Ep 10. Blood Antiquities

Explorer season 8 episode 10, titled "Blood Antiquities," explores the criminal underworld of the global trade in ancient artifacts. The episode takes viewers on a journey from Egypt to Europe as the show's hosts delve into the vast black market for antiquities, which often involves looting, pillaging, and trafficking of priceless artifacts. The episode also exposes the devastating impact of these illicit activities on archaeological heritage sites and the local communities that depend on them.

At the heart of "Blood Antiquities" is the story of former Egyptian antiquities official and archaeologist, Dr. Monica Hanna. Dr. Hanna has dedicated her life to fighting the illegal trade in antiquities by documenting and exposing the plundering of archaeological sites in Egypt. She takes the Explorer team to some of the country's most iconic sites, including the pyramids of Giza and the Temple of Karnak, to show how looters have devastated these places. We see the remains of ancient tombs and temples that have been ransacked, their walls and artifacts stolen or destroyed. Dr. Hanna explains how organized criminal networks have been behind many of these raids, working with local laborers to dig tunnels and unearth priceless treasures.

From Egypt, Explorer moves on to Europe, where the illegal trade in antiquities has provided a lucrative market for smugglers and organized crime syndicates. The show visits the famous art market in Brussels, where treasures from all over the world are sold. We see how easy it can be for traffickers to pass off stolen goods as legitimate antiques, using false certificates and fake provenance. The show also interviews detectives from Scotland Yard's Art and Antiquities Unit, who explain how they have been working to track down stolen goods and bring the criminals responsible to justice.

One of the most poignant moments of "Blood Antiquities" comes when the show's hosts visit the National Museum of Alexandria, in Egypt. The museum, which houses thousands of ancient Egyptian artifacts, was gutted by fire in 2010. Much of its collection was destroyed, prompting calls for increased security to protect Egypt's archaeological heritage. The museum's director, Dr. Mohamed Abdel Maqsoud, speaks to the Explorer team about the devastating impact of the fire, and how it has highlighted the need for greater global awareness about the importance of protecting our cultural heritage.

Throughout the episode, Explorer also looks at the wider impact of the black market trade in antiquities. We see how the destruction of archaeological sites robs local communities of their heritage and livelihood, as tourism and education suffer. The show also highlights the human cost of this illicit trade, with reports of laborers being exploited and even killed in their pursuit of treasure. The episode concludes by asking what can be done to curb the trade in stolen antiquities. It notes that the United Nations has declared it illegal to buy or sell antiquities from countries that have not given their permission, but many nations lack the resources to enforce these laws effectively. The episode suggests that greater education, awareness, and international cooperation may be key to protecting our cultural heritage for future generations.

Overall, Explorer season 8 episode 10, "Blood Antiquities," is a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of the criminal trade in ancient artifacts. Through interviews with archaeologists, law enforcement officials, and museum directors, the episode shines a light on the devastating impact of looting and trafficking on our shared cultural heritage. Highly recommended for anyone interested in crime, history, and cultural preservation.