Film Title The Last Days of Zeugma

Scientific Field Archaeology/Palaeontology

Duration


52

Organisation Gedeon Programmes

Country France

Website www.gedeon.com

Producer Stephane Milliere

Director Thierry Ragobert

Previous Award

We shall follow every step of the project's development at

Orefici's side, exploring the great capital of Cahuachi, each day

learning more about this forgotten civilisation, gradually collecting

clues that may help the Professor give a new interpretation to Synopsis

the Nazca lines. The conctruction of a dam on the River Euphrates in Turkey will

result in the destruction of one of the Roman Empire's most

important towns. In July 2000, the ancient city of Zeugma will be

submerged under 40 metres of water.



A multi-disciplinary team of experts including archeologists,

epigraphists and ceramic specialists has been formed. A race

against the clock is launched to save several centuries of

Mesopotamia's relics and remains, using truly spectacular

methods and resources.



We follow the rescue operations as it happens, witnessing some

exceptional discoveries such as the unearthing of a Roman villa

decorated with immensely beautiful mosaics, before seeing these

same treasures disappear under the irresistable waters of the

dam. The film accompanies the archeologists on the ground as it

tells the story of this emblematic silk-road city founded by one of

Alexander's generals.

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