cover of episode Dead Sea Scrolls: The Copper Scroll

Dead Sea Scrolls: The Copper Scroll

2024/10/30
logo of podcast The Ancients

The Ancients

Key Insights

Why was the Copper Scroll different from other Dead Sea Scrolls?

It was made of copper, not parchment or papyrus, and contained a list of treasure locations.

Why was the Copper Scroll cut into strips?

It had oxidized and compressed into a cylinder, requiring a special saw to open it without damaging the writing.

What does the Copper Scroll describe?

Instructions for finding buried treasure, including gold and silver, totaling around 120 tons.

Why has the treasure described in the Copper Scroll not been found?

Despite attempts, no one has successfully located the treasure, leading to theories it may not exist.

What is one theory about the origin of the treasure in the Copper Scroll?

It may refer to the treasure taken from the Temple in Jerusalem before its destruction by the Romans.

Why is the Copper Scroll considered unique?

It is the only copper scroll among the Dead Sea Scrolls and contains a map to undiscovered riches.

What challenges did scholars face in reading the Copper Scroll?

The script was difficult to decipher due to similarities between letters and idiosyncratic spelling.

What is the significance of the Valley of Achor mentioned in the Copper Scroll?

It is a location near Jericho, but its exact identification remains uncertain.

Why might the treasure in the Copper Scroll have been hidden?

Historical events like Roman invasions and internal conflicts in Judea could have prompted hiding temple treasures.

What is the most likely period for the creation of the Copper Scroll according to some theories?

The second century CE, during the Bar Kokhba revolt, when the Romans devastated Judea.

Chapters

Tristan Hughes visits the Jordan Museum to see the Copper Scroll, a unique artifact among the Dead Sea Scrolls, made of copper and believed to contain a map to ancient treasure.
  • The Copper Scroll is the only one made of copper, found in Cave 3 at Qumran.
  • It is believed to contain instructions for finding 120 tons of gold and silver.
  • Despite various attempts, the treasure has never been found.

Shownotes Transcript

When they were discovered in the Qumran Caves in the mid-20th century, the Dead Sea Scrolls revolutionised our understanding of biblical history. But one particular scroll was different. It was not written on parchment or papyrus like the other scrolls, but on metal - 99% copper and 1% tin.

In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes visits Jordan so see the this fascinating Copper Scroll in person, and then interviews Prof. Joan Taylor to unlock the mysteries contained within it - not least a map and directions to some undiscovered ancient treasure.

Presented by Tristan Hughes. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight, the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.

The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.

Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original TV documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up** HERE**)** for 50% off your first 3 months using code ‘ANCIENTS’. **https://historyhit.com/subscription)

You can take part in our listener survey here).