Episode 2
It was during the Ice Age that humanity as we know it was forged. Two rival species competed until only one was left standing. Steve Backshall and Michaela Strachan travel the world to discover how Neanderthals and Homo sapiens survived at a time of brutal environmental change and uncover why we, Homo sapiens, survived while the Neanderthals were wiped off the face of the Earth. Steve heads to southern Germany, which is a hotbed of early human discoveries. In the freezing temperatures of the snow-lined valleys, Steve throws himself into Ice Age life, exploring how early humans evaded the mighty Ice Age predators such as the supersized cave bears and giant hyenas that stalked the freezing wastelands. In a battle against the elements and predators, Steve discovers how Neanderthals made fire in a surprisingly sophisticated way and crafted tools so sharp you could shave with them! Meanwhile, Michaela gets to grips with the differences between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens. At the prestigious Natural History Museum, she's able to see that Neanderthals were physically stronger than Homo sapiens and by looking at their skulls can see they even had bigger brains. So why then did we as a species survive and the Neanderthals did not? The answer could lie in how both species developed technology. Steve tests out the differences between how Neanderthals and Homo sapiens hunted mega-beasts like the woolly mammoth. He tries throwing Neanderthal spears, but discovers that Homo sapiens developed a better way to hunt. Meanwhile, Michaela uncovers how one invention, the humble sewing needle, gave Homo sapiens a huge advantage — why? But the biggest turning point in our species evolution came as the Ice Age thawed and a natural disaster loomed, one that threatened to wipe out the Neanderthals.
Trailer
Recently Updated Shows
Dateline: Secrets Uncovered
Real-life mysteries. Investigative reporting. Justice. Dateline is the long-running, award winning newsmagazine bringing viewers stories ranging from compelling mysteries to powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Hosted by NBC News' Craig Melvin, each episode of Dateline: Secrets Uncovered incorporates the classic elements of drama and great storytelling: good guys, bad guys, conflict with the highest stakes, suspense and resolution. Hear the chilling tales directly from those most affected and involved, including investigators tasked with cracking the case and the families confronting tragedy. In every story we tell, we help the real people who lived the events share their journeys with you.
The Traitors
Set in a remote castle in the Scottish Highlands and based on the wildly popular Dutch series of the same name, 5-time Emmy-nominated Alan Cumming plays host to twenty larger-than-life personalities (including reality A-listers and America's best game players) who come together to complete a series of challenges with the objective of earning a cash prize of up to $250,000. The catch? Three of the contestants coined "the traitors" will devise a plan to steal the prize from the other contestants coined "the faithful".
Travel Man: 48 Hours in...
Joe Lycett takes a ruthlessly efficient approach to travel, covering everything top tourist destinations have to offer in just 48 hours.
Swamp People
The Swamp People featured in this History series are the proud descendants of French Canadian refugees who settled in the swamp region of Louisiana in the 18th century. Cameras follow members of this fiercely independent group as they struggle to preserve their way of life in the Atchafalaya Basin during the most important time of the year for them: alligator-hunting season.