Ep 2. Temple of Doom

In season 1 episode 2 of Expedition Unknown titled "Temple of Doom", host Josh Gates sets out to explore the famous Temple of Doom located in the jungles of Cambodia. The temple, known as Beng Mealea, has been reclaimed by the surrounding jungle and is a challenging location to visit. Josh and his team spend days traversing through dense foliage and abandoned temples in search of clues that can help them uncover the mystery behind the temple's creation.

The episode starts with Josh providing some historical context about the temple and its place in Cambodian history. Beng Mealea is believed to have been built in the 12th century during the reign of King Suryavarman II. It was constructed as a Hindu temple and served as a prototype for the famous Angkor Wat temple complex.

As Josh and his team enter the temple, they find it to be overgrown with jungle plants and trees. The temple has not been completely restored like some of the other temples in the area, and this makes it feel more ancient and mysterious. The team faces difficulties from the start as they struggle to navigate through the dense jungle and find a way inside the temple.

Once inside the temple, Josh and his team are amazed by the intricate carvings and sculptures on the walls. The detail in the artwork provides unique insight into the religious symbols and practices of the Khmer Empire. Josh also has a chance to interview experts in the field who are working on preserving the temple and learn more about the significance of the site.

As the team explores deeper into the temple, they discover that it was not just a place of worship, but also a location for secret rituals and sacrifices. They find evidence of animal sacrifice and ancient bloodletting ceremonies. These discoveries raise questions about the purpose of the temple and what kind of society would practice such rituals.

Josh and his team also find evidence of looting and damage done to the temple over the years. During the Cambodian Civil War, the Khmer Rouge used the temple as a stronghold, and this caused significant damage to the structure. The team investigates the impact of warfare on historical sites and the importance of preserving them for future generations.

Ultimately, Josh and his team do not discover any new information about the temple's purpose, but they do gain a deeper understanding of its historical significance. The episode ends with Josh reflecting on the importance of preserving ancient historical sites like Beng Mealea. He encourages viewers to visit Cambodia and other historical sites to learn more about the past and explore the mysteries that they hold.

In conclusion, Expedition Unknown season 1 episode 2 is an exciting and informative exploration of the mysterious Temple of Doom in Cambodia. Josh Gates and his team navigate through dense jungle to uncover the secrets of this ancient temple and learn more about its cultural significance. Through interviews with experts, investigation of ancient rituals, and exploration of the temple's past, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the temple's place in history. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in ancient history and the preservation of historical sites.