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NOVA
Great Human Odyssey
Season 43
Episode 12
Our ancient human ancestors once lived only in Africa in tiny bands of a few thousand hunter-gatherers. Then we moved out of our African cradle, spreading rapidly to every corner of the planet. How did we acquire the skills, technology and talent to thrive in every environment on earth? How did our prehistoric forebears cross the Sahara, survive frigid ice ages, and sail to remote Pacific islands?
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53:21
Can bringing predators—and fear—back into an ecosystem help restore its natural balance?
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Paleontologist Kirk Johnson explores the dynamic history—and future—of ice at the poles.
53:30
Discover the science behind Leonardo da Vinci's masterpieces—and Mona Lisa's iconic smile.
53:15
Amazing fossils reveal how mammals took over after an asteroid wiped out the dinosaurs.
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53:23
New archeological evidence shows the stunning engineering of the Great Pyramid of Giza.
53:51
Join scientists as they grab light from across the universe to prove quantum entanglement.
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53:21
Follow engineers and woodworkers as they rebuild an iconic American covered bridge.
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53:34
Follow the harrowing operation to rescue 12 boys stranded in a flooded cave in Thailand.