The Naked Archaeologist

Watch The Naked Archaeologist

  • 2005
  • 3 Seasons
  • 7.2  (350)

The Naked Archaeologist is a historical documentary television show that aired from 2005 to 2008. It was created and hosted by Simcha Jacobovici, an Israeli-Canadian filmmaker and producer who is renowned for his work on uncovering some of the most fascinating historical events and mysteries of the past.

The series, which spans over three seasons, follows Jacobovici as he takes the viewers on a journey of exploration and discovery through some of the most ancient and significant archaeological sites in the world. From the tombs of ancient Egypt to the Holy Land, from the deserts of Jordan to the vast plains of Mongolia, the show provides a fascinating insight into the past, and Jacobovici acts as an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide throughout.

Apart from presenting the history, culture, and significance of each artifact or site, Jacobovici also uses his expertise and experience to unravel some of the most enduring mysteries of the past. He uses cutting-edge technology, forensic science, and his own insights to decode the hidden messages, symbolism, and significance of various artifacts.

One of the most unique features of the show is its visual appeal. The Naked Archaeologist uses a distinct visual style that blends computer-generated imaging with real footage to create a dynamic and immersive experience for the viewers. The show uses state-of-the-art graphics, animations, and 3D models to recreate the past in a way that makes it feel almost palpable - this means that the show is not just informative but also visually captivating.

What makes The Naked Archaeologist stand out from other historical documentaries is its unabashed and exuberant approach to the subject matter. Rather than adopting a dry or academically oriented tone, Simcha Jacobovici often infuses humor, wit, and a sense of wonder into every episode. His enthusiasm for his subject is contagious, and viewers are often left feeling invigorated and engaged by the end of each episode.

Another unique aspect of the show is its global perspective. Jacobovici travels to some of the most far-flung and often overlooked corners of the world to unearth hidden gems of archaeological history. He shows how each culture, no matter how small or obscure, has a significant role to play in the tapestry of human history.

Overall, The Naked Archaeologist is a fascinating and engaging show that successfully blends the intellectual rigor and historical scholarship with entertainment value. The show not only educates viewers about the past but also captures the imagination and inspires a sense of wonder about the world we live in. It is a must-watch for anyone who is keen on discovering the secrets and mysteries of the ancient world.

The Naked Archaeologist is a series that ran for 3 seasons (65 episodes) between September 5, 2005 and on Syndicated

The Naked Archaeologist
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Seasons
Spies And Apostles Part 2
13. Spies And Apostles Part 2
August 5, 2010
A letter addressed to a royal found in the Dead Sea Scrolls sheds light on an apparent rift between the message of St. Paul and the message of James, brother of Jesus. The Scrolls letter leads Simcha to a stunning archeological site in Jerusalem, where walls of what appears to be a royal palace points to an early convert to a version of Christianity that is all James, not Paul's.
Spies And Apostles Part 1
12. Spies And Apostles Part 1
November 23, 2010
Simcha follows a spy checklist to see if St. Paul was a secret agent, working for the Romans to infiltrate the Jesus movement. Paul hits every item on the list, and archeology shows that James, the brother of Jesus, may have gotten short shrift in the Gospels, thanks to Paul's espionage tricks.
Queen Esther And Purim
11. Queen Esther And Purim
August 5, 2010
The Book of Esther tells us that a 5th Century bad guy named Haman wanted to kill all the Jews in Persia. He relied on a game of chance to select the day. But which game of chance was it? The Naked Archaeologist goes on a hunt to uncover archaeological clues that will unravel this ancient mystery.
The First Supper
10. The First Supper
August 5, 2010
A cross has just been found in a town in the Galilee where Jesus and his disciples hung out, and archaeologically dated to that time. But the cross did not become a symbol for Christianity for another three centuries. The Naked Archaeologist investigates what this cross is doing here, and what its original meaning might have been, which could change our understanding of the Jesus movement.
Lilith: Queen Of The Night
9. Lilith: Queen Of The Night
August 5, 2010
According to a rabbinical interpretation of the Book of Genesis, Adam's first wife wasn't Eve, but a woman named Lilith. But where did the rabbis get the idea of Lilith from? Tracking backwards in time, The Naked Archaeologist uncovers evidence that Lilith was actually a child-killing demon who first shows up in Ancient Babylon.
Naked Letters
8. Naked Letters
August 5, 2010
Simcha answers letters sent in to The Naked Archaeologist. Viewers' questions take him from Israel to Egypt to Istanbul, as he investigates ancient sports, Biblical sex quandaries, and we learn fascinating things about our forbearers, everything from their fashion sense to where their bones ended up.
Gone Fishing
7. Gone Fishing
August 5, 2010
The Gospels tell us Jesus was a 'tekton' or a builder but there's not a single stone mason or carpenter among his disciples. Why were fishermen so important to Jesus' ministry and why did he choose to spread his word among the fishing culture of the Sea of Galilee?
Rebuilding The Temple
6. Rebuilding The Temple
August 5, 2010
Over two thousand years ago, the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed, but now it is being rebuilt in some surprising places. Simcha travels from Texas to Jerusalem to London to visit model builders obsessed with discovering what Solomon's Temple looked like. For decades, they have studied all the evidence and are making spectacular models of computer and clay. But why do they do it?
The Hairy show
5. The Hairy show
August 5, 2010
The Bible is not a picture book so even though it's chock full of references to hair we have no idea what ancient Israelite hair-dos looked like. Did women braid or cover their hair? And did men sport long hair and long beards or just Elvis style sideburns? The Naked Archaeologist goes on a quest to find out.
The Bath That Changed History
4. The Bath That Changed History
August 5, 2010
When David saw Bathsheba bathing, he was in love. They were married and history was changed. What are the impacts of the most important bath in history?
Beauty
3. Beauty
August 5, 2010
Simcha investigates ancient fashions and scents in this trend-setting episode.
Ancient Glass
2. Ancient Glass
August 5, 2010
A giant slab of glass is discovered in the middle of an ancient cemetery where important Rabbis are buried. What's it doing there?
Moses Vs. Akhenaton
1. Moses Vs. Akhenaton
August 5, 2010
The Bible says that Moses was the first person to bring the idea of Monotheism - the worship of one God and one God only - to the ancients. But Sigmund Freud has a different idea. The famous psychoanalyst wrote a book crediting a little known Pharaoh named Akhenaten with the idea. He says Moses heard about it from Akhenaten, not directly from God.
Description
Where to Watch The Naked Archaeologist
The Naked Archaeologist is available for streaming on the Syndicated website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Naked Archaeologist on demand at Amazon Prime, Amazon, Vudu, Hoopla, Crackle, Tubi TV and Pluto TV.
  • Premiere Date
    September 5, 2005
  • IMDB Rating
    7.2  (350)