# Start End Original Translated
1 00:00:00,754 00:00:03,072 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
2 00:00:03,081 00:00:06,119 Mastrelli: Hidden in a cave for almost 2,000 years, Mastrelli: Hidden in a cave for almost 2,000 years,
3 00:00:06,914 00:00:08,919 A copper scroll, A copper scroll,
4 00:00:08,994 00:00:11,519 A treasure map from the time of jesus. A treasure map from the time of jesus.
5 00:00:12,521 00:00:15,639 Could these brittle fragments of corroded metal Could these brittle fragments of corroded metal
6 00:00:15,714 00:00:20,352 Hold the clues to finding ancient buried gold and silver Hold the clues to finding ancient buried gold and silver
7 00:00:20,361 00:00:23,039 That today would be worth millions of dollars? That today would be worth millions of dollars?
8 00:00:25,874 00:00:28,759 But who wrote the mystifying text? But who wrote the mystifying text?
9 00:00:28,834 00:00:31,399 Is the scroll genuine? Is the scroll genuine?
10 00:00:31,474 00:00:35,712 If it is, where did these vast treasures come from If it is, where did these vast treasures come from
11 00:00:35,721 00:00:37,279 And why were they buried? And why were they buried?
12 00:00:38,594 00:00:43,559 And most intriguingly of all, could they still be out there? And most intriguingly of all, could they still be out there?
13 00:00:47,161 00:00:51,152 For centuries, the mysteries of the past For centuries, the mysteries of the past
14 00:00:51,161 00:00:54,119 Have kept their secrets. Have kept their secrets.
15 00:00:54,194 00:00:57,872 But there are clues: Cast in gold; But there are clues: Cast in gold;
16 00:00:57,881 00:00:59,519 Etched in stone; Etched in stone;
17 00:01:00,601 00:01:01,999 Written in blood. Written in blood.
18 00:01:05,641 00:01:07,639 We can unlock them. We can unlock them.
19 00:01:26,921 00:01:28,439 Okay. Okay.
20 00:01:28,514 00:01:30,919 So, metal engraving isn't my strong suit. So, metal engraving isn't my strong suit.
21 00:01:30,994 00:01:32,679 But there is a point to this. But there is a point to this.
22 00:01:32,754 00:01:35,159 This is a copper scroll. This is a copper scroll.
23 00:01:35,234 00:01:39,152 And this, with a little luck, is the first character And this, with a little luck, is the first character
24 00:01:39,161 00:01:42,912 In the hebrew word for gold, "zahab". In the hebrew word for gold, "zahab".
25 00:01:42,921 00:01:45,399 And, yep, I'm starting all the way over to the right And, yep, I'm starting all the way over to the right
26 00:01:45,474 00:01:49,152 Because, in hebrew, we read and write from right to left. Because, in hebrew, we read and write from right to left.
27 00:01:49,161 00:01:51,712 So, why the lesson in 2,000-year old hebrew? So, why the lesson in 2,000-year old hebrew?
28 00:01:51,721 00:01:53,872 And why the replica copper scroll? And why the replica copper scroll?
29 00:01:53,881 00:01:56,439 Because this is the story of one of the most Because this is the story of one of the most
30 00:01:56,514 00:01:58,912 Extraordinary documents ever found, Extraordinary documents ever found,
31 00:01:58,921 00:02:01,792 A document whose author wanted it to last. A document whose author wanted it to last.
32 00:02:01,801 00:02:04,599 Think about it like this: About 2,000 years ago, Think about it like this: About 2,000 years ago,
33 00:02:04,674 00:02:07,392 Someone feared their world was about to go up in flames Someone feared their world was about to go up in flames
34 00:02:07,401 00:02:10,799 And wanted the words on this scroll to survive. And wanted the words on this scroll to survive.
35 00:02:14,761 00:02:19,759 Jerusalem, home to the israel museum's shrine of the book. Jerusalem, home to the israel museum's shrine of the book.
36 00:02:22,034 00:02:23,479 An extraordinary collection An extraordinary collection
37 00:02:23,554 00:02:26,559 Of nearly 1,000 ancient manuscripts. Of nearly 1,000 ancient manuscripts.
38 00:02:28,754 00:02:32,192 First discovered in 1947 by a tribe of bedouins First discovered in 1947 by a tribe of bedouins
39 00:02:32,201 00:02:35,319 Exploring caves overlooking the dead sea. Exploring caves overlooking the dead sea.
40 00:02:36,921 00:02:40,799 These are the oldest biblical texts ever found. These are the oldest biblical texts ever found.
41 00:02:42,361 00:02:45,639 We now know them as the dead sea scrolls. We now know them as the dead sea scrolls.
42 00:02:47,241 00:02:51,159 (speaking in foreign language) (speaking in foreign language)
43 00:02:54,121 00:02:57,079 Archaeologist danny herman has been studying the scrolls Archaeologist danny herman has been studying the scrolls
44 00:02:57,154 00:02:58,759 For nearly two decades. For nearly two decades.
45 00:03:03,081 00:03:04,679 Herman: The dead sea scrolls are by far Herman: The dead sea scrolls are by far
46 00:03:04,754 00:03:09,399 The most important discovery ever made in this land. The most important discovery ever made in this land.
47 00:03:09,474 00:03:12,199 These are the oldest copies These are the oldest copies
48 00:03:12,274 00:03:13,919 Of the old testament that we have. Of the old testament that we have.
49 00:03:14,994 00:03:16,599 They were written somewhere between They were written somewhere between
50 00:03:16,674 00:03:19,879 The second century b.C. And the first century c.E. The second century b.C. And the first century c.E.
51 00:03:20,841 00:03:23,959 Mastrelli: The dead sea scrolls predate every other manuscript Mastrelli: The dead sea scrolls predate every other manuscript
52 00:03:24,034 00:03:27,359 Of the hebrew bible by a thousand years. Of the hebrew bible by a thousand years.
53 00:03:29,801 00:03:31,952 They provide us with a unique insight They provide us with a unique insight
54 00:03:31,961 00:03:36,199 Into a way of life before and during the time of jesus. Into a way of life before and during the time of jesus.
55 00:03:37,634 00:03:40,992 Herman: Codes of behavior, hymns, prayers, Herman: Codes of behavior, hymns, prayers,
56 00:03:41,001 00:03:43,359 A whole library 2,000 years old. A whole library 2,000 years old.
57 00:03:45,161 00:03:48,599 It's an amazing, it's truly an amazing discovery. It's an amazing, it's truly an amazing discovery.
58 00:03:49,961 00:03:51,552 Mastrelli: But there is one dead sea scroll Mastrelli: But there is one dead sea scroll
59 00:03:51,561 00:03:52,919 That isn't held here. That isn't held here.
60 00:03:57,161 00:03:59,679 This is the jordan museum in amman. This is the jordan museum in amman.
61 00:04:01,481 00:04:06,319 It's a showcase for 1.5 million years of jordanian history. It's a showcase for 1.5 million years of jordanian history.
62 00:04:09,874 00:04:11,959 And its star attraction: And its star attraction:
63 00:04:12,034 00:04:14,919 23 pieces of heavily oxidized metal. 23 pieces of heavily oxidized metal.
64 00:04:18,354 00:04:23,319 But joined together, they form a single copper scroll. But joined together, they form a single copper scroll.
65 00:04:23,714 00:04:26,359 It is the only dead sea scroll made of metal, It is the only dead sea scroll made of metal,
66 00:04:28,121 00:04:31,632 And its message has been proven to be even more remarkable And its message has been proven to be even more remarkable
67 00:04:31,641 00:04:33,439 Than the material it's made from. Than the material it's made from.
68 00:04:37,081 00:04:40,919 Situated between jordan and israel is the dead sea. Situated between jordan and israel is the dead sea.
69 00:04:43,714 00:04:47,319 With its northwestern shores just 40 miles from jerusalem. With its northwestern shores just 40 miles from jerusalem.
70 00:04:51,634 00:04:55,239 In 1952, five years after the discovery In 1952, five years after the discovery
71 00:04:55,314 00:04:57,479 Of the first dead sea scrolls, Of the first dead sea scrolls,
72 00:04:57,554 00:05:01,319 A team of archaeologists began an official exploration A team of archaeologists began an official exploration
73 00:05:01,394 00:05:03,199 Of the caves where they were found. Of the caves where they were found.
74 00:05:05,714 00:05:09,952 On a shelf, carved into the cave wall, On a shelf, carved into the cave wall,
75 00:05:09,961 00:05:12,359 A french archaeologist, henri de contenson, A french archaeologist, henri de contenson,
76 00:05:13,241 00:05:14,999 Spotted something unusual. Spotted something unusual.
77 00:05:18,594 00:05:21,279 This was no ordinary scroll. This was no ordinary scroll.
78 00:05:23,081 00:05:26,519 Unlike every other dead sea scroll found before, Unlike every other dead sea scroll found before,
79 00:05:26,594 00:05:29,759 This one wasn't made from leather or parchment. This one wasn't made from leather or parchment.
80 00:05:32,354 00:05:34,199 It was made from metal. It was made from metal.
81 00:05:38,514 00:05:41,399 The scroll was so incredibly brittle The scroll was so incredibly brittle
82 00:05:41,474 00:05:44,352 That it took four years of careful preparation That it took four years of careful preparation
83 00:05:44,361 00:05:47,799 And conservation before it could be translated. And conservation before it could be translated.
84 00:05:49,714 00:05:52,519 But in 1956, the copper scroll But in 1956, the copper scroll
85 00:05:52,594 00:05:54,919 Was finally ready to reveal its secrets. Was finally ready to reveal its secrets.
86 00:05:57,481 00:05:59,472 Schiffman: This scroll is written Schiffman: This scroll is written
87 00:05:59,481 00:06:01,392 In what we call mishnaic hebrew, In what we call mishnaic hebrew,
88 00:06:01,401 00:06:04,119 Which is a dialect a little bit later Which is a dialect a little bit later
89 00:06:04,194 00:06:05,792 Than the dead sea scrolls, Than the dead sea scrolls,
90 00:06:05,801 00:06:09,872 And so this helps us to understand that this scroll And so this helps us to understand that this scroll
91 00:06:09,881 00:06:13,392 Was written around the year 70 c.E., Was written around the year 70 c.E.,
92 00:06:13,401 00:06:14,912 Whereas the rest of the dead sea scrolls Whereas the rest of the dead sea scrolls
93 00:06:14,921 00:06:16,599 Were written a little bit earlier. Were written a little bit earlier.
94 00:06:17,721 00:06:20,839 Mastrelli: If it was created in 70 c.E., Mastrelli: If it was created in 70 c.E.,
95 00:06:20,914 00:06:23,232 Then the scroll was written around the same time Then the scroll was written around the same time
96 00:06:23,241 00:06:25,119 As the gospel according to mark. As the gospel according to mark.
97 00:06:26,361 00:06:29,719 But, as soon as scholars set to work But, as soon as scholars set to work
98 00:06:29,794 00:06:33,319 Decoding the ancient hebrew, it became clear that, Decoding the ancient hebrew, it became clear that,
99 00:06:33,394 00:06:37,679 Unlike the other scrolls, this was not a biblical text. Unlike the other scrolls, this was not a biblical text.
100 00:06:38,841 00:06:40,839 It was a treasure map. It was a treasure map.
101 00:06:43,554 00:06:46,439 Schiffman: The scroll lists 60 places Schiffman: The scroll lists 60 places
102 00:06:46,514 00:06:50,512 In which specific buried treasures are found, In which specific buried treasures are found,
103 00:06:50,521 00:06:52,919 And it tells you the specifics of how to get And it tells you the specifics of how to get
104 00:06:52,994 00:06:55,712 To those treasures when you're at those places. To those treasures when you're at those places.
105 00:06:55,721 00:06:58,119 It starts off by telling you the name of the place, It starts off by telling you the name of the place,
106 00:06:58,194 00:07:00,679 Like b'harayva and where that is, and amek b'achor. Like b'harayva and where that is, and amek b'achor.
107 00:07:01,634 00:07:04,119 And then it goes on and it tells you specifically And then it goes on and it tells you specifically
108 00:07:04,194 00:07:08,199 That there is so much silver and so many vessels, et cetera. That there is so much silver and so many vessels, et cetera.
109 00:07:08,274 00:07:09,759 And that's what the scroll is. And that's what the scroll is.
110 00:07:11,961 00:07:14,199 Mastrelli: When scholars finally revealed the contents Mastrelli: When scholars finally revealed the contents
111 00:07:14,274 00:07:17,872 Of the copper scroll in June 1956, Of the copper scroll in June 1956,
112 00:07:17,881 00:07:20,039 It caused excitement around the globe. It caused excitement around the globe.
113 00:07:23,241 00:07:24,759 Schiffman: When they found out what it was, Schiffman: When they found out what it was,
114 00:07:24,834 00:07:26,512 The newspapers carried it all over the world. The newspapers carried it all over the world.
115 00:07:26,521 00:07:29,232 This was this tremendous discovery This was this tremendous discovery
116 00:07:29,241 00:07:30,839 Of this map of buried treasure. Of this map of buried treasure.
117 00:07:32,201 00:07:35,719 Herman: 60 hiding locations of treasures. Herman: 60 hiding locations of treasures.
118 00:07:35,794 00:07:36,679 Where are they? Where are they?
119 00:07:38,274 00:07:39,799 Mastrelli: But many scholars raised doubts Mastrelli: But many scholars raised doubts
120 00:07:39,874 00:07:41,639 About the treasure map. About the treasure map.
121 00:07:41,714 00:07:43,639 The huge quantity of treasure listed The huge quantity of treasure listed
122 00:07:43,714 00:07:46,119 Was just too vast to be credible. Was just too vast to be credible.
123 00:07:47,001 00:07:50,119 Schiffman: The numbers and the amounts are so great Schiffman: The numbers and the amounts are so great
124 00:07:50,194 00:07:52,119 That some people have said that actually, That some people have said that actually,
125 00:07:52,194 00:07:54,199 If this text were literally true If this text were literally true
126 00:07:54,274 00:07:56,039 The way they were translating it then, The way they were translating it then,
127 00:07:56,114 00:07:59,399 They would have 25% of the gold that existed in the world They would have 25% of the gold that existed in the world
128 00:07:59,474 00:08:01,799 At that time held in this collection. At that time held in this collection.
129 00:08:02,921 00:08:05,639 Mastrelli: At first, scholars assumed that the treasure Mastrelli: At first, scholars assumed that the treasure
130 00:08:05,714 00:08:08,919 Was measured by an ancient weight called a talent, Was measured by an ancient weight called a talent,
131 00:08:08,994 00:08:12,039 And one talent was equal to 70 pounds. And one talent was equal to 70 pounds.
132 00:08:13,314 00:08:17,232 But with nearly 5,000 talents of gold and silver listed, But with nearly 5,000 talents of gold and silver listed,
133 00:08:17,241 00:08:19,719 That meant the total hoard would have weighed That meant the total hoard would have weighed
134 00:08:19,794 00:08:22,272 Close to 100 tons. Close to 100 tons.
135 00:08:22,281 00:08:26,079 Today, its value would have exceeded $3 billion. Today, its value would have exceeded $3 billion.
136 00:08:28,201 00:08:29,792 Schiffman: According to the text, Schiffman: According to the text,
137 00:08:29,801 00:08:32,519 Whoever owned the treasure described would have Whoever owned the treasure described would have
138 00:08:32,594 00:08:35,839 A tremendously astronomical amount of gold and silver. A tremendously astronomical amount of gold and silver.
139 00:08:37,401 00:08:39,952 Mastrelli: But on re -examining the text, Mastrelli: But on re -examining the text,
140 00:08:39,961 00:08:41,559 Scholars noticed something. Scholars noticed something.
141 00:08:42,841 00:08:46,912 The jewish symbol for a talent was actually very similar The jewish symbol for a talent was actually very similar
142 00:08:46,921 00:08:48,839 To the shorthand of another standard To the shorthand of another standard
143 00:08:48,914 00:08:51,872 Unit of measure, the karsch. Unit of measure, the karsch.
144 00:08:51,881 00:08:56,112 And the karsch is 300 times lighter than a talent. And the karsch is 300 times lighter than a talent.
145 00:08:56,121 00:09:00,519 Suddenly, $3 billion became several million. Suddenly, $3 billion became several million.
146 00:09:02,201 00:09:04,919 Schiffman: It certainly starts to become something Schiffman: It certainly starts to become something
147 00:09:04,994 00:09:06,839 That could be realistic as opposed That could be realistic as opposed
148 00:09:06,914 00:09:08,759 To these crazy exaggerated amounts, To these crazy exaggerated amounts,
149 00:09:09,634 00:09:11,872 And it solves the problem of the treasure And it solves the problem of the treasure
150 00:09:11,881 00:09:15,639 Being an impossible one in terms of its size. Being an impossible one in terms of its size.
151 00:09:15,714 00:09:19,159 Mastrelli: And it was clear that whoever buried the treasure Mastrelli: And it was clear that whoever buried the treasure
152 00:09:19,234 00:09:21,719 Wanted to make sure that it could be found again, Wanted to make sure that it could be found again,
153 00:09:22,674 00:09:25,479 Choosing to list its value and location Choosing to list its value and location
154 00:09:25,554 00:09:28,039 On the most enduring material available. On the most enduring material available.
155 00:09:29,641 00:09:33,152 Schiffman: Normally scrolls or texts in ancient times Schiffman: Normally scrolls or texts in ancient times
156 00:09:33,161 00:09:35,639 Are not written on metal; they're written on skin. Are not written on metal; they're written on skin.
157 00:09:35,714 00:09:38,119 The fact that this text was written on copper, The fact that this text was written on copper,
158 00:09:38,194 00:09:39,559 Apparently to preserve it, Apparently to preserve it,
159 00:09:39,634 00:09:41,759 Shows that it was something very special. Shows that it was something very special.
160 00:09:44,594 00:09:46,679 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
161 00:09:46,754 00:09:48,679 Mastrelli: Scholars believe the copper scroll Mastrelli: Scholars believe the copper scroll
162 00:09:48,754 00:09:52,439 Lists ancient treasures from jerusalem's second temple. Lists ancient treasures from jerusalem's second temple.
163 00:09:52,514 00:09:54,199 It was likely engraved at the time It was likely engraved at the time
164 00:09:54,274 00:09:56,759 Of the temple's destruction in 70 a.D. Of the temple's destruction in 70 a.D.
165 00:09:56,834 00:09:59,552 When the army of the future emperor titus of rome When the army of the future emperor titus of rome
166 00:09:59,561 00:10:03,319 Cleaned out its treasury and razed it to the ground. Cleaned out its treasury and razed it to the ground.
167 00:10:03,394 00:10:06,759 Exactly how much treasure the romans looted is unknown, Exactly how much treasure the romans looted is unknown,
168 00:10:06,834 00:10:11,799 But a clue can be found 1,500 miles away in rome, Italy. But a clue can be found 1,500 miles away in rome, Italy.
169 00:10:16,434 00:10:18,439 The astonishing copper scroll. The astonishing copper scroll.
170 00:10:19,394 00:10:22,272 A treasure map written at the time of jesus A treasure map written at the time of jesus
171 00:10:22,281 00:10:24,159 Divided the academic world. Divided the academic world.
172 00:10:25,641 00:10:28,119 While some believed it to be genuine, While some believed it to be genuine,
173 00:10:28,194 00:10:31,552 Others were still convinced it must be fake. Others were still convinced it must be fake.
174 00:10:31,561 00:10:34,799 The skeptics pointed to the numerous spelling mistakes, The skeptics pointed to the numerous spelling mistakes,
175 00:10:36,114 00:10:38,919 A rarity in the other dead sea scrolls, A rarity in the other dead sea scrolls,
176 00:10:38,994 00:10:41,152 And not something you'd expect on a document And not something you'd expect on a document
177 00:10:41,161 00:10:42,879 Of such apparent importance. Of such apparent importance.
178 00:10:43,881 00:10:46,512 Schiffman: Right here we have an example of the fact Schiffman: Right here we have an example of the fact
179 00:10:46,521 00:10:50,432 That the people who were asked to chisel this text, That the people who were asked to chisel this text,
180 00:10:50,441 00:10:52,279 Presumably based on a written copy, Presumably based on a written copy,
181 00:10:52,354 00:10:53,952 Sometimes made mistakes. Sometimes made mistakes.
182 00:10:53,961 00:10:56,592 And here you have a word which means And here you have a word which means
183 00:10:56,601 00:11:00,119 "normally at the bottom of something" and they've added "normally at the bottom of something" and they've added
184 00:11:00,194 00:11:02,912 A letter that doesn't belong in the word. A letter that doesn't belong in the word.
185 00:11:02,921 00:11:05,152 Mastrelli: Professor schiffman believes the mistakes Mastrelli: Professor schiffman believes the mistakes
186 00:11:05,161 00:11:09,159 Are not due to clumsy forgers but are the result Are not due to clumsy forgers but are the result
187 00:11:09,234 00:11:12,272 Of transcribing information onto a material Of transcribing information onto a material
188 00:11:12,281 00:11:14,999 That's notoriously difficult to work with. That's notoriously difficult to work with.
189 00:11:18,681 00:11:20,679 Schiffman: One of the problems they faced was Schiffman: One of the problems they faced was
190 00:11:20,754 00:11:22,992 That they were taking letter shapes That they were taking letter shapes
191 00:11:23,001 00:11:26,439 Which were designed to be written on skin Which were designed to be written on skin
192 00:11:26,514 00:11:30,192 With a stylus or something like that, or a pen, With a stylus or something like that, or a pen,
193 00:11:30,201 00:11:33,999 And they were putting them into metal with a chisel. And they were putting them into metal with a chisel.
194 00:11:34,921 00:11:36,992 Because of the chiseling, which is sort of Because of the chiseling, which is sort of
195 00:11:37,001 00:11:39,479 The wrong technology for writing this alphabet, The wrong technology for writing this alphabet,
196 00:11:39,554 00:11:41,632 A lot of letters came out inexact. A lot of letters came out inexact.
197 00:11:41,641 00:11:44,559 And as a result of that, we can't tell which letter it is. And as a result of that, we can't tell which letter it is.
198 00:11:47,721 00:11:50,752 Mastrelli: Most experts now agree that the mistakes Mastrelli: Most experts now agree that the mistakes
199 00:11:50,761 00:11:54,592 Are simply the inevitable consequence of writing Are simply the inevitable consequence of writing
200 00:11:54,601 00:11:57,839 A complex text using a hammer and chisel. A complex text using a hammer and chisel.
201 00:12:00,361 00:12:02,679 They conclude the scroll is genuine. They conclude the scroll is genuine.
202 00:12:04,201 00:12:07,559 And that means the treasure must be real. And that means the treasure must be real.
203 00:12:10,114 00:12:11,159 Schiffman: It's very unlikely that anybody Schiffman: It's very unlikely that anybody
204 00:12:11,234 00:12:12,519 Would go to this whole trouble Would go to this whole trouble
205 00:12:12,594 00:12:13,872 If they were just writing down If they were just writing down
206 00:12:13,881 00:12:15,392 Some kind of a dream about treasures Some kind of a dream about treasures
207 00:12:15,401 00:12:17,399 That they wished they owned but didn't own. That they wished they owned but didn't own.
208 00:12:17,474 00:12:20,752 Mastrelli: Turning to the text, scholars started to see clues Mastrelli: Turning to the text, scholars started to see clues
209 00:12:20,761 00:12:23,792 That might reveal where the treasure came from. That might reveal where the treasure came from.
210 00:12:23,801 00:12:25,639 Schiffman: It's pretty clear that this text Schiffman: It's pretty clear that this text
211 00:12:25,714 00:12:28,272 In some way is connected to the priests, In some way is connected to the priests,
212 00:12:28,281 00:12:30,839 Because you have mention of priestly vessels Because you have mention of priestly vessels
213 00:12:30,914 00:12:34,112 As well as garments that the priests wore. As well as garments that the priests wore.
214 00:12:34,121 00:12:36,112 So, it's pretty clear that we're talking about something So, it's pretty clear that we're talking about something
215 00:12:36,121 00:12:39,239 That relates to priesthood and religious worship. That relates to priesthood and religious worship.
216 00:12:41,314 00:12:43,712 Mastrelli: In 70 c.E., when the copper scroll Mastrelli: In 70 c.E., when the copper scroll
217 00:12:43,721 00:12:45,879 Is thought to have been written, Is thought to have been written,
218 00:12:45,954 00:12:49,119 Great wealth and religion can point to just one place. Great wealth and religion can point to just one place.
219 00:12:51,961 00:12:52,759 Jerusalem. Jerusalem.
220 00:12:54,601 00:12:56,359 This is the temple mount, This is the temple mount,
221 00:12:57,234 00:13:00,839 A focus for religious worship for almost 3,000 years. A focus for religious worship for almost 3,000 years.
222 00:13:02,921 00:13:06,119 Around the time the copper scroll was created, Around the time the copper scroll was created,
223 00:13:06,194 00:13:08,919 This vast walled platform was dominated This vast walled platform was dominated
224 00:13:08,994 00:13:13,039 By one giant structure: The second temple. By one giant structure: The second temple.
225 00:13:15,394 00:13:17,152 It was the centerpiece of a kingdom It was the centerpiece of a kingdom
226 00:13:17,161 00:13:20,279 Ruled by herod the great, a jewish king, Ruled by herod the great, a jewish king,
227 00:13:21,394 00:13:22,879 But under the rule of rome. But under the rule of rome.
228 00:13:25,081 00:13:26,919 Herman: The jewish temple in jerusalem, Herman: The jewish temple in jerusalem,
229 00:13:26,994 00:13:31,232 In the first century, was a magnificent complex. In the first century, was a magnificent complex.
230 00:13:31,241 00:13:35,639 It was the biggest shrine built in the whole roman empire It was the biggest shrine built in the whole roman empire
231 00:13:35,714 00:13:37,079 At the time it was standing. At the time it was standing.
232 00:13:39,554 00:13:40,839 Mastrelli: Rising from the rubble Mastrelli: Rising from the rubble
233 00:13:40,914 00:13:43,159 Of solomon's first temple, Of solomon's first temple,
234 00:13:43,234 00:13:47,632 Once home to the ark of the covenant, herod's second temple Once home to the ark of the covenant, herod's second temple
235 00:13:47,641 00:13:50,559 Attracted millions of worshipers every year. Attracted millions of worshipers every year.
236 00:13:52,434 00:13:54,119 Herman: The main activity was in front of it Herman: The main activity was in front of it
237 00:13:54,194 00:13:56,919 Where all the jewish pilgrims would be sacrificing Where all the jewish pilgrims would be sacrificing
238 00:13:56,994 00:13:59,872 The animals with the assistance of the priests, The animals with the assistance of the priests,
239 00:13:59,881 00:14:03,632 An ongoing sacrificial activity or, in my terms, An ongoing sacrificial activity or, in my terms,
240 00:14:03,641 00:14:06,039 The biggest barbecue in the mediterranean ever. The biggest barbecue in the mediterranean ever.
241 00:14:08,521 00:14:10,519 Mastrelli: And every single visitor was required Mastrelli: And every single visitor was required
242 00:14:10,594 00:14:12,319 To leave a donation in silver. To leave a donation in silver.
243 00:14:14,361 00:14:17,479 Herman: Each one of them had to give a half a shekel, Herman: Each one of them had to give a half a shekel,
244 00:14:17,554 00:14:19,959 Which is about seven grams of silver, Which is about seven grams of silver,
245 00:14:20,034 00:14:22,759 To the temple, and many gave a lot more. To the temple, and many gave a lot more.
246 00:14:26,194 00:14:28,832 Mastrelli: In a little less than a century, herod's temple Mastrelli: In a little less than a century, herod's temple
247 00:14:28,841 00:14:32,239 Accumulated a huge collection of gold and silver. Accumulated a huge collection of gold and silver.
248 00:14:33,721 00:14:35,959 Known as the temple treasures, Known as the temple treasures,
249 00:14:36,034 00:14:39,472 Many scholars now believe that these were the same treasures Many scholars now believe that these were the same treasures
250 00:14:39,481 00:14:41,479 That were listed on the copper scroll. That were listed on the copper scroll.
251 00:14:44,594 00:14:47,632 Literary evidence suggests the scroll was written Literary evidence suggests the scroll was written
252 00:14:47,641 00:14:49,319 During the time of the jewish revolt During the time of the jewish revolt
253 00:14:49,394 00:14:50,799 Against the roman empire. Against the roman empire.
254 00:14:51,874 00:14:53,232 If there was ever a time to hide If there was ever a time to hide
255 00:14:53,241 00:14:56,512 The temple treasures, this was it. The temple treasures, this was it.
256 00:14:56,521 00:15:00,272 Indeed, in 70 c.E., the army of the future emperor Indeed, in 70 c.E., the army of the future emperor
257 00:15:00,281 00:15:02,752 Titus of rome cleaned out the treasury Titus of rome cleaned out the treasury
258 00:15:02,761 00:15:04,759 And razed the temple to the ground. And razed the temple to the ground.
259 00:15:07,561 00:15:10,599 Just how much treasure the romans looted is unknown, Just how much treasure the romans looted is unknown,
260 00:15:11,634 00:15:15,719 But a clue can be found, 1,500 miles away But a clue can be found, 1,500 miles away
261 00:15:16,921 00:15:18,159 In rome, Italy. In rome, Italy.
262 00:15:21,314 00:15:23,319 This is the arch of titus. This is the arch of titus.
263 00:15:25,001 00:15:28,592 Built in 82 a.D., it commemorates the roman army's Built in 82 a.D., it commemorates the roman army's
264 00:15:28,601 00:15:31,279 Triumphant return from the siege of jerusalem. Triumphant return from the siege of jerusalem.
265 00:15:33,881 00:15:36,199 It features an inscribed relief It features an inscribed relief
266 00:15:36,274 00:15:38,639 Illustrating the army's spoils of war. Illustrating the army's spoils of war.
267 00:15:41,394 00:15:44,992 Crucially, it depicts the golden menorah, Crucially, it depicts the golden menorah,
268 00:15:45,001 00:15:46,919 The seven-branched candelabrum The seven-branched candelabrum
269 00:15:46,994 00:15:49,279 Carried by mosses into the wilderness. Carried by mosses into the wilderness.
270 00:15:52,441 00:15:54,919 It was the single most prized item It was the single most prized item
271 00:15:54,994 00:15:56,679 Of all the temple treasures. Of all the temple treasures.
272 00:15:57,641 00:15:59,959 But were all its treasures lost? But were all its treasures lost?
273 00:16:00,034 00:16:02,832 Or did the temple priests anticipate the siege Or did the temple priests anticipate the siege
274 00:16:02,841 00:16:04,839 And smuggle out some of its treasures And smuggle out some of its treasures
275 00:16:04,914 00:16:07,079 Before the romans arrived? Before the romans arrived?
276 00:16:07,154 00:16:10,519 If so, could the copper scroll still preserve If so, could the copper scroll still preserve
277 00:16:10,594 00:16:13,999 The exact location of over 60 separate hordes? The exact location of over 60 separate hordes?
278 00:16:15,554 00:16:18,759 Schiffman: As far as we can judge, these priests created Schiffman: As far as we can judge, these priests created
279 00:16:18,834 00:16:22,832 A sort of treasure map so that eventually A sort of treasure map so that eventually
280 00:16:22,841 00:16:25,239 It would be possible to recover these treasures. It would be possible to recover these treasures.
281 00:16:26,281 00:16:29,232 Mastrelli: To date, no genuine copper scroll treasures Mastrelli: To date, no genuine copper scroll treasures
282 00:16:29,241 00:16:31,879 Have ever been discovered. Have ever been discovered.
283 00:16:31,954 00:16:35,639 Their absence is puzzling, but a solution to the mystery Their absence is puzzling, but a solution to the mystery
284 00:16:35,714 00:16:37,319 May have been found... May have been found...
285 00:16:40,114 00:16:42,759 In the form of a ghost inscription. In the form of a ghost inscription.
286 00:16:45,874 00:16:47,552 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
287 00:16:47,561 00:16:51,152 Today, scholars agree that the copper scroll, Today, scholars agree that the copper scroll,
288 00:16:51,161 00:16:54,519 A treasure map from the time of jesus, is genuine. A treasure map from the time of jesus, is genuine.
289 00:16:56,114 00:16:58,039 And, most likely, that it points And, most likely, that it points
290 00:16:58,114 00:17:00,839 To multiple burial sites of treasures, To multiple burial sites of treasures,
291 00:17:00,914 00:17:04,432 Taken from the second temple in jerusalem by its priests, Taken from the second temple in jerusalem by its priests,
292 00:17:04,441 00:17:06,239 And then hidden from the roman army. And then hidden from the roman army.
293 00:17:08,194 00:17:11,792 But of all the locations deciphered so far, But of all the locations deciphered so far,
294 00:17:11,801 00:17:14,279 No trace of the treasure has been found. No trace of the treasure has been found.
295 00:17:15,161 00:17:15,999 Why? Why?
296 00:17:19,314 00:17:22,512 The arch of titus reveals the roman army returning to rome The arch of titus reveals the roman army returning to rome
297 00:17:22,521 00:17:26,799 With the temple treasures, but did they really get it all? With the temple treasures, but did they really get it all?
298 00:17:28,514 00:17:30,832 Experts now believe this marble plaque Experts now believe this marble plaque
299 00:17:30,841 00:17:32,159 Could hold the answer. Could hold the answer.
300 00:17:34,514 00:17:37,719 Once part of the colosseum, it holds an inscription Once part of the colosseum, it holds an inscription
301 00:17:37,794 00:17:40,079 That was written in the fifth century c.E. That was written in the fifth century c.E.
302 00:17:41,801 00:17:44,919 But does it hide clues to an even earlier text? But does it hide clues to an even earlier text?
303 00:17:46,354 00:17:50,039 Not carved into the stone but hammered onto it. Not carved into the stone but hammered onto it.
304 00:18:16,914 00:18:18,752 Mastrelli: These holes once held pegs Mastrelli: These holes once held pegs
305 00:18:18,761 00:18:21,399 Carrying bronze letters in front of the marble. Carrying bronze letters in front of the marble.
306 00:18:24,361 00:18:28,039 The challenge for scholars was to precisely match The challenge for scholars was to precisely match
307 00:18:28,114 00:18:30,639 The correct letters to the corresponding holes The correct letters to the corresponding holes
308 00:18:31,554 00:18:34,119 And reconstruct the ghost inscription. And reconstruct the ghost inscription.
309 00:18:46,834 00:18:50,439 Mastrelli: In 1995, experts finally cracked the code. Mastrelli: In 1995, experts finally cracked the code.
310 00:18:53,634 00:18:55,159 They read the ghost inscription They read the ghost inscription
311 00:18:55,234 00:18:58,559 For the first time in close to 1,500 years. For the first time in close to 1,500 years.
312 00:19:26,354 00:19:28,839 Mastrelli: The inscription was shocking. Mastrelli: The inscription was shocking.
313 00:19:28,914 00:19:30,672 It revealed for the first time It revealed for the first time
314 00:19:30,681 00:19:33,279 The sheer scale of the temple treasures. The sheer scale of the temple treasures.
315 00:19:34,194 00:19:37,239 The wealth was so great the roman emperors The wealth was so great the roman emperors
316 00:19:37,314 00:19:38,599 Could fund the construction Could fund the construction
317 00:19:38,674 00:19:41,079 Of the greatest amphitheater ever built. Of the greatest amphitheater ever built.
318 00:19:43,961 00:19:44,999 The colosseum. The colosseum.
319 00:19:47,234 00:19:52,199 The most impressive building in the entire roman empire. The most impressive building in the entire roman empire.
320 00:20:11,161 00:20:13,152 Mastrelli: The colosseum was just one part Mastrelli: The colosseum was just one part
321 00:20:13,161 00:20:16,359 Of a massive building program that took place in rome Of a massive building program that took place in rome
322 00:20:16,434 00:20:18,239 After the siege of jerusalem. After the siege of jerusalem.
323 00:20:19,321 00:20:22,359 Some consider this evidence that the romans Some consider this evidence that the romans
324 00:20:22,434 00:20:24,352 Must have discovered the hidden fortunes Must have discovered the hidden fortunes
325 00:20:24,361 00:20:26,479 Listed in the copper scroll. Listed in the copper scroll.
326 00:20:28,441 00:20:31,079 But there are many who are equally convinced But there are many who are equally convinced
327 00:20:31,154 00:20:33,639 That some of the treasure is still out there. That some of the treasure is still out there.
328 00:20:36,281 00:20:38,079 Could it be waiting to be found? Could it be waiting to be found?
329 00:20:41,874 00:20:46,359 Herman: I do truly believe this is a depiction of real treasures Herman: I do truly believe this is a depiction of real treasures
330 00:20:46,434 00:20:51,072 And they were hidden, and maybe, maybe some of it, And they were hidden, and maybe, maybe some of it,
331 00:20:51,081 00:20:53,472 One of those treasures are still hidden One of those treasures are still hidden
332 00:20:53,481 00:20:55,639 And waiting to be exposed. And waiting to be exposed.
333 00:20:55,714 00:20:58,759 Mastrelli: If he is right, then the treasures listed Mastrelli: If he is right, then the treasures listed
334 00:20:58,834 00:21:02,839 In the copper scroll evaded the marauding romans In the copper scroll evaded the marauding romans
335 00:21:02,914 00:21:05,719 And the scroll succeeded in the very job And the scroll succeeded in the very job
336 00:21:05,794 00:21:08,272 It was designed to do. It was designed to do.
337 00:21:08,281 00:21:11,399 Schiffman: There was a very quick economic Schiffman: There was a very quick economic
338 00:21:11,474 00:21:15,559 And social recovery after the war with rome. And social recovery after the war with rome.
339 00:21:15,634 00:21:18,752 My assumption is, if these treasures were real, My assumption is, if these treasures were real,
340 00:21:18,761 00:21:20,992 They may have been recovered by the people They may have been recovered by the people
341 00:21:21,001 00:21:24,599 Who hid them and used for good purposes Who hid them and used for good purposes
342 00:21:24,674 00:21:26,559 For the recovery of the jewish people. For the recovery of the jewish people.
343 00:21:32,194 00:21:34,919 Mastrelli: So, some think rome got all the hidden treasure, Mastrelli: So, some think rome got all the hidden treasure,
344 00:21:34,994 00:21:36,832 Others are convinced they got just part of it, Others are convinced they got just part of it,
345 00:21:36,841 00:21:40,039 And still others believe the whole copper scroll enterprise And still others believe the whole copper scroll enterprise
346 00:21:40,114 00:21:42,119 Went off without a hitch and that its treasures Went off without a hitch and that its treasures
347 00:21:42,194 00:21:46,112 Never once left israel, but were, instead, quietly reclaimed Never once left israel, but were, instead, quietly reclaimed
348 00:21:46,121 00:21:48,719 By the jewish people and used to rebuild their lives. By the jewish people and used to rebuild their lives.
349 00:21:49,721 00:21:52,039 Ask me what I believe, and I'll give it to you straight. Ask me what I believe, and I'll give it to you straight.
350 00:21:52,114 00:21:54,439 I prefer my mysteries to be like my martinis, I prefer my mysteries to be like my martinis,
351 00:21:54,514 00:21:57,719 Stirred, not shaken, and always unsolved. Stirred, not shaken, and always unsolved.