Unearthing Clues to the Exodus

Key to the documentary is establishing when the Exodus occurred. Using various artifacts and geological evidence, "The Exodus Decoded" suggests the event took place around 1500 B.C. -- at the time of a huge volcanic eruption on the Greek island of Santorini.

This eruption and its aftereffects could have caused the 10 biblical plagues -- including a body of water turning blood-red; massive infestations of flies, frogs and locusts; darkness; and the deaths of firstborn Egyptian males. The same eruption also might have triggered a tsunami-like effect that could have parted water, the filmmakers suggest.

"We've seen what the ocean can do," Cameron said, referring to the killer 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia. "We can understand that when the skin of the Earth twitches, it can be bad for humans."

In developing his theories, Jacobovici said, he was able to transcend disciplines and "connect the dots."

"Archaeologists don't go to earthquake conventions," he said. "But if you go cross-discipline, you see that these guys agree with each other -- but don't know it."

Besides exploring events surrounding the Exodus, the documentary also uses biblical descriptions to establish coordinates to locate Mount Sinai, where the Bible says Moses received the Ten Commandments.

"As filmmakers, we can move quickly and draw conclusions that scientists are hesitant to do, as long as we don't say anything that is patently untrue," Cameron said.

"There are treasures hidden in plain view. They just need to be understood differently. Simcha hit upon this idea," Cameron said.

"Sometimes it's staring you in the face. You just have to squint at it."

THE EXODUS DECODED

Sunday,

8 p.m.

History Channel