| Description |
1 online resource (streaming video file) (50 min. 1 sec.) ; 299675069 bytes |
| Summary |
Deep beneath the legendary Easter Island in the South Pacific, a team of scientists undertake a groundbreaking expedition: to attempt a first-ever mapping of the vast cave system beneath this enigmatic isle. Protected by sheer cliffs, narrow labyrinths and underwater entrances, many of the caves have not been explored for decades.While doing so they make astonishing new discoveries that will shed light on one of the world's greatest mysteries: the fall of Easter Island. The island itself is one of the most isolated places on Earth. The nearest land is over 1200 miles away, and the coast of South America is nearly twice as far.Nearly 2000 years ago, a small group of Polynesian voyagers arrived there after sailing thousands of miles across the open ocean. Cut off from the lands they left behind, the settlers prospered and built an advanced society that created some of the greatest monuments in human history: the giant stone statues, or moai.There are nearly 900 of these monoliths scattered all across the small island. How they were made - and how the civilisation that made them disappeared - has long been one of archaeology's greatest mysteries. The newly charted caves of Easter Island may hold evidence that can help explain the island's intriguing past. (From the UK) (Documentary Series) CCFollow the conversation on Twitter #SBSdoco |
| Event |
Broadcast 2012-05-13 at 19:30:00 |
| Notes |
Classification: NC |
| Subject |
Archaeology and history.
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Caves -- Research.
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Civilization, Ancient.
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Islands -- Antiquities.
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Monuments -- Designs and plans.
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Polynesia.
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| Form |
Streaming video
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| Author |
Luck, Geoff, director
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Coyote, Peter, cast
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