1 00:00:00,914 --> 00:00:04,519 (dramatic music) 2 00:00:05,481 --> 00:00:06,919 Mastrelli: It was a discovery 3 00:00:06,994 --> 00:00:09,359 That mystified the archaeological world, 4 00:00:11,161 --> 00:00:14,119 Buried among the ruins of egypt's oldest city, 5 00:00:16,114 --> 00:00:20,639 A 6000-year-old cemetery containing egypt's first kings 6 00:00:21,881 --> 00:00:25,319 And the remains of wild and exotic animals. 7 00:00:26,834 --> 00:00:30,919 They were the ancestors of egypt's iconic animal gods. 8 00:00:32,601 --> 00:00:36,352 Have archaeologists finally found the source 9 00:00:36,361 --> 00:00:38,999 Of the religious imagery of ancient egypt? 10 00:00:41,314 --> 00:00:45,232 For centuries, the mysteries of the past 11 00:00:45,241 --> 00:00:48,272 Have kept their secrets. 12 00:00:48,281 --> 00:00:52,039 But there are clues cast in gold, 13 00:00:52,114 --> 00:00:56,119 Etched in stone, written in blood. 14 00:00:59,801 --> 00:01:01,919 We can unlock them. 15 00:01:18,441 --> 00:01:19,712 This is a replica of 16 00:01:19,721 --> 00:01:21,319 The narmer victory pallet recovered 17 00:01:21,394 --> 00:01:23,072 At hierakonpolis in egypt. 18 00:01:23,081 --> 00:01:25,472 The original is over 5000 years old, 19 00:01:25,481 --> 00:01:28,759 And amongst the oldest egyptian documents ever found. 20 00:01:28,834 --> 00:01:31,952 Narmer was the first pharaoh of a unified egypt, 21 00:01:31,961 --> 00:01:34,352 And by the looks of it, the artwork is pretty standard, 22 00:01:34,361 --> 00:01:37,552 Big, powerful king smiting his enemy. 23 00:01:37,561 --> 00:01:40,039 But what about all the animals? 24 00:01:40,114 --> 00:01:41,872 Why are they depicted here and later 25 00:01:41,881 --> 00:01:43,479 In temples across egypt? 26 00:01:44,441 --> 00:01:46,592 Extraordinary new discoveries are revealing 27 00:01:46,601 --> 00:01:49,552 That this may not be the product of an active imagination, 28 00:01:49,561 --> 00:01:52,119 But inspired by real animals in what appears 29 00:01:52,194 --> 00:01:53,999 To be the world's first zoo. 30 00:02:00,354 --> 00:02:04,719 The nile valley, 400 miles south of cairo. 31 00:02:07,154 --> 00:02:09,319 This was the site of hierakonpolis, 32 00:02:10,921 --> 00:02:14,039 One of the ancient world's great forgotten cities. 33 00:02:16,594 --> 00:02:21,559 Settled around 4500 bce, it was home to a community 34 00:02:21,801 --> 00:02:23,632 That existed over a thousand years 35 00:02:23,641 --> 00:02:25,919 Before the first pharaoh. 36 00:02:27,801 --> 00:02:29,312 The city stretched 37 00:02:29,321 --> 00:02:31,392 For almost two miles along the fertile banks 38 00:02:31,401 --> 00:02:32,439 Of the river nile 39 00:02:35,161 --> 00:02:37,312 And was home to a thriving community 40 00:02:37,321 --> 00:02:39,239 Of up to 10,000 people. 41 00:02:41,801 --> 00:02:43,639 Even though this was the birthplace 42 00:02:43,714 --> 00:02:45,439 Of egyptian civilization, 43 00:02:46,514 --> 00:02:49,919 It was only of passing interest to most archaeologists 44 00:02:51,234 --> 00:02:53,319 Until a discovery in the cemetery 45 00:02:53,394 --> 00:02:55,159 One mile south of the city. 46 00:03:01,641 --> 00:03:05,872 Egyptologist dr. Renee friedman has spent her working life 47 00:03:05,881 --> 00:03:09,879 Uncovering the secrets of this ancient metropolis. 48 00:03:13,561 --> 00:03:15,559 Friedman: Well now we're in the elite cemetery, 49 00:03:15,634 --> 00:03:17,792 And we're going to the first tomb 50 00:03:17,801 --> 00:03:21,879 That was discovered on this site back in the 1980s. 51 00:03:21,954 --> 00:03:23,479 And this gave us our first hint 52 00:03:23,554 --> 00:03:26,799 That something very special was going on here. 53 00:03:28,354 --> 00:03:29,639 Mastrelli: Close to the tomb 54 00:03:29,714 --> 00:03:31,239 Of one of the city's early rulers, 55 00:03:32,274 --> 00:03:35,439 The team came upon what they thought was a child's grave. 56 00:03:38,514 --> 00:03:40,359 But as they dug deeper, 57 00:03:40,434 --> 00:03:42,879 They realized this wasn't a human burial. 58 00:03:44,274 --> 00:03:47,599 Their findings defied rational explanation. 59 00:03:48,514 --> 00:03:52,679 Friedman: It contained seven baboons, a baby hippopotamus 60 00:03:52,754 --> 00:03:54,352 And a wild cat. 61 00:03:54,361 --> 00:03:55,799 And these are animals 62 00:03:55,874 --> 00:03:58,279 That no one had ever found buried before. 63 00:03:58,354 --> 00:04:00,192 Mastrelli: As renee and her team continued 64 00:04:00,201 --> 00:04:02,119 To investigate the site, 65 00:04:02,194 --> 00:04:04,592 More and more formal burials 66 00:04:04,601 --> 00:04:07,559 Of exotic animals were unearthed. 67 00:04:07,634 --> 00:04:09,319 Friedman: And the next amazing animal we found 68 00:04:09,394 --> 00:04:12,199 Was the elephant over there. 69 00:04:12,274 --> 00:04:15,879 And then a few years later another elephant, 70 00:04:15,954 --> 00:04:19,072 And then after that a hartebeest and a leopard 71 00:04:19,081 --> 00:04:23,399 And more baboons, which was, it was amazing. 72 00:04:23,474 --> 00:04:24,992 It's never been found, 73 00:04:25,001 --> 00:04:27,719 It's never been paralleled in any other site. 74 00:04:27,794 --> 00:04:30,279 (eerie music) 75 00:04:32,994 --> 00:04:34,759 Mastrelli: The experts were mystified. 76 00:04:38,361 --> 00:04:42,119 What could explain this array of exotic animals 77 00:04:42,194 --> 00:04:45,439 Buried among the tombs of the city's ruling elite? 78 00:04:49,554 --> 00:04:52,519 Friedman: So here we have the jaw of one of the elephants. 79 00:04:52,594 --> 00:04:54,192 When it came out of the ground 80 00:04:54,201 --> 00:04:57,319 I realized I didn't have a box that was big enough. 81 00:04:57,394 --> 00:05:00,679 Here was just one half of this jaw, 82 00:05:00,754 --> 00:05:05,559 And you can see just how big the teeth are as well. 83 00:05:05,634 --> 00:05:07,999 Mastrelli: The wide range of species was a puzzle. 84 00:05:09,481 --> 00:05:12,519 While some would have been native to egypt at the time, 85 00:05:12,594 --> 00:05:15,519 Many came from habitats hundreds of miles away. 86 00:05:17,401 --> 00:05:20,159 What were all these animals doing at hierakonpolis? 87 00:05:21,714 --> 00:05:22,839 How did they get here? 88 00:05:26,521 --> 00:05:28,432 To help find clues, 89 00:05:28,441 --> 00:05:31,399 Their bones were sent to the royal belgian institute 90 00:05:31,474 --> 00:05:34,119 Of natural sciences in brussels. 91 00:05:38,681 --> 00:05:41,479 Archaeozoologist wim van neer 92 00:05:41,554 --> 00:05:44,519 Began by examining the baboon skeletons. 93 00:05:49,634 --> 00:05:52,679 He quickly spotted something unusual. 94 00:05:54,514 --> 00:05:56,599 Almost every one had at some point 95 00:05:56,674 --> 00:05:59,479 In their lives suffered identical injuries, 96 00:06:00,361 --> 00:06:03,319 Resulting in broken hands and feet. 97 00:06:04,514 --> 00:06:08,359 Ven neer: This part of the lower arm is a bone here. 98 00:06:08,434 --> 00:06:13,399 In fact it's this one, which is broken at this level, 99 00:06:13,721 --> 00:06:15,239 And the fracture is here. 100 00:06:15,314 --> 00:06:18,279 And this is what we call a parry fracture 101 00:06:18,354 --> 00:06:22,439 That has to do with protecting from a blow on the head. 102 00:06:23,394 --> 00:06:25,952 Mastrelli: The broken bones suggested the baboons 103 00:06:25,961 --> 00:06:28,279 Had all been attacked with a blunt instrument. 104 00:06:30,674 --> 00:06:33,319 In the wild, they would have almost certainly died 105 00:06:33,394 --> 00:06:34,479 From their injuries. 106 00:06:35,554 --> 00:06:37,872 But the bones revealed that wasn't the case 107 00:06:37,881 --> 00:06:39,279 With these baboons. 108 00:06:40,921 --> 00:06:43,719 Ven neer: And so here you see various bones 109 00:06:43,794 --> 00:06:45,799 Of the hand and the feet. 110 00:06:45,874 --> 00:06:47,319 So you have the two ends. 111 00:06:47,394 --> 00:06:49,879 They were broken and this thickening here 112 00:06:49,954 --> 00:06:51,719 Is where new bone is formed 113 00:06:51,794 --> 00:06:54,759 That makes sure the two ends fuse. 114 00:06:54,834 --> 00:06:56,599 Mastrelli: The evidence suggests 115 00:06:56,674 --> 00:06:59,359 The injured baboons had been cared for after being attacked. 116 00:07:00,281 --> 00:07:04,272 For wim, there was only one possible explanation. 117 00:07:04,281 --> 00:07:07,159 These animals had first been captured in the wild 118 00:07:07,234 --> 00:07:08,919 And then held in captivity. 119 00:07:10,201 --> 00:07:14,119 Ven neer: This process of healing takes four to six weeks 120 00:07:14,194 --> 00:07:16,919 Before the two ends fuse. 121 00:07:16,994 --> 00:07:19,792 And so we know that these animals must have been 122 00:07:19,801 --> 00:07:23,799 In captivity for at least four to six weeks. 123 00:07:28,361 --> 00:07:30,439 Mastrelli: Wim continued his forensic analysis 124 00:07:30,514 --> 00:07:31,399 Of the bones. 125 00:07:32,441 --> 00:07:34,359 He then identified a similar wound 126 00:07:34,434 --> 00:07:35,919 On the leg bone of a hippo. 127 00:07:39,081 --> 00:07:41,799 Ven neer: This is a bone of the lower leg. 128 00:07:44,194 --> 00:07:47,712 This is normal intact bone, 129 00:07:47,721 --> 00:07:49,479 And this is the opposite side. 130 00:07:49,554 --> 00:07:52,759 And here you have again a healed fracture. 131 00:07:54,754 --> 00:07:56,992 Mastrelli: From the location of the break, 132 00:07:57,001 --> 00:08:00,359 Wim believes there's only one way this hippo's fibula 133 00:08:00,434 --> 00:08:01,719 Could have been fractured. 134 00:08:03,481 --> 00:08:05,799 Ven neer: So the animal must have been constrained 135 00:08:05,874 --> 00:08:07,632 With some kind of a rope, 136 00:08:07,641 --> 00:08:09,399 A rope that must have been attached to a tree or something, 137 00:08:09,474 --> 00:08:12,279 And the animal must have tried to free itself 138 00:08:12,354 --> 00:08:15,359 And has broken its own leg by doing that. 139 00:08:16,521 --> 00:08:17,879 Mastrelli: The skeletons 140 00:08:17,954 --> 00:08:19,479 From hierakonpolis reveal a mystery. 141 00:08:21,241 --> 00:08:24,992 Egypt's oldest city housed a strange collection 142 00:08:25,001 --> 00:08:26,479 Of captive animals. 143 00:08:29,561 --> 00:08:31,239 So how important was this collection 144 00:08:31,314 --> 00:08:33,039 To this prehistoric society? 145 00:08:35,554 --> 00:08:37,319 One clue comes from the contents 146 00:08:37,394 --> 00:08:39,239 Of an ancient elephant's stomach. 147 00:08:40,434 --> 00:08:44,119 Incredibly, remnants of its last meal still survive 148 00:08:45,241 --> 00:08:48,752 Nearly 6,000 years after it died. 149 00:08:48,761 --> 00:08:52,119 Friedman: Now elephants only digest about 45% of their food, 150 00:08:52,194 --> 00:08:55,072 Which is good for us 'cause it's allowed us 151 00:08:55,081 --> 00:08:59,879 To get very good evidence for what he ate. 152 00:08:59,954 --> 00:09:02,592 But we found boxes and boxes of it. 153 00:09:02,601 --> 00:09:04,319 He was a very well-fed elephant. 154 00:09:05,714 --> 00:09:07,392 Mastrelli: In the wild, 155 00:09:07,401 --> 00:09:09,639 This elephant would have lived off natural vegetation. 156 00:09:10,994 --> 00:09:14,352 Yet botanical analysis of its stomach contents revealed 157 00:09:14,361 --> 00:09:17,472 Its last meal contained farmed wheat. 158 00:09:17,481 --> 00:09:18,992 Friedman: This was clear evidence 159 00:09:19,001 --> 00:09:20,359 That this elephant is not a wild elephant 160 00:09:20,434 --> 00:09:23,152 That was just captured recently. 161 00:09:23,161 --> 00:09:25,072 This is one that has been maintained 162 00:09:25,081 --> 00:09:31,152 On site for some time. 163 00:09:31,161 --> 00:09:32,759 Mastrelli: Renee and her team have discovered 164 00:09:32,834 --> 00:09:36,319 A prehistoric cemetery unlike any other. 165 00:09:37,161 --> 00:09:40,352 Friedman: So here in essence we have the world's first zoo. 166 00:09:40,361 --> 00:09:43,232 This dates back over 6000 years ago. 167 00:09:43,241 --> 00:09:46,672 This is before even the invention of writing. 168 00:09:46,681 --> 00:09:49,552 Before the invention of the potter's wheel. 169 00:09:49,561 --> 00:09:52,192 This is before the pyramids were even a glint 170 00:09:52,201 --> 00:09:53,839 In some king's eye. 171 00:09:56,674 --> 00:09:58,359 Mastrelli: Renee suspects the animals 172 00:09:58,434 --> 00:09:59,799 Were the prized possession 173 00:09:59,874 --> 00:10:02,079 Of the early rulers of hierakonpolis. 174 00:10:04,114 --> 00:10:05,879 This zoo was a statement of power 175 00:10:05,954 --> 00:10:08,199 To demonstrate their might to the masses. 176 00:10:11,001 --> 00:10:13,632 But further investigation suggests 177 00:10:13,641 --> 00:10:16,319 This wasn't just some king's vanity project. 178 00:10:17,954 --> 00:10:19,392 This zoo was created 179 00:10:19,401 --> 00:10:22,512 To help tame a terrifying force of nature 180 00:10:22,521 --> 00:10:27,519 That was beyond their control, a force they called chaos. 181 00:10:39,314 --> 00:10:42,599 The evidence unearthed over three decades of excavations 182 00:10:42,674 --> 00:10:45,152 At hierakonpolis suggests the forerunners 183 00:10:45,161 --> 00:10:47,152 Of the pharaohs went to great lengths 184 00:10:47,161 --> 00:10:48,759 To put together a collection 185 00:10:48,834 --> 00:10:51,639 Of exotic and dangerous animals. 186 00:10:51,714 --> 00:10:52,679 The question is why? 187 00:10:57,474 --> 00:10:59,072 Was there more to the tradition 188 00:10:59,081 --> 00:11:01,599 Than just a projection of the early rulers' might? 189 00:11:04,834 --> 00:11:07,679 Egyptologist salima ikram has a theory. 190 00:11:09,794 --> 00:11:11,792 She believes it was a weapon in a battle 191 00:11:11,801 --> 00:11:13,639 Against a force of nature 192 00:11:13,714 --> 00:11:17,439 The egyptians feared more than anything else, 193 00:11:17,874 --> 00:11:20,039 Chaos. 194 00:11:20,114 --> 00:11:21,879 Ikram: The ancient egyptians realized 195 00:11:21,954 --> 00:11:23,639 That nature was chaotic, 196 00:11:23,714 --> 00:11:25,312 And if they were going to survive, 197 00:11:25,321 --> 00:11:26,679 It had to be controlled. 198 00:11:28,681 --> 00:11:31,639 Mastrelli: It is the belief of some archaeologists 199 00:11:31,714 --> 00:11:35,312 That these early rulers tried to control chaos 200 00:11:35,321 --> 00:11:37,472 By controlling the magical powers 201 00:11:37,481 --> 00:11:39,439 Of the beasts they'd captured. 202 00:11:41,474 --> 00:11:43,079 Ikram: The keystone, the foundation for egyptian 203 00:11:43,154 --> 00:11:48,432 Religion, is the idea of order, maat, over chaos, izfit. 204 00:11:48,441 --> 00:11:51,712 And one of the things was controlling the wild beasts 205 00:11:51,721 --> 00:11:53,319 That frequented the land 206 00:11:53,394 --> 00:11:56,519 And were of great threat to the ancient egyptians. 207 00:11:56,594 --> 00:11:57,959 Mastrelli: Experts now suspect 208 00:11:58,034 --> 00:12:00,439 The zoo was a magical weapon 209 00:12:00,514 --> 00:12:03,959 In an on-going battle against chaos. 210 00:12:04,034 --> 00:12:05,712 Adams: The hippos would come out at night, 211 00:12:05,721 --> 00:12:08,359 And they would trample around in the crops and eat, 212 00:12:08,434 --> 00:12:09,559 Before heading back to the water. 213 00:12:09,634 --> 00:12:12,119 And so probably because of this, 214 00:12:12,194 --> 00:12:17,039 The hippo came to exemplify chaos. 215 00:12:18,194 --> 00:12:19,872 Mastrelli: While the hippo was the animal 216 00:12:19,881 --> 00:12:22,199 That represented chaos, 217 00:12:22,274 --> 00:12:25,719 The baboons, one of the most abundant species found 218 00:12:25,794 --> 00:12:28,599 In the cemetery would go on to have a wealth 219 00:12:28,674 --> 00:12:30,672 Of symbolic meaning. 220 00:12:30,681 --> 00:12:35,392 Adams: We see that there's an element of protectiveness 221 00:12:35,401 --> 00:12:38,039 Within baboons that the egyptians made use of 222 00:12:38,114 --> 00:12:39,559 In a variety of different ways. 223 00:12:39,634 --> 00:12:43,719 They can be associated with protection of tombs 224 00:12:43,794 --> 00:12:45,639 In sacred places. 225 00:12:45,714 --> 00:12:48,112 They're also associated with the god thoth 226 00:12:48,121 --> 00:12:49,872 Who was a moon god. 227 00:12:49,881 --> 00:12:51,632 It seems to be related to the fact 228 00:12:51,641 --> 00:12:55,639 That baboons can often be seen at night 229 00:12:55,714 --> 00:12:57,879 Making strange gestures like this 230 00:12:57,954 --> 00:12:59,719 As we see it in iconography, 231 00:12:59,794 --> 00:13:00,879 Toward a full moon. 232 00:13:03,801 --> 00:13:05,792 Mastrelli: In time, the characteristics 233 00:13:05,801 --> 00:13:08,879 Of these animals would take on mythical significance. 234 00:13:10,914 --> 00:13:14,359 They'd eventually become key figures in egyptian religion. 235 00:13:16,514 --> 00:13:18,272 The animals from the zoo would be buried 236 00:13:18,281 --> 00:13:21,039 Alongside the early rulers of hierakonpolis. 237 00:13:22,674 --> 00:13:25,159 Friedman: This ruler like the other ones we have here 238 00:13:25,234 --> 00:13:27,152 Had a number of animals with him. 239 00:13:27,161 --> 00:13:31,312 So we have a leopard, we have baboons, 240 00:13:31,321 --> 00:13:34,119 We have an aurochs, we have a crocodile 241 00:13:34,194 --> 00:13:36,119 And we have an ostrich. 242 00:13:36,194 --> 00:13:37,392 Mastrelli: But further investigation 243 00:13:37,401 --> 00:13:39,159 Of the animal bones 244 00:13:39,234 --> 00:13:43,039 Reveals some grisly information about these burials. 245 00:13:44,521 --> 00:13:47,879 Friedman: We've been able to get dates on our animals now 246 00:13:47,954 --> 00:13:50,352 From what they had for their final meal. 247 00:13:50,361 --> 00:13:53,472 And this has allowed us to get carbon 14 dates, 248 00:13:53,481 --> 00:13:55,312 Which has been showing us 249 00:13:55,321 --> 00:13:58,672 That many of these animals were buried all at the same time, 250 00:13:58,681 --> 00:14:01,559 Because the dates are almost identical. 251 00:14:01,634 --> 00:14:04,479 Mastrelli: These animals did not die of natural causes. 252 00:14:05,954 --> 00:14:08,119 They were all systematically slaughtered. 253 00:14:10,194 --> 00:14:11,799 For dr. Renee friedman, 254 00:14:11,874 --> 00:14:14,279 This key finding deepened her understanding 255 00:14:14,354 --> 00:14:15,799 Of the fate of the animals 256 00:14:16,761 --> 00:14:19,152 And proved to be an important clue 257 00:14:19,161 --> 00:14:23,359 In unraveling the secrets of hierakonpolis in later years. 258 00:14:25,721 --> 00:14:28,519 The zoo only lasted for a few generations, 259 00:14:29,401 --> 00:14:32,119 And the next period in the city's history 260 00:14:32,194 --> 00:14:36,479 Saw a significant escalation in the war on chaos. 261 00:14:39,161 --> 00:14:42,432 Friedman: Here we are in the huge predynastic town, 262 00:14:42,441 --> 00:14:44,919 Which spreads for over three kilometers. 263 00:14:44,994 --> 00:14:47,552 And here we're in downtown hierakonpolis, 264 00:14:47,561 --> 00:14:49,559 Predynastic hierakonpolis at one 265 00:14:49,634 --> 00:14:51,559 Of its most intriguing structures, 266 00:14:52,681 --> 00:14:56,119 What I believe to be a predynastic ceremonial center. 267 00:14:57,801 --> 00:15:01,072 Mastrelli: 5500 years after it was built, 268 00:15:01,081 --> 00:15:03,072 The site is still littered with millions 269 00:15:03,081 --> 00:15:05,152 Of fragments of pottery 270 00:15:05,161 --> 00:15:07,519 And over 30,000 animal bones 271 00:15:08,361 --> 00:15:11,839 From cattle, crocodiles and hippos. 272 00:15:15,234 --> 00:15:17,879 Renee believes that after the zoo, 273 00:15:17,954 --> 00:15:20,759 Ritual sacrifice was performed right here 274 00:15:20,834 --> 00:15:22,239 In an ancient arena. 275 00:15:25,954 --> 00:15:27,312 Friedman: The animals that were used here 276 00:15:27,321 --> 00:15:29,719 Were probably captured specifically 277 00:15:29,794 --> 00:15:31,312 For the purpose of slaughter. 278 00:15:31,321 --> 00:15:32,919 They weren't maintained. 279 00:15:32,994 --> 00:15:34,352 So they may have been captured 280 00:15:34,361 --> 00:15:37,319 And kept for a short time, 281 00:15:37,394 --> 00:15:41,239 But they were almost certainly for use in the rituals 282 00:15:41,314 --> 00:15:43,799 That were undertaken in this ceremonial center. 283 00:15:44,834 --> 00:15:48,279 These are the animals that symbolized 284 00:15:48,354 --> 00:15:50,352 The control of nature. 285 00:15:50,361 --> 00:15:52,912 By putting them in a walled compound, 286 00:15:52,921 --> 00:15:55,072 You were showing your control of them. 287 00:15:55,081 --> 00:15:56,592 By slaughtering them 288 00:15:56,601 --> 00:15:58,599 You were showing even more of the control. 289 00:15:58,674 --> 00:16:01,399 Mastrelli: The ceremonial center was the city's new, 290 00:16:01,474 --> 00:16:04,799 Improved weapon in the war on chaos. 291 00:16:05,714 --> 00:16:10,272 Hierakonpolis once played host to vast ceremonial rituals 292 00:16:10,281 --> 00:16:12,879 Involving the slaughter of hundreds of animals. 293 00:16:14,281 --> 00:16:16,439 Friedman: All of the animals here, we have here, 294 00:16:16,514 --> 00:16:18,352 Many of them have butchering marks. 295 00:16:18,361 --> 00:16:22,519 It is clear we're looking at the residue of feasting, 296 00:16:22,594 --> 00:16:25,392 Not of animals that were buried whole, 297 00:16:25,401 --> 00:16:26,839 And that's the difference. 298 00:16:26,914 --> 00:16:29,639 Here these animals would have been paraded, 299 00:16:29,714 --> 00:16:31,559 There would have been a ritual slaughter, 300 00:16:31,634 --> 00:16:34,199 And then they would have eaten them. 301 00:16:34,274 --> 00:16:35,479 Mastrelli: Experts now believe 302 00:16:35,554 --> 00:16:36,839 The city's enduring obsession 303 00:16:36,914 --> 00:16:39,519 With animals became legendary. 304 00:16:41,241 --> 00:16:44,352 They would inspire some of the most captivating imagery 305 00:16:44,361 --> 00:16:45,839 From the ancient world. 306 00:16:51,474 --> 00:16:53,159 The discovery of the animals 307 00:16:53,234 --> 00:16:56,119 From what could be the world's first zoo 308 00:16:56,194 --> 00:16:59,359 Didn't just reveal a bizarre historical oddity. 309 00:17:02,194 --> 00:17:05,559 Experts now believe the archaeologists may have stumbled 310 00:17:05,634 --> 00:17:08,512 Upon an early fascination with animals 311 00:17:08,521 --> 00:17:10,359 That would influence 3000 years 312 00:17:10,434 --> 00:17:12,519 Of egyptian iconography. 313 00:17:16,354 --> 00:17:20,432 Ikram: All of these animals, the wild bull, the crocodile, 314 00:17:20,441 --> 00:17:22,119 The hippo, the baboons, 315 00:17:22,194 --> 00:17:25,632 These are all animals that become key players 316 00:17:25,641 --> 00:17:28,432 In egyptian religion. 317 00:17:28,441 --> 00:17:33,239 The zoo really shows us how the egyptian ideas of god 318 00:17:33,314 --> 00:17:37,039 And man and nature all come together. 319 00:17:37,881 --> 00:17:40,752 Mastrelli: Cats, wild dogs, 320 00:17:40,761 --> 00:17:44,112 Crocodiles, bulls, sheep 321 00:17:44,121 --> 00:17:45,872 And hippos would all be used 322 00:17:45,881 --> 00:17:48,839 To represent the different characteristics of the gods, 323 00:17:50,674 --> 00:17:55,312 And all were present in predynastic hierakonpolis. 324 00:17:55,321 --> 00:17:57,632 Ikram: So all the elements of religion, 325 00:17:57,641 --> 00:17:59,792 Culture, start during this period, 326 00:17:59,801 --> 00:18:01,559 And you see them continuing 327 00:18:01,634 --> 00:18:04,559 Through the rest of the 3000 years of egyptian history. 328 00:18:05,401 --> 00:18:08,112 Mastrelli: The curious mix of exotic species 329 00:18:08,121 --> 00:18:11,799 Inspired egypt's iconic animal gods. 330 00:18:11,874 --> 00:18:15,632 And evidence to confirm their importance can still be found 331 00:18:15,641 --> 00:18:18,119 15 miles south of the ancient city. 332 00:18:21,554 --> 00:18:24,479 This is the temple of horus at edfu. 333 00:18:26,921 --> 00:18:30,112 Dating to 237 bce, 334 00:18:30,121 --> 00:18:32,592 Its carved reliefs reveal the animals 335 00:18:32,601 --> 00:18:34,752 The egyptians held sacred, 336 00:18:34,761 --> 00:18:36,112 Long after the zoo and 337 00:18:36,121 --> 00:18:41,072 Ceremonial center had disappeared. 338 00:18:41,081 --> 00:18:43,872 Ikram: Although this temple is 3000 years later 339 00:18:43,881 --> 00:18:45,952 Than when hierakonpolis was founded, 340 00:18:45,961 --> 00:18:49,159 It is in fact closer to us in time. 341 00:18:49,234 --> 00:18:51,792 But what is extraordinary is that the animals 342 00:18:51,801 --> 00:18:53,472 That you see here depicted 343 00:18:53,481 --> 00:18:56,359 Are the same ones that you find in hierakonpolis. 344 00:18:59,721 --> 00:19:01,632 So this room is really exciting 345 00:19:01,641 --> 00:19:03,719 In terms of our story of the zoo, 346 00:19:03,794 --> 00:19:07,312 Because the first thing found at hierakonpolis was baboons. 347 00:19:07,321 --> 00:19:09,799 And here we have some fabulous baboons 348 00:19:09,874 --> 00:19:11,632 Marching in procession. 349 00:19:11,641 --> 00:19:15,079 So you can see how, even though this is 3000 years later, 350 00:19:15,154 --> 00:19:17,792 It really ties into the first animal 351 00:19:17,801 --> 00:19:20,519 That was ever excavated at hierakonpolis. 352 00:19:21,714 --> 00:19:24,192 Mastrelli: While the baboons offer a fascinating link 353 00:19:24,201 --> 00:19:25,679 To the prehistoric zoo, 354 00:19:26,834 --> 00:19:30,039 A vast relief carved onto the temple wall 355 00:19:30,114 --> 00:19:33,479 Depicts another animal with enduring links to the zoo 356 00:19:33,554 --> 00:19:37,239 And the later ceremonial center at hierakonpolis. 357 00:19:40,201 --> 00:19:43,392 Ikram: This wall is covered by images of hippos, 358 00:19:43,401 --> 00:19:45,399 And here they're being hunted, 359 00:19:45,474 --> 00:19:47,639 Not just wallowing and having a nice time. 360 00:19:50,354 --> 00:19:52,992 Mastrelli: The relief inscribed onto the victory passage 361 00:19:53,001 --> 00:19:56,112 Illustrates the ancient egyptian's perceived mastery 362 00:19:56,121 --> 00:19:57,119 Over chaos. 363 00:19:58,761 --> 00:20:03,159 It features the king, depicted as the falcon-headed horus, 364 00:20:03,234 --> 00:20:07,439 Hunting a hippo representing seth, the god of chaos. 365 00:20:10,194 --> 00:20:11,799 Ikram: In this scene you can see 366 00:20:11,874 --> 00:20:13,399 That the hippo has been brought in, 367 00:20:13,474 --> 00:20:15,232 And the king is killing it 368 00:20:15,241 --> 00:20:17,879 And is preparing to cut it into small pieces. 369 00:20:19,721 --> 00:20:22,272 Mastrelli: The similarities between the illustrations 370 00:20:22,281 --> 00:20:23,999 On the temple walls at edfu 371 00:20:24,841 --> 00:20:26,512 And the activities 372 00:20:26,521 --> 00:20:30,119 At hierakonpolis 3000 years earlier are staggering. 373 00:20:34,834 --> 00:20:37,872 Ikram: This is the ultimate link between what is going on 374 00:20:37,881 --> 00:20:40,359 On this wall and what happened at hierakonpolis. 375 00:20:40,434 --> 00:20:42,912 And even though it's 3000 years apart, 376 00:20:42,921 --> 00:20:46,679 This is the same ritual that was continuing in the minds 377 00:20:46,754 --> 00:20:48,199 Of the ancient egyptians 378 00:20:48,274 --> 00:20:50,999 In order to establish order over chaos. 379 00:20:52,194 --> 00:20:54,279 Mastrelli: Ancient egypt's fascination 380 00:20:54,354 --> 00:20:57,999 With the animal kingdom may have begun over 6000 years ago, 381 00:20:59,161 --> 00:21:01,239 But the cemetery at hierakonpolis 382 00:21:01,314 --> 00:21:03,072 Continues to surprise us 383 00:21:03,081 --> 00:21:04,999 With new evidence every day. 384 00:21:05,961 --> 00:21:09,959 Friedman: So here, eroding out of the side of the tomb, 385 00:21:10,034 --> 00:21:12,112 Is a baboon bone. 386 00:21:12,121 --> 00:21:16,279 This is probably the elbow of one of the seven baboons 387 00:21:16,354 --> 00:21:17,792 That were buried here. 388 00:21:17,801 --> 00:21:20,279 Because these tombs were heavily plundered, 389 00:21:20,354 --> 00:21:24,439 Repeatedly, you find this explosion of bones 390 00:21:24,514 --> 00:21:25,519 All around them. 391 00:21:27,321 --> 00:21:30,919 And every so often one decides to reappear, 392 00:21:30,994 --> 00:21:32,159 Just like this has. 393 00:21:33,481 --> 00:21:35,392 Mastrelli: The zoo from the dawn of history 394 00:21:35,401 --> 00:21:39,392 Played an incredible role in shaping egyptian civilization. 395 00:21:39,401 --> 00:21:40,592 For over three decades 396 00:21:40,601 --> 00:21:42,119 Renee has devoted her life 397 00:21:42,194 --> 00:21:44,912 To investigating this extraordinary landscape, 398 00:21:44,921 --> 00:21:47,319 And her findings are redefining everything 399 00:21:47,394 --> 00:21:49,959 Scholars thought they knew about egypt 400 00:21:50,034 --> 00:21:51,872 In the time before the pharaohs. 401 00:21:51,881 --> 00:21:55,799 But with just 20% of the ancient city excavated, 402 00:21:55,874 --> 00:21:59,279 Hierakonpolis is only beginning to reveal its secrets.