# Start End Original Translated
1 00:00:01,394 00:00:02,359 (thunder roaring) (dramatic music) (thunder roaring) (dramatic music)
2 00:00:02,434 00:00:04,439 Mastrelli: The 10 plagues of egypt, Mastrelli: The 10 plagues of egypt,
3 00:00:04,514 00:00:07,679 With rivers of blood and plagues of locusts, With rivers of blood and plagues of locusts,
4 00:00:09,001 00:00:12,592 It's a tale so bloody and so bizarre, It's a tale so bloody and so bizarre,
5 00:00:12,601 00:00:15,799 It seemed the events described could never have happened. It seemed the events described could never have happened.
6 00:00:17,234 00:00:20,359 But now archeologists are unearthing But now archeologists are unearthing
7 00:00:20,434 00:00:22,439 Shocking new discoveries, Shocking new discoveries,
8 00:00:22,514 00:00:24,439 And scientists are piecing together And scientists are piecing together
9 00:00:24,514 00:00:27,959 Intriguing new evidence. Intriguing new evidence.
10 00:00:28,034 00:00:29,559 If they're right, If they're right,
11 00:00:29,634 00:00:31,479 Our understanding of the bible, Our understanding of the bible,
12 00:00:31,554 00:00:35,872 And of 3,000 years of history will change forever. And of 3,000 years of history will change forever.
13 00:00:35,881 00:00:38,719 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
14 00:00:40,681 00:00:43,152 For centuries the mysteries For centuries the mysteries
15 00:00:43,161 00:00:47,639 Of the past have kept their secrets, Of the past have kept their secrets,
16 00:00:47,714 00:00:51,392 But there are clues cast in gold, But there are clues cast in gold,
17 00:00:51,401 00:00:54,119 Etched in stone, (people cheering) Etched in stone, (people cheering)
18 00:00:54,194 00:00:55,559 Written in blood. Written in blood.
19 00:00:59,234 00:01:01,719 We can unlock them. We can unlock them.
20 00:01:01,794 00:01:04,519 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
21 00:01:18,121 00:01:20,359 (gentle music) (gentle music)
22 00:01:20,434 00:01:22,199 According to the bible's book of exodus, According to the bible's book of exodus,
23 00:01:22,274 00:01:26,192 Moses led the jews out of egypt and into the promised land, Moses led the jews out of egypt and into the promised land,
24 00:01:26,201 00:01:29,152 And the cost of this freedom was primarily borne And the cost of this freedom was primarily borne
25 00:01:29,161 00:01:31,159 By the ancient egyptians who witnessed By the ancient egyptians who witnessed
26 00:01:31,234 00:01:34,592 10 plagues rain havoc on their nation. 10 plagues rain havoc on their nation.
27 00:01:34,601 00:01:36,992 As depicted in cecil b. Demille's "ten commandments", As depicted in cecil b. Demille's "ten commandments",
28 00:01:37,001 00:01:39,472 And iconically portrayed by charlton heston, And iconically portrayed by charlton heston,
29 00:01:39,481 00:01:41,559 This surreal chain of events This surreal chain of events
30 00:01:41,634 00:01:45,232 Naturally makes for a classic hollywood epic, Naturally makes for a classic hollywood epic,
31 00:01:45,241 00:01:47,552 But could such divine intervention But could such divine intervention
32 00:01:47,561 00:01:51,479 And apocalyptic destruction be inspired by real events? And apocalyptic destruction be inspired by real events?
33 00:01:51,554 00:01:53,959 Today, modern science is beginning to reveal Today, modern science is beginning to reveal
34 00:01:54,034 00:01:56,839 Some shocking truths behind some of the bible's Some shocking truths behind some of the bible's
35 00:01:56,914 00:01:59,152 Most fantastical tales. Most fantastical tales.
36 00:01:59,161 00:02:01,792 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
37 00:02:01,801 00:02:05,239 In the bible's book of exodus a tyrannical pharaoh In the bible's book of exodus a tyrannical pharaoh
38 00:02:05,314 00:02:08,999 Holds a vast army of israelite slaves captive. Holds a vast army of israelite slaves captive.
39 00:02:11,081 00:02:14,192 God orders moses to warn that 10 plagues God orders moses to warn that 10 plagues
40 00:02:14,201 00:02:18,592 Will sweep across egypt unless the slaves are released. Will sweep across egypt unless the slaves are released.
41 00:02:18,601 00:02:21,399 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
42 00:02:22,521 00:02:25,872 The pharaoh refuses to release the captives, The pharaoh refuses to release the captives,
43 00:02:25,881 00:02:30,039 So moses enacts god's apocalyptic first decree: So moses enacts god's apocalyptic first decree:
44 00:02:32,761 00:02:36,079 He turns the river nile into a torrent of blood, He turns the river nile into a torrent of blood,
45 00:02:38,514 00:02:40,439 But the pharaoh won't give in. But the pharaoh won't give in.
46 00:02:40,514 00:02:41,399 (frogs croaking) (frogs croaking)
47 00:02:41,474 00:02:43,072 According to the bible, According to the bible,
48 00:02:43,081 00:02:47,119 God sends plagues of frogs and swarms of flies. God sends plagues of frogs and swarms of flies.
49 00:02:47,961 00:02:50,752 Disease strikes down the livestock, Disease strikes down the livestock,
50 00:02:50,761 00:02:52,679 And boils blight the people. And boils blight the people.
51 00:02:53,881 00:02:56,832 Thunderstorms bring hail and fire. Thunderstorms bring hail and fire.
52 00:02:56,841 00:02:59,679 Hordes of locusts devastate crops. Hordes of locusts devastate crops.
53 00:03:00,674 00:03:03,872 Three days of darkness descend across egypt, Three days of darkness descend across egypt,
54 00:03:03,881 00:03:08,279 And still, the pharaoh refuses to release the captives. And still, the pharaoh refuses to release the captives.
55 00:03:08,354 00:03:12,432 Until the 10th and cruelest plague of all: Until the 10th and cruelest plague of all:
56 00:03:12,441 00:03:14,992 The death of all the firstborn. The death of all the firstborn.
57 00:03:15,001 00:03:18,199 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
58 00:03:18,274 00:03:21,072 With his empire and people in ruins, With his empire and people in ruins,
59 00:03:21,081 00:03:25,152 The pharaoh finally relents, releasing the captives The pharaoh finally relents, releasing the captives
60 00:03:25,161 00:03:28,279 And triggering the famed exodus of the israelites And triggering the famed exodus of the israelites
61 00:03:28,354 00:03:29,519 To the promised land. To the promised land.
62 00:03:32,441 00:03:36,359 If the 10 plagues were real natural phenomena, If the 10 plagues were real natural phenomena,
63 00:03:36,434 00:03:39,552 Surely they'd have been recorded in one of ancient egypt's Surely they'd have been recorded in one of ancient egypt's
64 00:03:39,561 00:03:42,839 Many thousands of inscriptions and documents. Many thousands of inscriptions and documents.
65 00:03:45,554 00:03:48,359 The colossal karnak temple of luxor The colossal karnak temple of luxor
66 00:03:48,434 00:03:51,312 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
67 00:03:51,321 00:03:54,432 Among these spectacular ruins once lay Among these spectacular ruins once lay
68 00:03:54,441 00:03:58,759 A six-foot tall inscribed stone tablet, called a stele. A six-foot tall inscribed stone tablet, called a stele.
69 00:04:00,594 00:04:03,359 It dates from the time of pharaoh ahmose I. It dates from the time of pharaoh ahmose I.
70 00:04:04,521 00:04:08,679 The stele is a factual account of an apocalyptic storm The stele is a factual account of an apocalyptic storm
71 00:04:08,754 00:04:12,592 That struck egypt three and a half thousand years ago. That struck egypt three and a half thousand years ago.
72 00:04:12,601 00:04:15,472 Moeller: We have a violent storm with a lot of water. Moeller: We have a violent storm with a lot of water.
73 00:04:15,481 00:04:16,992 There's destruction. There's destruction.
74 00:04:17,001 00:04:18,752 There are dead people. There are dead people.
75 00:04:18,761 00:04:19,959 (thunder roaring) (thunder roaring)
76 00:04:20,034 00:04:21,552 There is darkness, There is darkness,
77 00:04:21,561 00:04:24,759 Darkness that covered the whole land of egypt, Darkness that covered the whole land of egypt,
78 00:04:25,874 00:04:27,559 And all this is extremely unusual. And all this is extremely unusual.
79 00:04:27,634 00:04:30,199 There's no other text we know from ancient egypt There's no other text we know from ancient egypt
80 00:04:30,274 00:04:32,999 That actually describes such an event in this way. That actually describes such an event in this way.
81 00:04:34,121 00:04:36,199 Mastrelli: And this event is strikingly similar Mastrelli: And this event is strikingly similar
82 00:04:36,274 00:04:38,199 To two of the 10 plagues: To two of the 10 plagues:
83 00:04:39,641 00:04:43,472 The plagues of thunder and hail and of darkness. The plagues of thunder and hail and of darkness.
84 00:04:43,481 00:04:45,152 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
85 00:04:45,161 00:04:46,599 If the ahmose stele If the ahmose stele
86 00:04:46,674 00:04:48,112 And the biblical plagues And the biblical plagues
87 00:04:48,121 00:04:50,912 Describe the same catastrophic event, Describe the same catastrophic event,
88 00:04:50,921 00:04:53,792 Then this is the first independent Then this is the first independent
89 00:04:53,801 00:04:56,759 Historical account of the biblical plagues. Historical account of the biblical plagues.
90 00:04:58,121 00:05:01,232 Clear evidence that at least some of these Clear evidence that at least some of these
91 00:05:01,241 00:05:05,559 Supernatural events might have been real, natural phenomena. Supernatural events might have been real, natural phenomena.
92 00:05:06,674 00:05:09,472 But what in nature could have unleashed But what in nature could have unleashed
93 00:05:09,481 00:05:11,519 This series of catastrophes? This series of catastrophes?
94 00:05:12,521 00:05:13,712 Naunton: There's only a very limited number Naunton: There's only a very limited number
95 00:05:13,721 00:05:15,319 Of possible phenomena Of possible phenomena
96 00:05:15,394 00:05:16,679 From the natural world From the natural world
97 00:05:16,754 00:05:18,999 That could cause such dramatic change, That could cause such dramatic change,
98 00:05:20,914 00:05:23,719 And that would be a huge volcanic eruption. And that would be a huge volcanic eruption.
99 00:05:28,281 00:05:29,792 Mastrelli: Could a single eruption Mastrelli: Could a single eruption
100 00:05:29,801 00:05:32,359 Plunge egypt's climate into chaos? Plunge egypt's climate into chaos?
101 00:05:33,881 00:05:37,639 Could it unleash plagues of locusts and frogs? Could it unleash plagues of locusts and frogs?
102 00:05:37,714 00:05:39,559 Could it kill the firstborn? Could it kill the firstborn?
103 00:05:42,034 00:05:42,912 (gentle music) (gentle music)
104 00:05:42,921 00:05:44,319 But there's one problem. But there's one problem.
105 00:05:45,394 00:05:48,672 Naunton: There are no volcanoes in the region of egypt, Naunton: There are no volcanoes in the region of egypt,
106 00:05:48,681 00:05:51,399 So we have to ask ourselves So we have to ask ourselves
107 00:05:51,474 00:05:54,199 Is there a volcano anywhere else Is there a volcano anywhere else
108 00:05:54,274 00:05:57,319 Which could have caused an eruption in ancient times Which could have caused an eruption in ancient times
109 00:05:57,394 00:06:00,919 Which would have been so violent and so dramatic Which would have been so violent and so dramatic
110 00:06:00,994 00:06:03,799 That it could have had an effect on egypt's weather? That it could have had an effect on egypt's weather?
111 00:06:05,001 00:06:06,799 Mastrelli: One candidate stands out. Mastrelli: One candidate stands out.
112 00:06:08,194 00:06:10,919 Three and a half thousand years ago, Three and a half thousand years ago,
113 00:06:10,994 00:06:13,872 400 miles north of egypt, 400 miles north of egypt,
114 00:06:13,881 00:06:16,592 The greek island of santorini, The greek island of santorini,
115 00:06:16,601 00:06:19,472 And the colossal thera volcano. And the colossal thera volcano.
116 00:06:19,481 00:06:21,079 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
117 00:06:21,154 00:06:24,759 One day in the late 16th or early 17th century bce, One day in the late 16th or early 17th century bce,
118 00:06:25,954 00:06:28,039 The volcano exploded. The volcano exploded.
119 00:06:35,961 00:06:39,239 For santorini's inhabitants it was the end. For santorini's inhabitants it was the end.
120 00:06:39,314 00:06:40,679 (ground rumbling) (ground rumbling)
121 00:06:40,754 00:06:42,519 (glass shattering) (glass shattering)
122 00:06:42,594 00:06:46,439 But for rest of the ancient world it was just the beginning. But for rest of the ancient world it was just the beginning.
123 00:06:46,514 00:06:48,119 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
124 00:06:48,194 00:06:50,599 Naunton: Besides the destruction of santorini itself, Naunton: Besides the destruction of santorini itself,
125 00:06:50,674 00:06:53,559 The entire region was hit by earthquakes, The entire region was hit by earthquakes,
126 00:06:53,634 00:06:56,912 Tsunamis, floating pumice, and ash fall. Tsunamis, floating pumice, and ash fall.
127 00:06:56,921 00:06:58,519 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
128 00:06:58,594 00:07:00,199 Mastrelli: A terrifying chain of events Mastrelli: A terrifying chain of events
129 00:07:00,274 00:07:02,279 Had been set in motion. Had been set in motion.
130 00:07:02,354 00:07:04,999 Did these include the bible's 10 plagues? Did these include the bible's 10 plagues?
131 00:07:09,314 00:07:11,079 (gentle music) (gentle music)
132 00:07:11,154 00:07:15,152 At bristol university in the uk, geologist jeremy philips At bristol university in the uk, geologist jeremy philips
133 00:07:15,161 00:07:17,799 And his team are examining the eruption And his team are examining the eruption
134 00:07:17,874 00:07:21,152 And piecing together its deadly trail of destruction. And piecing together its deadly trail of destruction.
135 00:07:21,161 00:07:22,679 Phillips: Looking at the evolution Phillips: Looking at the evolution
136 00:07:22,754 00:07:25,552 Of the behavior during the volcanic eruption Of the behavior during the volcanic eruption
137 00:07:25,561 00:07:28,832 And from new measurements from ocean drilling And from new measurements from ocean drilling
138 00:07:28,841 00:07:30,759 Around the coast of santorini, Around the coast of santorini,
139 00:07:30,834 00:07:33,392 The volume of material that was emitted The volume of material that was emitted
140 00:07:33,401 00:07:36,599 During the bronze age eruption was larger, During the bronze age eruption was larger,
141 00:07:36,674 00:07:39,799 Significantly larger, than previously thought. Significantly larger, than previously thought.
142 00:07:39,874 00:07:42,279 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
143 00:07:42,354 00:07:46,119 Mastrelli: In fact, it was up to 30% larger. Mastrelli: In fact, it was up to 30% larger.
144 00:07:46,194 00:07:48,599 Meaning thera's ash cloud would have soared Meaning thera's ash cloud would have soared
145 00:07:48,674 00:07:50,999 25 miles into the sky, 25 miles into the sky,
146 00:07:52,594 00:07:55,679 Blasting out up to 30 cubic miles of material. Blasting out up to 30 cubic miles of material.
147 00:07:57,721 00:08:00,759 But is it enough to have affected egypt? But is it enough to have affected egypt?
148 00:08:00,834 00:08:04,199 (suspenseful music) (suspenseful music)
149 00:08:04,274 00:08:08,119 In 2010, a volcanic eruption in iceland, In 2010, a volcanic eruption in iceland,
150 00:08:08,194 00:08:10,919 Demonstrated just how far ash can travel. Demonstrated just how far ash can travel.
151 00:08:12,761 00:08:15,479 Phillips: We know ash that reached the uk Phillips: We know ash that reached the uk
152 00:08:15,554 00:08:17,719 From iceland during that event, From iceland during that event,
153 00:08:17,794 00:08:21,239 And that's more than a thousand kilometers from the source And that's more than a thousand kilometers from the source
154 00:08:21,314 00:08:24,352 And it's a relatively modest size eruption. And it's a relatively modest size eruption.
155 00:08:24,361 00:08:27,559 So we know that typically for these larger eruptions, So we know that typically for these larger eruptions,
156 00:08:27,634 00:08:30,752 Transporting ash on the scale of thousands of kilometers Transporting ash on the scale of thousands of kilometers
157 00:08:30,761 00:08:32,839 Is quite feasible. Is quite feasible.
158 00:08:32,914 00:08:34,199 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
159 00:08:34,274 00:08:35,479 Mastrelli: Far enough to reach egypt Mastrelli: Far enough to reach egypt
160 00:08:35,554 00:08:38,199 Just 400 miles to the southeast. Just 400 miles to the southeast.
161 00:08:41,161 00:08:43,079 But how could these tiny particles But how could these tiny particles
162 00:08:43,154 00:08:45,199 Have caused the biblical plagues? Have caused the biblical plagues?
163 00:08:46,521 00:08:49,639 How could something so small have triggered something How could something so small have triggered something
164 00:08:49,714 00:08:54,119 So catastrophic, so violent, and so deadly? So catastrophic, so violent, and so deadly?
165 00:08:55,481 00:08:57,312 (gentle music) (gentle music)
166 00:08:57,321 00:09:00,759 The thera eruption was an explosion of epic proportions, The thera eruption was an explosion of epic proportions,
167 00:09:00,834 00:09:03,479 And its plume of ash is believed to have even been And its plume of ash is believed to have even been
168 00:09:03,554 00:09:07,319 Recorded by chinese scribes 4,000 miles away. Recorded by chinese scribes 4,000 miles away.
169 00:09:07,394 00:09:09,232 But, to give you an even better sense But, to give you an even better sense
170 00:09:09,241 00:09:11,232 Of the magnitude of this blast, Of the magnitude of this blast,
171 00:09:11,241 00:09:13,872 Tourists visiting santorini today Tourists visiting santorini today
172 00:09:13,881 00:09:15,872 Can hike the nea kameni crater Can hike the nea kameni crater
173 00:09:15,881 00:09:19,959 And still find it smoking 3500 years later. And still find it smoking 3500 years later.
174 00:09:20,034 00:09:23,479 But, could the aftermath have been as biblical as the blast? But, could the aftermath have been as biblical as the blast?
175 00:09:25,554 00:09:27,959 Experts suspect this natural disaster Experts suspect this natural disaster
176 00:09:28,034 00:09:30,599 Lies behind the bible's 10 plagues. Lies behind the bible's 10 plagues.
177 00:09:32,441 00:09:36,119 But how could a volcano 400 miles from egypt, But how could a volcano 400 miles from egypt,
178 00:09:36,194 00:09:40,752 Turn the nile to blood, spawn boils, locusts, Turn the nile to blood, spawn boils, locusts,
179 00:09:40,761 00:09:43,239 And kill the firstborn children? And kill the firstborn children?
180 00:09:43,314 00:09:44,839 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
181 00:09:44,914 00:09:46,832 Biologist and egyptophile, Biologist and egyptophile,
182 00:09:46,841 00:09:50,679 Siro trevisanato, is convinced he's found the answer. Siro trevisanato, is convinced he's found the answer.
183 00:09:50,754 00:09:53,072 With the eruption as his starting point, With the eruption as his starting point,
184 00:09:53,081 00:09:56,679 He's pieced together the terrifying sequence of events, He's pieced together the terrifying sequence of events,
185 00:09:56,754 00:09:59,239 One plague after another. One plague after another.
186 00:09:59,314 00:10:00,592 (thunder rumbling) (thunder rumbling)
187 00:10:00,601 00:10:02,199 Trevisanato: We have an eruption, Trevisanato: We have an eruption,
188 00:10:03,234 00:10:08,199 A big eruption that's spread ash left and right. A big eruption that's spread ash left and right.
189 00:10:09,241 00:10:12,119 Could this have caused the biblical plagues? Could this have caused the biblical plagues?
190 00:10:12,194 00:10:13,999 Could this be the culprit? Could this be the culprit?
191 00:10:15,081 00:10:19,239 Yes, we actually caught the culprit red handed, Yes, we actually caught the culprit red handed,
192 00:10:19,314 00:10:22,079 Literally, because of the red waters. Literally, because of the red waters.
193 00:10:23,001 00:10:24,512 Mastrelli: Trevisanato believes that Mastrelli: Trevisanato believes that
194 00:10:24,521 00:10:27,152 As the volcanic ash fell back to earth, As the volcanic ash fell back to earth,
195 00:10:27,161 00:10:30,359 It dumped toxic sulfides in the nile, It dumped toxic sulfides in the nile,
196 00:10:30,434 00:10:32,912 Causing a chemical reaction, Causing a chemical reaction,
197 00:10:32,921 00:10:35,632 And transforming its life-giving waters And transforming its life-giving waters
198 00:10:35,641 00:10:37,472 Into a torrent of death. Into a torrent of death.
199 00:10:37,481 00:10:39,319 (suspenseful music) (suspenseful music)
200 00:10:39,394 00:10:41,159 Trevisanato: It would have now changed the ph of the water, Trevisanato: It would have now changed the ph of the water,
201 00:10:41,234 00:10:44,192 Acidifying it to the point that fish Acidifying it to the point that fish
202 00:10:44,201 00:10:47,472 Couldn't tolerate the change and therefore died. Couldn't tolerate the change and therefore died.
203 00:10:47,481 00:10:50,352 The situation in the water was so unbearable The situation in the water was so unbearable
204 00:10:50,361 00:10:54,119 That the frogs could no longer go back to the water That the frogs could no longer go back to the water
205 00:10:54,194 00:10:57,239 And stuck on the land they died dehydrated, And stuck on the land they died dehydrated,
206 00:10:57,314 00:10:59,152 The second plague. The second plague.
207 00:10:59,161 00:11:02,519 Mastrelli: When these died, it caused the next two plagues. Mastrelli: When these died, it caused the next two plagues.
208 00:11:04,834 00:11:07,639 Trevisanato: And now we come to the very real situation Trevisanato: And now we come to the very real situation
209 00:11:07,714 00:11:09,232 That you have, That you have,
210 00:11:09,241 00:11:13,879 Masses of dead meat literally all over. Masses of dead meat literally all over.
211 00:11:13,954 00:11:17,359 So for the insects this was an amazing bonanza. So for the insects this was an amazing bonanza.
212 00:11:19,241 00:11:21,632 Mastrelli: Then came the fifth plague, Mastrelli: Then came the fifth plague,
213 00:11:21,641 00:11:24,319 The pestilence that struck down livestock, The pestilence that struck down livestock,
214 00:11:25,641 00:11:28,519 And once again ash is implicated. And once again ash is implicated.
215 00:11:29,954 00:11:32,752 For animals left in the fields to graze, For animals left in the fields to graze,
216 00:11:32,761 00:11:36,199 Ash particles would have compromised their food source, Ash particles would have compromised their food source,
217 00:11:36,274 00:11:39,919 And upon inhalation proved toxic for their lungs. And upon inhalation proved toxic for their lungs.
218 00:11:41,161 00:11:43,392 Toxic ash from the eruption of thera Toxic ash from the eruption of thera
219 00:11:43,401 00:11:46,279 Could explain the first five biblical plagues. Could explain the first five biblical plagues.
220 00:11:47,634 00:11:52,599 But the sixth the plague of boils seems inexplicable. But the sixth the plague of boils seems inexplicable.
221 00:11:52,841 00:11:56,399 How could a distant volcano cause an outbreak of boils? How could a distant volcano cause an outbreak of boils?
222 00:11:57,961 00:12:00,832 Far from the heat and dust of egypt, Far from the heat and dust of egypt,
223 00:12:00,841 00:12:03,799 Deep in the vaults of london's british museum, Deep in the vaults of london's british museum,
224 00:12:03,874 00:12:06,519 Trevisanato thinks he's found the answer. Trevisanato thinks he's found the answer.
225 00:12:07,474 00:12:11,239 He believes this 3,000 year old egyptian text, He believes this 3,000 year old egyptian text,
226 00:12:11,314 00:12:13,959 Known as the "london medical papyrus", Known as the "london medical papyrus",
227 00:12:14,034 00:12:17,799 Reveals the true cause of the mysterious boils. Reveals the true cause of the mysterious boils.
228 00:12:17,874 00:12:20,599 Trevisanato: It provides information about the medicine, Trevisanato: It provides information about the medicine,
229 00:12:20,674 00:12:22,272 The biology, The biology,
230 00:12:22,281 00:12:25,359 And also the drugs which were being used at the time. And also the drugs which were being used at the time.
231 00:12:26,521 00:12:29,239 Mastrelli: One fragment caught trevisanato's eye. Mastrelli: One fragment caught trevisanato's eye.
232 00:12:30,114 00:12:32,352 It described strange white spots It described strange white spots
233 00:12:32,361 00:12:34,839 Caused by contact with red water. Caused by contact with red water.
234 00:12:36,201 00:12:38,119 Trevisanato: This is not something normal. Trevisanato: This is not something normal.
235 00:12:38,194 00:12:40,112 This paragraph tells us something else. This paragraph tells us something else.
236 00:12:40,121 00:12:42,519 It tells us that you have to put It tells us that you have to put
237 00:12:42,594 00:12:45,359 A specific paste on the skin. A specific paste on the skin.
238 00:12:47,161 00:12:50,272 Mastrelli: The paste includes sodium carbonate, ochre, Mastrelli: The paste includes sodium carbonate, ochre,
239 00:12:50,281 00:12:55,279 And animal fat, ingredients that are all alkaline. And animal fat, ingredients that are all alkaline.
240 00:12:56,681 00:12:59,472 Trevisanato: So, if the remedy's alkaline, Trevisanato: So, if the remedy's alkaline,
241 00:12:59,481 00:13:04,439 The only possible inference that you can have The only possible inference that you can have
242 00:13:04,514 00:13:07,079 Is that the active is an acid. Is that the active is an acid.
243 00:13:08,354 00:13:11,239 Usually if you burn yourself, first thing you do is Usually if you burn yourself, first thing you do is
244 00:13:11,314 00:13:14,672 You put your hand under the water, not in this case. You put your hand under the water, not in this case.
245 00:13:14,681 00:13:16,752 Here they tell you don't touch water. Here they tell you don't touch water.
246 00:13:16,761 00:13:18,279 The water is red. The water is red.
247 00:13:18,354 00:13:21,719 It's actually what is causing the damage, It's actually what is causing the damage,
248 00:13:21,794 00:13:23,399 (gentle music) (gentle music)
249 00:13:23,474 00:13:28,112 And the only possible acid that the egyptians And the only possible acid that the egyptians
250 00:13:28,121 00:13:31,632 Could have been exposed to would have been sulfuric acid, Could have been exposed to would have been sulfuric acid,
251 00:13:31,641 00:13:33,952 Which would have come from the volcanic eruption Which would have come from the volcanic eruption
252 00:13:33,961 00:13:35,632 All the way to egypt. All the way to egypt.
253 00:13:35,641 00:13:37,392 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
254 00:13:37,401 00:13:39,152 Mastrelli: But can this ash account Mastrelli: But can this ash account
255 00:13:39,161 00:13:41,159 For the final four plagues? For the final four plagues?
256 00:13:41,234 00:13:43,159 (volcano erupting) (dramatic music) (volcano erupting) (dramatic music)
257 00:13:43,234 00:13:45,152 (bell tolls) (bell tolls)
258 00:13:45,161 00:13:48,672 Oxford university it's here that volcanologist Oxford university it's here that volcanologist
259 00:13:48,681 00:13:52,519 David pyle is investigating the long-term effects David pyle is investigating the long-term effects
260 00:13:52,594 00:13:55,152 Of this ancient cataclysm. Of this ancient cataclysm.
261 00:13:55,161 00:13:56,679 Pyle: And it was an eruption that would have had Pyle: And it was an eruption that would have had
262 00:13:56,754 00:13:59,152 Tremendously dramatic consequences for those Tremendously dramatic consequences for those
263 00:13:59,161 00:14:02,279 Who were either caught up in it, close to the volcano, Who were either caught up in it, close to the volcano,
264 00:14:02,354 00:14:04,359 Or those who suffered the consequences hundreds Or those who suffered the consequences hundreds
265 00:14:04,434 00:14:06,839 Or even thousands of miles away from the volcano. Or even thousands of miles away from the volcano.
266 00:14:08,594 00:14:11,159 Mastrelli: When studying more recent volcanic events Mastrelli: When studying more recent volcanic events
267 00:14:11,234 00:14:13,552 For which there is more data, For which there is more data,
268 00:14:13,561 00:14:15,319 He's found that large eruptions He's found that large eruptions
269 00:14:15,394 00:14:17,919 Can lead to global weather chaos. Can lead to global weather chaos.
270 00:14:18,841 00:14:20,199 Pyle: It's certainly theoretically possible Pyle: It's certainly theoretically possible
271 00:14:20,274 00:14:23,072 That the thera eruption would have had That the thera eruption would have had
272 00:14:23,081 00:14:25,952 A global impact on the weather systems, A global impact on the weather systems,
273 00:14:25,961 00:14:28,192 And that would have had local consequences. And that would have had local consequences.
274 00:14:28,201 00:14:30,992 So in egypt it's quite likely there would have been So in egypt it's quite likely there would have been
275 00:14:31,001 00:14:33,792 Unusual or different weather patterns. Unusual or different weather patterns.
276 00:14:33,801 00:14:35,639 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
277 00:14:35,714 00:14:38,199 Mastrelli: The eruption of the indonesian volcano tambora, Mastrelli: The eruption of the indonesian volcano tambora,
278 00:14:38,274 00:14:42,079 In 1815, reveals just how unusual. In 1815, reveals just how unusual.
279 00:14:45,641 00:14:48,839 Pyle: There were late snowfalls in places like vermont Pyle: There were late snowfalls in places like vermont
280 00:14:48,914 00:14:50,352 And the carolinas. And the carolinas.
281 00:14:50,361 00:14:52,359 Snowfall into June, I think, in 1816, Snowfall into June, I think, in 1816,
282 00:14:52,434 00:14:55,232 And it was a lot wetter and a lot colder. And it was a lot wetter and a lot colder.
283 00:14:55,241 00:14:58,119 And so across europe and parts of the united states And so across europe and parts of the united states
284 00:14:58,194 00:15:00,912 There were food shortages because of crop failure. There were food shortages because of crop failure.
285 00:15:00,921 00:15:01,872 (thunder rumbling) (thunder rumbling)
286 00:15:01,881 00:15:03,639 Mastrelli: Cold, wet, Mastrelli: Cold, wet,
287 00:15:03,714 00:15:07,759 Freak weather that destroys crops, hail and lightning, Freak weather that destroys crops, hail and lightning,
288 00:15:08,034 00:15:11,319 The parallels with the bible's seventh plague are striking. The parallels with the bible's seventh plague are striking.
289 00:15:12,754 00:15:15,879 And this unstable, colder, wetter climate And this unstable, colder, wetter climate
290 00:15:16,921 00:15:19,472 Could have also triggered the eighth plague. Could have also triggered the eighth plague.
291 00:15:19,481 00:15:21,152 (insects chattering) (insects chattering)
292 00:15:21,161 00:15:22,199 Locusts. Locusts.
293 00:15:23,154 00:15:28,119 In 2004, an unusual weather system swept across west africa. In 2004, an unusual weather system swept across west africa.
294 00:15:28,681 00:15:31,959 It brought rain to a region blighted by drought It brought rain to a region blighted by drought
295 00:15:32,034 00:15:34,319 And seemed like a dream for farmers, And seemed like a dream for farmers,
296 00:15:35,394 00:15:37,999 But it soon became a nightmare. But it soon became a nightmare.
297 00:15:38,994 00:15:42,359 Because buried in the sand were desert locust eggs Because buried in the sand were desert locust eggs
298 00:15:42,434 00:15:46,359 Waiting to absorb moisture and hatch. Waiting to absorb moisture and hatch.
299 00:15:46,434 00:15:48,119 For the ancient egyptians, For the ancient egyptians,
300 00:15:48,194 00:15:51,959 Totally reliant on crops from the narrow nile valley, Totally reliant on crops from the narrow nile valley,
301 00:15:52,034 00:15:53,872 A plague of these tiny insects A plague of these tiny insects
302 00:15:53,881 00:15:56,119 Would have caused devastating famine. Would have caused devastating famine.
303 00:15:56,194 00:15:58,039 (insects chattering) (insects chattering)
304 00:15:58,114 00:16:00,992 Ash clouds and unstable, unseasonal weather Ash clouds and unstable, unseasonal weather
305 00:16:01,001 00:16:03,039 Would also explain the next plague: Would also explain the next plague:
306 00:16:04,601 00:16:08,519 The darkness that engulfed egypt for three days. The darkness that engulfed egypt for three days.
307 00:16:08,594 00:16:11,079 That may be the apocalyptic storm That may be the apocalyptic storm
308 00:16:11,154 00:16:13,792 Mentioned in the ahmose stele. Mentioned in the ahmose stele.
309 00:16:13,801 00:16:15,959 (gentle music) (gentle music)
310 00:16:16,034 00:16:17,552 Pyle: To an observer who'd never experienced anything Pyle: To an observer who'd never experienced anything
311 00:16:17,561 00:16:19,159 Like this before it would have seemed like Like this before it would have seemed like
312 00:16:19,234 00:16:20,439 The end of the world. The end of the world.
313 00:16:20,514 00:16:22,839 (dramatic music) (thunder roaring) (dramatic music) (thunder roaring)
314 00:16:22,914 00:16:25,479 Mastrelli: Nine plagues caused by toxic ash Mastrelli: Nine plagues caused by toxic ash
315 00:16:25,554 00:16:27,079 From the eruption of thera. From the eruption of thera.
316 00:16:28,841 00:16:31,319 But could it also explain the last plague: But could it also explain the last plague:
317 00:16:33,241 00:16:35,119 The death of the firstborn. The death of the firstborn.
318 00:16:37,961 00:16:40,272 (tense music) (tense music)
319 00:16:40,281 00:16:42,512 The 10th plague of egypt: The 10th plague of egypt:
320 00:16:42,521 00:16:44,639 The death of the firstborn. The death of the firstborn.
321 00:16:45,954 00:16:47,999 Struck down in just one night, Struck down in just one night,
322 00:16:49,154 00:16:52,919 What natural phenomenon could kill so swiftly What natural phenomenon could kill so swiftly
323 00:16:52,994 00:16:54,639 And so selectively? And so selectively?
324 00:16:55,954 00:16:57,552 (gentle music) (gentle music)
325 00:16:57,561 00:17:00,679 Naunton: As the crops were destroyed by acid rain, Naunton: As the crops were destroyed by acid rain,
326 00:17:00,754 00:17:03,232 And the suffering of the people was compounded And the suffering of the people was compounded
327 00:17:03,241 00:17:05,399 By one plague after another, By one plague after another,
328 00:17:05,474 00:17:07,439 They were forced to eat rotting grain. They were forced to eat rotting grain.
329 00:17:09,081 00:17:11,232 Mastrelli: This grain, the very thing Mastrelli: This grain, the very thing
330 00:17:11,241 00:17:13,872 The ancient egyptians depended on, The ancient egyptians depended on,
331 00:17:13,881 00:17:16,119 May have killed their firstborn children. May have killed their firstborn children.
332 00:17:18,681 00:17:21,239 At exeter university in the uk, At exeter university in the uk,
333 00:17:21,314 00:17:23,632 Plant pathologist sarah gurr, Plant pathologist sarah gurr,
334 00:17:23,641 00:17:25,879 Investigates how this staple food Investigates how this staple food
335 00:17:25,954 00:17:30,359 Can be infected by a silent killer called ergot. Can be infected by a silent killer called ergot.
336 00:17:30,434 00:17:33,799 Gurr: Ergot is a fungus that you find growing on the grain Gurr: Ergot is a fungus that you find growing on the grain
337 00:17:33,874 00:17:37,392 Of both rye and wheat and other cereal plants. Of both rye and wheat and other cereal plants.
338 00:17:37,401 00:17:40,919 It flourishes when it's been warm and wet. It flourishes when it's been warm and wet.
339 00:17:40,994 00:17:43,799 Mastrelli: Exactly the kind of weather that blighted egypt Mastrelli: Exactly the kind of weather that blighted egypt
340 00:17:43,874 00:17:45,639 After the eruption of thera. After the eruption of thera.
341 00:17:46,674 00:17:49,079 Gurr: If you look at a grain that's infected, Gurr: If you look at a grain that's infected,
342 00:17:49,154 00:17:51,319 You wouldn't notice that there was a fungus there, You wouldn't notice that there was a fungus there,
343 00:17:51,394 00:17:52,832 Because its invisible. Because its invisible.
344 00:17:52,841 00:17:55,159 It's actually hiding within the grain itself. It's actually hiding within the grain itself.
345 00:17:57,641 00:17:59,399 Mastrelli: The fungus found its way into Mastrelli: The fungus found its way into
346 00:17:59,474 00:18:01,799 The ancient egyptian's grain stores, The ancient egyptian's grain stores,
347 00:18:01,874 00:18:03,799 And then into their flour, And then into their flour,
348 00:18:03,874 00:18:07,319 Turning the bread of life into an agent of death. Turning the bread of life into an agent of death.
349 00:18:08,754 00:18:10,672 Gurr: First of all, you'd probably feel sick. Gurr: First of all, you'd probably feel sick.
350 00:18:10,681 00:18:12,832 Your muscles would relax. Your muscles would relax.
351 00:18:12,841 00:18:14,519 You would then have extraordinarily You would then have extraordinarily
352 00:18:14,594 00:18:16,752 Odd palpitations of the heart, Odd palpitations of the heart,
353 00:18:16,761 00:18:18,352 And if you continued to eat it, And if you continued to eat it,
354 00:18:18,361 00:18:20,519 It would lead to all sorts of problems. It would lead to all sorts of problems.
355 00:18:21,561 00:18:25,079 Mastrelli: Vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, Mastrelli: Vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions,
356 00:18:25,154 00:18:28,399 Hallucinations, blood clots, and gangrene, Hallucinations, blood clots, and gangrene,
357 00:18:29,401 00:18:33,232 For a population weakened by one plague after another, For a population weakened by one plague after another,
358 00:18:33,241 00:18:35,559 Any one of these would have proved fatal. Any one of these would have proved fatal.
359 00:18:36,994 00:18:41,632 But why would contaminated bread kill only the firstborn? But why would contaminated bread kill only the firstborn?
360 00:18:41,641 00:18:43,079 Naunton: In egyptian culture, Naunton: In egyptian culture,
361 00:18:43,154 00:18:45,399 The firstborn was always the top priority The firstborn was always the top priority
362 00:18:45,474 00:18:47,312 And traditionally they were always offered And traditionally they were always offered
363 00:18:47,321 00:18:50,119 The food first at mealtimes. The food first at mealtimes.
364 00:18:50,194 00:18:52,512 The firstborn would have been the first to be offered food. The firstborn would have been the first to be offered food.
365 00:18:52,521 00:18:54,192 They would have been the first to eat. They would have been the first to eat.
366 00:18:54,201 00:18:55,719 If there wasn't enough food to go around, If there wasn't enough food to go around,
367 00:18:55,794 00:18:57,879 They might have been the only one to eat. They might have been the only one to eat.
368 00:18:57,954 00:18:59,559 They would have been the first to die, They would have been the first to die,
369 00:18:59,634 00:19:01,712 And the firstborn would have died in higher numbers And the firstborn would have died in higher numbers
370 00:19:01,721 00:19:03,519 Than any other member of the family. Than any other member of the family.
371 00:19:04,521 00:19:06,919 Mastrelli: It's now feasible the thera eruption Mastrelli: It's now feasible the thera eruption
372 00:19:06,994 00:19:09,072 Could have triggered the chain of events Could have triggered the chain of events
373 00:19:09,081 00:19:11,792 Described in the 10 plagues of egypt, Described in the 10 plagues of egypt,
374 00:19:11,801 00:19:13,952 But could it also be the inspiration But could it also be the inspiration
375 00:19:13,961 00:19:15,872 Behind the ahmose stele? Behind the ahmose stele?
376 00:19:15,881 00:19:18,519 For decades geologists have been unable For decades geologists have been unable
377 00:19:18,594 00:19:22,119 To pin an exact date on the santorini blast, To pin an exact date on the santorini blast,
378 00:19:22,194 00:19:25,159 An explosion so cataclysmic it obliterated An explosion so cataclysmic it obliterated
379 00:19:25,234 00:19:27,792 All life on the island. All life on the island.
380 00:19:27,801 00:19:32,512 But in 1996, scientists made a miraculous discovery, But in 1996, scientists made a miraculous discovery,
381 00:19:32,521 00:19:35,552 Recovering this tiny piece of olive branch Recovering this tiny piece of olive branch
382 00:19:35,561 00:19:38,919 Buried inside the layers of compacted ash. Buried inside the layers of compacted ash.
383 00:19:38,994 00:19:41,312 It was just enough organic material It was just enough organic material
384 00:19:41,321 00:19:43,552 For carbon testing to reveal, For carbon testing to reveal,
385 00:19:43,561 00:19:48,559 That this volcano blew sometime between 1600 and 1626 bce, That this volcano blew sometime between 1600 and 1626 bce,
386 00:19:50,761 00:19:52,039 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
387 00:19:52,114 00:19:53,552 And this date fits with the account And this date fits with the account
388 00:19:53,561 00:19:56,279 Of a terrible storm in the ahmose stele. Of a terrible storm in the ahmose stele.
389 00:19:58,914 00:20:01,232 Moeller: We are now looking at the beginning Moeller: We are now looking at the beginning
390 00:20:01,241 00:20:05,152 Of the reign of ahmose around 1570-bc. Of the reign of ahmose around 1570-bc.
391 00:20:05,161 00:20:06,592 The eruption of thera The eruption of thera
392 00:20:06,601 00:20:08,912 And the reign of ahmose are close enough And the reign of ahmose are close enough
393 00:20:08,921 00:20:12,119 That we can actually propose that he might That we can actually propose that he might
394 00:20:12,194 00:20:15,319 Have witnessed the aftermath of the volcano eruption. Have witnessed the aftermath of the volcano eruption.
395 00:20:15,394 00:20:17,072 (thunder rumbling) (thunder rumbling)
396 00:20:17,081 00:20:20,519 There's certainly a good possibility that we can link There's certainly a good possibility that we can link
397 00:20:20,594 00:20:23,712 Ahmose to the actual eruption of thera Ahmose to the actual eruption of thera
398 00:20:23,721 00:20:25,799 In the eastern mediterranean. In the eastern mediterranean.
399 00:20:25,874 00:20:27,559 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
400 00:20:27,634 00:20:29,239 Mastrelli: If moeller is right, Mastrelli: If moeller is right,
401 00:20:29,314 00:20:32,272 The stele proves the thera eruption had a direct The stele proves the thera eruption had a direct
402 00:20:32,281 00:20:34,839 And devastating effect on egypt, And devastating effect on egypt,
403 00:20:36,354 00:20:37,872 And if the stele and the bible And if the stele and the bible
404 00:20:37,881 00:20:40,112 Are talking about the same events, Are talking about the same events,
405 00:20:40,121 00:20:42,592 Then it may finally be possible to explain Then it may finally be possible to explain
406 00:20:42,601 00:20:45,872 The 10 plagues of egypt as the deadly aftermath The 10 plagues of egypt as the deadly aftermath
407 00:20:45,881 00:20:48,119 Of the explosion of santorini. Of the explosion of santorini.
408 00:20:49,234 00:20:51,039 It's a breathtaking revelation. It's a breathtaking revelation.
409 00:20:52,434 00:20:55,919 A biblical legend turned into historical fact. A biblical legend turned into historical fact.
410 00:20:57,241 00:21:00,679 Naunton: The historical evidence and the scientific evidence Naunton: The historical evidence and the scientific evidence
411 00:21:00,754 00:21:04,679 Taken all together shows us that we can explain Taken all together shows us that we can explain
412 00:21:04,754 00:21:07,872 These events through natural phenomena. These events through natural phenomena.
413 00:21:07,881 00:21:10,759 It's only now 3,000 years later, It's only now 3,000 years later,
414 00:21:10,834 00:21:12,672 That we're able to apply science That we're able to apply science
415 00:21:12,681 00:21:16,799 And technology to see what lies behind the 10 plagues. And technology to see what lies behind the 10 plagues.
416 00:21:18,674 00:21:20,279 Mastrelli: The evidence is convincing. Mastrelli: The evidence is convincing.
417 00:21:21,881 00:21:23,792 The 10 plagues can be explained The 10 plagues can be explained
418 00:21:23,801 00:21:27,879 By one catastrophic natural disaster. By one catastrophic natural disaster.
419 00:21:27,954 00:21:30,759 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
420 00:21:31,641 00:21:33,232 In many instances, In many instances,
421 00:21:33,241 00:21:36,119 The bible drew inspiration from real events. The bible drew inspiration from real events.
422 00:21:36,194 00:21:37,632 While the ancients didn't possess While the ancients didn't possess
423 00:21:37,641 00:21:40,352 The modern technology to record them accurately, The modern technology to record them accurately,
424 00:21:40,361 00:21:42,439 Their experiences were nonetheless legitimate Their experiences were nonetheless legitimate
425 00:21:42,514 00:21:44,832 And immortalized in stories and legends And immortalized in stories and legends
426 00:21:44,841 00:21:46,752 Passed down through generations. Passed down through generations.
427 00:21:46,761 00:21:49,159 Science and religion are often portrayed Science and religion are often portrayed
428 00:21:49,234 00:21:50,912 At odds with one another, At odds with one another,
429 00:21:50,921 00:21:52,592 But in the case of the 10 plagues, But in the case of the 10 plagues,
430 00:21:52,601 00:21:55,639 They may actually complement each other perfectly They may actually complement each other perfectly
431 00:21:55,714 00:21:58,879 And help solve a 3500 year old riddle. And help solve a 3500 year old riddle.