National Geographic Explorer Season 8 Episode 10 Blood Antiquities
- TV-PG
- June 5, 2016
- 44 min
Blood Antiquities is the tenth episode of season 8 of National Geographic Explorer, a documentary series that takes viewers on thrilling adventures to explore the world's most fascinating topics. In this episode, viewers are taken on a journey through the world of blood antiquities.
The episode begins by introducing viewers to the issue of blood antiquities, which refers to antiquities that have been looted or smuggled from their countries of origin, often in violent and illegal ways. These antiquities are then sold on the black market, often to wealthy collectors who have no regard for their origin or cultural significance. The trade in blood antiquities is a lucrative business that fuels conflict, destroys archaeological sites, and robs countries of their heritage.
To delve deeper into this issue, the crew behind National Geographic Explorer travels to various parts of the world, including Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, to investigate the trade in blood antiquities. They meet with archaeologists, law enforcement officials, and activists who are dedicated to exposing and stopping the trade in these illicit objects.
In Europe, the crew investigates the black market for antiquities and meets with collectors who are willing to pay exorbitant prices for objects of unknown origin. They also visit museums and art galleries to see how they are trying to combat the trade in blood antiquities by creating databases and working with law enforcement.
In the Middle East, the crew focuses on the impact of conflict on archaeological sites. They visit ancient cities that have been destroyed by war and meet with archaeologists who are trying to salvage what they can before it is lost forever. They also investigate how terror groups like ISIS are profiting from the trade in blood antiquities to fund their operations.
In Asia, the crew travels to Cambodia to investigate the looting of ancient temples and the impact on the local community. They meet with activists who are fighting to preserve Cambodia's cultural heritage and learn about the challenges they face in a country where corruption is rife and law enforcement is weak.
Throughout the episode, viewers are given a behind-the-scenes look at the world of blood antiquities and the people who are working to stop it. They learn about the complex web of illegal activity that fuels the trade and the devastating impact it has on countries and their people.
As always with National Geographic Explorer, the visuals of the episode are stunning. The crew captures the beauty of ancient sites and cultural treasures, as well as the harsh realities of conflict and exploitation. The interviews with experts are informative and engaging, providing a deeper understanding of the issue.
Overall, Blood Antiquities is a fascinating and thought-provoking episode of National Geographic Explorer that sheds light on a little-known but important issue. It is an excellent addition to the series and will leave viewers with a greater appreciation for the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.