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