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[dramatic music]
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[narrator] a chance
discovery on the ocean floor
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Reveals a settlement from
the dawn of civilization.
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[ehud] we found walls,
dwellings, structures,
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It is a huge site,
40,000 square meters.
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[narrator] an archeological
treasure trove
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Of ancient houses, human remains
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And incredible
engineering feats.
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[karen] the technology and the
skill is frankly stunning
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For the time period.
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[narrator] but in
a world plagued
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By early death and suffering.
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You were more
likely to be hungry.
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You died younger, your kids
were more likely to die.
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[narrator] the evidence
suggests these people
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Were unlike any other.
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[israel] the population were
flourishing.
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It is exceptional.
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[narrator] now, have
experts found the secret
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To their success?
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A 9,000 year-old stonehenge.
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These stones are huge.
They're about half a ton each.
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It's clearly of some sort
of sacred significance.
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-[stones rumbling]
-[dramatic music]
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[narrator] what
rituals were held here?
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How did this monument
help these people survive
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A hostile world?
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[karen] we see evidence of a
survival instinct to latch on
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To anything you think might
give you some sense of control.
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[narrator] and can a
remarkable breakthrough in dna
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Reveal how this stone circle
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Inspired the ancient worlds'
most famous monument?
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It's intriguing to think
that's where the seed
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Of the idea first grew.
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This is like a missing link.
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[narrator] the relics of
the past hold secrets.
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[dramatic music]
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[column thudding]
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[man screaming]
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Written in gold.
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-Stone.
-[soldier roaring]
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And blood.
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We can unlock them.
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These are the secrets of
history's greatest treasures.
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[dramatic music]
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[stones rumbling]
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Over a period of
several thousand years,
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The prehistoric world saw the
rise of a strange phenomenon,
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As large, enigmatic stone
circles began to appear
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Across the globe.
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We see monumental,
megalithic structures
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All over the world.
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50,000 in western europe alone.
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What were they?
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Why were they made?
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[narrator] over time,
these monuments got bigger
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And more complex,
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Dominating the landscapes
they were built in.
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The tradition would
culminate 4,500 years ago
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With the most sophisticated
stone circle on the planet.
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[mary-ann] when you're looking
at stonehenge
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You're seeing a culmination
of the labor of people,
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Extraordinary use of resources,
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And an astonishingly complex,
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Perfectly executed idea.
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[narrator] these monuments
were constructed hundreds
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Or thousands of years apart.
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But what drove
ancient civilizations,
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Armed with only the most
basic of tools, to build them?
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It's clearly beyond any
sort of practical purpose
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That makes sense to
us, and in that sense,
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It has to be something
that in the minds of people
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In the past, it was
essential for them to do.
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The thing about the
megalithic monument tradition
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Is that we see it across such
a broad geographical spread.
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It begs the question: Was
this a shared culture?
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[water splashing]
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[narrator] now an
amazing discovery
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Could finally help
reveal the answer.
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Every time we find
a new stone monument
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It gives us another
piece of evidence
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On that detective hunt
to try and work out
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What were the
ancestors thinking?
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Why did they build this
and what did it all mean?
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[narrator] northern israel.
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The small town of atlit sits on
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The country's
mediterranean coast.
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In 1984, maritime
archeologist ehud galili,
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Makes a routine dive around
400 meters off shore.
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He's searching for shipwrecks,
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Exposed by the shifting
sands of the seabed
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After a heavy storm.
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But what he finds is much
bigger and more important
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Than any shipwreck.
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He discovers an ancient
sunken settlement.
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Usually we find remnants
from shipwrecks,
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Like anchors, metal
ingots, nails,
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All kinds of artifacts.
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But while we were diving
here we found a wall.
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[narrator] further
investigation reveals the wall
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Was once part of a house,
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And it's not alone.
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Within days more
foundations are revealed,
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Along with the skeletons of
the people who once lived here.
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[ehud] we found about
15 family houses.
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We estimate that the
population was between 70
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To 150 people at one time.
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[narrator] incredibly, galili
and his team have stumbled
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Upon a major archeological find.
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We found walls, dwellings,
structures, in situ,
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As they were left.
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And then little by
little we came to realize
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That it is a huge site,
40,000 square meters.
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[narrator] radiocarbon
dating reveals the site
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Is almost 9,000 years old,
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Making it one of the oldest
human settlements on earth.
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[dramatic music]
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The level of preservation
is absolutely extraordinary.
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That it's survived that long,
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And it's still there
for us to explore now.
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It's an absolute
treasure trove.
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[narrator] the settlement
is named atlit yam,
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Meaning atlit-by-the-sea.
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Originally built on the
banks of the mediterranean,
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The ancient settlement
covers an area
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The size of eight
football stadiums.
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And as the archeological
investigation of the site
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Continues, the divers find
something even more exciting.
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At the edge of the settlement,
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The team discovers
another structure.
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But these stones are much larger
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And unlike anything
else they've uncovered.
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[ehud] huge stones, almost
two meters long.
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They protruded about half
a meter above the clay,
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Above the sand.
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But we very soon realized
that there are no such
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Natural rocks in this area.
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This is a flat area,
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And there is no way that
natural rocks will be there.
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[narrator] stranger still,
six of the seven giant stones
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Have been placed upright,
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Their bases firmly implanted
deep into the ground.
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[narrator] the team
realizes they've found
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One of the earliest examples
of the ancient world's
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Most enigmatic monuments.
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A megalithic stone circle.
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The space inside is too
small to serve as a dwelling,
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Or a storage or an installation
of production of something.
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It must be a
megalithic structure.
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[dramatic music]
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[narrator] now, this
remarkable discovery
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Is giving experts a unique
opportunity to investigate
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An untouched,
ancient stone circle,
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And the people who built it.
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How could this
structure be preserved?
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00:08:05,630 --> 00:08:07,675
Probably because it
was covered by sand
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For thousands of years, and
only recently it was exposed.
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So the sand preserved
it and protected it
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From the marine erosion.
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[mary-ann] at atlit yam, not
only do we have the monument,
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We've also got the
skeletons of the people
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Who lived in that village
and we also have the evidence
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Of how they lived their lives.
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And so bringing all those
pieces of evidence together
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Will help us really understand
how these monuments were used,
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What the people were doing,
and maybe even why.
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[narrator] atlit yam's
underwater stonehenge
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Offers experts a unique snapshot
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Into a 9,000-year-old world.
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The location on the banks
of the mediterranean
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Was precarious.
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But ultimately, the sand and
clay preserved the stone circle
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Alongside the bodies of
the people who used it.
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00:09:03,870 --> 00:09:06,195
So who were they?
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00:09:06,270 --> 00:09:08,955
And what can their remains
tell us about the other
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Mysterious stone circles
around the world?
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Atlit yam is like
a missing link.
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[dramatic music]
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[narrator] 9,000 years ago,
a prehistoric community
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Living on the banks
of the mediterranean,
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Constructed one of the earliest
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00:09:27,470 --> 00:09:30,122
Megalithic stone
circles ever found.
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Now, experts are hoping the
preserved remains of atlit yam,
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Submerged off the israeli coast,
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Can help reveal why the ancient
world went to such lengths
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00:09:43,757 --> 00:09:46,875
To build these
mysterious structures.
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[karen] these stones are huge.
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They're about half a ton each.
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They did not occur nearby,
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They had to be brought
to this location.
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They're shaped.
They're put into place.
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Six of the seven
are still standing.
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00:10:00,910 --> 00:10:04,835
This was a very
deliberate, purposeful act.
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These structures cannot be
a project of an individual,
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00:10:07,870 --> 00:10:09,435
And not even a family.
196
00:10:09,470 --> 00:10:13,355
This requires the collaboration
of the whole community.
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00:10:13,390 --> 00:10:15,435
[narrator] so who were
the people who built
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00:10:15,470 --> 00:10:17,515
This remarkable monument?
199
00:10:17,550 --> 00:10:19,915
And why did they do it?
200
00:10:19,950 --> 00:10:22,882
Working out their motivation
could help unlock the secrets
201
00:10:22,957 --> 00:10:25,722
Of the puzzling stone
circle building tradition.
202
00:10:27,524 --> 00:10:30,515
And for scholars, the
age of the settlement
203
00:10:30,590 --> 00:10:33,275
At atlit yam is key.
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00:10:33,310 --> 00:10:36,242
This was a community living
during one of the most
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00:10:36,317 --> 00:10:38,882
Seismic events in human history.
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00:10:40,317 --> 00:10:43,162
The end of the last ice age.
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00:10:43,937 --> 00:10:45,355
[anjana]
over the history of the earth,
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00:10:45,390 --> 00:10:48,195
Which charts back
4.6 billion years,
209
00:10:48,270 --> 00:10:51,195
Ice ages have come and gone.
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00:10:51,230 --> 00:10:53,042
The last ice age
that we know of is
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00:10:53,117 --> 00:10:54,955
Actually called
the pleistocene,
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00:10:54,990 --> 00:10:58,122
And it finished around
about 10,000 years ago.
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00:10:59,524 --> 00:11:01,842
[narrator] for thousands
of years previously,
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00:11:01,917 --> 00:11:04,882
Humans had survived
as hunter-gatherers.
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00:11:05,844 --> 00:11:08,515
This was a nomadic lifestyle,
216
00:11:08,590 --> 00:11:11,915
Often traveling vast distances
to search out sources
217
00:11:11,950 --> 00:11:15,722
Of meat and vegetation
as the seasons changed.
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00:11:17,790 --> 00:11:20,795
Hunter-gatherers by
necessity are mobile.
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00:11:20,830 --> 00:11:22,355
They've gotta keep moving.
220
00:11:22,430 --> 00:11:26,315
They need anywhere from
seven to 750 square miles
221
00:11:26,350 --> 00:11:30,395
To support their
group with wild foods.
222
00:11:30,430 --> 00:11:33,882
And their groups as a
result are quite small.
223
00:11:35,230 --> 00:11:38,075
[narrator] but as the
planet began to warm up
224
00:11:38,110 --> 00:11:40,355
And the ice started to melt,
225
00:11:40,430 --> 00:11:43,915
New opportunities
for food emerged.
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00:11:43,950 --> 00:11:46,315
[anjana] during this time that
these glaciers and ice sheets
227
00:11:46,350 --> 00:11:50,155
Were retreating, huge
amounts of land was exposed,
228
00:11:50,190 --> 00:11:51,955
And because climates
were warming,
229
00:11:52,030 --> 00:11:54,995
This created the ideal
conditions for vegetation
230
00:11:55,070 --> 00:11:57,755
To start to flourish.
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00:11:57,790 --> 00:11:59,195
[narrator] the area
that saw the first
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00:11:59,230 --> 00:12:01,835
Great transformation
was the swathe of land
233
00:12:01,870 --> 00:12:03,322
East of the mediterranean.
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00:12:04,910 --> 00:12:07,202
Known as the fertile crescent,
235
00:12:07,277 --> 00:12:10,075
It's here where the world's
first ever settlements
236
00:12:10,110 --> 00:12:11,955
Were built.
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00:12:12,030 --> 00:12:13,755
[anjana] with the
changing climate,
238
00:12:13,790 --> 00:12:16,675
And particularly with this
explosion in vegetation,
239
00:12:16,750 --> 00:12:20,075
Humans at that time were
able to start to harness
240
00:12:20,110 --> 00:12:23,355
What this gift of
nature had brought them,
241
00:12:23,390 --> 00:12:25,835
And this meant they
could stay in one place
242
00:12:25,870 --> 00:12:27,995
And survive as a community.
243
00:12:28,030 --> 00:12:30,875
[karen] a transition to
agriculture involves
244
00:12:30,884 --> 00:12:32,715
A completely different way
245
00:12:32,750 --> 00:12:34,715
Of organizing your
life on the land.
246
00:12:34,750 --> 00:12:38,882
It makes it possible to put
aside food, to store it,
247
00:12:38,957 --> 00:12:41,915
And that allows the existence
of larger population
248
00:12:41,990 --> 00:12:43,515
In any given area.
249
00:12:43,524 --> 00:12:46,075
From our perspective
in the modern world,
250
00:12:46,110 --> 00:12:48,795
It's actually the beginning
of what we think of
251
00:12:48,830 --> 00:12:50,242
As home in modern life.
252
00:12:53,190 --> 00:12:56,555
This shift from primarily
hunting and gathering,
253
00:12:56,564 --> 00:13:00,235
To primarily growing one's
own food and raising animals,
254
00:13:00,270 --> 00:13:04,922
Was absolutely epic in its
impact on human history.
255
00:13:07,437 --> 00:13:09,842
[narrator] the fertile crescent
has long been considered
256
00:13:09,917 --> 00:13:11,882
The birthplace of agriculture.
257
00:13:13,790 --> 00:13:16,475
And the perfectly preserved
archeological remains
258
00:13:16,510 --> 00:13:18,522
At atlit yam back this up.
259
00:13:19,790 --> 00:13:23,355
We found more than 100
species of plant seeds.
260
00:13:23,390 --> 00:13:27,122
We have domesticated barley,
and domesticated legumes.
261
00:13:29,390 --> 00:13:31,275
[narrator] atlit yam
was home to some of
262
00:13:31,310 --> 00:13:33,755
The world's first farmers.
263
00:13:33,790 --> 00:13:36,882
But archeological evidence
reveals it was one
264
00:13:36,957 --> 00:13:40,722
Of the most catastrophic moves
in the history of humanity.
265
00:13:42,797 --> 00:13:45,362
[karen] so you can support
a larger population
266
00:13:45,437 --> 00:13:47,915
In one place with agriculture,
267
00:13:47,950 --> 00:13:53,042
But that actually sets you up
for trouble when crops fail.
268
00:13:53,117 --> 00:13:55,682
Early farming was
quite precarious.
269
00:13:55,757 --> 00:13:58,715
You're only really one
harvest away from disaster
270
00:13:58,750 --> 00:14:00,795
If you don't have the
means of finding food
271
00:14:00,870 --> 00:14:02,002
In any other way.
272
00:14:02,077 --> 00:14:05,282
Then if your crops
fail, you are doomed.
273
00:14:06,130 --> 00:14:08,235
[narrator] and it wasn't
just how much produce
274
00:14:08,270 --> 00:14:12,235
Was available that was a
problem for the early farmers.
275
00:14:12,270 --> 00:14:15,682
It was the food itself.
276
00:14:15,757 --> 00:14:18,635
Previously, hunter-gatherers
would have been able to
277
00:14:18,670 --> 00:14:21,042
Respond to changes
in their environment,
278
00:14:21,117 --> 00:14:23,115
And they would have
harvested and hunted
279
00:14:23,150 --> 00:14:25,682
From so many different
sources of food.
280
00:14:25,757 --> 00:14:27,155
But when you're a farmer,
281
00:14:27,230 --> 00:14:29,882
You're restricted really
to what you've grown.
282
00:14:30,750 --> 00:14:32,315
Nutritionally speaking,
283
00:14:32,350 --> 00:14:34,682
This shift to agriculture
was a disaster.
284
00:14:36,190 --> 00:14:37,915
[narrator] the life
expectancy of a typical
285
00:14:37,950 --> 00:14:41,635
Hunter-gatherer
was over 60 years.
286
00:14:41,710 --> 00:14:45,755
But most early farmers
died in their twenties.
287
00:14:45,790 --> 00:14:48,835
The new way of life also
saw the average height
288
00:14:48,910 --> 00:14:51,435
Of both men and women plummet
289
00:14:51,470 --> 00:14:53,842
By a staggering five inches
290
00:14:53,917 --> 00:14:55,922
As a result of the
poor nutrition.
291
00:14:57,710 --> 00:15:03,195
Agriculture hugely impacted,
for the worst, human health.
292
00:15:03,230 --> 00:15:07,515
The reductions in lifespan
and stature took 10,000 years
293
00:15:07,550 --> 00:15:12,875
To reverse, and some populations
still haven't recovered.
294
00:15:12,910 --> 00:15:14,875
[narrator] the world's
first farmers were fighting
295
00:15:14,910 --> 00:15:18,475
For survival on a daily basis.
296
00:15:18,510 --> 00:15:21,355
The dependence on crops
meant a flood or a drought
297
00:15:21,390 --> 00:15:23,922
Could wipe out
entire communities.
298
00:15:25,470 --> 00:15:27,835
Experts suspect it
was no coincidence
299
00:15:27,844 --> 00:15:32,322
That atlit yam's stone circle
was built during this time.
300
00:15:34,910 --> 00:15:37,915
When people face
insurmountable obstacles,
301
00:15:37,950 --> 00:15:40,082
They turn to higher forces.
302
00:15:41,710 --> 00:15:43,435
[karen] throughout
human history,
303
00:15:43,470 --> 00:15:47,315
We see evidence of people
trying to kind of get
304
00:15:47,390 --> 00:15:49,522
Their hands around
what's around them.
305
00:15:49,597 --> 00:15:51,682
Things that are scary,
306
00:15:51,757 --> 00:15:54,395
Just things they simply
don't understand.
307
00:15:54,430 --> 00:15:57,955
It's a very natural impulse,
a survival instinct,
308
00:15:58,030 --> 00:16:00,882
To latch on to anything
you think might give you
309
00:16:00,957 --> 00:16:02,802
Some sense of control.
310
00:16:04,510 --> 00:16:06,635
[mary-ann]
it's very, very likely
311
00:16:06,710 --> 00:16:08,875
That the monumental structures,
312
00:16:08,910 --> 00:16:12,795
These ritual structures
that we see in atlit yam,
313
00:16:12,830 --> 00:16:15,842
Were in some way to
address those concerns,
314
00:16:15,917 --> 00:16:18,235
To address those worries,
perhaps to appease the gods,
315
00:16:18,270 --> 00:16:22,395
To ensure that they did have a
steady supply of fresh water,
316
00:16:22,404 --> 00:16:24,235
That they did have
the sunshine.
317
00:16:24,244 --> 00:16:25,835
Because those are
the things that stood
318
00:16:25,844 --> 00:16:27,082
Between them and death.
319
00:16:28,390 --> 00:16:30,835
[narrator] the traditions
and rituals born here
320
00:16:30,910 --> 00:16:33,995
At atlit yam 9,000 years ago
321
00:16:34,004 --> 00:16:39,275
May be some of the earliest
foundations of religious belief.
322
00:16:39,310 --> 00:16:42,715
They would have logically
sought to understand
323
00:16:42,750 --> 00:16:44,355
What was going on
in the natural world
324
00:16:44,430 --> 00:16:46,635
And to do anything
that they thought might
325
00:16:46,670 --> 00:16:49,475
Actually influence
the rising of the sun,
326
00:16:49,550 --> 00:16:51,435
The coming of the rain,
327
00:16:51,470 --> 00:16:55,915
And the growth and
harvesting of their crops.
328
00:16:55,950 --> 00:16:57,042
[clive]
exactly what was going on
329
00:16:57,117 --> 00:16:59,195
In people's minds,
we don't know.
330
00:16:59,230 --> 00:17:00,875
I think we can say
it's something more
331
00:17:00,910 --> 00:17:03,682
Than anything that's
practical in our terms,
332
00:17:03,757 --> 00:17:06,235
And that's why we would
say it's to do with
333
00:17:06,270 --> 00:17:09,435
Some sort of sacred
significance ritual,
334
00:17:09,510 --> 00:17:10,602
If you like.
335
00:17:11,950 --> 00:17:14,635
[narrator] when atlit yam's
stone circle was built,
336
00:17:14,710 --> 00:17:16,875
Many of the world's
first farmers were living
337
00:17:16,910 --> 00:17:19,922
Miserable existences
and dying young.
338
00:17:21,277 --> 00:17:24,155
But now, forensic
evidence suggests
339
00:17:24,190 --> 00:17:28,155
This prehistoric
community flourished.
340
00:17:28,190 --> 00:17:31,515
So how did the people of
atlit yam buck the trend
341
00:17:31,550 --> 00:17:34,555
Of malnutrition and early death?
342
00:17:34,590 --> 00:17:38,235
Could the stone circle
hold the key to the secret
343
00:17:38,270 --> 00:17:39,602
Of their success?
344
00:17:44,270 --> 00:17:46,875
A quarter mile off
the coast of israel,
345
00:17:46,910 --> 00:17:48,555
Archeologists have discovered
346
00:17:48,590 --> 00:17:54,002
The perfectly preserved remains
of a 9,000-year-old settlement
347
00:17:54,077 --> 00:17:57,522
With its very own stonehenge.
348
00:17:57,597 --> 00:18:00,402
Originally built on the
banks of the mediterranean,
349
00:18:00,477 --> 00:18:03,435
Archeological investigations
are revealing it was home
350
00:18:03,510 --> 00:18:06,562
To some of the world
first ever farmers.
351
00:18:08,270 --> 00:18:10,875
Atlit yam is like a missing link
352
00:18:10,910 --> 00:18:13,835
In terms of showing
us how some groups
353
00:18:13,870 --> 00:18:15,835
Would have made this transition
354
00:18:15,870 --> 00:18:19,682
From strictly hunting-gathering
to sedentary agriculture.
355
00:18:21,044 --> 00:18:23,435
[narrator] experts
suspect this stone circle
356
00:18:23,470 --> 00:18:25,835
Was built for one purpose.
357
00:18:25,870 --> 00:18:27,515
[water splashing]
358
00:18:27,550 --> 00:18:30,835
To appease the gods and help
the people who lived here
359
00:18:30,910 --> 00:18:34,315
To become successful farmers.
360
00:18:34,350 --> 00:18:35,795
[mary-ann] they were still at
361
00:18:35,870 --> 00:18:37,522
The mercy of the
natural elements.
362
00:18:37,597 --> 00:18:39,682
If there was a drought,
their crops would die.
363
00:18:39,757 --> 00:18:42,635
If there was a flood the young
plants would be destroyed.
364
00:18:42,710 --> 00:18:45,435
And so I think it's very likely
that they would have said,
365
00:18:45,510 --> 00:18:48,875
Well, the gods are angry
or the spirits are angry,
366
00:18:48,910 --> 00:18:51,275
Or we need to appease
the ancestors.
367
00:18:51,310 --> 00:18:55,115
This is a monument that
is for something greater
368
00:18:55,150 --> 00:18:58,515
Than the people who
are building it.
369
00:18:58,590 --> 00:19:01,515
[narrator] now detailed
analysis of 63 skeletons
370
00:19:01,550 --> 00:19:04,475
Recovered from the sea
floor reveals that whatever
371
00:19:04,510 --> 00:19:08,315
The ancient people that built
this stone circle were doing,
372
00:19:08,350 --> 00:19:10,675
It paid off.
373
00:19:10,750 --> 00:19:13,315
At a time when most
neolithic farmers didn't live
374
00:19:13,390 --> 00:19:15,115
Much beyond their twenties,
375
00:19:15,150 --> 00:19:19,362
Their lives cut short by
disease and malnutrition,
376
00:19:19,437 --> 00:19:24,242
The skeletons from atlit yam
tell a very different story.
377
00:19:24,317 --> 00:19:28,402
In atlit yam we find
many more older people,
378
00:19:28,477 --> 00:19:30,875
40 or 50 years of age.
379
00:19:30,884 --> 00:19:32,562
It is exceptional.
380
00:19:32,637 --> 00:19:35,675
Demographically the
population were flourishing.
381
00:19:35,710 --> 00:19:37,515
[narrator] in atlit
yam, people were living
382
00:19:37,550 --> 00:19:40,315
Almost twice as long as
other farming communities
383
00:19:40,390 --> 00:19:42,115
In the region.
384
00:19:42,190 --> 00:19:44,835
And their bodies showed
less signs of distress
385
00:19:44,910 --> 00:19:48,835
And illness that plagued
other early farmers.
386
00:19:48,910 --> 00:19:52,235
So what were these
people doing differently?
387
00:19:52,270 --> 00:19:55,835
A discovery at the center of
their 9,000-year-old circle
388
00:19:55,870 --> 00:19:57,842
May offer a clue.
389
00:19:57,917 --> 00:20:00,875
[ehud] we realized that there
in the middle there are traces
390
00:20:00,910 --> 00:20:02,875
Of freshwater spring.
391
00:20:02,910 --> 00:20:06,795
We found some sediments typical
to springs, fresh water,
392
00:20:06,870 --> 00:20:12,875
And we saw some plant species
also typical to freshwater.
393
00:20:12,910 --> 00:20:15,835
[narrator] a reliable
supply of fresh, clean water
394
00:20:15,870 --> 00:20:19,482
Was essential for the survival
of these early farmers.
395
00:20:20,990 --> 00:20:23,842
Experts now suspect this
life-giving resource
396
00:20:23,917 --> 00:20:26,355
May have become the
focus for the settlers
397
00:20:26,430 --> 00:20:28,242
Newly evolving rituals.
398
00:20:30,110 --> 00:20:32,235
You don't need a
standing stone circle
399
00:20:32,244 --> 00:20:36,075
To protect your well,
but you might build one
400
00:20:36,150 --> 00:20:38,955
To create a sanctuary, a
place to go and worship,
401
00:20:38,990 --> 00:20:42,395
And hopefully ensure
that that fresh water
402
00:20:42,430 --> 00:20:44,282
Remained available to you.
403
00:20:45,990 --> 00:20:48,355
Across cultures throughout time,
404
00:20:48,430 --> 00:20:51,915
You see the honoring of
springs and sacred wells,
405
00:20:51,950 --> 00:20:54,555
Not only because of their
life-giving properties,
406
00:20:54,564 --> 00:20:56,875
Because clean
water is essential,
407
00:20:56,884 --> 00:20:59,995
But also because they
potentially act as some kind
408
00:21:00,004 --> 00:21:03,682
Of portal, as a place
where there's an opening
409
00:21:03,757 --> 00:21:05,842
From the earth and
water bubbles up.
410
00:21:05,917 --> 00:21:09,122
It's perhaps a way
into a different realm.
411
00:21:10,750 --> 00:21:12,875
[narrator] now evidence
of deep chisel marks
412
00:21:12,910 --> 00:21:15,955
Carved into the stones
suggest the community
413
00:21:16,030 --> 00:21:18,715
Came to believe that the circle,
414
00:21:18,724 --> 00:21:21,435
And the freshwater
spring it surrounded,
415
00:21:21,510 --> 00:21:24,442
Played a vital role
in their survival.
416
00:21:27,070 --> 00:21:29,842
Around the structure
we have huge slabs
417
00:21:29,917 --> 00:21:32,155
Weighing a few hundred
kilograms each,
418
00:21:32,190 --> 00:21:35,042
And on them there are
tens of cup marks.
419
00:21:35,117 --> 00:21:38,355
It means that somebody chose
the flat stones, the slabs,
420
00:21:38,430 --> 00:21:42,315
And they chiseled with flint
and with hammers cup marks,
421
00:21:42,350 --> 00:21:46,875
Cavities, to contain liquid
or probably offerings
422
00:21:46,910 --> 00:21:49,155
And probably water.
423
00:21:49,230 --> 00:21:51,595
[narrator] the cup marks
on the stones at atlit yam
424
00:21:51,630 --> 00:21:54,955
Are some of the oldest
ever discovered.
425
00:21:55,030 --> 00:21:58,635
And they're identical to marks
found on later stone circles
426
00:21:58,710 --> 00:22:01,915
Across europe and great britain,
427
00:22:01,990 --> 00:22:06,235
Ancient sites separated
by more than 3,000 miles
428
00:22:06,270 --> 00:22:09,515
And 5,000 years.
429
00:22:09,524 --> 00:22:11,042
[mary-ann]
cup marks are strange
430
00:22:11,117 --> 00:22:13,835
Because there's no evidence
of how they were used.
431
00:22:13,870 --> 00:22:15,682
Maybe they were used to
hold some kind of liquid
432
00:22:15,757 --> 00:22:17,042
Or a kind of an offering.
433
00:22:17,117 --> 00:22:19,435
Maybe they were
created in the process
434
00:22:19,470 --> 00:22:21,675
Of performing some
kind of ritual.
435
00:22:21,710 --> 00:22:24,835
But it is intriguing that cup
marks seem to go hand in hand
436
00:22:24,910 --> 00:22:26,875
With megalithic
monument construction
437
00:22:26,910 --> 00:22:29,322
And that world of beliefs.
438
00:22:31,150 --> 00:22:33,435
[narrator] the natural spring
discovered in the center
439
00:22:33,470 --> 00:22:35,995
Of atlit yam's stone circle
440
00:22:36,030 --> 00:22:41,155
Reveals why the monument was
built where it still stands.
441
00:22:41,230 --> 00:22:43,275
But, as the settlement grew,
442
00:22:43,310 --> 00:22:46,155
A single trickle of fresh
water wouldn't have been enough
443
00:22:46,190 --> 00:22:47,682
To support everyone.
444
00:22:49,390 --> 00:22:52,395
Now, ehud galili has
discovered the need
445
00:22:52,430 --> 00:22:54,882
To keep their community
fed and watered,
446
00:22:54,957 --> 00:22:58,155
Drove the world's earliest
farmers to pioneer
447
00:22:58,190 --> 00:23:00,882
A new innovation.
448
00:23:00,957 --> 00:23:02,635
[ehud] we thought that
it is a grave,
449
00:23:02,670 --> 00:23:05,675
But then when we removed
the superstructure,
450
00:23:05,684 --> 00:23:07,522
We start to go down,
451
00:23:07,597 --> 00:23:10,042
We realized right away
that it is a water well.
452
00:23:11,870 --> 00:23:13,835
[narrator] the deep
vertical shaft revealed
453
00:23:13,870 --> 00:23:17,515
The farmers had tapped into
the reservoir of fresh water
454
00:23:17,524 --> 00:23:21,155
That collected
beneath the village.
455
00:23:21,230 --> 00:23:24,355
The well provided atlit yam
with a seemingly endless
456
00:23:24,430 --> 00:23:26,242
And permanent water supply.
457
00:23:28,910 --> 00:23:31,842
Over time, as the
community grew,
458
00:23:31,917 --> 00:23:35,595
A total of 30 stone-built
wells were sunk.
459
00:23:35,630 --> 00:23:37,842
All of them spreading
out from the original
460
00:23:37,917 --> 00:23:41,675
Freshwater spring
in the stone circle.
461
00:23:41,684 --> 00:23:44,235
These are the earliest
constructed
462
00:23:44,270 --> 00:23:46,362
Water wells in the world.
463
00:23:47,297 --> 00:23:51,522
[karen] the technology and the
skill to be able to plan
464
00:23:51,597 --> 00:23:54,875
And execute a stone-lined
well such as what we see
465
00:23:54,910 --> 00:23:57,042
Archeologically at atlit yam,
466
00:23:57,117 --> 00:23:59,282
Is frankly stunning
for the time period.
467
00:24:00,910 --> 00:24:04,715
At that point, they don't
have to go with the goats
468
00:24:04,724 --> 00:24:07,435
And with the livestock,
to look for water.
469
00:24:07,470 --> 00:24:10,722
They have their own
permanent source of water.
470
00:24:11,710 --> 00:24:13,155
[narrator]
the atlit yam settlers
471
00:24:13,230 --> 00:24:16,075
Had a limitless
supply of fresh water,
472
00:24:16,110 --> 00:24:18,875
Livestock, crops.
473
00:24:18,910 --> 00:24:21,195
But even so, the
transition to farming
474
00:24:21,204 --> 00:24:23,842
Would not have been easy.
475
00:24:23,917 --> 00:24:27,475
Food shortages were
always a threat.
476
00:24:27,550 --> 00:24:29,595
[karen]
making a go of it at atlit yam
477
00:24:29,670 --> 00:24:31,842
Was not an instant thing.
478
00:24:31,917 --> 00:24:33,755
They didn't just
build a few houses,
479
00:24:33,790 --> 00:24:35,635
And watch their crops grow.
480
00:24:35,710 --> 00:24:38,442
It took work.
It took trial and error.
481
00:24:39,117 --> 00:24:42,875
[mary-ann] being an early
farmer was quite rubbish.
482
00:24:42,910 --> 00:24:45,842
You were more likely to be
hungry, you had to work harder,
483
00:24:45,917 --> 00:24:48,955
You died younger, your kids
were more likely to die.
484
00:24:49,030 --> 00:24:51,155
And for the years
that you did survive,
485
00:24:51,230 --> 00:24:53,242
You probably didn't
have that great a diet.
486
00:24:54,024 --> 00:24:55,842
[narrator] despite
the challenges faced
487
00:24:55,917 --> 00:24:58,715
By the early farmers
of atlit yam,
488
00:24:58,750 --> 00:25:00,875
Their perfectly preserved
remains suggests
489
00:25:00,884 --> 00:25:03,602
They were mostly
fit and healthy.
490
00:25:05,350 --> 00:25:08,155
But, the pathologists
have identified
491
00:25:08,230 --> 00:25:12,955
An unusual medical condition
among the adult population.
492
00:25:12,990 --> 00:25:16,235
I'm entering through
the middle ear
493
00:25:16,244 --> 00:25:18,075
Through the external ear.
494
00:25:18,110 --> 00:25:22,235
And what you see here
is the internal wall
495
00:25:22,270 --> 00:25:23,915
Of the middle ear.
496
00:25:23,950 --> 00:25:28,555
And we see on this wall,
we see a lot of bony growth,
497
00:25:28,590 --> 00:25:30,402
And bone remodeling,
498
00:25:30,477 --> 00:25:33,475
Which indicate that there was
chronic infection in the ear.
499
00:25:33,550 --> 00:25:35,515
And it wasn't just once,
500
00:25:35,550 --> 00:25:38,835
It could be a repetitive disease
501
00:25:38,910 --> 00:25:41,522
That this individual
suffered again and again
502
00:25:41,597 --> 00:25:43,475
Throughout their life.
503
00:25:43,550 --> 00:25:45,515
[narrator] these marks are
evidence of a condition
504
00:25:45,524 --> 00:25:48,675
Called auditory exostosis.
505
00:25:48,750 --> 00:25:50,715
And a high percentage
of the adult males
506
00:25:50,750 --> 00:25:53,915
From atlit yam suffered from it.
507
00:25:53,950 --> 00:25:57,995
These days it's more community
known as surfers' ear,
508
00:25:58,004 --> 00:26:00,235
And it's found in people
who spend large amounts
509
00:26:00,270 --> 00:26:03,115
Of time in the sea.
510
00:26:03,150 --> 00:26:05,915
Atlit yam survived
because the settlers
511
00:26:05,950 --> 00:26:08,795
Were harvesting the ocean.
512
00:26:08,830 --> 00:26:12,875
This may be the oldest
fishing village on earth.
513
00:26:12,910 --> 00:26:16,955
To be intensively engaged
in seafaring, in fishing,
514
00:26:16,990 --> 00:26:19,522
This is something
which is very new,
515
00:26:19,597 --> 00:26:21,995
And from here onwards
people start using
516
00:26:22,030 --> 00:26:23,835
The sea more intensively.
517
00:26:23,870 --> 00:26:27,522
So they were the pioneers,
they were the first to do it.
518
00:26:27,597 --> 00:26:29,202
[narrator] the physical
evidence in the bodies
519
00:26:29,277 --> 00:26:31,515
Marries up with the
archeological evidence
520
00:26:31,550 --> 00:26:34,002
Found at the settlement.
521
00:26:34,077 --> 00:26:37,195
More than 6,000 fish
bones were discovered
522
00:26:37,204 --> 00:26:39,002
Discarded across the site.
523
00:26:39,970 --> 00:26:44,675
The villagers were supplementing
their food resources by fishing.
524
00:26:44,750 --> 00:26:46,715
And the seabed
excavation is revealing
525
00:26:46,724 --> 00:26:48,482
The tricks of their trade.
526
00:26:50,190 --> 00:26:52,155
You can see here
the weight nets.
527
00:26:52,190 --> 00:26:55,275
These are heavy weights
that were used to anchor
528
00:26:55,310 --> 00:26:56,875
The ends of the net.
529
00:26:56,910 --> 00:27:00,235
This is a fishing hook,
and these are spatulas.
530
00:27:00,270 --> 00:27:03,435
This is probably
for sewing nets.
531
00:27:03,470 --> 00:27:05,515
[narrator] the early
settlers developed a range
532
00:27:05,550 --> 00:27:07,635
Of fishing techniques.
533
00:27:07,710 --> 00:27:12,002
And their remains again reveal
the lengths they went to.
534
00:27:12,077 --> 00:27:15,115
We can see how the tooth is
actually completely ruined.
535
00:27:15,150 --> 00:27:18,075
And this is a pattern we
see in most of the people
536
00:27:18,110 --> 00:27:20,235
That were found in atlit yam.
537
00:27:20,270 --> 00:27:22,555
By looking at the tooth wear,
538
00:27:22,590 --> 00:27:25,675
We can see how they
used their tooth.
539
00:27:25,684 --> 00:27:29,515
Probably to create or
prepare some tools,
540
00:27:29,524 --> 00:27:31,842
Maybe nets for fishing.
541
00:27:32,870 --> 00:27:34,875
[narrator] 9,000 years ago,
542
00:27:34,910 --> 00:27:36,722
While many early
farming settlements
543
00:27:36,797 --> 00:27:38,835
Were struggling for survival,
544
00:27:38,910 --> 00:27:41,635
Atlit yam was feasting
on a bounty of treats
545
00:27:41,710 --> 00:27:45,475
Harvested from the land and sea.
546
00:27:45,550 --> 00:27:48,795
Even today their diet
is widely acknowledged
547
00:27:48,870 --> 00:27:51,682
As the gold standard
in nutrition.
548
00:27:51,757 --> 00:27:53,842
The mediterranean diet.
549
00:27:54,744 --> 00:27:57,355
[mary-ann] so, the modern
mediterranean diet
550
00:27:57,390 --> 00:27:58,722
Is considered to be
551
00:27:58,797 --> 00:28:01,755
A kind of a light and healthy
way of living.
552
00:28:01,830 --> 00:28:05,682
So lots of fruit and
vegetables, whole grains,
553
00:28:05,757 --> 00:28:08,875
Legumes, lean meat and fish
554
00:28:08,910 --> 00:28:11,275
And not too much saturated fat.
555
00:28:11,350 --> 00:28:14,635
And this was established
in the 1960s,
556
00:28:14,670 --> 00:28:16,075
Partly as a health fad,
557
00:28:16,110 --> 00:28:17,595
But actually underpinned
by science,
558
00:28:17,630 --> 00:28:20,315
Because it is good for
the human body to eat
559
00:28:20,350 --> 00:28:22,715
That kind of range
of whole foods,
560
00:28:22,750 --> 00:28:25,835
And to have that low
level of saturated fat
561
00:28:25,870 --> 00:28:29,275
And a broad plant-based diet.
562
00:28:29,350 --> 00:28:31,475
[narrator] with an
ocean full of fish,
563
00:28:31,550 --> 00:28:35,522
Fields bursting with
crops, and plentiful water,
564
00:28:35,597 --> 00:28:38,882
Life was good for the
people of atlit yam.
565
00:28:39,597 --> 00:28:41,402
But it wasn't to last.
566
00:28:42,910 --> 00:28:44,882
The climate that had
given them paradise
567
00:28:44,957 --> 00:28:47,202
On earth was changing.
568
00:28:47,277 --> 00:28:50,795
And atlit yam was about to be
caught in a devastating battle
569
00:28:50,870 --> 00:28:53,282
Between humans and nature.
570
00:28:57,550 --> 00:29:00,002
The chance discovery
of one of the world's
571
00:29:00,077 --> 00:29:02,115
Oldest stone circles,
572
00:29:02,190 --> 00:29:04,795
And the remains of the
people who built it,
573
00:29:04,870 --> 00:29:08,002
Are helping experts unlock
the secrets of a tradition
574
00:29:08,077 --> 00:29:10,682
That would spread throughout
the ancient world.
575
00:29:13,437 --> 00:29:17,035
[mary-ann] when we look at the
range of monumental structures,
576
00:29:17,070 --> 00:29:19,995
Including 50,000 stone
circles that have been built
577
00:29:20,004 --> 00:29:22,675
Across europe,
including stonehenge,
578
00:29:22,750 --> 00:29:25,275
Perhaps the pinnacle
of complexity
579
00:29:25,310 --> 00:29:26,882
In stone circle construction,
580
00:29:26,957 --> 00:29:28,835
There is a linking factor,
581
00:29:28,910 --> 00:29:32,155
Which is this connection
between people and the land,
582
00:29:32,230 --> 00:29:35,242
And powers that are
greater than their own.
583
00:29:37,510 --> 00:29:40,675
[narrator] the investigation
of atlit yam's stonehenge,
584
00:29:40,750 --> 00:29:43,675
Now submerged just off
the coast of israel,
585
00:29:43,684 --> 00:29:47,755
Is revealing how this one
community of early farmers
586
00:29:47,790 --> 00:29:51,882
Successfully negotiated
the world 9,000 years ago.
587
00:29:54,077 --> 00:29:58,315
[karen] they grew crops, they
domesticated and raised animals,
588
00:29:58,350 --> 00:30:00,882
And they still
supplemented their diet
589
00:30:00,957 --> 00:30:04,882
With some hunting and with
a great deal of fishing.
590
00:30:04,957 --> 00:30:07,115
[narrator] compared to many
other neolithic farming
591
00:30:07,150 --> 00:30:09,682
Communities, the people
of atlit yam were living
592
00:30:09,757 --> 00:30:12,722
A life of plenty.
593
00:30:12,797 --> 00:30:15,115
But eventually the settlers
in this fertile land
594
00:30:15,190 --> 00:30:18,315
Were forced to
abandon their homes,
595
00:30:18,350 --> 00:30:20,282
And their stone circle.
596
00:30:22,030 --> 00:30:24,795
And ehud galili's
investigation has revealed
597
00:30:24,830 --> 00:30:28,115
A desperate battle
between the early farmers
598
00:30:28,190 --> 00:30:30,875
And the forces of nature.
599
00:30:30,910 --> 00:30:33,355
The clues come from
the life-giving wells
600
00:30:33,390 --> 00:30:35,915
On the edge of the settlement.
601
00:30:35,950 --> 00:30:38,075
We were surprised to find,
602
00:30:38,150 --> 00:30:40,475
In the upper layers of the
well, it was full of garbage.
603
00:30:40,550 --> 00:30:43,042
We found hundreds
of animal bones.
604
00:30:43,117 --> 00:30:44,875
It was an enigma.
605
00:30:44,884 --> 00:30:47,995
[narrator] the resource these
early farmers had engineered
606
00:30:48,030 --> 00:30:50,315
And were dependent
on for survival,
607
00:30:50,350 --> 00:30:52,795
Was being contaminated.
608
00:30:52,830 --> 00:30:54,875
Further investigation
revealed the garbage
609
00:30:54,884 --> 00:30:57,522
Wasn't the only
anomaly in the well.
610
00:30:59,350 --> 00:31:02,475
We excavated one of
them, all the way down,
611
00:31:02,510 --> 00:31:04,875
About five and a half meters.
612
00:31:04,910 --> 00:31:07,842
And then we found layers
of stone
613
00:31:07,917 --> 00:31:09,315
In the middle of the well.
614
00:31:09,390 --> 00:31:12,562
Huge stones were dumped there
in the middle of the well.
615
00:31:13,917 --> 00:31:15,515
[narrator]
excavations of other wells
616
00:31:15,524 --> 00:31:18,722
Across the settlement revealed
they too had been filled
617
00:31:18,797 --> 00:31:23,595
With large stones first,
followed by garbage.
618
00:31:23,630 --> 00:31:26,875
Carbon dating suggests
these strange modifications
619
00:31:26,910 --> 00:31:30,082
Occurred around 5,000 bc.
620
00:31:30,750 --> 00:31:33,635
And this date is key.
621
00:31:33,710 --> 00:31:36,675
Because the end of the
ice age was beginning
622
00:31:36,750 --> 00:31:39,642
To change life for the
worst at atlit yam.
623
00:31:41,310 --> 00:31:42,555
[anjana] so for those
communities
624
00:31:42,590 --> 00:31:43,955
Living at atlit yam,
625
00:31:44,030 --> 00:31:46,675
Sea levels would have
gradually started to rise,
626
00:31:46,750 --> 00:31:50,315
Because we were really at
the end of the last ice age.
627
00:31:50,350 --> 00:31:52,242
So these ice sheets
had collapsed.
628
00:31:52,317 --> 00:31:55,155
They were releasing
meltwater into the oceans,
629
00:31:55,230 --> 00:31:57,315
And those communities
were experiencing
630
00:31:57,390 --> 00:32:00,322
The tail end of those
natural processes.
631
00:32:01,870 --> 00:32:04,235
[narrator] as sea
levels began to rise,
632
00:32:04,270 --> 00:32:07,595
Saltwater began seeping
into the freshwater wells
633
00:32:07,670 --> 00:32:08,842
Nearest the sea.
634
00:32:10,317 --> 00:32:12,235
The villagers worked
out that salt water
635
00:32:12,270 --> 00:32:14,242
Was heavier than freshwater,
636
00:32:14,317 --> 00:32:18,155
So they used stones to raise
the bottom of the wells,
637
00:32:18,190 --> 00:32:21,035
Pushing the freshwater higher.
638
00:32:21,044 --> 00:32:22,675
[ehud] so they did it twice.
639
00:32:22,750 --> 00:32:25,682
Two attempts to dump these
stones into the well,
640
00:32:25,757 --> 00:32:27,682
Trying to solve the problem,
641
00:32:27,757 --> 00:32:29,435
And then when it
was no use anymore
642
00:32:29,510 --> 00:32:31,595
Because sea level
continued to rise,
643
00:32:31,630 --> 00:32:33,522
They turned the well
into a garbage pit.
644
00:32:35,364 --> 00:32:38,402
[narrator] in spite of the
settlers' ingenious solution,
645
00:32:38,477 --> 00:32:41,355
One by one the wells
closest to the coast
646
00:32:41,390 --> 00:32:42,882
Were put out of action.
647
00:32:44,590 --> 00:32:47,915
Atlit yam's water supply
was slowly but relentlessly
648
00:32:47,950 --> 00:32:52,322
Being poisoned by the ocean,
as it drew ever closer.
649
00:32:54,190 --> 00:32:55,515
Having become the blueprint
650
00:32:55,524 --> 00:32:58,395
For successful
farming and survival,
651
00:32:58,430 --> 00:33:00,835
The fertile paradise of
atlit yam
652
00:33:00,910 --> 00:33:03,442
Lost its battle with nature.
653
00:33:05,597 --> 00:33:07,795
[anjana] when we looked at
the data records
654
00:33:07,870 --> 00:33:09,835
For sea level rise at that time,
655
00:33:09,870 --> 00:33:12,555
The indications were that
sea levels were rising
656
00:33:12,590 --> 00:33:16,075
By about 13 millimeters a year.
657
00:33:16,150 --> 00:33:19,635
And we know that atlit yam
now sits beneath sea level
658
00:33:19,710 --> 00:33:21,275
By about 12 meters.
659
00:33:21,310 --> 00:33:24,315
So we can calculate
that within the lifetime
660
00:33:24,350 --> 00:33:26,875
Of a community member
living at that time,
661
00:33:26,910 --> 00:33:29,355
So possibly 67 years,
662
00:33:29,390 --> 00:33:31,842
The whole community
would have been submerged
663
00:33:31,917 --> 00:33:35,842
Under a meter of sea water.
664
00:33:35,917 --> 00:33:38,842
Their life was slowly
being washed away.
665
00:33:40,637 --> 00:33:42,875
People realize that
sea level is rising.
666
00:33:42,910 --> 00:33:44,515
They faced the consequences,
667
00:33:44,590 --> 00:33:47,682
And they tried to
adapt themselves.
668
00:33:47,757 --> 00:33:50,355
The adaptation is what
we see in the well.
669
00:33:50,430 --> 00:33:53,835
But eventually the
cost was too high.
670
00:33:53,844 --> 00:33:55,515
[dramatic music]
671
00:33:55,550 --> 00:33:57,115
[narrator] along with
countless other communities
672
00:33:57,150 --> 00:33:59,915
Along the coast, the
people of atlit yam
673
00:33:59,950 --> 00:34:03,355
Were forced to
leave their homes.
674
00:34:03,364 --> 00:34:06,242
While there are no historical
records of this mass exodus
675
00:34:06,317 --> 00:34:09,835
Caused by rising sea levels,
676
00:34:09,870 --> 00:34:12,075
Ehud galili believes
the traumatic events
677
00:34:12,150 --> 00:34:15,562
Could have been the basis for
a legendary biblical tale.
678
00:34:17,350 --> 00:34:20,955
[ehud] so there may be a
possibility that the inundation
679
00:34:20,990 --> 00:34:24,075
Of these sites were
kept in the memory,
680
00:34:24,110 --> 00:34:28,242
And from this maybe the
biblical stories of noah,
681
00:34:28,317 --> 00:34:30,882
Maybe there is an association.
682
00:34:30,957 --> 00:34:32,835
[narrator] theological
scholars suspect
683
00:34:32,910 --> 00:34:37,842
Many biblical stories are
rooted in real life events.
684
00:34:37,917 --> 00:34:42,875
Could it be that noah's
ark was based in reality,
685
00:34:42,884 --> 00:34:47,195
Passed on through word mouth
from generation to generation,
686
00:34:47,230 --> 00:34:50,395
Until it was finally
written down in the bible
687
00:34:50,430 --> 00:34:53,435
Thousands of years later?
688
00:34:53,470 --> 00:34:56,875
When you look at biblical
stories like noah's ark,
689
00:34:56,910 --> 00:35:01,275
There are always echoes of
real human experiences
690
00:35:01,310 --> 00:35:03,275
Of loss, of death,
691
00:35:03,350 --> 00:35:06,922
Of the mighty and
terrifying power of nature.
692
00:35:08,190 --> 00:35:10,075
[narrator] according
to the scriptures,
693
00:35:10,110 --> 00:35:13,522
Noah saved a mating pair
of every land animal
694
00:35:13,597 --> 00:35:16,882
Before god sent a flood
to destroy the world.
695
00:35:18,797 --> 00:35:23,755
The fact that life had to change
because the sea was rising,
696
00:35:23,790 --> 00:35:25,835
That does feed into
human stories about
697
00:35:25,870 --> 00:35:27,155
The power of water
698
00:35:27,230 --> 00:35:29,675
And the fact that it
can both save your life,
699
00:35:29,710 --> 00:35:32,515
Give life, but also
take life away.
700
00:35:32,590 --> 00:35:35,275
[dramatic music]
701
00:35:35,310 --> 00:35:37,835
[narrator] atlit yam and
its stone circle was left
702
00:35:37,870 --> 00:35:42,875
To the mercy of the sea,
as the farmers fled inland.
703
00:35:42,910 --> 00:35:46,082
And their farming practices
and beliefs traveled with them.
704
00:35:48,750 --> 00:35:51,835
Now cutting-edge science
may help to reveal
705
00:35:51,870 --> 00:35:54,875
How far they went,
706
00:35:54,910 --> 00:35:57,835
And the monuments
atlit yam's stone circle
707
00:35:57,870 --> 00:36:00,082
May have ultimately inspired.
708
00:36:01,870 --> 00:36:03,315
[dramatic music]
709
00:36:03,390 --> 00:36:06,115
The discovery of a
9,000-year-old settlement,
710
00:36:06,190 --> 00:36:07,835
Off the coast of israel,
711
00:36:07,870 --> 00:36:10,115
Has revealed a
fight for survival,
712
00:36:10,190 --> 00:36:14,675
As early farmers battled
with rising sea levels.
713
00:36:14,750 --> 00:36:16,715
It was a battle
the settlers lost,
714
00:36:16,724 --> 00:36:19,202
Forcing them to
abandon their homes,
715
00:36:19,277 --> 00:36:21,802
And their remarkable
stone circle.
716
00:36:23,670 --> 00:36:27,675
The amazing thing about
atlit yam is that it flooded
717
00:36:27,710 --> 00:36:30,002
And has been
preserved by the sea.
718
00:36:30,077 --> 00:36:33,962
That is an absolute gift
to us as archeologists.
719
00:36:35,710 --> 00:36:37,835
[narrator] the incredible
preservation has revealed
720
00:36:37,844 --> 00:36:41,835
That the community at atlit
yam had successfully pioneered
721
00:36:41,870 --> 00:36:45,955
A blueprint for a
long and healthy life,
722
00:36:46,030 --> 00:36:49,195
While also developing
early religious rituals
723
00:36:49,204 --> 00:36:50,922
Based at the stone circle.
724
00:36:52,590 --> 00:36:54,835
When the community
was forced to leave,
725
00:36:54,910 --> 00:36:56,762
Their traditions left with them.
726
00:36:58,390 --> 00:37:00,562
[karen] the emergence of
monumental structures
727
00:37:00,637 --> 00:37:03,842
With no apparently
practical function
728
00:37:03,917 --> 00:37:07,682
Points really strongly
to ritual activity.
729
00:37:07,757 --> 00:37:10,235
And we see a huge
flowering of this kind
730
00:37:10,244 --> 00:37:13,435
Of ceremonial architecture
simultaneously
731
00:37:13,510 --> 00:37:17,035
With the emergence
of agriculture.
732
00:37:17,070 --> 00:37:19,835
[narrator] over the next
four-and-half thousand years,
733
00:37:19,844 --> 00:37:21,755
Farming spread,
734
00:37:21,830 --> 00:37:26,395
From the fertile crescent, to as
far as the british isles.
735
00:37:26,404 --> 00:37:31,115
As farming spread, stone
circles spread as well.
736
00:37:31,150 --> 00:37:34,355
So is it possible that
britain's stonehenge,
737
00:37:34,430 --> 00:37:36,355
Regarded as the most
sophisticated stone
738
00:37:36,430 --> 00:37:38,635
Circle ever built,
739
00:37:38,670 --> 00:37:41,155
Was the final
evolution of a concept
740
00:37:41,230 --> 00:37:43,762
That originated in atlit yam?
741
00:37:45,310 --> 00:37:47,435
It's intriguing to think
whether there is a link
742
00:37:47,470 --> 00:37:49,275
Between those two sites,
743
00:37:49,350 --> 00:37:53,115
And maybe that's where the
seed of the idea first grew.
744
00:37:53,150 --> 00:37:55,755
[narrator] at atlit yam
the stone circle consisted
745
00:37:55,790 --> 00:37:59,442
Of just seven stones in an
eight-foot diameter circle.
746
00:38:00,750 --> 00:38:02,995
By the time stonehenge
was completed,
747
00:38:03,070 --> 00:38:06,155
It measured 330 feet across,
748
00:38:06,230 --> 00:38:09,035
Comprised of more
than 100 stones,
749
00:38:09,044 --> 00:38:12,082
The heaviest weighing 30 tons.
750
00:38:13,710 --> 00:38:15,842
The difference is staggering.
751
00:38:15,917 --> 00:38:18,715
But archeologists can
see a direct connection
752
00:38:18,750 --> 00:38:22,515
Between this awe inspiring
pre-historic site,
753
00:38:22,590 --> 00:38:24,882
And the remains of atlit yam.
754
00:38:26,670 --> 00:38:31,042
The stones at stonehenge
were erected around 2,500 bc.
755
00:38:31,117 --> 00:38:33,995
The stone circle that
was found at atlit yam
756
00:38:34,030 --> 00:38:38,835
Was constructed probably
about 5,000 years earlier.
757
00:38:38,910 --> 00:38:43,035
And even though atlit yam
is small and simple,
758
00:38:43,070 --> 00:38:47,755
Maybe atlit yam represents
a first iteration
759
00:38:47,790 --> 00:38:51,282
Of building circles in stone
and what that might mean.
760
00:38:52,097 --> 00:38:54,315
[narrator] archeological
evidence has shown that,
761
00:38:54,350 --> 00:38:56,155
Just like atlit yam,
762
00:38:56,190 --> 00:38:59,642
Stonehenge was a center
for ritual activity.
763
00:39:01,230 --> 00:39:03,355
But many believe the
alignment of the stones
764
00:39:03,390 --> 00:39:07,202
Also mark the longest and
shortest days of the year,
765
00:39:08,724 --> 00:39:12,515
Making stonehenge an early
calendar that marked out
766
00:39:12,590 --> 00:39:14,282
The passing of the seasons.
767
00:39:16,750 --> 00:39:20,075
Could this also have been a
function that was pioneered
768
00:39:20,150 --> 00:39:24,322
On earlier monuments at
sites like atlit yam?
769
00:39:25,757 --> 00:39:28,675
[karen] elsewhere in the world,
we know that stone circles
770
00:39:28,750 --> 00:39:31,195
Have a very strong
calendrical purpose.
771
00:39:31,230 --> 00:39:33,595
They link to the movement
of the sun and the moon
772
00:39:33,630 --> 00:39:35,115
And the seasons.
773
00:39:35,150 --> 00:39:38,955
And so it's quite possible
that this circle at atlit yam,
774
00:39:38,990 --> 00:39:43,122
Also was a reminder,
a calendar of sorts.
775
00:39:44,350 --> 00:39:46,195
[clive] maybe there is a
comparison to be made,
776
00:39:46,270 --> 00:39:48,115
But of course it's a jump
because there's many, many
777
00:39:48,190 --> 00:39:50,235
Thousands of years
in between that.
778
00:39:50,270 --> 00:39:53,915
But I think it's an
enticing possibility.
779
00:39:53,950 --> 00:39:56,722
[narrator] now, modern
astronomy programs allow
780
00:39:56,797 --> 00:40:00,835
Archeologists, like stonehenge
expert clive ruggles,
781
00:40:00,910 --> 00:40:04,722
To wind back time and
visualize how the sky
782
00:40:04,797 --> 00:40:07,562
Once looked above atlit yam.
783
00:40:08,884 --> 00:40:10,882
Now the positions
where the stars
784
00:40:10,957 --> 00:40:12,875
Rise and set changes a lot.
785
00:40:12,884 --> 00:40:15,995
But as far as the sun
rise, the solstices,
786
00:40:16,030 --> 00:40:18,762
That also moves, but much less.
787
00:40:20,670 --> 00:40:22,355
[narrator]
recreating the sun's movement
788
00:40:22,430 --> 00:40:25,795
Above atlit yam's stone
circle on a summer solstice
789
00:40:25,870 --> 00:40:31,042
9,000 years ago produces
an intriguing result.
790
00:40:31,117 --> 00:40:33,675
It suggests there could
be a connection between
791
00:40:33,710 --> 00:40:37,315
The circle's alignment
and the sunset.
792
00:40:37,390 --> 00:40:40,475
The megalithic structure,
this semi-circle opening out,
793
00:40:40,550 --> 00:40:42,955
Is opening out broadly
to the northwest.
794
00:40:42,990 --> 00:40:46,955
And that northwesterly
direction is pretty close
795
00:40:46,990 --> 00:40:49,755
To where the sun would have set
796
00:40:49,830 --> 00:40:52,242
Around the longest
day of the year,
797
00:40:52,317 --> 00:40:55,475
Which leaves the
enticing possibility that
798
00:40:55,550 --> 00:40:58,235
That was of significance
to the builders
799
00:40:58,270 --> 00:41:00,042
Or some of the people
that used that place.
800
00:41:00,990 --> 00:41:03,755
[narrator] the pioneering
early settlers of atlit yam
801
00:41:03,790 --> 00:41:08,315
May have invented the
original farming calendar.
802
00:41:08,350 --> 00:41:12,722
In time the stone circle
was lost to the sea,
803
00:41:12,797 --> 00:41:15,515
But the evidence suggests
the farming practices
804
00:41:15,550 --> 00:41:19,035
And rituals developed
at atlit yam lived on
805
00:41:19,070 --> 00:41:21,882
And spread far and wide.
806
00:41:23,230 --> 00:41:26,475
Now modern science
can track just how far
807
00:41:26,510 --> 00:41:28,762
Atlit yam's influence reached.
808
00:41:30,564 --> 00:41:34,875
Farming first appears in
britain around 4,000 b.C.
809
00:41:34,910 --> 00:41:38,195
And for a long time,
archeologists have wondered
810
00:41:38,270 --> 00:41:41,955
Whether that's native people
who pick up the idea of
811
00:41:42,030 --> 00:41:44,515
Farming and then try
it out for themselves,
812
00:41:44,590 --> 00:41:46,395
Or whether it's
actually new people
813
00:41:46,430 --> 00:41:48,795
Bringing their farming
culture with them.
814
00:41:48,830 --> 00:41:53,795
And in 2019, a team were able
to do ancient dna analysis,
815
00:41:53,870 --> 00:41:56,955
So that they could actually
track the genetic spread
816
00:41:57,030 --> 00:41:59,675
And work out where
these neolithic farmers
817
00:41:59,710 --> 00:42:01,322
Were from, what
their ancestry was.
818
00:42:02,130 --> 00:42:03,435
[narrator]
the results from the bones
819
00:42:03,470 --> 00:42:06,635
Of 67 neolithic farmers
from across britain,
820
00:42:06,670 --> 00:42:08,515
Including near stonehenge,
821
00:42:08,590 --> 00:42:11,475
Reveal an astonishing
connection.
822
00:42:11,550 --> 00:42:16,075
The people who make up the
neolithic farming population
823
00:42:16,110 --> 00:42:19,515
Of britain and ireland
weren't native british.
824
00:42:19,550 --> 00:42:22,715
They traveled through the
mediterranean countries
825
00:42:22,750 --> 00:42:26,522
And then ultimately ended
up in the british isles.
826
00:42:27,757 --> 00:42:30,555
[narrator] incredibly,
britain's first farmers
827
00:42:30,590 --> 00:42:32,875
Were descendants of
the people who farmed,
828
00:42:32,910 --> 00:42:35,795
And then abandoned, the
earliest settlements
829
00:42:35,870 --> 00:42:37,322
On the fertile crescent.
830
00:42:38,910 --> 00:42:42,315
[mary-ann] the ground-breaking
research with the ancient dna
831
00:42:42,390 --> 00:42:46,675
Really indicates
unequivocally this transition
832
00:42:46,750 --> 00:42:50,395
Of not just ideas, but
people with a whole package
833
00:42:50,430 --> 00:42:52,002
Of culture and a way of life.
834
00:42:53,010 --> 00:42:56,075
[narrator] a tradition that
started with modest ritual sites
835
00:42:56,110 --> 00:42:58,155
Like the one found in atlit yam
836
00:42:58,190 --> 00:43:01,755
Spread and evolved
over millennia.
837
00:43:01,790 --> 00:43:04,235
Four and a half
thousand years later,
838
00:43:04,270 --> 00:43:07,842
Descendants of the world's
first farmers had traveled far.
839
00:43:09,470 --> 00:43:12,155
And in britain,
they set to work,
840
00:43:12,190 --> 00:43:15,242
Building the ultimate
evolution of the stone circle.
841
00:43:17,070 --> 00:43:18,562
Stonehenge.
842
00:43:19,470 --> 00:43:21,515
[clive] the big stones were
brought to stonehenge
843
00:43:21,550 --> 00:43:23,755
Around 2,500 b.C.
844
00:43:23,790 --> 00:43:26,395
That's 4,500 years ago.
845
00:43:26,404 --> 00:43:29,755
Double that, you
get 9,000 years ago.
846
00:43:29,790 --> 00:43:32,955
That's around the
time when the stones
847
00:43:32,990 --> 00:43:34,955
Were being put up in that
megalithic structure
848
00:43:34,990 --> 00:43:36,155
At atlit yam.
849
00:43:36,230 --> 00:43:39,435
Twice as old as stonehenge.
That's incredible.
850
00:43:39,470 --> 00:43:42,315
[mary-ann]
it's extraordinary to think that
851
00:43:42,390 --> 00:43:46,002
When you're looking at
a little site in the near east
852
00:43:46,077 --> 00:43:48,715
And you see a circular
stone monument,
853
00:43:48,750 --> 00:43:52,155
You have to wonder is
that what emigrated out
854
00:43:52,190 --> 00:43:54,075
Of those first
farming communities?
855
00:43:54,110 --> 00:43:56,715
They brought their seeds and
they brought their cattle,
856
00:43:56,750 --> 00:43:58,555
But they also brought
857
00:43:58,590 --> 00:43:59,922
Stonehenge.