Sacred Sites

Synopsis

This docuseries uses scientific breakthroughs and archaeological research to bring new perspectives to some of the most remarkable, but mysterious, religious locations. Each episode focuses on a site, exploring fundamental questions about the landmarks and the people who constructed them. Exploring the sites allows the show to provide insight into the ancient civilizations and how their practices and struggles are reflected in the shrines and temples they constructed.

First Air Date: 2016-09-12

Last Air Date: 2021-03-08

Number of Seasons: 2

Number of Episodes: 13

Networks: Smithsonian Channel

Seasons

Season 1 (2016)

Was the remarkable mountain-carved city of Petra once ruled by women? Did the Knights Templar belong to an obscure cult that worshipped John the Baptist? Did the Pueblo civilization of Chaco Canyon practice cannibalism? Sacred Sites spans the globe to visit some of the world's most remarkable ancient religious structures. Through recent archaeological discoveries and scientific breakthroughs, we offer fresh insights into the civilizations that built these sites, and examine their sometimes controversial, taboo practices.

Episodes:

Ep. 1: Petra (2016-09-12)

Enter the remains of Petra and Hegra, cities whose old inscriptions and new discoveries suggest were once ruled by women.
Ep. 2: Templars (2016-09-19)

Were the Knights Templar faithful servants of Christ or hedonistic heretics? We travel to Jerusalem to find out.
Ep. 3: Oracles (2016-09-26)

Were ancient Greek oracles really soothsayers or were they predicting under the influence of tectonic phenomena?
Ep. 4: Egypt (2016-10-03)

See the Pyramids, the Valley of the Kings, and more as we visit Egypt's sacred sites and reveal their hidden secrets.
Ep. 5: Chaco Canyon (2016-10-10)

See if external forces doomed the people of Chaco Canyon or if they were the authors of their own misfortune.