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1 00:00:00,921 00:00:02,752 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
2 00:00:02,761 00:00:07,559 Mastrelli: King solomon, the bible's richest ancient ruler. Mastrelli: King solomon, the bible's richest ancient ruler.
3 00:00:07,801 00:00:11,792 Famed for his wisdom, he amassed a fortune without equal Famed for his wisdom, he amassed a fortune without equal
4 00:00:11,801 00:00:13,279 In the old testament. In the old testament.
5 00:00:14,441 00:00:17,152 For centuries, adventurers have hunted For centuries, adventurers have hunted
6 00:00:17,161 00:00:19,399 For the source of solomon's wealth. For the source of solomon's wealth.
7 00:00:21,161 00:00:25,072 Now, new evidence reveals an industrial complex Now, new evidence reveals an industrial complex
8 00:00:25,081 00:00:27,232 That could have made solomon rich That could have made solomon rich
9 00:00:27,241 00:00:29,639 Beyond man's wildest dreams. Beyond man's wildest dreams.
10 00:00:32,921 00:00:37,919 Did this site make solomon the richest king in the world? Did this site make solomon the richest king in the world?
11 00:00:40,674 00:00:44,519 For centuries, the mysteries of the past For centuries, the mysteries of the past
12 00:00:44,594 00:00:47,632 Have kept their secrets. Have kept their secrets.
13 00:00:47,641 00:00:52,639 But there are clues, cast in gold, etched in stone, But there are clues, cast in gold, etched in stone,
14 00:00:53,794 00:00:55,312 Written in blood. Written in blood.
15 00:00:55,321 00:00:57,839 (fist thumps) (fist thumps)
16 00:00:59,161 00:01:01,279 We can unlock them. We can unlock them.
17 00:01:04,681 00:01:07,319 (metal rattles) (metal rattles)
18 00:01:09,401 00:01:11,639 (feet tap) (feet tap)
19 00:01:17,401 00:01:19,319 This is the story behind This is the story behind
20 00:01:19,394 00:01:21,712 One of the bible's greatest mysteries, One of the bible's greatest mysteries,
21 00:01:21,721 00:01:24,839 The source of the legendary wealth of king solomon. The source of the legendary wealth of king solomon.
22 00:01:24,914 00:01:27,399 3,000 years ago, the bible says this wise 3,000 years ago, the bible says this wise
23 00:01:27,474 00:01:30,352 And all-powerful leader ruled the israelites. And all-powerful leader ruled the israelites.
24 00:01:30,361 00:01:33,152 (soft chanting) (soft chanting)
25 00:01:33,161 00:01:34,592 According to the old testament, According to the old testament,
26 00:01:34,601 00:01:36,992 Solomon's father, king david, Solomon's father, king david,
27 00:01:37,001 00:01:39,879 Conquered jerusalem and established the kingdom Conquered jerusalem and established the kingdom
28 00:01:39,954 00:01:41,359 Of israel and judah. Of israel and judah.
29 00:01:44,121 00:01:47,392 Then, king solomon, as david's son and heir, Then, king solomon, as david's son and heir,
30 00:01:47,401 00:01:49,719 Strengthened his hold on the young nation Strengthened his hold on the young nation
31 00:01:49,794 00:01:52,439 And filled its coffers with treasure. And filled its coffers with treasure.
32 00:01:52,514 00:01:55,799 His famous temple gleamed with gold. His famous temple gleamed with gold.
33 00:01:55,874 00:01:59,872 Have the real king solomon's mines finally been revealed? Have the real king solomon's mines finally been revealed?
34 00:01:59,881 00:02:02,879 (suspenseful music) (suspenseful music)
35 00:02:04,034 00:02:06,992 Voice of god: So king solomon exceeded all the kings Voice of god: So king solomon exceeded all the kings
36 00:02:07,001 00:02:10,239 Of the earth for riches and for wisdom. Of the earth for riches and for wisdom.
37 00:02:12,194 00:02:14,912 Thompson: Texts repeatedly say he had lots and lots of money Thompson: Texts repeatedly say he had lots and lots of money
38 00:02:14,921 00:02:17,159 And he had lots of friends in high places And he had lots of friends in high places
39 00:02:17,234 00:02:19,999 That got him valuable resources from far and wide. That got him valuable resources from far and wide.
40 00:02:22,761 00:02:24,599 Bhayro: You get an impression of solomon Bhayro: You get an impression of solomon
41 00:02:24,674 00:02:27,632 As being this great wise king who accrues enormous wealth As being this great wise king who accrues enormous wealth
42 00:02:27,641 00:02:29,879 And power and influence across many nations. And power and influence across many nations.
43 00:02:32,681 00:02:34,592 (soft music) (soft music)
44 00:02:34,601 00:02:37,439 Mastrelli: But where did solomon get this legendary wealth? Mastrelli: But where did solomon get this legendary wealth?
45 00:02:40,114 00:02:42,592 For centuries, historians speculated For centuries, historians speculated
46 00:02:42,601 00:02:46,999 It came from a long lost complex of gold and silver mines. It came from a long lost complex of gold and silver mines.
47 00:02:51,154 00:02:55,079 The idea inspired novelist h. Rider haggard The idea inspired novelist h. Rider haggard
48 00:02:55,154 00:02:59,559 To write the 19th century classic, "king solomon's mines," To write the 19th century classic, "king solomon's mines,"
49 00:03:01,161 00:03:03,072 Later reimagined by hollywood Later reimagined by hollywood
50 00:03:03,081 00:03:05,559 As the ultimate epic treasure hunt. As the ultimate epic treasure hunt.
51 00:03:07,234 00:03:09,712 Meanwhile, actual archaeological evidence Meanwhile, actual archaeological evidence
52 00:03:09,721 00:03:13,959 Of any such mines has proved elusive. Of any such mines has proved elusive.
53 00:03:14,034 00:03:18,919 Yosef: Many scholars think that they are much exaggerated. Yosef: Many scholars think that they are much exaggerated.
54 00:03:18,994 00:03:20,432 There are even scholars that believe There are even scholars that believe
55 00:03:20,441 00:03:22,239 That they are completely fiction. That they are completely fiction.
56 00:03:24,034 00:03:26,432 Mastrelli: But now a series of incredible new discoveries Mastrelli: But now a series of incredible new discoveries
57 00:03:26,441 00:03:31,072 Have revealed there was a vast network of lucrative mines Have revealed there was a vast network of lucrative mines
58 00:03:31,081 00:03:33,239 In the lands and time of solomon. In the lands and time of solomon.
59 00:03:34,521 00:03:37,152 These would have enabled their owners These would have enabled their owners
60 00:03:37,161 00:03:40,439 To amass riches beyond their wildest dreams. To amass riches beyond their wildest dreams.
61 00:03:41,714 00:03:44,432 So, have archaeologists found proof So, have archaeologists found proof
62 00:03:44,441 00:03:46,879 That king solomon's mines were real? That king solomon's mines were real?
63 00:03:48,194 00:03:51,159 (suspenseful music) (suspenseful music)
64 00:03:56,841 00:03:58,912 200 miles south of jerusalem, 200 miles south of jerusalem,
65 00:03:58,921 00:04:02,799 In the heart of the negev desert, lies the timna valley. In the heart of the negev desert, lies the timna valley.
66 00:04:05,954 00:04:10,519 When archaeologists began excavating here in 1964, When archaeologists began excavating here in 1964,
67 00:04:10,594 00:04:12,679 They found countless ancient mines They found countless ancient mines
68 00:04:12,754 00:04:15,279 Covering nearly 30 square miles. Covering nearly 30 square miles.
69 00:04:18,754 00:04:21,279 Yosef: We're talking about thousands of mines. Yosef: We're talking about thousands of mines.
70 00:04:23,481 00:04:25,872 Some of these shafts and galleries Some of these shafts and galleries
71 00:04:25,881 00:04:29,879 Go more than 40 meters deep below the surface. Go more than 40 meters deep below the surface.
72 00:04:31,714 00:04:34,839 (soft dramatic music) (soft dramatic music)
73 00:04:36,434 00:04:38,439 Mastrelli: Archaeologists assumed these mines Mastrelli: Archaeologists assumed these mines
74 00:04:38,514 00:04:40,999 Were controlled by the ancient egyptians. Were controlled by the ancient egyptians.
75 00:04:43,081 00:04:46,592 Remains found at the site, like a temple in honor of hathor, Remains found at the site, like a temple in honor of hathor,
76 00:04:46,601 00:04:49,719 The egyptian goddess of love, and a cartouche The egyptian goddess of love, and a cartouche
77 00:04:49,794 00:04:54,512 Of king ramses iii, pointed to a merciless egyptian outpost Of king ramses iii, pointed to a merciless egyptian outpost
78 00:04:54,521 00:04:56,999 At its peak in the 13th century bce. At its peak in the 13th century bce.
79 00:05:00,914 00:05:04,999 But in 2012, that theory was shattered. But in 2012, that theory was shattered.
80 00:05:06,434 00:05:09,712 A team led by professor erez ben-yosef A team led by professor erez ben-yosef
81 00:05:09,721 00:05:12,192 Returned to the valley five decades after Returned to the valley five decades after
82 00:05:12,201 00:05:13,999 The first excavations in timna. The first excavations in timna.
83 00:05:16,914 00:05:19,392 His discoveries are rewriting the history His discoveries are rewriting the history
84 00:05:19,401 00:05:21,919 Of these so-called egyptian mines. Of these so-called egyptian mines.
85 00:05:22,914 00:05:24,752 Yosef: When I went back to timna, Yosef: When I went back to timna,
86 00:05:24,761 00:05:28,192 It was after decades that nobody did any research there It was after decades that nobody did any research there
87 00:05:28,201 00:05:31,639 Because we thought that we know what's going on there. Because we thought that we know what's going on there.
88 00:05:33,481 00:05:35,239 Yosef: Ben-yosef decided to look at something Yosef: Ben-yosef decided to look at something
89 00:05:35,314 00:05:37,319 That had never been investigated before, That had never been investigated before,
90 00:05:38,994 00:05:41,479 The byproducts of the mining operations. The byproducts of the mining operations.
91 00:05:43,321 00:05:46,112 Carbon and archaeomagnetic dating of this material Carbon and archaeomagnetic dating of this material
92 00:05:46,121 00:05:47,719 Revealed something shocking. Revealed something shocking.
93 00:05:49,954 00:05:52,359 Yosef: We were amazed when the results came back. Yosef: We were amazed when the results came back.
94 00:05:53,314 00:05:56,359 There is not a single date from the egyptian period. There is not a single date from the egyptian period.
95 00:05:58,201 00:06:00,839 Mastrelli: Incredibly, mining here was at its peak Mastrelli: Incredibly, mining here was at its peak
96 00:06:00,914 00:06:03,799 Around 950 bce. Around 950 bce.
97 00:06:03,874 00:06:07,399 That's 200 years after the egyptians left timna. That's 200 years after the egyptians left timna.
98 00:06:09,881 00:06:13,519 It was a date that captured the archaeologist's imagination. It was a date that captured the archaeologist's imagination.
99 00:06:15,401 00:06:18,432 Yosef: Now there's no doubt that the main phase of production Yosef: Now there's no doubt that the main phase of production
100 00:06:18,441 00:06:21,879 Here in timna was the 10th century bce. Here in timna was the 10th century bce.
101 00:06:23,074 00:06:25,159 And this is the time of david and solomon. And this is the time of david and solomon.
102 00:06:26,754 00:06:29,472 Mastrelli: These mines date to the time the bible says Mastrelli: These mines date to the time the bible says
103 00:06:29,481 00:06:32,839 That solomon had amassed a fortune of gold and silver That solomon had amassed a fortune of gold and silver
104 00:06:35,554 00:06:39,319 And used it to lavishly decorate his capital of jerusalem And used it to lavishly decorate his capital of jerusalem
105 00:06:39,394 00:06:40,799 In precious metals. In precious metals.
106 00:06:43,314 00:06:47,159 Voice of god: Solomon overlaid the house with pure gold, Voice of god: Solomon overlaid the house with pure gold,
107 00:06:47,234 00:06:50,279 And he made a partition by the chains of gold And he made a partition by the chains of gold
108 00:06:50,354 00:06:55,319 Before the oracle, and he overlaid it with gold. Before the oracle, and he overlaid it with gold.
109 00:06:55,961 00:06:58,512 Bhayro: Solomon embarks on an almost 40-year Bhayro: Solomon embarks on an almost 40-year
110 00:06:58,521 00:07:00,559 Grand building project in jerusalem, Grand building project in jerusalem,
111 00:07:01,961 00:07:03,879 Including the palace, administrative structures, Including the palace, administrative structures,
112 00:07:03,954 00:07:05,632 And the temple as well. And the temple as well.
113 00:07:05,641 00:07:07,952 And in doing so, all the wealth of the nation And in doing so, all the wealth of the nation
114 00:07:07,961 00:07:09,479 Is centered on him. Is centered on him.
115 00:07:10,361 00:07:12,192 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
116 00:07:12,201 00:07:14,119 Mastrelli: But what happened to all of solomon's wealth? Mastrelli: But what happened to all of solomon's wealth?
117 00:07:15,001 00:07:15,839 His gold? His gold?
118 00:07:16,841 00:07:17,639 His silver? His silver?
119 00:07:20,434 00:07:23,232 Today, holy buildings stand where many suspect Today, holy buildings stand where many suspect
120 00:07:23,241 00:07:25,879 Solomon's golden creations once glistened Solomon's golden creations once glistened
121 00:07:25,954 00:07:27,439 With precious metals. With precious metals.
122 00:07:30,914 00:07:34,752 Moreover, most scholars believe his gold and silver Moreover, most scholars believe his gold and silver
123 00:07:34,761 00:07:36,639 Was looted in the 6th century bce Was looted in the 6th century bce
124 00:07:37,641 00:07:40,679 When jerusalem was ransacked by the babylonians. When jerusalem was ransacked by the babylonians.
125 00:07:44,034 00:07:46,592 Thompson: The babylonians came in and they destroyed the city Thompson: The babylonians came in and they destroyed the city
126 00:07:46,601 00:07:48,439 And they took off all the goodies, And they took off all the goodies,
127 00:07:48,514 00:07:50,832 And so we're not even in the position to be able to expect And so we're not even in the position to be able to expect
128 00:07:50,841 00:07:53,079 To find the metals there if we wanted to To find the metals there if we wanted to
129 00:07:53,154 00:07:54,919 And say, "oh, this was solomon's." And say, "oh, this was solomon's."
130 00:07:54,994 00:07:56,719 There's no chance for that now. There's no chance for that now.
131 00:07:59,161 00:08:01,312 Mastrelli: Archaeologist dr. Christine thompson Mastrelli: Archaeologist dr. Christine thompson
132 00:08:01,321 00:08:03,079 Has been investigating the evidence Has been investigating the evidence
133 00:08:03,154 00:08:05,279 For king solomon's fabled wealth. For king solomon's fabled wealth.
134 00:08:07,161 00:08:09,952 Throughout israel, experts have uncovered Throughout israel, experts have uncovered
135 00:08:09,961 00:08:11,919 Extraordinary hoards of silver, Extraordinary hoards of silver,
136 00:08:13,874 00:08:16,599 Some from around the time of solomon's reign. Some from around the time of solomon's reign.
137 00:08:18,841 00:08:21,152 Thompson: When it comes to the source of solomon's wealth, Thompson: When it comes to the source of solomon's wealth,
138 00:08:21,161 00:08:23,519 The bible mentions clearly tarshish, The bible mentions clearly tarshish,
139 00:08:24,521 00:08:27,439 And there are gold supplies in a place call ophir. And there are gold supplies in a place call ophir.
140 00:08:28,754 00:08:31,152 Voice of god: And they came to ophir, Voice of god: And they came to ophir,
141 00:08:31,161 00:08:35,712 And fetched from thence gold, 420 talents, And fetched from thence gold, 420 talents,
142 00:08:35,721 00:08:37,559 And brought it to king solomon. And brought it to king solomon.
143 00:08:39,474 00:08:41,079 Thompson: We know it's somewhere south, Thompson: We know it's somewhere south,
144 00:08:41,154 00:08:43,879 But the biblical text is never quite specific enough But the biblical text is never quite specific enough
145 00:08:43,954 00:08:46,199 To give us a good sense of where it is, To give us a good sense of where it is,
146 00:08:46,274 00:08:49,399 So all sorts of ideas grew up about where it might be. So all sorts of ideas grew up about where it might be.
147 00:08:50,281 00:08:52,919 Mastrelli: And while erez ben-yosef's discoveries Mastrelli: And while erez ben-yosef's discoveries
148 00:08:52,994 00:08:55,399 Show that these ancient mines were at the peak Show that these ancient mines were at the peak
149 00:08:55,474 00:08:59,152 Of their productivity during the time of king solomon, Of their productivity during the time of king solomon,
150 00:08:59,161 00:09:00,912 There's a problem. There's a problem.
151 00:09:00,921 00:09:03,799 Gold and silver were never mined here. Gold and silver were never mined here.
152 00:09:04,681 00:09:08,832 Instead, ben-yosef believes these mines produced something Instead, ben-yosef believes these mines produced something
153 00:09:08,841 00:09:11,559 Even more essential than gold or silver, Even more essential than gold or silver,
154 00:09:11,634 00:09:13,952 Something that afforded king solomon Something that afforded king solomon
155 00:09:13,961 00:09:17,799 Access to all the other precious metals he desired. Access to all the other precious metals he desired.
156 00:09:19,641 00:09:22,119 Yosef: Copper, in this particular time in history, Yosef: Copper, in this particular time in history,
157 00:09:22,194 00:09:26,039 Was the most important economic resource. Was the most important economic resource.
158 00:09:26,114 00:09:28,999 This was the most lucrative industry. This was the most lucrative industry.
159 00:09:30,114 00:09:31,439 Very, very lucrative. Very, very lucrative.
160 00:09:32,601 00:09:33,919 It's like oil of today. It's like oil of today.
161 00:09:34,994 00:09:37,719 Mastrelli: Is copper, a key ingredient of bronze, Mastrelli: Is copper, a key ingredient of bronze,
162 00:09:37,794 00:09:41,279 The long lost source of solomon's riches? The long lost source of solomon's riches?
163 00:09:42,674 00:09:45,319 And are these the real king solomon's mines? And are these the real king solomon's mines?
164 00:09:49,794 00:09:51,239 Two pieces of rock. Two pieces of rock.
165 00:09:51,314 00:09:53,072 Not much to look at, right? Not much to look at, right?
166 00:09:53,081 00:09:55,559 But 3,000 years ago, they were transforming the world But 3,000 years ago, they were transforming the world
167 00:09:55,634 00:09:57,472 And enriching its kings. And enriching its kings.
168 00:09:57,481 00:10:01,472 The small one is copper ore, and this big one contains tin. The small one is copper ore, and this big one contains tin.
169 00:10:01,481 00:10:03,799 Combine them in a 90/10 ratio, Combine them in a 90/10 ratio,
170 00:10:03,874 00:10:07,232 Bring the heat up to a cozy 2,000 degrees fahrenheit, Bring the heat up to a cozy 2,000 degrees fahrenheit,
171 00:10:07,241 00:10:10,359 Then add some cooking show magic, and bam, Then add some cooking show magic, and bam,
172 00:10:10,434 00:10:12,272 You get one of these You get one of these
173 00:10:12,281 00:10:15,479 Next, put 1,000 swords like this into the hands of an army Next, put 1,000 swords like this into the hands of an army
174 00:10:15,554 00:10:18,832 And you too can watch the stone age come to an end. And you too can watch the stone age come to an end.
175 00:10:18,841 00:10:23,072 But is this how king solomon built his awesome fortune? But is this how king solomon built his awesome fortune?
176 00:10:23,081 00:10:26,992 With the raw material that fueled the bronze age? With the raw material that fueled the bronze age?
177 00:10:27,001 00:10:29,759 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
178 00:10:31,314 00:10:34,599 Recent discoveries in israel's negev desert reveal Recent discoveries in israel's negev desert reveal
179 00:10:34,674 00:10:38,832 Not gold or silver minds, but an industrial scale Not gold or silver minds, but an industrial scale
180 00:10:38,841 00:10:42,192 Copper mining, smelting, and production operation Copper mining, smelting, and production operation
181 00:10:42,201 00:10:44,992 That's 3,000 years old. That's 3,000 years old.
182 00:10:45,001 00:10:48,839 Archaeologist erez ben-yosef believes this site Archaeologist erez ben-yosef believes this site
183 00:10:48,914 00:10:52,479 Is one of the keys to king solomon's legendary wealth. Is one of the keys to king solomon's legendary wealth.
184 00:10:54,914 00:10:57,072 But just who exactly was working here But just who exactly was working here
185 00:10:57,081 00:10:59,199 During solomon's reign? During solomon's reign?
186 00:11:00,434 00:11:03,159 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
187 00:11:06,281 00:11:07,879 Yosef: In between the layers of slag, Yosef: In between the layers of slag,
188 00:11:07,954 00:11:10,599 What we have found is amazing materials What we have found is amazing materials
189 00:11:10,674 00:11:14,359 That are related to the people working at the furnaces. That are related to the people working at the furnaces.
190 00:11:14,434 00:11:17,232 We found out what they wear, we found cloth, We found out what they wear, we found cloth,
191 00:11:17,241 00:11:19,232 We have found textiles, we found ropes, We have found textiles, we found ropes,
192 00:11:19,241 00:11:21,479 We found remains of bones of what they ate, We found remains of bones of what they ate,
193 00:11:21,554 00:11:25,119 That reveal the story of the people working at the furnaces. That reveal the story of the people working at the furnaces.
194 00:11:26,834 00:11:29,559 Mastrelli: Normally after 3,000 years, Mastrelli: Normally after 3,000 years,
195 00:11:29,634 00:11:32,119 Organic matter on an archaeological site Organic matter on an archaeological site
196 00:11:32,194 00:11:34,519 Would have disintegrated long ago. Would have disintegrated long ago.
197 00:11:34,594 00:11:37,872 But astonishingly, timna's ultra-dry climate But astonishingly, timna's ultra-dry climate
198 00:11:37,881 00:11:42,039 Supplied the rare and perfect conditions for conservation, Supplied the rare and perfect conditions for conservation,
199 00:11:42,114 00:11:44,999 Even for the remains of fruits, like dates. Even for the remains of fruits, like dates.
200 00:11:47,001 00:11:48,512 Yosef: The organic materials in timna Yosef: The organic materials in timna
201 00:11:48,521 00:11:50,672 Are exceptionally well preserved, Are exceptionally well preserved,
202 00:11:50,681 00:11:54,559 Even in comparison to other sites located in the desert. Even in comparison to other sites located in the desert.
203 00:11:55,641 00:11:59,472 It looks almost like somebody ate it yesterday, you know. It looks almost like somebody ate it yesterday, you know.
204 00:11:59,481 00:12:00,599 It's almost fresh. It's almost fresh.
205 00:12:01,641 00:12:04,832 Mastrelli: The team found animal bones, wheat and barley Mastrelli: The team found animal bones, wheat and barley
206 00:12:04,841 00:12:09,552 As well as countless seeds from olives, grapes, and dates. As well as countless seeds from olives, grapes, and dates.
207 00:12:09,561 00:12:11,872 It's a menu of much higher quality It's a menu of much higher quality
208 00:12:11,881 00:12:14,199 That archaeologists would expect to find, That archaeologists would expect to find,
209 00:12:14,274 00:12:16,679 For instance, in a slave's quarters. For instance, in a slave's quarters.
210 00:12:19,161 00:12:21,872 The team starts to suspect a division of labor The team starts to suspect a division of labor
211 00:12:21,881 00:12:24,519 And status at the site, And status at the site,
212 00:12:24,594 00:12:28,399 And that the copper smelters enjoyed distinct privileges. And that the copper smelters enjoyed distinct privileges.
213 00:12:29,874 00:12:33,239 Sapir: People that were engaged in the smelting activities Sapir: People that were engaged in the smelting activities
214 00:12:33,314 00:12:37,119 Had mainly the ribs and the shoulder blades, Had mainly the ribs and the shoulder blades,
215 00:12:38,041 00:12:42,319 And the upper limb bone, the better parts of the meat. And the upper limb bone, the better parts of the meat.
216 00:12:44,594 00:12:47,799 Mastrelli: In contrast, it seems poorer quality meat Mastrelli: In contrast, it seems poorer quality meat
217 00:12:47,874 00:12:50,159 Was given to those working in the mines, Was given to those working in the mines,
218 00:12:51,634 00:12:54,279 As evidenced by the offcuts found As evidenced by the offcuts found
219 00:12:54,354 00:12:56,159 In other areas of the site. In other areas of the site.
220 00:12:57,474 00:13:00,912 Sapir: The poor meat parts would be, for example, Sapir: The poor meat parts would be, for example,
221 00:13:00,921 00:13:03,479 The knuckle bone of the lower hind limb. The knuckle bone of the lower hind limb.
222 00:13:03,554 00:13:06,599 And we found many of these in the area of the people And we found many of these in the area of the people
223 00:13:06,674 00:13:09,039 Which were engaged in the supporting activities. Which were engaged in the supporting activities.
224 00:13:11,954 00:13:14,759 Mastrelli: A striking social hierarchy had been discovered. Mastrelli: A striking social hierarchy had been discovered.
225 00:13:15,794 00:13:18,512 One class, of slaves or cheap laborers One class, of slaves or cheap laborers
226 00:13:18,521 00:13:21,312 Engaged in the excruciating work of the mines. Engaged in the excruciating work of the mines.
227 00:13:21,321 00:13:25,399 (dramatic string music) (dramatic string music)
228 00:13:25,474 00:13:28,352 The other, people who were so valued, The other, people who were so valued,
229 00:13:28,361 00:13:30,239 They were awarded the finest food. They were awarded the finest food.
230 00:13:32,594 00:13:34,199 (speaking foreign language) (speaking foreign language)
231 00:13:34,274 00:13:36,512 But it's not what they ate that reveals the most But it's not what they ate that reveals the most
232 00:13:36,521 00:13:37,919 About the smelters of timna. About the smelters of timna.
233 00:13:40,121 00:13:42,199 Rather, it's what they wore. Rather, it's what they wore.
234 00:13:45,794 00:13:47,712 (metal clanks) (metal clanks)
235 00:13:47,721 00:13:51,552 Workman: We're finding fragments of textiles like this, Workman: We're finding fragments of textiles like this,
236 00:13:51,561 00:13:54,599 But they're made from a variety of different materials. But they're made from a variety of different materials.
237 00:13:54,674 00:13:56,439 We find different qualities of textiles, We find different qualities of textiles,
238 00:13:56,514 00:13:57,799 Which is fabulous. Which is fabulous.
239 00:13:58,761 00:14:01,799 Mastrelli: So far, over 100 pieces have been brought Mastrelli: So far, over 100 pieces have been brought
240 00:14:01,874 00:14:05,039 To the israel antiquities authority for conservation. To the israel antiquities authority for conservation.
241 00:14:06,274 00:14:08,719 (case clicks) (case clicks)
242 00:14:10,754 00:14:14,439 Remarkably, these pieces of fabric reveal the identity Remarkably, these pieces of fabric reveal the identity
243 00:14:14,514 00:14:16,752 Of the elite timna smelters. Of the elite timna smelters.
244 00:14:16,761 00:14:19,632 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
245 00:14:19,641 00:14:23,559 The blue and red textiles found here have been seen before, The blue and red textiles found here have been seen before,
246 00:14:24,921 00:14:29,072 In ancient egyptian art portraying captured tribesmen In ancient egyptian art portraying captured tribesmen
247 00:14:29,081 00:14:32,439 From the 11th and 10th centuries bce. From the 11th and 10th centuries bce.
248 00:14:33,561 00:14:36,912 Sapir: When we look at rock drawings in egypt, Sapir: When we look at rock drawings in egypt,
249 00:14:36,921 00:14:39,639 We see depictions of the clothing, We see depictions of the clothing,
250 00:14:39,714 00:14:43,879 Which is the blue and red bands and the tassels. Which is the blue and red bands and the tassels.
251 00:14:47,801 00:14:51,552 We have the actual physical evidence of this depiction, We have the actual physical evidence of this depiction,
252 00:14:51,561 00:14:54,912 So we can say it's not just an artistic depiction, So we can say it's not just an artistic depiction,
253 00:14:54,921 00:14:59,919 It's actually representing a real image of the period It's actually representing a real image of the period
254 00:15:00,921 00:15:04,919 And of the region, and most probably the elite. And of the region, and most probably the elite.
255 00:15:05,874 00:15:09,159 Mastrelli: But these portraits are not of israelites. Mastrelli: But these portraits are not of israelites.
256 00:15:10,601 00:15:13,479 Inscriptions found alongside the paintings Inscriptions found alongside the paintings
257 00:15:13,554 00:15:18,432 Reveal another tribe, one the bible says Reveal another tribe, one the bible says
258 00:15:18,441 00:15:21,399 Are the sworn enemies of solomon's kingdom. Are the sworn enemies of solomon's kingdom.
259 00:15:23,474 00:15:27,079 Sapir: We have there clothing that are related to the elite Sapir: We have there clothing that are related to the elite
260 00:15:27,154 00:15:28,639 Of the edomite society. Of the edomite society.
261 00:15:30,034 00:15:33,072 Mastrelli: Rather than being part of solomon's israel, Mastrelli: Rather than being part of solomon's israel,
262 00:15:33,081 00:15:35,879 Timna was once part of the kingdom of edom, Timna was once part of the kingdom of edom,
263 00:15:37,634 00:15:40,439 A vast expanse of land that stretched south A vast expanse of land that stretched south
264 00:15:40,514 00:15:41,679 From the dead sea. From the dead sea.
265 00:15:45,394 00:15:48,119 And if the edomites were the master smelters And if the edomites were the master smelters
266 00:15:48,194 00:15:52,199 And kings of copper at timna, what does this do And kings of copper at timna, what does this do
267 00:15:52,274 00:15:54,592 To the story of king solomon's mines? To the story of king solomon's mines?
268 00:15:54,601 00:15:56,352 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
269 00:15:56,361 00:15:57,559 Is it mere fiction? Is it mere fiction?
270 00:15:59,634 00:16:02,719 Did solomon's riches even exist? Did solomon's riches even exist?
271 00:16:04,594 00:16:07,079 (tense music) (tense music)
272 00:16:09,241 00:16:11,239 In the timna valley in israel, In the timna valley in israel,
273 00:16:11,314 00:16:13,312 Archaeologists seem to have raised Archaeologists seem to have raised
274 00:16:13,321 00:16:16,432 The legend of king solomon's mines from the dust, The legend of king solomon's mines from the dust,
275 00:16:16,441 00:16:19,039 Only to see it blown away. Only to see it blown away.
276 00:16:20,114 00:16:24,192 A huge mining operation here 3,000 years ago A huge mining operation here 3,000 years ago
277 00:16:24,201 00:16:26,992 Would have been highly lucrative for its owner. Would have been highly lucrative for its owner.
278 00:16:27,001 00:16:30,039 But the archaeological evidence is clear. But the archaeological evidence is clear.
279 00:16:30,114 00:16:33,632 These mines were not run by king solomon, These mines were not run by king solomon,
280 00:16:33,641 00:16:37,392 But by his traditional enemies, the edomites. But by his traditional enemies, the edomites.
281 00:16:37,401 00:16:41,799 So, is the story of king solomon's mines just a myth? So, is the story of king solomon's mines just a myth?
282 00:16:41,874 00:16:43,632 Bhayro: When we read about solomon in the bible, Bhayro: When we read about solomon in the bible,
283 00:16:43,641 00:16:45,952 There are aspects of the way the story is told, There are aspects of the way the story is told,
284 00:16:45,961 00:16:48,592 Which are metaphorical, which are in code. Which are metaphorical, which are in code.
285 00:16:48,601 00:16:51,599 So, we need to learn to read the bible very, very carefully. So, we need to learn to read the bible very, very carefully.
286 00:16:55,001 00:16:57,152 Mastrelli: Some historians believe Mastrelli: Some historians believe
287 00:16:57,161 00:16:59,072 That when solomon ascended to power That when solomon ascended to power
288 00:16:59,081 00:17:02,759 In the land of the israelites in 970 bce, In the land of the israelites in 970 bce,
289 00:17:02,834 00:17:04,839 His kingdom may have been much smaller His kingdom may have been much smaller
290 00:17:04,914 00:17:08,912 Than the bible suggests and that he didn't own Than the bible suggests and that he didn't own
291 00:17:08,921 00:17:12,079 Any of the lucrative mines spread across the region. Any of the lucrative mines spread across the region.
292 00:17:15,714 00:17:16,912 Bhayro: The biblical presentation Bhayro: The biblical presentation
293 00:17:16,921 00:17:18,759 Of the size of solomon's kingdom Of the size of solomon's kingdom
294 00:17:18,834 00:17:20,752 Can come across as very large, Can come across as very large,
295 00:17:20,761 00:17:23,759 And the israelite kingdom never reached that extent. And the israelite kingdom never reached that extent.
296 00:17:24,834 00:17:26,519 But then it becomes important to differentiate But then it becomes important to differentiate
297 00:17:26,594 00:17:29,399 Between solomon's kingdom and solomon's influence. Between solomon's kingdom and solomon's influence.
298 00:17:29,474 00:17:32,119 (soft dramatic music) (soft dramatic music)
299 00:17:32,194 00:17:34,199 Mastrelli: Solomon may not have had direct rule Mastrelli: Solomon may not have had direct rule
300 00:17:34,274 00:17:36,439 Over the lucrative mines at timna, Over the lucrative mines at timna,
301 00:17:36,514 00:17:40,279 But there's evidence here that suggests the israelite king But there's evidence here that suggests the israelite king
302 00:17:40,354 00:17:43,359 Was actually working with his traditional enemies. Was actually working with his traditional enemies.
303 00:17:45,394 00:17:48,352 Archaeobotanist marc cavanagh has been investigating Archaeobotanist marc cavanagh has been investigating
304 00:17:48,361 00:17:52,119 Where the edomites obtained their high status foods. Where the edomites obtained their high status foods.
305 00:17:52,194 00:17:54,672 Certainly, none of the fare they were feasting on Certainly, none of the fare they were feasting on
306 00:17:54,681 00:17:56,512 Could have come from the arid desert Could have come from the arid desert
307 00:17:56,521 00:17:58,079 Surrounding the mines. Surrounding the mines.
308 00:17:59,161 00:18:01,152 Cavanagh: Olives don't grow naturally here. Cavanagh: Olives don't grow naturally here.
309 00:18:01,161 00:18:02,752 It's way too hot for them. It's way too hot for them.
310 00:18:02,761 00:18:04,679 But nonetheless, they had connections But nonetheless, they had connections
311 00:18:04,754 00:18:07,552 That allowed them to bring olives to this place. That allowed them to bring olives to this place.
312 00:18:07,561 00:18:09,799 (seeds rattling) (seeds rattling)
313 00:18:09,874 00:18:13,632 We've found hundreds of barley seeds. We've found hundreds of barley seeds.
314 00:18:13,641 00:18:15,159 But, again, they don't grow locally. But, again, they don't grow locally.
315 00:18:15,234 00:18:17,319 They had to have been brought in from far off, They had to have been brought in from far off,
316 00:18:18,521 00:18:20,999 At least 100 or so kilometers away. At least 100 or so kilometers away.
317 00:18:22,114 00:18:24,519 (tense music) (tense music)
318 00:18:25,401 00:18:27,152 Yosef: We have evidence for connections Yosef: We have evidence for connections
319 00:18:27,161 00:18:31,239 With the mediterranean region, the area of jerusalem, With the mediterranean region, the area of jerusalem,
320 00:18:31,314 00:18:33,319 Tight connections with these regions. Tight connections with these regions.
321 00:18:34,434 00:18:36,272 This gives us information This gives us information
322 00:18:36,281 00:18:40,879 About something substantial going on, long distance trade. About something substantial going on, long distance trade.
323 00:18:43,874 00:18:46,119 Mastrelli: Today, some experts suspect Mastrelli: Today, some experts suspect
324 00:18:46,194 00:18:48,912 That solomon granted the edomites, and their food, That solomon granted the edomites, and their food,
325 00:18:48,921 00:18:53,919 Safe passage through his land in exchange for something he Safe passage through his land in exchange for something he
326 00:18:54,274 00:18:58,839 And everyone else in the ancient world wanted: Copper. And everyone else in the ancient world wanted: Copper.
327 00:18:59,961 00:19:02,912 Yosef: King solomon might have had some control of these mines Yosef: King solomon might have had some control of these mines
328 00:19:02,921 00:19:04,432 Based on an agreement. Based on an agreement.
329 00:19:04,441 00:19:06,352 You know, you give us some of the income You know, you give us some of the income
330 00:19:06,361 00:19:09,632 From the copper trade and we won't attack you. From the copper trade and we won't attack you.
331 00:19:09,641 00:19:12,759 (singing in foreign language) (singing in foreign language)
332 00:19:12,834 00:19:14,439 Bhayro: That's the model of ancient empire, Bhayro: That's the model of ancient empire,
333 00:19:14,514 00:19:16,912 And, essentially, it's like a protection racket. And, essentially, it's like a protection racket.
334 00:19:16,921 00:19:19,639 They are now under the protection of israel, They are now under the protection of israel,
335 00:19:19,714 00:19:21,719 And in order to continue being protected by israel, And in order to continue being protected by israel,
336 00:19:21,794 00:19:25,359 They have to pay this big, big tax every year to jerusalem. They have to pay this big, big tax every year to jerusalem.
337 00:19:28,521 00:19:30,519 (soft chanting) (soft chanting)
338 00:19:30,594 00:19:32,512 Mastrelli: These new discoveries suggest Mastrelli: These new discoveries suggest
339 00:19:32,521 00:19:34,592 That the mines at timna may well have made That the mines at timna may well have made
340 00:19:34,601 00:19:39,472 Solomon extremely rich, not as the owner, Solomon extremely rich, not as the owner,
341 00:19:39,481 00:19:41,472 But as the commercial genius who saw But as the commercial genius who saw
342 00:19:41,481 00:19:44,519 How he could profit from other people's industry. How he could profit from other people's industry.
343 00:19:45,874 00:19:47,472 Bhayro: Through putting himself at the center Bhayro: Through putting himself at the center
344 00:19:47,481 00:19:49,232 Of this massive trade network, Of this massive trade network,
345 00:19:49,241 00:19:51,712 Which would have existed across the various empires, Which would have existed across the various empires,
346 00:19:51,721 00:19:54,119 And simply to take a little cut And simply to take a little cut
347 00:19:54,194 00:19:56,199 From the traders coming through his territory, From the traders coming through his territory,
348 00:19:56,274 00:19:58,079 That would bring him enormous wealth. That would bring him enormous wealth.
349 00:20:00,034 00:20:01,959 Mastrelli: It's a theory that seems to affirm Mastrelli: It's a theory that seems to affirm
350 00:20:02,034 00:20:05,319 The biblical account of a wise and ambitious ruler. The biblical account of a wise and ambitious ruler.
351 00:20:06,281 00:20:08,432 Voice of god: And god gave solomon wisdom Voice of god: And god gave solomon wisdom
352 00:20:08,441 00:20:13,439 And understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, And understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart,
353 00:20:13,714 00:20:16,639 Even as the sand that is on the seashore. Even as the sand that is on the seashore.
354 00:20:17,801 00:20:22,272 Bhayro: Solomon's characteristic foreign policy is peace. Bhayro: Solomon's characteristic foreign policy is peace.
355 00:20:22,281 00:20:25,552 He's able to do all that he can through persuasion, He's able to do all that he can through persuasion,
356 00:20:25,561 00:20:28,352 Through conversation, through diplomacy and through trade. Through conversation, through diplomacy and through trade.
357 00:20:28,361 00:20:31,079 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
358 00:20:32,921 00:20:36,752 Mastrelli: Perhaps the biblical story of solomon's vast empire Mastrelli: Perhaps the biblical story of solomon's vast empire
359 00:20:36,761 00:20:39,079 Was actually inspired by his influence Was actually inspired by his influence
360 00:20:39,154 00:20:42,119 Over the great trade networks of the near east, Over the great trade networks of the near east,
361 00:20:43,481 00:20:46,639 Including the mines that fueled his wealth. Including the mines that fueled his wealth.
362 00:20:48,281 00:20:49,879 Yosef: King solomon's mines, Yosef: King solomon's mines,
363 00:20:49,954 00:20:54,279 It doesn't mean that the kingdom of solomon invaded edom It doesn't mean that the kingdom of solomon invaded edom
364 00:20:54,354 00:20:59,079 And the israelites populated the land and worked the mines. And the israelites populated the land and worked the mines.
365 00:20:59,154 00:21:03,639 It means that solomon exerted some kind of control over edom It means that solomon exerted some kind of control over edom
366 00:21:05,561 00:21:08,272 And the richness of jerusalem could have been attributed And the richness of jerusalem could have been attributed
367 00:21:08,281 00:21:09,759 To this copper trade. To this copper trade.
368 00:21:12,441 00:21:15,632 Bhayro: With ancient edom, the more resources they produce, Bhayro: With ancient edom, the more resources they produce,
369 00:21:15,641 00:21:17,152 They increase their wealth, They increase their wealth,
370 00:21:17,161 00:21:19,152 And the more wealth you can push upstairs And the more wealth you can push upstairs
371 00:21:19,161 00:21:21,399 To the person collecting, everybody wins. To the person collecting, everybody wins.
372 00:21:23,001 00:21:24,919 If that is a form of wisdom, absolutely, If that is a form of wisdom, absolutely,
373 00:21:24,994 00:21:26,992 He's brilliant at doing that. He's brilliant at doing that.
374 00:21:27,001 00:21:29,759 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
375 00:21:35,561 00:21:38,359 Mastrelli: The discoveries in the scorched earth of timna Mastrelli: The discoveries in the scorched earth of timna
376 00:21:38,434 00:21:41,072 Let us peer into the world of a bronze age ruler. Let us peer into the world of a bronze age ruler.
377 00:21:41,081 00:21:45,392 It's a time so distant that myth seems to meld with history It's a time so distant that myth seems to meld with history
378 00:21:45,401 00:21:46,752 Just as tightly as copper Just as tightly as copper
379 00:21:46,761 00:21:49,712 Combines with tin to yield bronze. Combines with tin to yield bronze.
380 00:21:49,721 00:21:52,599 Likewise, thanks to archaeology, solomon, Likewise, thanks to archaeology, solomon,
381 00:21:52,674 00:21:54,599 The first captain of industry, The first captain of industry,
382 00:21:54,674 00:21:56,832 Can leap from the pages of the bible Can leap from the pages of the bible
383 00:21:56,841 00:21:58,759 Into the annals of science. Into the annals of science.