Ep 2. Lost City of Arabia

In NOVA season 24 episode 2, titled Lost City of Arabia, the show takes us on an incredible journey through the deserts of Saudi Arabia to uncover the mysteries of a lost city that had been forgotten for centuries.

Joining a team of archaeologists and scientists, the show's hosts unravel the clues left behind by the Nabataean people, who had built a thriving metropolis in the remote desert region around 2,000 years ago. Using cutting-edge technology and sophisticated techniques, the team reveals how the Nabataeans managed to build this incredible city in one of the harshest environments on Earth.

The city, known as Hegra, is an ancient site that was once a flourishing hub of trade and culture. The Nabataean people had carved their homes and temples out of solid rock and built intricate water systems that allowed them to thrive in the middle of the desert. But despite having been known to scholars for centuries, Hegra remained largely forgotten by the broader world until NOVA decided to take a closer look.

The show begins by introducing us to the incredible natural beauty of the surrounding desert landscape, which is littered with massive rock formations and canyons. We're then taken on a tour of the ruins of Hegra, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The show's hosts marvel at the sheer scale of the city, which stretches for miles and is home to hundreds of buildings and tombs.

We're introduced to several of the archaeologists and scientists who are working to uncover the secrets of Hegra. They use a variety of tools and techniques, including remote sensing, satellite imagery, and laser scanning, to map out the city and identify its key features. They then use this data to start piecing together a picture of what life might have been like for the Nabataean people who once called the city home.

One of the most fascinating parts of the show is the exploration of the city's water systems. The Nabataeans had built a series of dams, tunnels, and channels that allowed them to capture and store scarce desert water. The show's hosts take us on a tour of these systems, which are still largely intact after all these years. We see how the Nabataeans used their knowledge of engineering and hydrology to build an incredible network of waterways that kept the city's inhabitants alive and thriving.

The show also delves into the religious and cultural practices of the Nabataeans. We're taken on a tour of the city's many temples and tombs, which are adorned with intricate carvings and engravings. The show's hosts explain how the Nabataean religion was a blend of different faiths, including ancient Arabian polytheism and Hellenistic influences. We see how the Nabataeans built their temples to align with the stars and how they believed that their ancestors watched over them from the afterlife.

As the show progresses, the team continues to uncover new mysteries about Hegra. They discover hidden tombs and elaborate underground chambers, which suggest that the city was even larger and more complex than previously thought. The show's hosts speculate about the role of Hegra in the ancient world and wonder how such a thriving city could have been forgotten for so long.

Overall, NOVA season 24 episode 2 is an incredible journey through one of the most fascinating ancient cities in the world. The show's hosts and experts bring this lost world to life, showing us how the Nabataeans managed to thrive in one of the harshest environments on Earth. Through stunning visuals and expert analysis, Lost City of Arabia takes us on an unforgettable journey through a forgotten world.