Ep 10. Dead Sea Scroll Mysteries

In the season 6 finale of Expedition Unknown, host Josh Gates travels to the Middle East to uncover the mysteries surrounding the Dead Sea Scrolls. Discovered in 1946 in a series of caves near the Dead Sea, the scrolls are a collection of Jewish texts that date back to the Second Temple period. While the scrolls themselves have been extensively studied by scholars, there are still many questions surrounding their origins and significance.

Gates begins his investigation in Jerusalem, where he meets with experts who have spent decades studying the scrolls. He visits the Israel Museum, which houses a portion of the scrolls, and speaks with curator Adolfo Roitman about their historical and religious significance. Roitman explains that the scrolls offer a unique glimpse into Jewish life during the Second Temple period, shedding light on everything from religious beliefs to everyday practices.

Next, Gates heads to the West Bank to visit Qumran, the site where the scrolls were discovered. He meets with archaeologist Jodi Magness, who has spent years excavating the area in an effort to better understand the people who lived there. Magness explains that the ruins at Qumran likely belonged to a Jewish sect known as the Essenes, who were known for their strict adherence to religious law.

While at Qumran, Gates also speaks with Yuval Peleg, an expert on the conservation of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Peleg is part of a team tasked with preserving the fragile scrolls, which are made of animal skin and can easily deteriorate if not properly cared for. He explains the various techniques used to protect and maintain the scrolls, from carefully monitoring humidity levels to using ultraviolet light to kill potential microorganisms.

Throughout the episode, Gates also delves into some of the more mysterious aspects of the Dead Sea Scrolls. He visits a laboratory in Germany where scientists are using cutting-edge technology to analyze the ink and parchment of the scrolls, in an effort to determine their origins and authorship. He also speaks with scholars who have put forth controversial theories about the scrolls, including the idea that they may have been written by women or that they contain secrets about the life of Jesus.

Finally, Gates travels to Jordan to visit a newly discovered cave that may contain additional scrolls. He hikes deep into the desert with a team of experts, using high-tech equipment to scan the cave walls for any signs of hidden chambers. While they don't ultimately find any new scrolls, Gates and his team are excited by the prospect of further discoveries in the future.

Overall, Expedition Unknown's Dead Sea Scroll Mysteries provides a fascinating look at one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in history. With its blend of historical analysis and cutting-edge science, the episode is sure to captivate viewers interested in the intersection of religion, history, and archaeology.