Ep 1. Dawn of Humanity

Dawn of Humanity, the first episode of NOVA season 43, explores the discovery of one of the most significant archaeological finds of the century: the fossils of Homo naledi, a previously unknown species of human ancestor.

The episode takes viewers on a journey to South Africa, where a team of scientists from the University of the Witwatersrand have been excavating a remote cave system known as Rising Star. It was here, deep underground, that they discovered a trove of ancient bones, all belonging to a new species of hominin.

Through stunning visuals and expert interviews, the episode brings the story of this incredible discovery to life. We meet Lee Berger, the paleoanthropologist who led the team of scientists that discovered the fossils, and hear about the many challenges they faced in getting to and excavating the site. We also get to see the bones up close and learn about the painstaking process of analyzing and piecing together the fossil record.

The discoveries at Rising Star are truly remarkable. In addition to the fossils of Homo naledi, the team also found evidence of ritualistic burial practices, suggesting that these ancient humans had far more complex social and cultural systems than previously believed. The episode explores the significance of these findings, and their implications for our understanding of human evolution.

Throughout the episode, NOVA delves into the scientific methods and techniques used to understand and reconstruct our ancestors' past. We learn about advances in DNA analysis, and how scientists are able to extract and sequence ancient DNA from fossils. We also see how sophisticated imaging technology has allowed scientists to create virtual models of the fossils and use them to make new discoveries.

Dawn of Humanity is a fascinating and informative exploration of one of the most exciting discoveries in human evolution. Its expert storytelling and stunning visuals bring the story of Homo naledi to life, and offer viewers a rare glimpse into the complex and fascinating world of paleoanthropology.