Cédric Robion

To the east of the Arabian desert, an ancient culture developed; and it attainted the sophistication of its civilized neighbours in Mesopotamia & Iran. The extreme aridity of the spot, combined with the strictness of religious prohibitions, discouraged archaeologists for a long period of time. Only recently, a group of French scientists initiated a large-span excavation. Their aim is to comprehend how this society succeeded to prosper, despite a natural environment so hostile to any conditions of life. The answer seems to be the refinement of a revolutionary, water management technique. Yet beyond such technical prowess, this documentary provides a unique look to discover a unique way of life; but also the pre-Islamic religious beliefs of this milieu.

Over the mountains of Northern Mongolia lies the shadow of a mystery that generations of adventurers, scientists, and historians have tried to solve since the 13th century: the location of the tomb of the greatest conqueror of all time, Genghis Khan.

How did the human race appear? In Kromdraai, South Africa, the French paleoanthropologist José Braga discovered the remains of two children dating back 2.5 million years. These are the oldest bones ever found. One is human, the other paranthrop, a hominid that is our closest cousin. This archaeological investigation is the starting point of an unprecedented scientific adventure, which could finally lift the veil on the origins of humanity.

A look at relevant scientific issues