Episode
NOVA: A to Z: The First Alphabet
Overview
Writing shaped our world and the rise of human knowledge, from the trading of goods to tales of ancient goddesses and kings. Follow the evolution of the written word, from 4,000-year-old carvings in an Egyptian turquoise mine to modern-day alphabets.
Details
- Series
- NOVA
- Season
- Season 47
- Episode
- Episode 11
- Air date
- 2020-09-23
- Runtime
- 55 min
Episode context
A to Z: The First Alphabet is Episode 11 in Season 47 of NOVA. It aired on 2020-09-23. The runtime is 55 min.
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Episode 10: Secret Mind of Slime
Scientists investigate the bizarre “intelligence” of slime molds, which appear to learn and make decisions—without a brain. These cunning, single-celled blobs can navigate mazes and create efficient networks. Can they also redefine cognition?
Episode 12: A to Z: How Writing Changed the World
Just as writing changed the course of human history, the evolution of paper and printing revolutionized the spread of information. The printing press kicked off the Industrial Revolution that fast-tracked us to the current digital age. But as the 4,000-year-old tradition of penmanship falls out of favor, should we consider what might be lost in this pursuit of ever more efficient communication? (Premiered September 30, 2020)
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