NOVA Season 32 Episode 8 Ancient Refuge in the Holy Land

In the season 32 episode 8 of NOVA titled "Ancient Refuge in the Holy Land," viewers are taken on an archaeological journey through the Judean Desert to uncover the history of an ancient refuge. The refuge is known as the Dead Sea Scrolls, which were discovered in the 1940s in a series of caves in the area.

The episode begins by showcasing the rugged terrain of the Judean Desert where the refuge is located. The host, an archaeologist, explains the importance of the refuge and how it has been a source of fascination for over a century. The refuge is important because it provides insight into the history and culture of the people who inhabited the area over two thousand years ago.

As the episode progresses, the host takes viewers to some of the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. There are ten caves in total, but only four contained the scrolls. The host explains that the scrolls were written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, and are the earliest known copies of the Old Testament. They were also important because they contained additional books that were not included in the Hebrew Bible.

The host talks to some of the archaeologists who were part of the team that discovered the scrolls and they explain the process of finding them. They also explain the challenges they faced in trying to preserve them, as some of the scrolls were in poor condition due to being exposed to the elements for centuries.

The show also delves into the mystery behind the scrolls and how they ended up in the caves. Some theories suggest that they were hidden there by a group of people known as the Essenes, who lived in the area during the Roman occupation. The Essenes were a religious sect that lived a communal lifestyle and were known for their strict adherence to the Jewish law. They were also believed to be the authors of some of the scrolls.

The episode then takes viewers to the ruins of the ancient city of Qumran, which is believed to be the headquarters of the Essenes. The host takes viewers through the ruins and points out some of the features that suggest that it was a communal settlement, such as the shared dining hall and the small rooms where the inhabitants lived.

The host then provides more information about the Essenes and how they lived. They were known for their piety and their belief in the end of days and the coming of a messiah. They also had a rigid hierarchy and strict laws that governed their daily lives.

As the episode draws to a close, the host reflects on the importance of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the insight they provide into the culture and beliefs of the people who inhabited the area over two thousand years ago. The show ends with a reminder that there is still much to be discovered in the Judean Desert and that many mysteries about the ancient refuge remain unsolved.