Food. Since the beginning of time, obtaining food has been one of the most important activities of mankind. Research using new methods for examining and analyzing human fossils reveals previously unknown facets of prehistoric man. The results demonstrate the central role that food plays in the anatomical, genetic and social evolution of humans.

Until the beginning of agriculture in the Neolithic period, the first humans fed on what nature provided for them. Their diet shaped their evolution and humanity as we know it today.

This two-part documentary invites you on a journey into the past and shows the complexity and diversity of prehistoric life based on scientific findings from around the world. Suzana Herculano-Houzel explains how the cooking of food influenced the mental performance of early humans.

Delphine Vettese from the Natural History Museum in Paris shows how cutting techniques for mincing meat and scraping out bone marrow were passed down from generation to generation. João Zilhão and Ernestina Badal present the results of their research into prehistoric food remains.

From archaeological sites in the Dordogne to Portugal, the USA and Jordan, the film shows spectacular images of caves, semi-caves and other prehistoric sites in nature.

Broadcasting Hours: 

DW English

TUE 11.02.2025 – 01:15 UTC
TUE 11.02.2025 – 04:15 UTC
WED 12.02.2025 – 09:15 UTC
WED 12.02.2025 – 16:15 UTC
WED 12.02.2025 – 21:15 UTC
THU 13.02.2025 – 12:15 UTC
SAT 15.02.2025 – 08:15 UTC
SUN 16.02.2025 – 13:15 UTC

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