Ancient Africa: Archaeology Unlocks the Secrets of Africa's Past
Archaeology reveals the rich histories of complex cultures in the cradle of humankind. Study the Dogon people of Mali. Explore the ancient city of Jenne-jeno. Learn how computer technology has recreated the Kushite temples at Jebel Barkal and how artifacts bring new insights, helping scientists to piece together the puzzle of ancient Africa.
Ancient Aztec: Archaeology Unlocks the Secrets of the Aztec Past
Archaeology reveals the rich history and complex culture of the Aztecs. Journey to the center of this elevated ancient civilization, to a huge oval basin 7,500 feet above sea level, in the Valley of Mexico. Study National Geographic maps and behold the vast range of this intriguing empire. Learn how modern archaeological methods and computer technology have helped to piece together patterns of conquest and colonization. Watch over the shoulders of archaeologists as they unearth clues about the history of the Aztec.
Ancient Celts: Archaeology Unlocks the Secrets of the Celtic Past
The distinctive languages, art, and mythologies of the ancient Celts give archaeologists with an enduring quest in Northern Europe. The Celts rarely used their written language, passing along beliefs, knowledge, and wisdom through oral traditions. Artifact-rich burial grounds, like the megalithic tombs at Newgrange, Ireland, inscribed stones, and stone circles like Stonehenge, all yield clues to their mysterious ways.
Ancient China: Archaeology Unlocks the Secrets of China's Past
In 1974, farmers uncover the terracotta army of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdo. Satellite technology reveals about 8,000 soliders at the tomb complex. Only 1,000 have so far been excavated. In 1976, archaeologists uncover a Shang Dynasty tomb in the Henan province. They recover artifacts bearing the name Fu Hao. Could this be the same person whose name is found on oracle bones unearthed elsewhere in China? Bodies encased in suits of jade and a pristinely preserved mummy are among the other treasures from China's tombs that continue to provide us with clues to her rich complex past.Ancient China includes an interview with Dr. Zhichun Jing, University of British Columbia, and working archaeologist at Anyang, the last capital of the Shang Dynasty.
Ancient Egypt: Archaeology Unlocks the Secrets of Egypt's Past
Explore the tombs of Egypt and discover artifacts that open a window on the past, revealing details of lives lived in an ancient Egyptian civilization that lasted for over 3,000 years.
In 1799, Napoleon's troops discover the Rosetta Stone, which leads to the decoding of Egyptian hieroglyphics. The wonders of the tomb of Tutankhamun continue to yield secrets of ancient Egyptian civilization. In 2005, a CAT scan of King Tut's mummy enables scientists to discount a blow to the head as the cause of his death. Zahi Hawass's investigations at the Bahariya Oasis and Frank Goddio's underwater excavations of Cleopatra's Alexandria make full use of modern techniques such as side-scan sonar and magnetic profiles to determine key facts.
Share the excitement of these scientists as they work to uncover the secrets of the Ancient Land of the Pharaohs.
Ancient Egypt includes an interview with Dr. Zahi Hawass, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities of Egypt and a National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence.
Ancient Greece: Archaeology Unlocks the Secrets of Greece's Past
Archaeology unlocks the secrets of Greece's ancient past. Explore the ruins of Greece and Turkey, on land and under sea. In 1870, amateur archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann discovers Hissarlik, part of Troy. In 1939, the palace of King Nestor in the Mycenaean city of Messina is unearthed near Plyos. In 1996, artifacts from the city, burned around 1200 B.C., link the site to Homer's Odyssey. In 1983, a Turkish diver locates the world's oldest shipwreck, which yields the world's oldest book—a carved wooden writing tablet with an ivory hinge. This title brings readers into close contact with scientists working to uncover the secrets of the Ancient Greeks, whose artifacts appear at digs across Europe, Asia Minor, and northern Africa.
Ancient Greece includes an interview with underwater archaeologist Faith Hentschel, a past grantee of the National Geographic Society. Ancient Africa: Archaeology Unlocks the Secrets of Africa's Past
Archaeology reveals the rich histories of complex cultures in the cradle of humankind. Study the Dogon people of Mali. Explore the ancient city of Jenne-jeno. Learn how computer technology has recreated the Kushite temples at Jebel Barkal and how artifacts bring new insights, helping scientists to piece together the puzzle of ancient Africa.
Ancient Inca: Archaeology Unlocks the Secrets of the Inca's Past
The ruins and tombs high in the Andes Mountains of Peru yield valuable clues to lives of the ancient Incas. In 1995, the Inca Ice Maiden is recovered, one of four human sacrifices found on Ampato. These mummies provide scientists with time capsules—packed with clues to Inca civilization of the 1400s. Cuzco, the seat of Inca power, reveals the remains of the Inca railroad system and the incredible fortress of Sacsayhuaman. The Coricancha, Cuzco's spectacular Inca temple of worship, contains vital clues to the Inca's spiritual culture, which are also revealed in artifacts recovered from tombs.
Inca archaeological sites such as the Old Temple at Chavin de Huantar and the Huaca del Sol continually paint a portrait of an extremely advanced civilization, which left no written record of its history. Ancient Inca includes an interview with Dr. Constanza Ceruti, a high-altitude archaeologist and a National Geographic Emerging Explorer currently working in Peru.
Ancient India: Archaeology Unlocks the Secrets of India's Past
The culture of ancient India is revealed through archaeology, our modern-day portal to the past. Through dramatic photography and lively narrative, take a passage to Indian antiquity. Visit Mohenjo-Daro or the "mound of the dead," a city built between 4 and 5 thousand years ago. Read how excavations there, begun in 1922, continue to uncover this ancient citadel. Learn, first-hand, what modern techniques tell us about ancient civilizations in the lower Indus Valley. And see how ancient treasures help archaeologists stitch together the multitudinous strands of India's past.
Ancient Iraq: Archaeology Unlocks the Secrets of Iraq's Past
Archaeology gives us a window into the wondrous world of ancient Iraq, in the region once known as Mesopotamia, the cradle of civilization. Join scientists as they study the Citadel in northern Iraq; explore the ancient city of Nineveh; and see how ancient treasures help scientists reassemble the mosaic-like puzzle of Iraq's past.
Ancient Maya: Archaeology Unlocks the Secrets of the Maya's Past
As Europe endured its Dark Ages, the Maya mapped the heavens and mastered mathematics. They constructed vast cities in jungle landscapes, leaving legacies in stone at places like Palenque and Uxmal. In overgrown sites, archaeologists now piece together this civilization with the aid of satellite technology. Modern-day experts provide windows into the Mayan world by interpreting ancient messages, inscribed for future generations.
Ancient Pueblo: Archaeology Unlocks the Secrets of America's Past
At prehistoric sites in the "Four Corners" states (Colorado, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico) of the American Southwest, archaeologists have searched for years, looking for clues to the history of the Pueblo people. Learn what we know about these cliff dwellers. Study the thousands of rock carvings—petroglyphs—they left behind. Discover how modern scientists use ancient artifacts to learn about the lives of these early Americans.
Ancient Rome: Archaeology Unlocks the Secrets of Rome's Past
At its peak, Roman civilization influenced a vast empire. In all corners of that enormous area, archaeologists have searched for years, looking for clues to the history of the Imperial Romans. Learn about the writing tablets excavated from a Roman fort. Wonder at the fabulous mosaic recently discovered beneath the streets of Italy's capital city. See how ancient artifacts help scientists today piece together the puzzle of Ancient Rome's past.
