"Jag har upptäckt 10 000 år av mänsklig historia" – Arkeologen Maria Nilsson

·1 hr 21 min·5 clips

Archaeologist Maria Nilsson leads the only Swedish dig in Egypt, uncovering 10,000 years of history across 30 square kilometers.

The episode features an interview with archaeologist Maria Nilsson, who co-leads excavations at Gebelel Silsila in Egypt. Maria explains her lifelong passion for archaeology, starting from childhood. She details how she met her husband during a research trip, and together they discovered ancient symbols that sparked their project. The site is a massive ancient quarry and sacred area, with over 5,000 symbols yet to be fully deciphered. Maria describes daily life on a boat on the Nile, working in extreme heat. She recounts finding a hidden, intact chapel with statues, giving 'life back' to ancient figures. A major segment covers the excavation of a water-filled grave containing over a hundred individuals, requiring careful work in murky conditions. Maria discusses the problem of grave robbers, including an incident where police fired shots. She analyzes skeletal remains, revealing insights into ancient health and society, such as vitamin deficiencies among the elite. The conversation touches on curses and traps in tombs, though Maria downplays supernatural elements. She explains the destruction caused by looters, who burn artifacts to access gold. Maria mentions the Rosetta Stone and Nefertiti bust as contested artifacts Egypt wants repatriated. She reflects on balancing modern perspectives with historical interpretation. The episode includes personal stories, like her husband's cancer diagnosis and her children growing up on site. Maria describes dangers like scorpions and venomous spiders, including a bite that left lasting marks. She invites the hosts to visit Egypt and mentions a GoFundMe for support. The episode concludes with the hosts expressing admiration for Maria's work.

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