The documentary shows the evolutionary history of our planet, in which the history of humankind represents only a brief moment. Rocks existed on our planet long before the oceans, forests, plants, and even air came into being. From the very beginning, the earth itself was the foundation of creation. The documentary looks at how inanimate matter created life, shaped landscapes, and gave rise to civilizations.

The film shows spectacular images from around the world, including the USA, Australia, France, Canada, and Namibia, and features interviews with internationally renowned scientists. It explains how certain types of plankton contributed to the formation of the cliffs of Étretat in Normandy long ago, and that the mainland was probably first colonized by lichens.

Clay dust whipped up by the wind migrated from the Namib Desert across the oceans and formed the basis of life for marine organisms. Rock was eroded by sea urchins in California and termites in Australia.

Many millennia later, humans used rock to make fire and build megalithic tombs. Stone became a tool. In the industrial age, rock mining accelerated, making it possible to build faster and higher.

Today, a hybrid rock made of mineral material and melted plastic is produced on the island of Madeira - a testament to the massive changes taking place in our present day.

 

Broadcasting Hours: 

DW English

Part 1 

FRI 13.03.2026 – 01:15 UTC
FRI 13.03.2026 – 04:15 UTC
FRI 13.03.2026 – 10:15 UTC
SAT 14.03.2026 – 13:15 UTC
SUN 15.03.2026 – 19:15 UTC
MON 16.03.2026 – 09:15 UTC
MON 16.03.2026 – 14:15 UTC
MON 16.03.2026 – 21:15 UTC
TUE 17.03.2026 – 07:15 UTC
WED 18.03.2026 – 12:15 UTC

Part 2 

FRI 20.03.2026 – 01:15 UTC
FRI 20.03.2026 – 04:15 UTC
FRI 20.03.2026 – 10:15 UTC
SAT 21.03.2026 – 13:15 UTC
SUN 22.03.2026 – 19:15 UTC
MON 23.03.2026 – 09:15 UTC
MON 23.03.2026 – 14:15 UTC
MON 23.03.2026 – 21:15 UTC
TUE 24.03.2026 – 07:15 UTC
WED 25.03.2026 – 12:15 UTC

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