Ep 3. The Hunt For Our Ancient Ancestors

In Expedition Unknown season 8 episode 3 "The Hunt For Our Ancient Ancestors," host Josh Gates embarks on a journey to trace the origins of human civilization. With the help of archaeologists, geneticists, and experts in ancient cultures, Gates follows the trail of one of the oldest and most important civilizations, the Sumerians.

The episode starts in Iraq, where Gates visits the ruins of the ancient city of Uruk, considered to be the birthplace of the Sumerian civilization. He explores the intricately designed ziggurat, a stepped tower that served as a temple to the gods and was central to the daily life of the Sumerians. Gates then travels to the southern Iraqi city of Basrah, where he meets with a team of archaeologists who are excavating a site that may offer clues to the origins of the Sumerians.

Next, Gates travels to Turkey, where he visits the cave of Gobekli Tepe, one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of recent times. The site dates back to 10,000 BC and is believed to be the world's first temple. With the help of archaeologist Lee Clare, Gates explores the intricate carvings and sculptures that decorate the site's massive pillars. He learns about the rituals that took place there and the beliefs of the people who built it.

The episode then takes a turn as Gates meets Dr. Spencer Wells, a geneticist who is using DNA analysis to trace the origins of human civilization. Gates learns about the latest research on human migration patterns and how DNA can help us understand the movements of our ancient ancestors. Wells takes Gates to a laboratory in Germany, where he shows him some of the tools and methods used in genetic analysis.

Finally, Gates travels to Kazakhstan, where he meets members of the Kazakh tribe who have lived there for thousands of years. Through their stories and traditions, Gates gains a deeper understanding of the ancient cultures that have shaped this region of the world. He learns about the nomadic lifestyles of the tribes and the significance of their animal husbandry practices.

Throughout the episode, Gates weaves together the stories of these ancient civilizations with the latest scientific research on human history. He explores the connections between the Sumerians, Gobekli Tepe, and the Kazakh tribes, drawing a picture of how our ancestors lived and migrated across the world. Ultimately, "The Hunt for Our Ancient Ancestors" is a fascinating look at the origins of human civilization, and the ways in which we are still uncovering the mysteries of our past.