Ep 11. Egypt: What Lies Beneath?

Curiosity is a documentary series that explores different topics and questions that pique human curiosity. Season 1 episode 11, titled "Egypt: What Lies Beneath?" delves into the mysteries and hidden secrets of ancient Egypt's history and architecture. This episode chronicles the cutting-edge technology and tools that are being used by archaeologists and other experts to unearth the secrets buried deep beneath the sand and stone.

The episode begins by discussing the history of the pyramids of Egypt, which have been the source of human fascination and speculation for centuries. The hosts of the show explain how pyramids were built, how long it took to build them, and the number of workers who were involved in their construction. They also highlight the latest theories about why the pyramids were built and what purpose they served.

At one point in the episode, the hosts visit the Giza Plateau, located on the outskirts of Cairo, where the famous Great Pyramid of Giza stands as one of the most iconic structures in the world. Here they meet with Dr. Zahi Hawass, an archaeologist and Egyptologist who has been studying the pyramids for over 40 years. He takes the hosts on an incredible tour of the area, showing them the inside of one of the pyramids, despite the fact that it is normally off-limits to the public.

The episode highlights the exciting new discoveries being made in Egypt using the latest scientific technology. One common technique is the use of ground-penetrating radar (GPR), in which scientists shoot electromagnetic pulses into the ground and analyze the results. This helps them to create detailed maps of what lies beneath the sand and rock, without having to actually dig. The episode shows how this technology is being used to discover previously unknown tombs and burial chambers.

Another intriguing discovery featured in the episode is that of the ancient city of Heracleion, which was once a thriving port town located near modern-day Alexandria. This city had been lost for over 1,500 years until archaeologists found it underwater in 2000. In the episode, the hosts interview Franck Goddio, the archaeologist who discovered the city, and learn about the incredible treasures that have been found there, including ancient artifacts and statues.

Throughout the episode, we also learn about the complex religious beliefs and practices of ancient Egyptians. Mummies and their associated rituals and beliefs are also explored. The episode explains how mummification took place and how it impacted Egyptian society and spirituality. The hosts also visit a mummy workshop where scientists are using the latest techniques to unravel the mysteries of these ancient corpses.

The episode concludes by discussing the many challenges that archaeologists and researchers face in their quest to uncover the secrets of ancient Egypt. They discuss the difficulties of preserving ancient artifacts and architecture, as well as the challenges of funding and staffing large-scale archaeological projects. Ultimately, the episode offers a comprehensive look into the amazing discoveries that have been made in Egypt over the years, while also highlighting the ongoing quest for more knowledge and discovery.

Overall, "Egypt: What Lies Beneath?" is an engaging and informative episode of Curiosity that provides a fascinating glimpse into one of the world's most ancient and captivating civilizations. Viewers are sure to come away with a deeper appreciation for the rich history and culture of ancient Egypt, and the incredible efforts being made to uncover its many mysteries.