Watch Treasure and Death: Secrets of a Moche Tomb

Treasure and Death: Secrets of a Moche Tomb is a fascinating documentary that explores the archeological discovery of a tomb in the Northern coast of Peru. The film is directed by National Geographic explorer Gabriel Prieto, who led the excavation of the burial site in 2010. The Moche civilization, also known as the Mochica, flourished between 100 and 800 AD in the northern regions of what is now Peru. They were skilled artisans and farmers, creating impressive works of art and building complex irrigation systems to support their agriculture. The Moche were also famous for their lavish burials and the treasures they buried with their dead.

The film follows the team of archeologists as they uncover the tomb, which has remained untouched for almost 1,500 years. The tomb belonged to an elite member of the Moche society, and it is filled with a treasure trove of artifacts that shed light on the civilization's beliefs and customs.

The documentary explores the various objects discovered in the tomb, including pottery, ceramics, textiles, and jewelry. These items are not only beautiful, but they also offer clues about the Moche's lifestyles and beliefs. For example, some of the objects depict scenes of war, suggesting that the Moche were a militaristic society. Other objects show important figures or animal representations, indicating the Moche may have worshipped certain creatures.

One of the most remarkable objects found in the tomb is a golden cape that covers the remains of the Moche elite. The cape is intricately woven with gold threads and adorned with feathers and seashells. According to the archeologists, the cape is one of the most valuable and well-preserved items ever discovered in a Moche tomb, and it helps us understand the importance of ostentatious displays of wealth and power in the civilization.

The film also highlights the challenges that come with excavating an ancient tomb. The team must navigate crumbling walls, collapsing ceilings, and piles of rubble to gain access to the inner chambers of the burial site. They also face the pressure of time, as everything they touch could damage or destroy delicate artifacts.

In addition to exploring the tomb, the documentary also introduces viewers to the work of the archeologists and their team. We meet each member of the team and learn about their particular area of expertise, such as pottery or textiles. We see how they form hypotheses, make observations, and ultimately interpret the findings from the tomb.

The documentary also touches on the ethical issues surrounding the excavation of ancient tombs. The team discusses how the uncovering of graves and looting by treasure hunters can have a detrimental effect on the preservation of these valuable sites. The film shows how the archeologists take extreme care when handling the artifacts, ensuring they are preserved for future generations.

Overall, Treasure and Death: Secrets of a Moche Tomb is a remarkable documentary that offers insight into the Moche civilization and the archeological process. It is beautifully filmed and expertly narrated, providing a fascinating glimpse into a world that was unknown until recently. The tomb's treasures reveal the society's customs and beliefs from over a thousand years ago, providing a valuable contribution to the field of archeology. This documentary is a must-watch for anyone interested in history or ancient civilizations.