# Start End Original Translated
1 00:00:01,474 00:00:04,832 Mastrelli: Jonah, the prophet swallowed by a whale, Mastrelli: Jonah, the prophet swallowed by a whale,
2 00:00:04,841 00:00:06,799 Who then confronts a wicked king. Who then confronts a wicked king.
3 00:00:08,681 00:00:10,512 His story is so bizarre His story is so bizarre
4 00:00:10,521 00:00:12,519 It seems it could never have happened. It seems it could never have happened.
5 00:00:15,161 00:00:18,432 But now, from the ruins of war, But now, from the ruins of war,
6 00:00:18,441 00:00:23,399 In a labyrinth of tunnels, come shocking new discoveries In a labyrinth of tunnels, come shocking new discoveries
7 00:00:23,474 00:00:27,312 That take scholars back to this old testament story That take scholars back to this old testament story
8 00:00:27,321 00:00:30,352 And plunges them deep into an ancient world And plunges them deep into an ancient world
9 00:00:30,361 00:00:33,079 Of violence and sex. Of violence and sex.
10 00:00:34,034 00:00:37,152 These extraordinary discoveries could finally reveal These extraordinary discoveries could finally reveal
11 00:00:37,161 00:00:40,199 The truth behind one of the bible's greatest The truth behind one of the bible's greatest
12 00:00:40,274 00:00:41,919 And strangest stories, And strangest stories,
13 00:00:43,794 00:00:46,239 The tale of jonah and the whale. The tale of jonah and the whale.
14 00:00:49,554 00:00:53,472 For centuries, the mysteries of the past For centuries, the mysteries of the past
15 00:00:53,481 00:00:56,512 Have kept their secrets. Have kept their secrets.
16 00:00:56,521 00:01:01,519 But there are clues, cast in gold, etched in stone, But there are clues, cast in gold, etched in stone,
17 00:01:03,001 00:01:04,399 Written in blood. Written in blood.
18 00:01:08,041 00:01:09,839 We can unlock them. We can unlock them.
19 00:01:10,841 00:01:13,599 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
20 00:01:26,761 00:01:27,799 Mesopotamia. Mesopotamia.
21 00:01:28,921 00:01:31,232 The cradle of civilization The cradle of civilization
22 00:01:31,241 00:01:34,352 And the setting for at least a dozen biblical stories, And the setting for at least a dozen biblical stories,
23 00:01:34,361 00:01:37,679 Including one of the most famous and strangest tales of all, Including one of the most famous and strangest tales of all,
24 00:01:38,594 00:01:41,312 The story of jonah and the whale, The story of jonah and the whale,
25 00:01:41,321 00:01:43,719 Where a prophet endures incredible hardship Where a prophet endures incredible hardship
26 00:01:43,794 00:01:47,079 To warn an ancient city to change its wicked ways. To warn an ancient city to change its wicked ways.
27 00:01:47,154 00:01:48,999 That ancient city was nineveh. That ancient city was nineveh.
28 00:01:49,074 00:01:51,279 Now it's mosul, in northern iraq. Now it's mosul, in northern iraq.
29 00:01:53,314 00:01:56,159 It's here, many believe, that jonah was buried. It's here, many believe, that jonah was buried.
30 00:01:58,754 00:02:01,959 For at least 1,000 years, pilgrims from three For at least 1,000 years, pilgrims from three
31 00:02:02,034 00:02:05,639 Of the world's major religions have traveled to mosul Of the world's major religions have traveled to mosul
32 00:02:05,714 00:02:08,752 To visit jonah's tomb and shrine. To visit jonah's tomb and shrine.
33 00:02:08,761 00:02:10,959 It's known as nebi yunus. It's known as nebi yunus.
34 00:02:11,961 00:02:15,319 Schiffman: Now the prophet jonah is in the hebrew scriptures Schiffman: Now the prophet jonah is in the hebrew scriptures
35 00:02:15,394 00:02:17,232 Known as the old testament, Known as the old testament,
36 00:02:17,241 00:02:18,839 It is mentioned in the new testament, It is mentioned in the new testament,
37 00:02:18,914 00:02:22,032 And is mentioned in the koran as well under the name yunus. And is mentioned in the koran as well under the name yunus.
38 00:02:22,041 00:02:24,599 And therefore it seems that for jews, christians, And therefore it seems that for jews, christians,
39 00:02:24,674 00:02:26,799 And muslims, this was a holy site. And muslims, this was a holy site.
40 00:02:32,674 00:02:35,792 Mastrelli: In the bible, god commands jonah Mastrelli: In the bible, god commands jonah
41 00:02:35,801 00:02:37,559 To travel to the city of nineveh To travel to the city of nineveh
42 00:02:41,481 00:02:43,952 To warn its citizens that they will be punished To warn its citizens that they will be punished
43 00:02:43,961 00:02:45,559 For their sinful ways. For their sinful ways.
44 00:02:47,801 00:02:49,239 Schiffman: This prophet was commanded Schiffman: This prophet was commanded
45 00:02:49,314 00:02:51,159 By god to go to nineveh By god to go to nineveh
46 00:02:51,234 00:02:53,119 But he decided he wasn't going. But he decided he wasn't going.
47 00:02:56,434 00:02:59,072 Mastrelli: Jonah ignores god's command. Mastrelli: Jonah ignores god's command.
48 00:02:59,081 00:03:01,479 He sets sail in the opposite direction. He sets sail in the opposite direction.
49 00:03:03,561 00:03:05,159 Schiffman: He goes on a ship Schiffman: He goes on a ship
50 00:03:05,234 00:03:08,512 In order to avoid the role that god has given him, In order to avoid the role that god has given him,
51 00:03:08,521 00:03:11,119 And what happens is that there's a tremendous storm. And what happens is that there's a tremendous storm.
52 00:03:14,361 00:03:16,559 Mastrelli: Jonah is thrown overboard. Mastrelli: Jonah is thrown overboard.
53 00:03:22,994 00:03:25,072 For three days and nights, For three days and nights,
54 00:03:25,081 00:03:27,399 He languishes inside a great fish He languishes inside a great fish
55 00:03:30,041 00:03:33,239 Until he repents and is spat out on the shore. Until he repents and is spat out on the shore.
56 00:03:42,281 00:03:44,352 Finally, jonah goes to nineveh Finally, jonah goes to nineveh
57 00:03:44,361 00:03:47,399 And delivers his warning to the king and his citizens. And delivers his warning to the king and his citizens.
58 00:03:53,634 00:03:55,872 Schiffman: He gives his prophecy including to the king Schiffman: He gives his prophecy including to the king
59 00:03:55,881 00:03:59,839 And all the people and they all repent. And all the people and they all repent.
60 00:04:00,921 00:04:03,152 Mastrelli: It's one of the old testament's most famous Mastrelli: It's one of the old testament's most famous
61 00:04:03,161 00:04:04,879 And most puzzling stories. And most puzzling stories.
62 00:04:13,394 00:04:16,672 Now archeologists have a chance to investigate the place Now archeologists have a chance to investigate the place
63 00:04:16,681 00:04:18,719 Where many believe jonah was buried Where many believe jonah was buried
64 00:04:20,841 00:04:23,999 And where he may have warned the sinful king of nineveh. And where he may have warned the sinful king of nineveh.
65 00:04:28,441 00:04:30,119 It's an opportunity borne out It's an opportunity borne out
66 00:04:30,194 00:04:32,679 Of the horror and destruction of war. Of the horror and destruction of war.
67 00:04:37,794 00:04:42,079 In June 2014, isis occupied mosul. In June 2014, isis occupied mosul.
68 00:04:44,114 00:04:47,079 One month later, on July 24th, One month later, on July 24th,
69 00:04:48,041 00:04:50,079 They obliterated jonah's shrine. They obliterated jonah's shrine.
70 00:04:58,434 00:05:01,599 And archeologists' worst fears were realized. And archeologists' worst fears were realized.
71 00:05:02,834 00:05:05,799 Machinist: Years to build but one minute to destroy. Machinist: Years to build but one minute to destroy.
72 00:05:07,554 00:05:08,839 Dalley: It was terrible of course, Dalley: It was terrible of course,
73 00:05:08,914 00:05:12,239 Terrible for people, terrible for antiquities. Terrible for people, terrible for antiquities.
74 00:05:14,674 00:05:15,439 Ugh. Ugh.
75 00:05:17,794 00:05:20,839 Hanson: This was to demonstrate their power over the landscape Hanson: This was to demonstrate their power over the landscape
76 00:05:21,874 00:05:24,599 And also their effort to rewrite history. And also their effort to rewrite history.
77 00:05:24,674 00:05:26,752 Mastrelli: Using satellite imagery, Mastrelli: Using satellite imagery,
78 00:05:26,761 00:05:29,712 Archeologist kathryn hanson recorded Archeologist kathryn hanson recorded
79 00:05:29,721 00:05:32,432 And analyzed the destruction. And analyzed the destruction.
80 00:05:32,441 00:05:35,232 Hanson: So, we're starting with the 19th of July Hanson: So, we're starting with the 19th of July
81 00:05:35,241 00:05:37,712 And you can see the shrine looks like it always has, And you can see the shrine looks like it always has,
82 00:05:37,721 00:05:38,679 It's still there. It's still there.
83 00:05:39,634 00:05:42,592 But by the 30th of July, But by the 30th of July,
84 00:05:42,601 00:05:44,279 You can see it's very clearly reduced You can see it's very clearly reduced
85 00:05:44,354 00:05:46,479 To a pile of gray rubble. To a pile of gray rubble.
86 00:05:49,081 00:05:51,792 Mastrelli: Iraqi archeologist ali al-juboori Mastrelli: Iraqi archeologist ali al-juboori
87 00:05:51,801 00:05:54,599 Of mosul university was one of the first Of mosul university was one of the first
88 00:05:54,674 00:05:57,799 To visit the site after its destruction. To visit the site after its destruction.
89 00:06:04,281 00:06:08,512 Juboori: It was July 24th when they blown up the mosque. Juboori: It was July 24th when they blown up the mosque.
90 00:06:08,521 00:06:10,439 I went the next day. I went the next day.
91 00:06:10,514 00:06:12,439 I couldn't see anything, only ruins. I couldn't see anything, only ruins.
92 00:06:15,234 00:06:18,759 Every stone of the culture is very important, Every stone of the culture is very important,
93 00:06:19,714 00:06:21,959 It's part of our cultural heritage. It's part of our cultural heritage.
94 00:06:22,034 00:06:26,759 So, this destruction, it has nothing to do with religion. So, this destruction, it has nothing to do with religion.
95 00:06:27,634 00:06:32,159 It's beyond my ability just to describe what's going on. It's beyond my ability just to describe what's going on.
96 00:06:34,914 00:06:36,919 Mastrelli: But in a twist of fate, Mastrelli: But in a twist of fate,
97 00:06:36,994 00:06:40,319 The obliteration of nebi yunis wasn't the end of the story. The obliteration of nebi yunis wasn't the end of the story.
98 00:06:44,434 00:06:46,439 It was the beginning of a whole new chapter It was the beginning of a whole new chapter
99 00:06:46,514 00:06:48,832 That could finally reveal the true story That could finally reveal the true story
100 00:06:48,841 00:06:51,799 Behind the biblical tale of jonah and the whale. Behind the biblical tale of jonah and the whale.
101 00:06:55,554 00:06:59,239 Dalley: It is rather ironic that you see isil trying apparently Dalley: It is rather ironic that you see isil trying apparently
102 00:06:59,314 00:07:01,879 To destroy the ancient culture, To destroy the ancient culture,
103 00:07:01,954 00:07:04,999 But in fact they have revealed a bit more But in fact they have revealed a bit more
104 00:07:05,074 00:07:06,959 Of what really interests us. Of what really interests us.
105 00:07:09,721 00:07:12,439 Mastrelli: 2 1/2 years after the shrine's destruction, Mastrelli: 2 1/2 years after the shrine's destruction,
106 00:07:13,721 00:07:16,119 Isis is forced out of mosul, Isis is forced out of mosul,
107 00:07:17,634 00:07:19,072 Leaving archeologists free Leaving archeologists free
108 00:07:19,081 00:07:21,119 To examine the ruins more closely. To examine the ruins more closely.
109 00:07:23,641 00:07:25,632 Beneath what was once jonah's shrine, Beneath what was once jonah's shrine,
110 00:07:25,641 00:07:27,719 They make an astonishing discovery, They make an astonishing discovery,
111 00:07:30,201 00:07:32,839 A labyrinth of tunnels leading A labyrinth of tunnels leading
112 00:07:32,914 00:07:35,712 To a strange subterranean landscape. To a strange subterranean landscape.
113 00:07:35,721 00:07:38,192 Juboori: After the liberation of east of mosul, Juboori: After the liberation of east of mosul,
114 00:07:38,201 00:07:42,079 The army and some of the archeologists went up there The army and some of the archeologists went up there
115 00:07:42,121 00:07:44,719 And they found they had dug four tunnels. And they found they had dug four tunnels.
116 00:07:46,674 00:07:48,759 Each tunnel, when you get inside, Each tunnel, when you get inside,
117 00:07:48,834 00:07:51,039 It will be divided into many tunnels. It will be divided into many tunnels.
118 00:07:53,154 00:07:55,712 Mastrelli: Isis dug these tunnels deep into the mound Mastrelli: Isis dug these tunnels deep into the mound
119 00:07:55,721 00:07:57,519 In search of buried treasure. In search of buried treasure.
120 00:07:59,874 00:08:01,639 Juboori: The looters were looking for the things Juboori: The looters were looking for the things
121 00:08:01,714 00:08:03,359 Which were easy to be carried. Which were easy to be carried.
122 00:08:04,361 00:08:07,639 The things which they cannot carry, they left it behind. The things which they cannot carry, they left it behind.
123 00:08:08,761 00:08:10,592 Mastrelli: And it's what they left behind Mastrelli: And it's what they left behind
124 00:08:10,601 00:08:13,519 That has stunned the world of archeology. That has stunned the world of archeology.
125 00:08:16,201 00:08:19,159 When isis blew up the tomb of jonah in 2014, When isis blew up the tomb of jonah in 2014,
126 00:08:19,234 00:08:21,159 It was not an isolated event. It was not an isolated event.
127 00:08:21,234 00:08:23,079 It was just the beginning. It was just the beginning.
128 00:08:23,154 00:08:26,039 They waged a war not only against non-believers They waged a war not only against non-believers
129 00:08:26,114 00:08:31,079 But also against 6,000 years of culture in iraq and syria. But also against 6,000 years of culture in iraq and syria.
130 00:08:31,321 00:08:33,479 Today, the tomb they sought to destroy, Today, the tomb they sought to destroy,
131 00:08:33,554 00:08:36,119 Thanks to its newly-revealed lower chambers, Thanks to its newly-revealed lower chambers,
132 00:08:36,194 00:08:39,319 Is now a testament to the enduring power of history Is now a testament to the enduring power of history
133 00:08:39,394 00:08:41,319 In this ravaged corner of the world. In this ravaged corner of the world.
134 00:08:44,114 00:08:46,752 Dalley: I've never seen anything like these characters Dalley: I've never seen anything like these characters
135 00:08:46,761 00:08:49,479 That are in the tunnels on the sculptures, That are in the tunnels on the sculptures,
136 00:08:49,554 00:08:53,079 And as far as I know there is no parallel for it. And as far as I know there is no parallel for it.
137 00:08:54,354 00:08:56,592 Mastrelli: As archeologists examine the carvings Mastrelli: As archeologists examine the carvings
138 00:08:56,601 00:08:59,719 And inscriptions, it's clear they were made And inscriptions, it's clear they were made
139 00:08:59,794 00:09:02,719 By one of the ancient world's greatest empires, By one of the ancient world's greatest empires,
140 00:09:04,601 00:09:06,752 A civilization that looms large A civilization that looms large
141 00:09:06,761 00:09:08,519 In the old testament book of jonah, In the old testament book of jonah,
142 00:09:11,001 00:09:12,839 The assyrians. The assyrians.
143 00:09:12,914 00:09:15,312 Schiffman: No question that what happened in this place Schiffman: No question that what happened in this place
144 00:09:15,321 00:09:18,119 And the archeology of this place is very important And the archeology of this place is very important
145 00:09:18,194 00:09:19,792 For understanding the bible For understanding the bible
146 00:09:19,801 00:09:20,912 And by the way, And by the way,
147 00:09:20,921 00:09:23,639 For understanding the story of jonah. For understanding the story of jonah.
148 00:09:23,714 00:09:27,719 Hanson: These are structures that come from a civilization Hanson: These are structures that come from a civilization
149 00:09:27,794 00:09:32,639 That was an empire before there were empires. That was an empire before there were empires.
150 00:09:34,034 00:09:37,639 Mastrelli: By 671 bc, the assyrian empire stretched Mastrelli: By 671 bc, the assyrian empire stretched
151 00:09:37,714 00:09:40,999 From turkey in the north to egypt in the south. From turkey in the north to egypt in the south.
152 00:09:43,881 00:09:46,192 Hanson: This was the first real empire Hanson: This was the first real empire
153 00:09:46,201 00:09:49,799 That controlled the entirety of the middle east. That controlled the entirety of the middle east.
154 00:09:49,874 00:09:51,079 If you think about it, If you think about it,
155 00:09:51,154 00:09:53,119 It's basically rome before there was rome. It's basically rome before there was rome.
156 00:09:54,754 00:09:56,039 Mastrelli: To their neighbors and rivals, Mastrelli: To their neighbors and rivals,
157 00:09:56,114 00:09:59,552 The assyrians' riches and ruthless lust for power The assyrians' riches and ruthless lust for power
158 00:09:59,561 00:10:01,639 Made them public enemy number one, Made them public enemy number one,
159 00:10:04,601 00:10:09,239 A reputation the assyrians themselves seemed to relish. A reputation the assyrians themselves seemed to relish.
160 00:10:11,481 00:10:14,192 Machinist: Certainly, in the assyrian royal inscriptions Machinist: Certainly, in the assyrian royal inscriptions
161 00:10:14,201 00:10:17,872 There's a certain focus on what happens There's a certain focus on what happens
162 00:10:17,881 00:10:19,879 To enemies who don't obey. To enemies who don't obey.
163 00:10:19,954 00:10:22,992 They can be flayed, their skin pulled off of them. They can be flayed, their skin pulled off of them.
164 00:10:23,001 00:10:24,912 There's this piling up of the heads There's this piling up of the heads
165 00:10:24,921 00:10:27,159 Of the enemy in pyramids. Of the enemy in pyramids.
166 00:10:28,201 00:10:30,512 Schiffman:The assyrians' own documents Schiffman:The assyrians' own documents
167 00:10:30,521 00:10:33,319 Tell us they murdered people, Tell us they murdered people,
168 00:10:33,394 00:10:35,479 They exiled populations. They exiled populations.
169 00:10:35,554 00:10:39,079 The reality is that they provided their own bad press. The reality is that they provided their own bad press.
170 00:10:42,114 00:10:43,799 Mastrelli: This image as the bad guys Mastrelli: This image as the bad guys
171 00:10:43,874 00:10:46,479 Of the biblical world dominates the old testament Of the biblical world dominates the old testament
172 00:10:47,721 00:10:49,199 And the book of jonah. And the book of jonah.
173 00:10:52,281 00:10:55,792 Schiffman: This major, major empire is a major part Schiffman: This major, major empire is a major part
174 00:10:55,801 00:10:58,199 Of our ancient history and our biblical history. Of our ancient history and our biblical history.
175 00:10:59,961 00:11:01,639 Mastrelli: At the heart of this vast empire Mastrelli: At the heart of this vast empire
176 00:11:01,714 00:11:05,639 Sat the largest city of its time, nineveh. Sat the largest city of its time, nineveh.
177 00:11:08,754 00:11:11,519 It was once the capital of the assyrian world. It was once the capital of the assyrian world.
178 00:11:14,674 00:11:16,639 It features heavily in the book of jonah It features heavily in the book of jonah
179 00:11:17,481 00:11:19,999 And, to millions of believers around the world, And, to millions of believers around the world,
180 00:11:21,801 00:11:24,399 It's the burial place of jonah himself. It's the burial place of jonah himself.
181 00:11:28,521 00:11:31,839 If archeologists are going to discover jonah's true story, If archeologists are going to discover jonah's true story,
182 00:11:33,074 00:11:34,879 Nineveh is where they'll find it. Nineveh is where they'll find it.
183 00:11:37,001 00:11:38,992 A city ruled over by an immensely A city ruled over by an immensely
184 00:11:39,001 00:11:43,712 Rich and powerful king. Rich and powerful king.
185 00:11:43,721 00:11:47,319 Dalley: Nineveh was packed with palaces and temples Dalley: Nineveh was packed with palaces and temples
186 00:11:47,394 00:11:50,279 And surrounded by walls and moats And surrounded by walls and moats
187 00:11:50,354 00:11:53,319 And then bridges and gardens. And then bridges and gardens.
188 00:11:54,921 00:11:56,672 Hanson: You'd come into a palace Hanson: You'd come into a palace
189 00:11:56,681 00:12:00,119 That was massive reliefs of stone That was massive reliefs of stone
190 00:12:00,194 00:12:02,832 With images carved on the sides of them With images carved on the sides of them
191 00:12:02,841 00:12:04,839 And painted in bright colors. And painted in bright colors.
192 00:12:04,914 00:12:07,472 And it was all designed And it was all designed
193 00:12:07,481 00:12:10,199 To demonstrate how much power the king had. To demonstrate how much power the king had.
194 00:12:12,521 00:12:13,872 Mastrelli: But what is the structure Mastrelli: But what is the structure
195 00:12:13,881 00:12:16,679 That archeologists have discovered at nebi yunis? That archeologists have discovered at nebi yunis?
196 00:12:19,801 00:12:21,792 Deep beneath jonah's shrine, Deep beneath jonah's shrine,
197 00:12:21,801 00:12:25,039 They're uncovering a critical and monumental clue. They're uncovering a critical and monumental clue.
198 00:12:27,154 00:12:29,159 Two immense statues. Two immense statues.
199 00:12:31,481 00:12:34,599 They're the lower halves of colossal winged bulls, They're the lower halves of colossal winged bulls,
200 00:12:35,794 00:12:38,672 So huge their upper bodies are still buried So huge their upper bodies are still buried
201 00:12:38,681 00:12:39,919 In the earth above. In the earth above.
202 00:12:43,081 00:12:48,079 Half-man, half-beast, these are lamassu. Half-man, half-beast, these are lamassu.
203 00:12:48,354 00:12:50,279 Iconic assyrian divinities, Iconic assyrian divinities,
204 00:12:51,394 00:12:54,799 They symbolize power and offer protection. They symbolize power and offer protection.
205 00:12:58,354 00:13:01,359 It's a discovery of global importance. It's a discovery of global importance.
206 00:13:02,754 00:13:07,552 Hanson: Seeing a lamassu in the wild is really different Hanson: Seeing a lamassu in the wild is really different
207 00:13:07,561 00:13:10,832 Than seeing a plaster cast of it like we have here. Than seeing a plaster cast of it like we have here.
208 00:13:10,841 00:13:13,792 You can better understand the assyrian experience You can better understand the assyrian experience
209 00:13:13,801 00:13:15,872 With a lamassu if you're able to see it With a lamassu if you're able to see it
210 00:13:15,881 00:13:17,399 In its original place. In its original place.
211 00:13:19,234 00:13:21,559 Mastrelli: Only the most important of assyrian buildings Mastrelli: Only the most important of assyrian buildings
212 00:13:21,634 00:13:23,079 Were guarded by lamassu, Were guarded by lamassu,
213 00:13:27,314 00:13:30,039 So their discovery beneath nebi yunis reveals So their discovery beneath nebi yunis reveals
214 00:13:30,114 00:13:32,319 This was once a great center of power. This was once a great center of power.
215 00:13:34,514 00:13:36,599 Dalley: It's very interesting to find Dalley: It's very interesting to find
216 00:13:36,674 00:13:39,399 That the tunnels have got winged bulls, That the tunnels have got winged bulls,
217 00:13:39,474 00:13:43,312 Because this is the mark of a proper palace building Because this is the mark of a proper palace building
218 00:13:43,321 00:13:46,479 And it wouldn't be found in just any old building. And it wouldn't be found in just any old building.
219 00:13:48,354 00:13:50,079 Mastrelli: The presence of lamassu suggest Mastrelli: The presence of lamassu suggest
220 00:13:50,121 00:13:51,279 There was a palace here There was a palace here
221 00:13:54,601 00:13:57,879 And that it dates back at least 2 1/2 thousand years, And that it dates back at least 2 1/2 thousand years,
222 00:14:00,361 00:14:02,239 To the time of the old testament, To the time of the old testament,
223 00:14:03,954 00:14:06,199 When it's said jonah traveled to this city When it's said jonah traveled to this city
224 00:14:06,274 00:14:07,719 And spoke to its king. And spoke to its king.
225 00:14:11,794 00:14:14,999 Voice of god: Jonah began to enter into the city Voice of god: Jonah began to enter into the city
226 00:14:15,074 00:14:20,039 And cried "yet 40 days and nineveh shall be overthrown." And cried "yet 40 days and nineveh shall be overthrown."
227 00:14:21,721 00:14:24,279 Mastrelli: There was a palace here in biblical times. Mastrelli: There was a palace here in biblical times.
228 00:14:26,601 00:14:30,399 So was this also the palace that some believe jonah visited So was this also the palace that some believe jonah visited
229 00:14:31,961 00:14:35,679 To warn its wicked king to repent, or die? To warn its wicked king to repent, or die?
230 00:14:43,481 00:14:46,512 In mosul, iraq, beneath the ruined tomb In mosul, iraq, beneath the ruined tomb
231 00:14:46,521 00:14:48,279 Of the old testament prophet jonah, Of the old testament prophet jonah,
232 00:14:50,034 00:14:51,879 Archeologists have discovered the remains Archeologists have discovered the remains
233 00:14:51,954 00:14:54,159 Of an ancient assyrian palace. Of an ancient assyrian palace.
234 00:14:57,961 00:15:00,752 Ali al-jubouri of the university of mosul Ali al-jubouri of the university of mosul
235 00:15:00,761 00:15:03,439 Has translated the inscriptions from the tunnels. Has translated the inscriptions from the tunnels.
236 00:15:04,754 00:15:06,272 Jaboori: The palace of esarhaddon, Jaboori: The palace of esarhaddon,
237 00:15:06,281 00:15:09,712 Mighty king, king of the world, Mighty king, king of the world,
238 00:15:09,721 00:15:13,079 King of assyria, rebuilt the asagulih and babylon, King of assyria, rebuilt the asagulih and babylon,
239 00:15:13,154 00:15:16,879 Descendant of sargon, king of assur. Descendant of sargon, king of assur.
240 00:15:18,994 00:15:20,032 Mastrelli: The palace belonged Mastrelli: The palace belonged
241 00:15:20,041 00:15:22,759 To the assyrian king esarhaddon. To the assyrian king esarhaddon.
242 00:15:22,834 00:15:23,639 But who was he? But who was he?
243 00:15:27,641 00:15:29,232 Could he be the sinful king Could he be the sinful king
244 00:15:29,241 00:15:31,759 That some believe jonah came to warn? That some believe jonah came to warn?
245 00:15:33,634 00:15:36,039 History tells us he fit the bill. History tells us he fit the bill.
246 00:15:37,161 00:15:39,159 Dalley: Esarhaddon as the crowned prince, Dalley: Esarhaddon as the crowned prince,
247 00:15:39,234 00:15:41,079 Falls out with his father. Falls out with his father.
248 00:15:43,561 00:15:48,559 And his mother, naqi'a, and esarhaddon himself And his mother, naqi'a, and esarhaddon himself
249 00:15:48,914 00:15:52,592 Organized the murder of naqi'a's husband, Organized the murder of naqi'a's husband,
250 00:15:52,601 00:15:54,199 And her son's father. And her son's father.
251 00:16:00,674 00:16:04,832 Mastrelli: As king, esarhaddon ruled his vast empire Mastrelli: As king, esarhaddon ruled his vast empire
252 00:16:04,841 00:16:06,399 With ruthless brutality. With ruthless brutality.
253 00:16:08,761 00:16:12,519 He celebrated his fearsome reputation with grisly carvings. He celebrated his fearsome reputation with grisly carvings.
254 00:16:15,714 00:16:19,632 This engraving shows esarhaddon leading his defeated enemies This engraving shows esarhaddon leading his defeated enemies
255 00:16:19,641 00:16:22,559 Like animals, on a leash. Like animals, on a leash.
256 00:16:24,041 00:16:27,599 And he hammered the message home with gruesome inscriptions. And he hammered the message home with gruesome inscriptions.
257 00:16:29,634 00:16:33,392 Dalley: "I trampled on the necks of the people of cilicia. Dalley: "I trampled on the necks of the people of cilicia.
258 00:16:33,401 00:16:35,719 "the corpses of their warriors unburied "the corpses of their warriors unburied
259 00:16:35,794 00:16:37,639 "I gave to the wolf to eat. "I gave to the wolf to eat.
260 00:16:38,834 00:16:42,832 "I hung the head of sanduarri and abdi-milkutti "I hung the head of sanduarri and abdi-milkutti
261 00:16:42,841 00:16:45,039 "on the shoulders of their nobles. "on the shoulders of their nobles.
262 00:16:47,881 00:16:51,079 "and with singing and music I paraded "and with singing and music I paraded
263 00:16:51,154 00:16:53,559 "through the public square of nineveh." "through the public square of nineveh."
264 00:16:56,594 00:16:58,592 Mastrelli: Esarhaddon seems the perfect candidate Mastrelli: Esarhaddon seems the perfect candidate
265 00:16:58,601 00:17:01,319 For the book of jonah's sinful king of nineveh. For the book of jonah's sinful king of nineveh.
266 00:17:03,554 00:17:05,799 And there was more to esarhaddon's wickedness. And there was more to esarhaddon's wickedness.
267 00:17:07,954 00:17:12,079 He also worshiped deities the bible calls false idols, He also worshiped deities the bible calls false idols,
268 00:17:14,601 00:17:16,839 Including perhaps the most famous, Including perhaps the most famous,
269 00:17:16,914 00:17:19,319 And infamous, goddess in history. And infamous, goddess in history.
270 00:17:23,561 00:17:26,919 Dalley: Every city will have a patron god, or goddess. Dalley: Every city will have a patron god, or goddess.
271 00:17:26,994 00:17:31,239 In nineveh it was ishtar, the goddess of battle, In nineveh it was ishtar, the goddess of battle,
272 00:17:31,314 00:17:34,032 As well as love, as well as fertility. As well as love, as well as fertility.
273 00:17:34,041 00:17:37,152 She is a ferocious goddess. She is a ferocious goddess.
274 00:17:37,161 00:17:39,879 She would sleep with anybody she felt like, She would sleep with anybody she felt like,
275 00:17:39,954 00:17:41,952 She's into killing people. She's into killing people.
276 00:17:41,961 00:17:43,072 She can do anything. She can do anything.
277 00:17:43,081 00:17:47,159 She is the most powerful deity of all. She is the most powerful deity of all.
278 00:17:48,281 00:17:49,392 Mastrelli: This association Mastrelli: This association
279 00:17:49,401 00:17:52,272 With the promiscuous goddess ishtar With the promiscuous goddess ishtar
280 00:17:52,281 00:17:55,319 Tarnished nineveh's reputation in the eyes of the bible. Tarnished nineveh's reputation in the eyes of the bible.
281 00:17:59,321 00:18:01,792 In the old testament's book of nahum, In the old testament's book of nahum,
282 00:18:01,801 00:18:04,039 Ishtar and nineveh are linked. Ishtar and nineveh are linked.
283 00:18:06,601 00:18:09,999 Dalley: Nahum is regarding the city as a woman. Dalley: Nahum is regarding the city as a woman.
284 00:18:10,994 00:18:14,519 "and I will discover thy skirts upon thy face, "and I will discover thy skirts upon thy face,
285 00:18:14,594 00:18:18,272 "and I will show the nations thy nakedness "and I will show the nations thy nakedness
286 00:18:18,281 00:18:21,792 "and the kingdoms thy shame." "and the kingdoms thy shame."
287 00:18:21,801 00:18:25,399 So, she is a thoroughly disgraced woman, So, she is a thoroughly disgraced woman,
288 00:18:25,474 00:18:28,272 Of worst possible repute. Of worst possible repute.
289 00:18:28,281 00:18:30,679 And that's the kind of idea And that's the kind of idea
290 00:18:30,754 00:18:35,719 That stuck to assyria as a place of atrocious sexual habits That stuck to assyria as a place of atrocious sexual habits
291 00:18:36,994 00:18:39,199 And atrocious fornication. And atrocious fornication.
292 00:18:41,394 00:18:44,992 Mastrelli: A metropolis led by a ruthless, violent king Mastrelli: A metropolis led by a ruthless, violent king
293 00:18:45,001 00:18:48,039 And dedicated to a goddess of sex and war. And dedicated to a goddess of sex and war.
294 00:18:49,794 00:18:51,952 The similarities between the book of jonah The similarities between the book of jonah
295 00:18:51,961 00:18:55,719 And the archeology in these tunnels are striking. And the archeology in these tunnels are striking.
296 00:18:57,081 00:19:01,319 There's a real shrine of jonah, and a real sinful king, There's a real shrine of jonah, and a real sinful king,
297 00:19:02,994 00:19:06,399 In a real palace, in a real city. In a real palace, in a real city.
298 00:19:09,394 00:19:13,159 So, were the events in the book of jonah real too? So, were the events in the book of jonah real too?
299 00:19:16,114 00:19:18,512 While the discoveries at nebi yunus seem to fit While the discoveries at nebi yunus seem to fit
300 00:19:18,521 00:19:22,199 With jonah's story, the dates don't. With jonah's story, the dates don't.
301 00:19:25,234 00:19:28,079 Though evidence for the historical jonah is bolstered Though evidence for the historical jonah is bolstered
302 00:19:28,121 00:19:29,999 By the bible's book of kings ii, By the bible's book of kings ii,
303 00:19:32,201 00:19:34,912 That account points to him living in israel That account points to him living in israel
304 00:19:34,921 00:19:36,839 During the eighth century bc, During the eighth century bc,
305 00:19:37,954 00:19:40,199 Long before esarhaddon reigned. Long before esarhaddon reigned.
306 00:19:42,441 00:19:44,439 Schiffman: We have evidence there was such a prophet Schiffman: We have evidence there was such a prophet
307 00:19:44,514 00:19:46,272 From second kings. From second kings.
308 00:19:46,281 00:19:49,632 We also know that there was a city of nineveh We also know that there was a city of nineveh
309 00:19:49,641 00:19:51,872 And in fact there's archeological evidence And in fact there's archeological evidence
310 00:19:51,881 00:19:54,919 For that city in the assyrian period. For that city in the assyrian period.
311 00:19:54,994 00:19:58,039 But actually, that archeological evidence for the city But actually, that archeological evidence for the city
312 00:19:58,114 00:19:59,952 Is from a somewhat later period Is from a somewhat later period
313 00:19:59,961 00:20:03,552 Than the one in which jonah apparently functioned Than the one in which jonah apparently functioned
314 00:20:03,561 00:20:05,119 According to the book of kings. According to the book of kings.
315 00:20:06,041 00:20:08,752 Mastrelli: Today, many scholars believe Mastrelli: Today, many scholars believe
316 00:20:08,761 00:20:12,759 That as the story passed from one generation to the next, That as the story passed from one generation to the next,
317 00:20:12,834 00:20:13,759 It evolved. It evolved.
318 00:20:15,561 00:20:18,559 Facts, such as the wealthy city of nineveh, Facts, such as the wealthy city of nineveh,
319 00:20:19,721 00:20:22,519 And fiction, like jonah's three days And fiction, like jonah's three days
320 00:20:22,594 00:20:25,639 Inside the great fish, fused. Inside the great fish, fused.
321 00:20:27,154 00:20:30,479 Then the writers of the old testament added their own spin, Then the writers of the old testament added their own spin,
322 00:20:31,881 00:20:35,919 To create a story that was more symbolic than historic. To create a story that was more symbolic than historic.
323 00:20:37,241 00:20:39,552 Schiffman: We realize on one hand that it's a document, Schiffman: We realize on one hand that it's a document,
324 00:20:39,561 00:20:43,399 Which has in it some actual history and actual events. Which has in it some actual history and actual events.
325 00:20:43,474 00:20:44,672 On the other hand, On the other hand,
326 00:20:44,681 00:20:47,792 Sometimes we have a more symbolic way of writing. Sometimes we have a more symbolic way of writing.
327 00:20:47,801 00:20:50,592 It doesn't really seem that this is to be taken literally. It doesn't really seem that this is to be taken literally.
328 00:20:50,601 00:20:53,392 It rather seems that this is a narrative meant It rather seems that this is a narrative meant
329 00:20:53,401 00:20:56,279 To teach us some very, very important lessons To teach us some very, very important lessons
330 00:20:56,354 00:21:01,319 About judgment, and mercy, and sin, and repentance. About judgment, and mercy, and sin, and repentance.
331 00:21:03,561 00:21:06,679 Mastrelli: So, if there was a historical jonah, Mastrelli: So, if there was a historical jonah,
332 00:21:07,801 00:21:09,799 This is not where he was buried. This is not where he was buried.
333 00:21:11,241 00:21:13,952 In fact, at least three other sites In fact, at least three other sites
334 00:21:13,961 00:21:17,199 Across the middle east lay claim to the prophet's bones. Across the middle east lay claim to the prophet's bones.
335 00:21:18,921 00:21:21,952 Still, jonah's tale of repentance Still, jonah's tale of repentance
336 00:21:21,961 00:21:24,799 And its universal appeal endures. And its universal appeal endures.
337 00:21:26,034 00:21:29,399 Juboori: Nebi yunus is very important for iraqis Juboori: Nebi yunus is very important for iraqis
338 00:21:29,474 00:21:33,792 Because it is a heritage from 3,000 years. Because it is a heritage from 3,000 years.
339 00:21:33,801 00:21:35,959 Even though it's been destroyed, Even though it's been destroyed,
340 00:21:36,034 00:21:38,999 The name will continue for the future generations. The name will continue for the future generations.
341 00:21:41,234 00:21:43,232 Mastrelli: Call it the ultimate irony, Mastrelli: Call it the ultimate irony,
342 00:21:43,241 00:21:46,439 An act of pitiless destruction by a murderous cult, An act of pitiless destruction by a murderous cult,
343 00:21:46,514 00:21:49,072 A cult dedicated to erasing the ancient history A cult dedicated to erasing the ancient history
344 00:21:49,081 00:21:52,439 Of iraq and syria, is now allowing archeologists Of iraq and syria, is now allowing archeologists
345 00:21:52,514 00:21:54,999 To wonder again at the story of jonah To wonder again at the story of jonah
346 00:21:55,074 00:21:58,239 And to discover the palace of a mighty assyrian king. And to discover the palace of a mighty assyrian king.