architect & Enigma

The video begins by exploring the contradictory legacy of King Herod the Great, simultaneously reviled for his brutality – exemplified by “The Massacre of the Innocents” – and lauded as an architectural genius. Archaeologist Magness asserts Herod is “the single most important person in the archaeology of the land of Israel,” leaving a lasting “architectural imprint…still visible today.” His projects were characterized by “grandeur, imagination, and expansiveness” (Richardson), demonstrating a “hands-on” approach to design.

Herod’s architectural achievements include the transformation of Masada into a luxurious palace complex with a massive water cistern system holding approximately 10.5 million gallons (40,000 cubic meters), the expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem – including construction of the Western Wall and training 1,000 Jewish priests – and the creation of Herodium, a 50-acre palace-fortress complex built as his intended burial site, rising 330 feet above the desert.

The Search for Herod’s Tomb & Initial Discovery

The central mystery revolves around locating Herod’s tomb within the sprawling Herodium complex. In 2006, Ehud Netzer’s team uncovered a monumental structure containing richly decorated remains and fragments of a red sarcophagus, initially hailed as the “greatest archeological discovery since the Dead Sea Scrolls.” Evidence supporting this claim included the royal quality of the sarcophagus and associated structures, alignment with ancient sources describing Herod’s burial site, deliberate destruction of the sarcophagus around 60 AD by Jewish rebels, and proximity to a triclinium (a room for meals and mourning).

However, Dr. Joseph Patrich vehemently disputes the findings, deeming the tomb “impossible” and “inconceivable” due to its size and the sarcophagus’s material. Historical context reveals Herod’s paranoid personality (suggested by Kasher), ruthlessness and violence (acknowledged by Magness, including the murder of his family), and political maneuvering to secure his kingship through Roman support, described by Josephus as stealing the throne “like a fox, ruled like a tiger, but died like a dog.” Josephus’s account of Herod’s lavish funeral procession is also cited.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre: Restoration & Discovery

The narrative transitions to the urgent restoration of the Edicule within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, threatened by centuries of neglect, water damage, and the complex political dynamics between the three Christian denominations controlling the church. The restoration project, led by Professor Antonia Moropoulou, revealed unexpected discoveries: the original rock walls of the burial cave, indicating Constantine did not completely destroy the original tomb, and a network of previously unknown tunnels beneath the tomb, potentially serving as an escape route or secret entrance.

Significant water infiltration from rainwater and sewage is eroding the Edicule’s structure. The team mapped the water courses and sewers, discovering a well-built ashlar masonry tunnel hewn from bedrock, stretching towards the Tomb of Christ, with a shaft suggesting an escape or entry point. Repairing the water-damaged mortar without dismantling the Edicule proved challenging. Access to the tomb, sealed for centuries, was secured through Professor Moropoulou’s persuasion of the controlling patriarchs, granting a 60-hour window.

Confirmation of the Traditional Narrative

Upon opening the tomb, the team discovered debris beneath the marble slab, revealing an older stone slab engraved with a Crusader’s cross. This discovery casts doubt on the traditional narrative of Constantine discovering the tomb 300 years after Christ’s death. Cement samples from the slab were analyzed, confirming a date of around 300 years after Christ’s death, supporting Constantine’s account and strengthening the claim that the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the true burial site of Jesus. This contrasts with the Garden Tomb, dated to the Iron Age (800 years before Jesus), making it an unlikely candidate. Modern technologies like seismic shaking tables, 3D laser scanning, and virtual reality tours are being utilized in the restoration process.

Kushite Power & the Excavation at Nuri

The video shifts focus to the archaeological excavation at Nuri, Sudan, focusing on the tomb of King Nastasen and the broader context of Kushite power. Kush’s early power around 2000 BC is evidenced by Egyptian fortresses built to defend against Kushite military strength. Kush controlled vital trade routes, exporting ivory, leopard skins, precious stones, and gold to Egypt and the Mediterranean. Egypt eventually dominated Kush for 400 years, but the Kushites ultimately surpassed their conquerors, continuing pyramid construction even after Egyptian withdrawal around 1100 BC.

By the 8th century BC, Kush had regained independence and conquered Egypt, with a succession of five Kushite kings ruling for nearly a century. King Taharqa (25th Dynasty) established Nuri as a royal cemetery, used for over 300 years.

Challenges & Discoveries at Nastasen’s Tomb

The current excavation, led by Pearce Paul, faces significant challenges due to a dramatically increased water table, requiring underwater excavation and meticulous documentation. Despite these conditions, the team has uncovered fragments of bone, gold leaf, leather, and a statuette of a deity, suggesting a well-equipped and revered royal burial. The presence of shabtis lining the walls further supports this hypothesis.

The Shift in Power & Excavation of a Kushite Town

The segment introduces the mystery surrounding the Kushite abandonment of Napata as their political center after Nastasen’s reign (around 315 BC). Archaeologists Geoff Emberling and Sami Elamin are excavating a nearby town to understand the broader societal context and potential reasons for this shift. Emberling emphasizes the importance of studying settlements to understand the lives of ordinary people. The excavation reveals a planned city with organized neighborhoods, streets, and large buildings, and a storeroom with discarded jar lids and seals, providing evidence of a complex economic system and administrative oversight.

Ongoing Research & Future Directions

The team is currently excavating layers dating to the 3rd century BC, hoping to uncover seal impressions from Nastasen’s time or previously unknown kings. The investigation aims to understand the factors driving the Kushite shift in power and the reasons behind the abandonment of Napata. Pearce Paul acknowledges the challenges of the excavation but emphasizes the importance of preserving the tomb.

Conclusion:

The video presents a compelling exploration of archaeological endeavors across diverse historical contexts. From unraveling the mysteries surrounding Herod’s tomb and confirming the historical foundations of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, to investigating the rise and fall of the Kushite kingdom, the segments highlight the challenges and rewards of uncovering the past. The use of innovative technologies alongside meticulous excavation techniques underscores the ongoing pursuit of knowledge and the importance of preserving cultural heritage for future generations. The common thread throughout is the painstaking work required to piece together fragmented evidence and reconstruct narratives that illuminate the lives and legacies of those who came before us.