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This Is Where the First Alphabet Was Born

Season 52 Episode 16 | 3m 05s

From the depths of ancient mines came a revolutionary idea: a simple set of symbols that anyone could learn — the birth of the alphabet, and the democratization of knowledge.

National Corporate funding for NOVA is provided by Carlisle Companies and Viking Cruises. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the NOVA Science Trust, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
Extras
Animal parents must balance risk and reward to raise their young in grasslands.
What if violent asteroid impacts actually jump-started life on Earth? Explore a dramatic theory.
James and Siegfried clash over new technology at the vet practice.
Mrs. Pumphrey seeks help when she thinks Tricki is giving her the cold shoulder.
Male elephants form powerful bonds — and even become adoptive parents together.
In Amboseli, one male’s opportunity attracts rivals — and the attention of watching juveniles.
Esau’s journey spans borders that elephants cannot see — but must obey.
Follow the complex lives of giant elephant bulls in Amboseli and Mount Kilimanjaro.
Reflect on some of the best Siegfried and Mrs. Hall moments in the series so far.
The cast discusses the time jump between Seasons 5 and 6.
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