Skip to Main Content
PBS NewsHourWATCH LIVE: Donald Trump"s 2025 InaugurationWatch Live
NOVA

Dead Sea Scroll Detectives Preview

New technologies unravel the Dead Sea Scrolls’ mysteries and uncover million-dollar fakes.

Aired 11/06/2019

NOVA

Dead Sea Scroll Detectives Preview

Preview: Season 46 Episode 20 | 28sVideo has Closed Captions

New technologies unravel the Dead Sea Scrolls’ mysteries and uncover million-dollar fakes.

Since the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947, these fragile parchment relics have intrigued scholars, religious leaders, and profiteers alike. The 2,000-year-old scrolls include the oldest-known versions of the Hebrew Bible and hold vital clues about the birth of Christianity. While certain scrolls have survived intact, others have been ravaged by time—burnt, decayed, or torn to pieces.

Aired 11/06/2019

National Corporate funding for NOVA is provided by Carlisle Companies. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the NOVA Science Trust, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.

Support provided by:

Carlisle

Scientists Use NASA Tech to Decode Damaged Scrolls

Video has Closed Captions

Watch how damaged Dead Sea Scrolls become legible once again. (1m 59s)

Experts Investigate Dead Sea Scroll Forgeries

Video has Closed Captions

Not all Dead Sea scroll fragments are what they claim to be. (3m 16s)

Providing Support for PBS.org

Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship

National Corporate funding for NOVA is provided by Carlisle Companies. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the NOVA Science Trust, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.

Sign in with Email

or

Continue with GoogleContinue with FacebookContinue with Apple

By creating an account, you acknowledge that PBS may share your information with our member stations and our respective service providers, and that you have read and understand the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Are you sure you want to remove null from My List?