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NOVA (1974)

S53E5 Stone Age Temple Mystery

Feb 25, 2026 Season 53 Episode 5 Documentary

High on a remote hill in present-day Turkey lies Göbekli Tepe, recognized as the oldest temple in the world. For many years, archaeologists thought it served as a religious hub for nomadic hunter-gatherers prior to the advent of civilization. However, recent groundbreaking findings suggest that a complex, settled community of hunter-gatherers inhabited the site year-round for generations. This revelation may provide crucial insight into humanity's significant shift from hunting to agriculture. Join experts as they conduct new excavations and examine fractured skulls to uncover a fascinating narrative that could reshape our comprehension of civilization's origins.