Surprising evidence at the world’s oldest temple overturns our understanding of human history. Official website: | #novapbs On a remote hillside in modern-day Turkey sits Göbekli Tepe, the oldest temple on Earth. For centuries, archaeologists believed it was a religious center built by nomadic hunter-gatherers before the rise of civilization. But groundbreaking new evidence reveals that a sophisticated community of settled hunter-gatherers, not nomads, lived here year-round for centuries. This startling discovery could be the missing link in humanity's momentous transition from hunting to farming. Follow experts as they use new digs and shattered skulls to piece together a captivating story that could forever change our understanding of the roots of civilization. 💙 Help us bring the universe closer to home. Your donation ensures that NOVA’s deep-space discoveries and quantum physics explorations remain free and inspiring for the next generation of scientists. Support fact-based storytelling today. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:23 What is Göbekli Tepe? 11:34 Who Built this Civilization? 25:57 Hunter-Gatherer Lifestyle and Culture 39:03 Neighboring Civilizations 44:44 Why Did People Leave 50:27 Conclusion © 2026 WGBH Educational Foundation All rights reserved This program was produced by GBH, which is solely responsible for its content. This program is made possible by viewers like you. Support your local PBS station here: Enjoy full episodes of your favorite PBS shows anytime, anywhere with the free PBS app: 📰 Stay up to date on the latest science discoveries, full episodes, articles, videos, and more by signing up for NOVA's newsletter here: 🛍️ Shop official NOVA 50th anniversary merch: 🎙️ Watch our podcast, Particles of Thought: Or listen wherever you get your podcasts! Human civilizations, archaeology, origin of civilizations, ancient turkey, Göbekli Tepe, lost civilization, neolithic, stone age, einkorn, desert kites, early hunting Follow on social for more NOVA content Twitter: Instagram: TikTok: @novapbs PBS Facebook: X: Instagram: YouTube: TikTok: @pbs