NOVA

Dead Sea Scroll Detectives

Season 46 Episode 20 | 53m 25s

Since the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947, these fragile parchment relics have intrigued scholars, religious leaders, and profiteers alike. The 2,000-year-old scrolls include the oldest-known versions of the Hebrew Bible and hold vital clues about the birth of Christianity. While certain scrolls have survived intact, others have been ravaged by time—burnt, decayed, or torn to pieces.

Aired: 11/06/19 | Expires: 07/06/22 | Rating: TV-PG

Major funding for NOVA is provided by the NOVA Science Trust, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.

Watch Preview

Extras From This Episode

• Scientists Use NASA Tech to Decode Damaged Scrolls

  Clip: S46 Ep20 | 1m 59s

• Dead Sea Scroll Detectives Preview

  Preview: S46 Ep20 | 28s

• Experts Investigate Dead Sea Scroll Forgeries

  Clip: S46 Ep20 | 3m 16s

More Episodes

• Animal Espionage

  S46 Ep23 | 53m 29s | WETA Passport

• The Violence Paradox

  S46 Ep22 | 1h 53m 22s | WETA Passport

• Decoding da Vinci

  S46 Ep21 | 53m 31s

More Science and Nature Shows

• Nature

  Capturing the splendor of the natural world, from the African plains to the Antarctic ice.

• The Green Planet

  Sir David Attenborough travels the globe to reveal the secret, incredible world of plants.

• America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston

  Explore our passionate relationship with outdoor spaces.

• Expedition

  Join Steve Backshall in uncharted territory to uncover the world’s last unknown places.

• Changing Planet

  Join Dr. M. Sanjayan for an environmental health check of Earth’s vulnerable habitats.

• Greta Thunberg: A Year to Change the World

  Follow Greta Thunberg as she steps from behind the podium and onto the front lines.