PBS’s Nova, France Télévisions uncover Göbekli Tepe: Mystery of the First Temple

Göbekli Tepe: Mystery of the First Temple looks at a key moment in the history of mankind

US public broadcaster PBS’s documentary strand Nova and France Télévisions have ordered a feature doc about the world’s oldest known temple.

The copro, Göbekli Tepe: Mystery of the First Temple (1×90/1×60’), is produced by UK factual indie Blink Films, part of Tin Roof Media, and has been pre-bought by SBS in Australia.

The doc uncovers how the temple, which sits on a remote hilltop in Turkey and dates back to about 9,500BCE, may also be the world’s oldest city and investigates why it was abandoned.

Simon Rawles is the director, while Melisa Akdogan and Andrew Richens produce. Blink Films’ creator director Dan Chambers exec produces with Tom Adams. PBS Distribution has the worldwide sales rights.

Chambers said: “Göbekli Tepe: Mystery of the First Temple follows a team of international experts as they excavate a remarkable site, decode ancient artifacts and probe revelatory DNA to explore a key chapter in the history of humankind – how and why we went from being nomadic hunter-gatherers to sedentary farmers, with all the back-breaking hardship that entails.

“The film also explores the mystery of why a flourishing community that was living a Garden of Eden existence, would choose to abandon it. Thanks to the brilliant archaeologists, the questions are all now answered.”