# Start End Original Translated
1 00:00:00,841 00:00:02,359 (dramatic music) (birds chirping) (dramatic music) (birds chirping)
2 00:00:02,434 00:00:06,112 Mastrelli: Eden, the original biblical paradise, Mastrelli: Eden, the original biblical paradise,
3 00:00:06,121 00:00:09,319 Where adam and eve lived in a land of plenty, Where adam and eve lived in a land of plenty,
4 00:00:09,394 00:00:13,472 Until temptation triggered their fall from grace Until temptation triggered their fall from grace
5 00:00:13,481 00:00:16,119 And condemned them to a life of toil. And condemned them to a life of toil.
6 00:00:17,721 00:00:20,272 It's a tale long considered by science It's a tale long considered by science
7 00:00:20,281 00:00:25,279 To be a moral lesson based in mythology, not in fact. To be a moral lesson based in mythology, not in fact.
8 00:00:26,121 00:00:30,352 But a prehistoric structure uncovered in turkey But a prehistoric structure uncovered in turkey
9 00:00:30,361 00:00:34,239 Has rocked the foundations of stone age anthropology. Has rocked the foundations of stone age anthropology.
10 00:00:36,194 00:00:37,239 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
11 00:00:37,314 00:00:39,159 Could the bible's oldest story Could the bible's oldest story
12 00:00:39,234 00:00:41,799 Actually be rooted in reality? Actually be rooted in reality?
13 00:00:45,474 00:00:47,392 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
14 00:00:47,401 00:00:51,319 For centuries the mysteries of the past For centuries the mysteries of the past
15 00:00:51,394 00:00:54,359 Have kept their secrets, Have kept their secrets,
16 00:00:54,434 00:00:58,119 But there are clues cast in gold, But there are clues cast in gold,
17 00:00:58,194 00:01:00,112 Etched in stone, Etched in stone,
18 00:01:00,121 00:01:02,912 (crowd shouts) written in blood. (crowd shouts) written in blood.
19 00:01:02,921 00:01:05,879 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
20 00:01:05,954 00:01:07,879 We can unlock them. We can unlock them.
21 00:01:23,961 00:01:26,039 Every great archeological discovery Every great archeological discovery
22 00:01:26,114 00:01:28,599 Attracts a truckload of superlatives. Attracts a truckload of superlatives.
23 00:01:28,674 00:01:29,712 The greatest. The greatest.
24 00:01:29,721 00:01:30,752 The richest. The richest.
25 00:01:30,761 00:01:31,599 The biggest. The biggest.
26 00:01:32,914 00:01:35,079 But when it comes to real game changers, But when it comes to real game changers,
27 00:01:35,154 00:01:37,792 Discoveries that rewrite human history, Discoveries that rewrite human history,
28 00:01:37,801 00:01:40,199 That cause paradigm shifts in our thinking That cause paradigm shifts in our thinking
29 00:01:40,274 00:01:43,392 As seismic as an actual seismic event, As seismic as an actual seismic event,
30 00:01:43,401 00:01:45,632 Those are few and far between. Those are few and far between.
31 00:01:45,641 00:01:47,879 Now recent excavations in turkey Now recent excavations in turkey
32 00:01:47,954 00:01:51,312 Are producing results so epic in scope Are producing results so epic in scope
33 00:01:51,321 00:01:53,152 That the discovery of the garden of eden That the discovery of the garden of eden
34 00:01:53,161 00:01:55,479 Itself is being invoked. Itself is being invoked.
35 00:01:57,081 00:01:59,719 (gentle music) (gentle music)
36 00:02:01,161 00:02:03,879 Southeast turkey, 1994, Southeast turkey, 1994,
37 00:02:05,554 00:02:08,599 Klaus schmidt, of the german archeological institute, Klaus schmidt, of the german archeological institute,
38 00:02:08,674 00:02:11,799 Is alerted to the discovery of a potential new site. Is alerted to the discovery of a potential new site.
39 00:02:15,001 00:02:17,399 A local farmer's plow has uncovered A local farmer's plow has uncovered
40 00:02:17,474 00:02:20,759 A set of carved rocks protruding from the ground. A set of carved rocks protruding from the ground.
41 00:02:22,761 00:02:26,512 They stand on the crest of a mound called gobekli tepe They stand on the crest of a mound called gobekli tepe
42 00:02:26,521 00:02:29,199 Near today's war-torn border with syria. Near today's war-torn border with syria.
43 00:02:30,361 00:02:34,039 What schmidt uncovers is an archeological wonder What schmidt uncovers is an archeological wonder
44 00:02:34,114 00:02:36,592 Like nothing else on earth. Like nothing else on earth.
45 00:02:36,601 00:02:38,352 Conard: Gobekli tepe when it was discovered, Conard: Gobekli tepe when it was discovered,
46 00:02:38,361 00:02:40,839 Was an enormous surprise. Was an enormous surprise.
47 00:02:40,914 00:02:42,279 I think most people thought I think most people thought
48 00:02:42,354 00:02:43,999 That this doesn't really make sense. That this doesn't really make sense.
49 00:02:45,074 00:02:47,792 Mastrelli: Over the next 20 years it has revolutionized Mastrelli: Over the next 20 years it has revolutionized
50 00:02:47,801 00:02:50,719 Archeologists' view of the stone age. Archeologists' view of the stone age.
51 00:02:54,674 00:02:57,319 (tools clanking) (tools clanking)
52 00:02:57,394 00:03:00,119 By the time he dies in 2014, By the time he dies in 2014,
53 00:03:00,194 00:03:02,439 Schmidt's team has exposed a complex Schmidt's team has exposed a complex
54 00:03:02,514 00:03:04,599 Of massive limestone pillars, Of massive limestone pillars,
55 00:03:06,921 00:03:08,719 A series of circular exclosures, A series of circular exclosures,
56 00:03:09,714 00:03:12,672 Each between 30 and a 100 feet across, Each between 30 and a 100 feet across,
57 00:03:12,681 00:03:15,399 Clustered together near the top of the hill. Clustered together near the top of the hill.
58 00:03:17,161 00:03:19,559 Today the site's in lockdown, Today the site's in lockdown,
59 00:03:19,634 00:03:22,999 Just a few clicks away from what's long been a war zone. Just a few clicks away from what's long been a war zone.
60 00:03:24,434 00:03:25,959 But the protective shell But the protective shell
61 00:03:26,034 00:03:28,879 Conceals an architectural phenomenon. Conceals an architectural phenomenon.
62 00:03:30,441 00:03:34,519 At the center of each circle stands two huge monoliths, At the center of each circle stands two huge monoliths,
63 00:03:35,954 00:03:39,232 T-shaped pillars carved out of a single block, T-shaped pillars carved out of a single block,
64 00:03:39,241 00:03:41,919 Standing up to 20 feet in height. Standing up to 20 feet in height.
65 00:03:42,914 00:03:46,119 The entire complex is intricately decorated The entire complex is intricately decorated
66 00:03:46,194 00:03:49,519 With three-dimensional carvings of animals and birds. With three-dimensional carvings of animals and birds.
67 00:03:51,154 00:03:53,799 A gallery sculpted in stone. A gallery sculpted in stone.
68 00:03:56,274 00:03:59,552 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
69 00:03:59,561 00:04:02,672 The structure's most complete ring of stones The structure's most complete ring of stones
70 00:04:02,681 00:04:06,672 Has been recreated at the museum of sanliurfa Has been recreated at the museum of sanliurfa
71 00:04:06,681 00:04:08,159 On the syrian border. On the syrian border.
72 00:04:10,601 00:04:13,319 Notroff: This reconstruction of enclosure allows us Notroff: This reconstruction of enclosure allows us
73 00:04:13,394 00:04:15,999 To experience the sheer monumentality of the site. To experience the sheer monumentality of the site.
74 00:04:17,161 00:04:19,712 Standing among these giant stones Standing among these giant stones
75 00:04:19,721 00:04:22,272 Actually makes us appreciate the huge effort Actually makes us appreciate the huge effort
76 00:04:22,281 00:04:24,919 These people must have gone through creating it. These people must have gone through creating it.
77 00:04:29,161 00:04:31,312 Mastrelli: But the most breathtaking discovery Mastrelli: But the most breathtaking discovery
78 00:04:31,321 00:04:33,679 Was not the size of the complex. Was not the size of the complex.
79 00:04:35,161 00:04:36,519 It was its age. It was its age.
80 00:04:38,361 00:04:40,039 It was once thought britain It was once thought britain
81 00:04:40,114 00:04:42,919 Was home to the world's oldest stone circles. Was home to the world's oldest stone circles.
82 00:04:44,674 00:04:48,559 But gobekli tepe blows stonehenge out of the water. But gobekli tepe blows stonehenge out of the water.
83 00:04:51,001 00:04:54,439 The most ancient organic material found in the fabric The most ancient organic material found in the fabric
84 00:04:54,514 00:04:56,839 Of the stonework was radio carbon Of the stonework was radio carbon
85 00:04:56,914 00:05:00,439 Dated to before 9,000 bce, Dated to before 9,000 bce,
86 00:05:00,514 00:05:03,639 More than 11,000 years ago. More than 11,000 years ago.
87 00:05:03,714 00:05:06,272 That's 6,000 years before construction That's 6,000 years before construction
88 00:05:06,281 00:05:09,712 At stonehenge even began. At stonehenge even began.
89 00:05:09,721 00:05:11,472 Notroff: We today actually are closer Notroff: We today actually are closer
90 00:05:11,481 00:05:13,152 To the builders of stonehenge To the builders of stonehenge
91 00:05:13,161 00:05:16,352 Than the people building stonehenge were to gobekli tepe. Than the people building stonehenge were to gobekli tepe.
92 00:05:16,361 00:05:17,872 (gentle music) (gentle music)
93 00:05:17,881 00:05:20,119 Mastrelli: Gobekli tepe represents the oldest Mastrelli: Gobekli tepe represents the oldest
94 00:05:20,194 00:05:22,559 Monumental structure ever built, Monumental structure ever built,
95 00:05:24,281 00:05:28,119 Carved, moved, and erected without anything Carved, moved, and erected without anything
96 00:05:28,194 00:05:33,159 More sophisticated than manpower and stone tools. More sophisticated than manpower and stone tools.
97 00:05:33,401 00:05:34,439 Notroff: We're talking about a period here Notroff: We're talking about a period here
98 00:05:34,514 00:05:36,112 Which has not seen metal tools, Which has not seen metal tools,
99 00:05:36,121 00:05:37,879 And even the wheel was not invented yet. And even the wheel was not invented yet.
100 00:05:37,954 00:05:42,112 So, these monuments were put together by hand. So, these monuments were put together by hand.
101 00:05:42,121 00:05:43,792 (gentle music) (gentle music)
102 00:05:43,801 00:05:46,759 Mastrelli: The art and architecture at gobekli tepe Mastrelli: The art and architecture at gobekli tepe
103 00:05:46,834 00:05:49,759 Is rewriting prehistoric archeology. Is rewriting prehistoric archeology.
104 00:05:51,234 00:05:53,552 But it was the identity of the architects But it was the identity of the architects
105 00:05:53,561 00:05:55,839 That would cause the greatest shock. That would cause the greatest shock.
106 00:05:57,721 00:06:01,119 Archeologists found the clues not in the stonework, Archeologists found the clues not in the stonework,
107 00:06:02,194 00:06:03,639 But in the trash. But in the trash.
108 00:06:03,714 00:06:06,599 Joris peters has spent more than two decades Joris peters has spent more than two decades
109 00:06:06,674 00:06:10,112 Examining 11,000-year- old animal remains Examining 11,000-year- old animal remains
110 00:06:10,121 00:06:13,479 From the landscape around gobekli tepe. From the landscape around gobekli tepe.
111 00:06:13,554 00:06:15,319 But it's the animal bones discovered But it's the animal bones discovered
112 00:06:15,394 00:06:17,312 Within the enclosures, Within the enclosures,
113 00:06:17,321 00:06:19,639 Which were the most revealing. Which were the most revealing.
114 00:06:19,714 00:06:21,479 Most had been shattered, Most had been shattered,
115 00:06:21,554 00:06:22,759 (suspenseful music) (suspenseful music)
116 00:06:22,834 00:06:24,119 A clear sign they'd been butchered A clear sign they'd been butchered
117 00:06:24,194 00:06:25,872 To extract bone marrow. To extract bone marrow.
118 00:06:25,881 00:06:27,639 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
119 00:06:27,714 00:06:30,239 But the key clue was in the type of bones discovered, But the key clue was in the type of bones discovered,
120 00:06:31,234 00:06:33,399 Only the richest cuts. Only the richest cuts.
121 00:06:33,474 00:06:35,079 (people chatting) (people chatting)
122 00:06:35,154 00:06:38,519 Peters: Normally when you have domestic animals Peters: Normally when you have domestic animals
123 00:06:38,594 00:06:41,399 Living in a place, when you slaughter them, Living in a place, when you slaughter them,
124 00:06:41,474 00:06:44,752 You will find all the elements of the body. You will find all the elements of the body.
125 00:06:44,761 00:06:48,992 The head, the spine, the lower legs, it's all there. The head, the spine, the lower legs, it's all there.
126 00:06:49,001 00:06:50,432 But for gobekli tepe, But for gobekli tepe,
127 00:06:50,441 00:06:52,079 The picture is totally different. The picture is totally different.
128 00:06:53,401 00:06:55,959 Most of the bones we found Most of the bones we found
129 00:06:56,034 00:06:58,919 Are the ones that carry a lot of meat. Are the ones that carry a lot of meat.
130 00:06:58,994 00:07:01,679 Mastrelli: The animals hadn't been butchered onsite. Mastrelli: The animals hadn't been butchered onsite.
131 00:07:02,601 00:07:05,239 They'd been carved up wherever they'd been killed, They'd been carved up wherever they'd been killed,
132 00:07:06,114 00:07:08,999 And the meatiest joints brought up the hill. And the meatiest joints brought up the hill.
133 00:07:10,594 00:07:13,399 For archeologists it was evidence For archeologists it was evidence
134 00:07:13,474 00:07:15,639 That these animals were wild, That these animals were wild,
135 00:07:16,594 00:07:20,919 And for the builders of gobekli tepe, they were prey. And for the builders of gobekli tepe, they were prey.
136 00:07:20,994 00:07:23,872 Peters: The focus on meat-bearing parts Peters: The focus on meat-bearing parts
137 00:07:23,881 00:07:25,632 Points to hunter-gatherers. Points to hunter-gatherers.
138 00:07:25,641 00:07:27,152 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
139 00:07:27,161 00:07:29,232 Mastrelli: The discovery of gobekli tepe Mastrelli: The discovery of gobekli tepe
140 00:07:29,241 00:07:32,279 Threw anthropologists' theories about life Threw anthropologists' theories about life
141 00:07:32,354 00:07:34,519 In the stone age into chaos, In the stone age into chaos,
142 00:07:37,481 00:07:40,679 And rumor quickly spread of a mysterious monument And rumor quickly spread of a mysterious monument
143 00:07:40,754 00:07:43,959 To nature in an ancient land of plenty. To nature in an ancient land of plenty.
144 00:07:44,034 00:07:46,759 (dramatic music) (birds chirping) (dramatic music) (birds chirping)
145 00:07:46,834 00:07:49,952 Could gobekli tepe hold the secret to the location Could gobekli tepe hold the secret to the location
146 00:07:49,961 00:07:51,999 Of the bible's garden of eden? Of the bible's garden of eden?
147 00:07:55,321 00:07:57,999 (gentle music) (gentle music)
148 00:07:58,994 00:08:01,559 On a hilltop in eastern turkey called gobekli tepe, On a hilltop in eastern turkey called gobekli tepe,
149 00:08:02,594 00:08:04,192 Archeologists have unearthed Archeologists have unearthed
150 00:08:04,201 00:08:07,792 An 11,000-year-old complex of standing stones. An 11,000-year-old complex of standing stones.
151 00:08:07,801 00:08:10,599 It's the oldest monumental structure on earth It's the oldest monumental structure on earth
152 00:08:10,674 00:08:15,632 And predates stonehenge by 6,000 years. And predates stonehenge by 6,000 years.
153 00:08:15,641 00:08:17,072 Archeologists have discovered Archeologists have discovered
154 00:08:17,081 00:08:19,239 It was erected by hunter-gatherers, It was erected by hunter-gatherers,
155 00:08:19,314 00:08:20,592 Obliterating the theory that Obliterating the theory that
156 00:08:20,601 00:08:23,399 Nomadic tribes never built in stone. Nomadic tribes never built in stone.
157 00:08:26,921 00:08:30,119 Its intricate carvings suggest a people at one Its intricate carvings suggest a people at one
158 00:08:30,194 00:08:34,279 With nature in a landscape brimming with wildlife, With nature in a landscape brimming with wildlife,
159 00:08:34,354 00:08:38,999 From pigs, to birds, wild cats, and serpents. From pigs, to birds, wild cats, and serpents.
160 00:08:40,361 00:08:43,232 The world's media quickly connected gobekli tepe The world's media quickly connected gobekli tepe
161 00:08:43,241 00:08:48,239 To the bible's most famous story: The garden of eden. To the bible's most famous story: The garden of eden.
162 00:08:48,761 00:08:51,872 Rose: That story is at the foundation of western thought. Rose: That story is at the foundation of western thought.
163 00:08:51,881 00:08:53,392 Whether we like it or not, Whether we like it or not,
164 00:08:53,401 00:08:55,519 That story is embedded in our worldview. That story is embedded in our worldview.
165 00:08:56,834 00:09:01,152 Mastrelli: In 2006, germany's most popular weekly magazine, Mastrelli: In 2006, germany's most popular weekly magazine,
166 00:09:01,161 00:09:05,879 "der spiegel", splashed the story on its front cover. "der spiegel", splashed the story on its front cover.
167 00:09:05,954 00:09:08,119 The idea had taken hold. The idea had taken hold.
168 00:09:09,481 00:09:12,352 For some the garden of eden story is an attempt For some the garden of eden story is an attempt
169 00:09:12,361 00:09:16,512 To answer a question common to all humanity. To answer a question common to all humanity.
170 00:09:16,521 00:09:19,079 How did we get here? How did we get here?
171 00:09:19,154 00:09:20,992 Schiffman: It doesn't matter whether talking about buddhists Schiffman: It doesn't matter whether talking about buddhists
172 00:09:21,001 00:09:23,472 Or hindus or jews or christians, muslims, Or hindus or jews or christians, muslims,
173 00:09:23,481 00:09:26,119 The human being is designed to want The human being is designed to want
174 00:09:26,194 00:09:28,752 To fill the brain that we have To fill the brain that we have
175 00:09:28,761 00:09:31,479 With more and more understanding, With more and more understanding,
176 00:09:31,554 00:09:34,039 And there is something about trying And there is something about trying
177 00:09:34,114 00:09:36,919 To understand why we are really here. To understand why we are really here.
178 00:09:37,801 00:09:41,959 Mastrelli: For many the search begins in the old testament, Mastrelli: For many the search begins in the old testament,
179 00:09:42,034 00:09:43,959 With the clues laid out in the text With the clues laid out in the text
180 00:09:44,034 00:09:47,072 Of genesis chapters two and three. Of genesis chapters two and three.
181 00:09:47,081 00:09:49,552 It describes an earthly paradise It describes an earthly paradise
182 00:09:49,561 00:09:52,672 At the point where four rivers split. At the point where four rivers split.
183 00:09:52,681 00:09:54,672 Schiffman: Now of the four rivers mentioned in the bible Schiffman: Now of the four rivers mentioned in the bible
184 00:09:54,681 00:09:56,199 As coming out of the garden, As coming out of the garden,
185 00:09:56,274 00:09:58,352 Two of them are the tigris and euphrates. Two of them are the tigris and euphrates.
186 00:09:58,361 00:10:00,199 That means the garden of eden, That means the garden of eden,
187 00:10:00,274 00:10:03,959 Has got to be somewhere up there in the northern regions Has got to be somewhere up there in the northern regions
188 00:10:04,034 00:10:07,079 Of what was mesopotamia and today is turkey. Of what was mesopotamia and today is turkey.
189 00:10:07,154 00:10:08,432 (gentle music) (birds chirping) (gentle music) (birds chirping)
190 00:10:08,441 00:10:10,432 Mastrelli: While gobekli tepe sits right Mastrelli: While gobekli tepe sits right
191 00:10:10,441 00:10:12,879 In the sweet spot for this biblical hunt, In the sweet spot for this biblical hunt,
192 00:10:14,514 00:10:16,919 Gobekli tepe is not the first place Gobekli tepe is not the first place
193 00:10:16,994 00:10:20,839 To be held up as a possible original paradise. To be held up as a possible original paradise.
194 00:10:20,914 00:10:23,952 Over the centuries scholars have claimed that other Over the centuries scholars have claimed that other
195 00:10:23,961 00:10:27,719 Ancient mesopotamian sites could be eden. Ancient mesopotamian sites could be eden.
196 00:10:27,794 00:10:31,232 Schiffman: You have people claiming that the garden of eden Schiffman: You have people claiming that the garden of eden
197 00:10:31,241 00:10:34,119 Is in southern mesopotamia near the persian gulf. Is in southern mesopotamia near the persian gulf.
198 00:10:34,194 00:10:35,632 You've got people claiming You've got people claiming
199 00:10:35,641 00:10:38,112 That it's northern mesopotamia in turkey. That it's northern mesopotamia in turkey.
200 00:10:38,121 00:10:39,392 What this shows is very simply: What this shows is very simply:
201 00:10:39,401 00:10:41,152 A, we don't know, A, we don't know,
202 00:10:41,161 00:10:43,639 And b, these people miss the point. And b, these people miss the point.
203 00:10:43,714 00:10:45,239 Mastrelli: For most scholars the hunt Mastrelli: For most scholars the hunt
204 00:10:45,314 00:10:47,559 For the biblical paradise is futile. For the biblical paradise is futile.
205 00:10:48,681 00:10:51,152 For the faithful the book of genesis For the faithful the book of genesis
206 00:10:51,161 00:10:53,552 Tells a theological story, Tells a theological story,
207 00:10:53,561 00:10:56,519 Not one that can be proven with archeology. Not one that can be proven with archeology.
208 00:10:57,394 00:11:00,832 Still neither scientists nor theologians Still neither scientists nor theologians
209 00:11:00,841 00:11:03,232 Can miss the remarkable animal carvings Can miss the remarkable animal carvings
210 00:11:03,241 00:11:06,272 That decorate almost every surface, That decorate almost every surface,
211 00:11:06,281 00:11:09,639 And as archeologists uncover the enclosures, And as archeologists uncover the enclosures,
212 00:11:09,714 00:11:12,039 They discover that in each one They discover that in each one
213 00:11:12,114 00:11:14,359 A different animal predominates. A different animal predominates.
214 00:11:15,241 00:11:17,712 Notroff: There's one enclosure where a lot of foxes appear, Notroff: There's one enclosure where a lot of foxes appear,
215 00:11:17,721 00:11:19,799 And in another one were a lot of boars. And in another one were a lot of boars.
216 00:11:19,874 00:11:24,199 In another enclosure there's a very strong focus on birds. In another enclosure there's a very strong focus on birds.
217 00:11:24,274 00:11:26,439 Mastrelli: Archeologists believe these carvings Mastrelli: Archeologists believe these carvings
218 00:11:26,514 00:11:28,719 May represent tribal signatures. May represent tribal signatures.
219 00:11:29,641 00:11:30,759 Notroff: It's interpretation. Notroff: It's interpretation.
220 00:11:30,834 00:11:32,432 It's speculation. It's speculation.
221 00:11:32,441 00:11:34,519 We have the idea where each enclosure We have the idea where each enclosure
222 00:11:34,594 00:11:37,152 May belong to a certain group, May belong to a certain group,
223 00:11:37,161 00:11:39,959 Was erected and used by a certain group. Was erected and used by a certain group.
224 00:11:40,034 00:11:43,319 Mastrelli: If each enclosure represents a different tribe, Mastrelli: If each enclosure represents a different tribe,
225 00:11:43,394 00:11:45,152 But each tribe was using But each tribe was using
226 00:11:45,161 00:11:47,872 Similar symbols carved into the rock, Similar symbols carved into the rock,
227 00:11:47,881 00:11:50,839 It flies in the face of decades of theory. It flies in the face of decades of theory.
228 00:11:51,794 00:11:55,152 It means these roaming hunter-gatherer groups It means these roaming hunter-gatherer groups
229 00:11:55,161 00:11:57,472 Weren't operating in isolation, Weren't operating in isolation,
230 00:11:57,481 00:12:00,912 Shunning contact with neighboring tribes. Shunning contact with neighboring tribes.
231 00:12:00,921 00:12:04,039 They were part of something bigger. They were part of something bigger.
232 00:12:04,114 00:12:05,399 Notroff: We're talking about single bands Notroff: We're talking about single bands
233 00:12:05,474 00:12:07,232 Of hunter-gatherers here, Of hunter-gatherers here,
234 00:12:07,241 00:12:10,679 But they also seem to share a common, common culture, But they also seem to share a common, common culture,
235 00:12:10,754 00:12:12,119 A common background. A common background.
236 00:12:12,194 00:12:13,472 (gentle music) (gentle music)
237 00:12:13,481 00:12:14,992 Mastrelli: Archeologists believe that the Mastrelli: Archeologists believe that the
238 00:12:15,001 00:12:17,072 Hunter-gatherers of the region had enough Hunter-gatherers of the region had enough
239 00:12:17,081 00:12:19,159 In common to make them come together In common to make them come together
240 00:12:19,234 00:12:22,119 And carve their shared culture into stone. And carve their shared culture into stone.
241 00:12:23,241 00:12:25,999 They were part of a wider society. They were part of a wider society.
242 00:12:27,721 00:12:29,712 Rose: As an american when I lived in the uk, Rose: As an american when I lived in the uk,
243 00:12:29,721 00:12:31,312 The saddest day of the year was thanksgiving, The saddest day of the year was thanksgiving,
244 00:12:31,321 00:12:33,072 Because it was the day I felt out of sync Because it was the day I felt out of sync
245 00:12:33,081 00:12:35,079 With the rest of society. With the rest of society.
246 00:12:35,154 00:12:38,439 We get at gobekli are all of these disparate tribes We get at gobekli are all of these disparate tribes
247 00:12:38,514 00:12:40,112 Scattered over hundreds of miles Scattered over hundreds of miles
248 00:12:40,121 00:12:41,879 All meeting together in this one spot All meeting together in this one spot
249 00:12:41,954 00:12:44,199 And agreeing that these symbols mean the same thing to them. And agreeing that these symbols mean the same thing to them.
250 00:12:44,274 00:12:47,552 Gobekli acts as this Gobekli acts as this
251 00:12:47,561 00:12:51,079 This prehistoric mecca unifying people. This prehistoric mecca unifying people.
252 00:12:51,154 00:12:52,839 (gentle music) (gentle music)
253 00:12:52,914 00:12:55,392 Mastrelli: Nomadic hunter -gatherers of prehistoric turkey Mastrelli: Nomadic hunter -gatherers of prehistoric turkey
254 00:12:55,401 00:12:57,439 Were part of a wider society, Were part of a wider society,
255 00:12:58,914 00:13:01,319 But what was attracting them all to gobekli tepe? But what was attracting them all to gobekli tepe?
256 00:13:02,674 00:13:05,479 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
257 00:13:06,594 00:13:08,832 The broken up animal bones confirm The broken up animal bones confirm
258 00:13:08,841 00:13:11,799 It was the site of food consumption. It was the site of food consumption.
259 00:13:11,874 00:13:14,672 But these weren't every day trash heaps. But these weren't every day trash heaps.
260 00:13:14,681 00:13:18,999 The enclosures were packed full of smashed up animal bones, The enclosures were packed full of smashed up animal bones,
261 00:13:20,121 00:13:23,879 And some of the meat hadn't been properly butchered, And some of the meat hadn't been properly butchered,
262 00:13:23,954 00:13:27,472 Just tossed aside half-finished. Just tossed aside half-finished.
263 00:13:27,481 00:13:30,112 Peters: The fact that it has not been cut up Peters: The fact that it has not been cut up
264 00:13:30,121 00:13:35,079 And chopped means they were consuming the meat quite fast, And chopped means they were consuming the meat quite fast,
265 00:13:35,321 00:13:37,119 Which could be indicative of feasting. Which could be indicative of feasting.
266 00:13:38,034 00:13:40,919 Mastrelli: This wasn't a case of hunter-gatherers carefully Mastrelli: This wasn't a case of hunter-gatherers carefully
267 00:13:40,994 00:13:44,919 Stripping down carcasses for every available calorie. Stripping down carcasses for every available calorie.
268 00:13:44,994 00:13:48,599 Rather, gobekli tepe seems to have played host Rather, gobekli tepe seems to have played host
269 00:13:48,674 00:13:51,152 To epic meat-fueled feasts. To epic meat-fueled feasts.
270 00:13:51,161 00:13:53,232 (dramatic music) (tribesmen chatting) (dramatic music) (tribesmen chatting)
271 00:13:53,241 00:13:55,159 The tribes of hunter-gatherers The tribes of hunter-gatherers
272 00:13:55,234 00:13:57,999 Were coming to gobekli tepe to celebrate. Were coming to gobekli tepe to celebrate.
273 00:14:00,201 00:14:02,519 But why did they build a stone monument But why did they build a stone monument
274 00:14:02,594 00:14:05,472 Larger and more complex than anything Larger and more complex than anything
275 00:14:05,481 00:14:08,119 The human species had ever produced? The human species had ever produced?
276 00:14:10,514 00:14:12,359 (tribal people chatting) (tribal people chatting)
277 00:14:12,434 00:14:14,352 (gentle music) (gentle music)
278 00:14:14,361 00:14:17,599 The world's oldest monumental stone structure, The world's oldest monumental stone structure,
279 00:14:19,074 00:14:23,639 This ornately carved complex of enclosures at gobekli tepe, This ornately carved complex of enclosures at gobekli tepe,
280 00:14:23,714 00:14:26,919 Seems to have been the focus for huge congregations Seems to have been the focus for huge congregations
281 00:14:26,994 00:14:29,879 Of stone age hunter -gatherer tribes Of stone age hunter -gatherer tribes
282 00:14:29,954 00:14:33,472 Assembling for ritual purposes. Assembling for ritual purposes.
283 00:14:33,481 00:14:35,312 It may represent the first steps It may represent the first steps
284 00:14:35,321 00:14:37,152 Towards an organized religion, Towards an organized religion,
285 00:14:37,161 00:14:39,959 Shattering the theory that religious behavior Shattering the theory that religious behavior
286 00:14:40,034 00:14:43,152 Came out of later, settled societies. Came out of later, settled societies.
287 00:14:43,161 00:14:45,959 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
288 00:14:46,034 00:14:47,959 For those who believe the teachings For those who believe the teachings
289 00:14:48,034 00:14:51,632 Of the old testament re-tell a version of human history, Of the old testament re-tell a version of human history,
290 00:14:51,641 00:14:55,999 The discoveries at gobekli tepe are an exciting development. The discoveries at gobekli tepe are an exciting development.
291 00:14:56,921 00:15:01,072 Schiffman: Humans originally had a kind of idealistic life Schiffman: Humans originally had a kind of idealistic life
292 00:15:01,081 00:15:03,152 Where everything was given to them, Where everything was given to them,
293 00:15:03,161 00:15:05,799 But then as a result of a transgression, But then as a result of a transgression,
294 00:15:05,874 00:15:08,359 They end up having to really support themselves They end up having to really support themselves
295 00:15:08,434 00:15:10,839 By very, very great toil and great effort. By very, very great toil and great effort.
296 00:15:12,601 00:15:16,279 Mastrelli: Now researchers believe the rituals celebrated Mastrelli: Now researchers believe the rituals celebrated
297 00:15:16,354 00:15:19,792 By people of gobekli tepe may have been the trigger By people of gobekli tepe may have been the trigger
298 00:15:19,801 00:15:23,159 For a revolution in their way of living. For a revolution in their way of living.
299 00:15:23,234 00:15:25,319 (gentle music) (gentle music)
300 00:15:25,394 00:15:29,439 Dr. Reinder neef is a specialist in ancient plants. Dr. Reinder neef is a specialist in ancient plants.
301 00:15:32,114 00:15:33,872 Neef: They were probably experimenting Neef: They were probably experimenting
302 00:15:33,881 00:15:35,712 With cultivation of cereals, With cultivation of cereals,
303 00:15:35,721 00:15:38,592 And that is something which you can expect from people And that is something which you can expect from people
304 00:15:38,601 00:15:41,712 Who are building such incredible monuments. Who are building such incredible monuments.
305 00:15:41,721 00:15:43,479 They were experimenting, They were experimenting,
306 00:15:43,554 00:15:47,399 And not only with stone but also with plant material. And not only with stone but also with plant material.
307 00:15:48,754 00:15:51,072 Mastrelli: Scientists think gobekli tepe Mastrelli: Scientists think gobekli tepe
308 00:15:51,081 00:15:53,959 Was blessed with the perfect grassland environment Was blessed with the perfect grassland environment
309 00:15:54,034 00:15:57,792 To begin humanity's experiment with plant cultivation. To begin humanity's experiment with plant cultivation.
310 00:15:57,801 00:16:00,272 (grass rustling) (gentle music) (grass rustling) (gentle music)
311 00:16:00,281 00:16:03,399 But what caused mobile hunter-gatherers But what caused mobile hunter-gatherers
312 00:16:03,474 00:16:06,439 To start focusing on immobile crops? To start focusing on immobile crops?
313 00:16:07,954 00:16:11,079 Now, archeologists may have found the spark Now, archeologists may have found the spark
314 00:16:11,154 00:16:13,392 That ignited the flame of farming. That ignited the flame of farming.
315 00:16:13,401 00:16:16,119 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
316 00:16:16,194 00:16:19,239 It came with the discovery of a collection of huge, It came with the discovery of a collection of huge,
317 00:16:19,314 00:16:22,519 40-gallon stone troughs at gobekli tepe. 40-gallon stone troughs at gobekli tepe.
318 00:16:25,401 00:16:27,799 A gray residue on the inner surface of some A gray residue on the inner surface of some
319 00:16:27,874 00:16:31,639 Of the troughs offered an opportunity for analysis. Of the troughs offered an opportunity for analysis.
320 00:16:33,074 00:16:36,639 On a hunch, the team sent a sample to southern germany. On a hunch, the team sent a sample to southern germany.
321 00:16:38,201 00:16:39,712 (gentle music) (gentle music)
322 00:16:39,721 00:16:42,599 Dr. Martin zarnkow is a bio-technologist Dr. Martin zarnkow is a bio-technologist
323 00:16:42,674 00:16:45,279 With a lab at the technical university of munich. With a lab at the technical university of munich.
324 00:16:47,874 00:16:51,519 His team prepared the residue from gobekli tepe for testing His team prepared the residue from gobekli tepe for testing
325 00:16:54,594 00:16:57,359 And discovered a surprising result. And discovered a surprising result.
326 00:17:00,114 00:17:04,279 The analysis suggests that the 11,000-year-old stone troughs The analysis suggests that the 11,000-year-old stone troughs
327 00:17:04,354 00:17:08,119 Of gobekli tepe contained beer. Of gobekli tepe contained beer.
328 00:17:08,194 00:17:11,392 Zarnkow: I believe there is a good possibility Zarnkow: I believe there is a good possibility
329 00:17:11,401 00:17:13,392 That beer was inside these vessels, That beer was inside these vessels,
330 00:17:13,401 00:17:15,559 But you cannot be absolutely sure. But you cannot be absolutely sure.
331 00:17:15,634 00:17:17,152 (gentle music) (gentle music)
332 00:17:17,161 00:17:19,632 Mastrelli: Troughs full of stone age beer Mastrelli: Troughs full of stone age beer
333 00:17:19,641 00:17:24,192 May have been a key component of gobekli's ritual feasts, May have been a key component of gobekli's ritual feasts,
334 00:17:24,201 00:17:25,952 And the bigger the celebration, And the bigger the celebration,
335 00:17:25,961 00:17:29,399 The greater the need for cereal to supply the brewers. The greater the need for cereal to supply the brewers.
336 00:17:30,521 00:17:31,799 Notroff: Organizing a feast, Notroff: Organizing a feast,
337 00:17:31,874 00:17:34,119 Including these huge amounts of meat Including these huge amounts of meat
338 00:17:34,194 00:17:36,512 And maybe the alcoholic beverages, And maybe the alcoholic beverages,
339 00:17:36,521 00:17:39,959 Might put some stress to an economy based on hunting. Might put some stress to an economy based on hunting.
340 00:17:40,034 00:17:41,552 (dramatic music) (tribal people chatting) (dramatic music) (tribal people chatting)
341 00:17:41,561 00:17:44,352 Mastrelli: Any party must be well supplied. Mastrelli: Any party must be well supplied.
342 00:17:44,361 00:17:47,159 Nobody's happy when the refreshments runs dry. Nobody's happy when the refreshments runs dry.
343 00:17:48,041 00:17:52,039 In order to adequately supply their stone age festival, In order to adequately supply their stone age festival,
344 00:17:52,114 00:17:53,719 The people of gobekli tepe The people of gobekli tepe
345 00:17:53,794 00:17:57,072 Needed a reliable source of sustenance, Needed a reliable source of sustenance,
346 00:17:57,081 00:17:59,279 So they turned to their crops. So they turned to their crops.
347 00:18:00,841 00:18:03,392 Notroff: These people were already gathering plants Notroff: These people were already gathering plants
348 00:18:03,401 00:18:05,152 And were nourishing on plants, And were nourishing on plants,
349 00:18:05,161 00:18:07,719 And whether it was some kind of gruel, And whether it was some kind of gruel,
350 00:18:07,794 00:18:09,239 Or if it really was beer, Or if it really was beer,
351 00:18:09,314 00:18:11,559 This might have been the stimulus to farming. This might have been the stimulus to farming.
352 00:18:13,234 00:18:15,392 Mastrelli: If this theory is correct, Mastrelli: If this theory is correct,
353 00:18:15,401 00:18:18,119 The single most important turning point in the history The single most important turning point in the history
354 00:18:18,194 00:18:23,159 Of civilization may have been caused by the craft brewers Of civilization may have been caused by the craft brewers
355 00:18:23,401 00:18:24,599 Of the stone age. Of the stone age.
356 00:18:25,954 00:18:27,472 (insects chattering) (dramatic music) (insects chattering) (dramatic music)
357 00:18:27,481 00:18:30,119 At gobekli tepe ancestor worship At gobekli tepe ancestor worship
358 00:18:30,194 00:18:32,352 And ritual were bringing a nomadic And ritual were bringing a nomadic
359 00:18:32,361 00:18:34,079 Hunter-gatherers together. Hunter-gatherers together.
360 00:18:35,241 00:18:36,839 Out of the need to provide Out of the need to provide
361 00:18:36,914 00:18:40,639 For that immense social upheaval, farming was born. For that immense social upheaval, farming was born.
362 00:18:42,434 00:18:46,439 Anthropologists call it the neolithic revolution. Anthropologists call it the neolithic revolution.
363 00:18:47,561 00:18:49,079 Rose: This period of time is the most Rose: This period of time is the most
364 00:18:49,154 00:18:51,632 Fundamental revolution in all of human history, Fundamental revolution in all of human history,
365 00:18:51,641 00:18:53,072 And the fact that even today And the fact that even today
366 00:18:53,081 00:18:55,152 We still eat porridge for breakfast. We still eat porridge for breakfast.
367 00:18:55,161 00:18:56,912 You know, we have cereal grains. You know, we have cereal grains.
368 00:18:56,921 00:19:00,199 That all happened because of the neolithic revolution. That all happened because of the neolithic revolution.
369 00:19:00,274 00:19:05,239 What gobekli does give us is a window into this revolution. What gobekli does give us is a window into this revolution.
370 00:19:05,314 00:19:08,119 The first piece of the puzzle was, was religion. The first piece of the puzzle was, was religion.
371 00:19:08,194 00:19:10,679 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
372 00:19:10,754 00:19:14,199 Mastrelli: The discoveries made at gobekli tepe are rewriting Mastrelli: The discoveries made at gobekli tepe are rewriting
373 00:19:14,274 00:19:17,879 The textbook on the origins of farming and civilization. The textbook on the origins of farming and civilization.
374 00:19:19,721 00:19:22,919 It's a story echoed in the bible's old testament, It's a story echoed in the bible's old testament,
375 00:19:22,994 00:19:26,759 Where adam and eve suffered a fall from grace, Where adam and eve suffered a fall from grace,
376 00:19:26,834 00:19:30,159 And were sent from eden to work the land. And were sent from eden to work the land.
377 00:19:31,001 00:19:33,472 Rose: After adam eats the fruit of knowledge, Rose: After adam eats the fruit of knowledge,
378 00:19:33,481 00:19:35,792 He's sentenced to have to toil the fields He's sentenced to have to toil the fields
379 00:19:35,801 00:19:37,399 By the sweat of his own brow. By the sweat of his own brow.
380 00:19:38,441 00:19:40,912 What is this fruit of knowledge? What is this fruit of knowledge?
381 00:19:40,921 00:19:43,399 In some jewish traditions it is a grain of wheat. In some jewish traditions it is a grain of wheat.
382 00:19:45,321 00:19:46,679 Some have suggested this Some have suggested this
383 00:19:46,754 00:19:49,159 Symbolizes the transition to farming, Symbolizes the transition to farming,
384 00:19:49,234 00:19:51,712 The transition to having to produce our own food. The transition to having to produce our own food.
385 00:19:51,721 00:19:54,399 (gentle music) (gentle music)
386 00:19:56,274 00:19:58,039 Mastrelli: The hunter -gatherer tribes Mastrelli: The hunter -gatherer tribes
387 00:19:58,114 00:20:02,112 Congregating at gobekli tepe 11,000 years ago Congregating at gobekli tepe 11,000 years ago
388 00:20:02,121 00:20:05,199 Had started down the path of organized religion, Had started down the path of organized religion,
389 00:20:06,281 00:20:08,839 Sowing the seeds of a wider culture, Sowing the seeds of a wider culture,
390 00:20:09,721 00:20:12,799 Paving the way for the agricultural revolution, Paving the way for the agricultural revolution,
391 00:20:13,714 00:20:17,559 And kick-starting civilization itself. And kick-starting civilization itself.
392 00:20:19,154 00:20:21,399 (gentle piano music) (fire crackling) (gentle piano music) (fire crackling)
393 00:20:21,474 00:20:24,272 Thousands of years before the garden of eden story Thousands of years before the garden of eden story
394 00:20:24,281 00:20:27,479 Was written down, hunter-gatherers congregated Was written down, hunter-gatherers congregated
395 00:20:27,554 00:20:31,632 At gobekli tepe to worship their ancestors. At gobekli tepe to worship their ancestors.
396 00:20:31,641 00:20:34,919 There they lit the fuse of religion, There they lit the fuse of religion,
397 00:20:34,994 00:20:39,399 Building an extraordinary monument in a land of plenty. Building an extraordinary monument in a land of plenty.
398 00:20:42,361 00:20:45,712 To fuel their ritual feasts and celebrations, To fuel their ritual feasts and celebrations,
399 00:20:45,721 00:20:48,999 They took advantage of the wild grasses on their doorstep. They took advantage of the wild grasses on their doorstep.
400 00:20:51,714 00:20:55,479 Unwittingly, they set off down the path toward civilization. Unwittingly, they set off down the path toward civilization.
401 00:20:56,514 00:20:58,279 (sheep bleating) (gentle music) (sheep bleating) (gentle music)
402 00:20:58,354 00:21:00,839 When the community at gobekli tepe had finally moved on When the community at gobekli tepe had finally moved on
403 00:21:00,914 00:21:03,319 From their hunter -gatherer existence, From their hunter -gatherer existence,
404 00:21:04,594 00:21:06,719 Their monument ceased to have meaning. Their monument ceased to have meaning.
405 00:21:08,034 00:21:10,039 The enclosures were buried, The enclosures were buried,
406 00:21:10,114 00:21:14,352 Laying to rest an old -fashioned existence. Laying to rest an old -fashioned existence.
407 00:21:14,361 00:21:16,992 Peters: In the end it was given up Peters: In the end it was given up
408 00:21:17,001 00:21:18,439 Because the hunter-gatherer way Because the hunter-gatherer way
409 00:21:18,514 00:21:21,639 Was replaced by a farming way of life. Was replaced by a farming way of life.
410 00:21:23,401 00:21:26,839 Rose: As far as a historical perspective of our species, Rose: As far as a historical perspective of our species,
411 00:21:26,914 00:21:29,559 This was the biggest moment in our history. This was the biggest moment in our history.
412 00:21:29,634 00:21:32,839 (bright uptempo music) (bright uptempo music)
413 00:21:37,394 00:21:39,079 Mastrelli: It's an extraordinary moment, no doubt. Mastrelli: It's an extraordinary moment, no doubt.
414 00:21:39,154 00:21:41,312 The garden of eden, the fall of man, The garden of eden, the fall of man,
415 00:21:41,321 00:21:44,919 The dawn of agriculture all bundled into one. The dawn of agriculture all bundled into one.
416 00:21:44,994 00:21:47,552 It deserves to be properly memorialized It deserves to be properly memorialized
417 00:21:47,561 00:21:49,159 With a little of the good stuff. With a little of the good stuff.
418 00:21:52,354 00:21:55,559 After all it's home-brewed beer that kick started it all. After all it's home-brewed beer that kick started it all.