Ep 9. Egypt's Lost Wonders

The ninth episode of Drain the Oceans season one takes viewers to Egypt, where some of the world's most iconic wonders were built thousands of years ago. Hosts Craig Sechler and James Delgado embark on a journey to use the latest technology to uncover secrets that have been buried for centuries.

The episode begins by exploring the Great Pyramid of Giza, the only remaining wonder of the ancient world. At over 150 meters tall and with a base of almost 230 square meters, the pyramid was the tallest man-made structure for over 3,800 years. The hosts use advanced drone technology to capture never-seen-before images of the pyramid from above, including the intricate geometry of the pyramid's base. They also investigate how the pyramid was constructed, and uncover evidence of an internal ramp system that may have been used to move the millions of limestone blocks needed to build the pyramid.

The hosts then turn their attention to the Sphinx, located near the Great Pyramid. The mysterious monument has puzzled historians for centuries who have tried to unravel its secrets such as its use as a guard of treasure or a trap for enemies. The team utilizes scientific techniques to conduct a full scan of the Sphinx, using ground-penetrating radar, laser scans and 3D mapping. The scan reveals the statue was made up of different blocks suggesting that it may not have been constructed as one piece, and appear to be filled with chambers. Delgado uncovers surprising evidence that suggests the Sphinx is not as old as previously thought. The new research and findings bring researchers one step closer to solving the Sphinx's enduring mysteries.

Next, the show dives into the Lost City of Heracleion, submerged underwater for over 2000 years. The hosts explore the ruins of Heracleion and discover the secrets of the city's life before it was destroyed by the weight of the Great Pyramid and rising sea levels. Divers explore the ruins and collect ancient artifacts, revealing how the city was a significant religious center and the gateway to Egypt.

The program then takes us to the Abu Simbel Temples, another iconic symbol of ancient Egypt. These temples were built by Pharaoh Ramesses II, over 3,000 years ago to commemorate his victories and to intimidate his enemies. The temples were hidden away from the world for centuries until they were rediscovered in 1813. The program uses high-tech 3D imaging and laser scanning to uncover the secrets of the temples, revealing precise details of each carving and hieroglyphic. The team discovers that the temples were precisely aligned to the cardinal points of the sun, meaning that twice a year, the sun's light would shine into the inner sanctuary and illuminate the statues of the gods.

Finally, the program sheds light on the Sunken Treasures of Alexandria, lost for nearly 2,000 years beneath the waves of the Mediterranean, the Egyptian city of Alexandria has long been a place of wonders. Craig and James use cutting-edge sonar technology and underwater drones to explore the submerged ancient ruins. The lost treasures found in these ruins give the first glimpse of how life was in Alexandria during the height of its glory days. The show documents shipwrecks and intricately designed statues that were submerged along with the city.

In conclusion, Drain the Oceans' Egypt's Lost Wonders episode is a fascinating exploration of the wonders of ancient Egypt, showcasing how cutting-edge technology is helping to reveal new mysteries about these iconic structures that have been around for millennia. The show provides viewers with new insights into the pyramids, the sphinx, lesser-known lost cities, and even unknown treasures hidden beneath the sea. It is a must-watch for anyone with an interest in history, marine biology, or just an appreciation for the marvels of the world.