Ep 8. Apocalypse

Sacred Sites is a documentary series that explores the world's most iconic spiritual places and the ancient rituals and traditions that are still practiced there today. Season 2 episode 8, titled "Apocalypse", takes viewers on a journey to some of the most sacred sites in the world as they explore the concept of apocalypse and its significance in various religions and cultures.

The episode begins with a visit to the Forbidden City in China, the former palace of the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties, which was believed to be the center of the universe. The host, journalist, and historian Paul McGann meets with a Taoist priest who performs a ritual to ward off evil spirits and protect the city from disaster.

Next, McGann travels to Athens, Greece, to explore the ruins of the ancient Temple of Olympian Zeus. Here, he meets with a professor of Classics who explains the ancient Greek concept of apocalypse, which refers not to the end of the world, but to an unveiling or revelation of hidden knowledge.

The episode then takes viewers to the remote Pacific island of Tanna, where they witness a tribe performing a ritual dance in honor of their god, John Frum, who they believe will bring about the end of the world and the arrival of a new age.

Moving on to South America, McGann explores the ancient site of Chavin de Huantar in Peru, which was once a center of pilgrimage for the Chavin culture. Here, McGann meets with a shaman who explains the significance of the site and performs a ritual to connect with the spirits of the ancient ancestors.

The next stop is Jerusalem, where McGann visits the Western Wall, one of the most sacred sites in Judaism. Here, he meets with a rabbi who explains the concept of apocalyptic prophecy in the Jewish tradition and the belief in the coming of the Messiah.

Finally, the episode concludes with a visit to the Hopi Reservation in Arizona, where the Hopi people have lived for thousands of years. Here, McGann meets with a Hopi elder who explains the Hopi belief in the end of the world and the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship with the natural world.

Through its exploration of these diverse cultures and spiritual traditions, Sacred Sites season 2 episode 8 offers a fascinating look at the concept of apocalypse and its significance in shaping our understanding of the world around us.