A to Z: The First Alphabet Preview
Preview: Season 47 Episode 13 | 27sVideo has Closed Captions
The birth of writing and the first alphabet were among the world’s most vital inventions.
Writing shaped our world and the rise of human knowledge, from the trading of goods to tales of ancient goddesses and kings. Follow the evolution of the written word, from 4,000-year-old carvings in an Egyptian turquoise mine to modern-day alphabets.
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:
A to Z: The First Alphabet Preview
Preview: Season 47 Episode 13 | 27sVideo has Closed Captions
Writing shaped our world and the rise of human knowledge, from the trading of goods to tales of ancient goddesses and kings. Follow the evolution of the written word, from 4,000-year-old carvings in an Egyptian turquoise mine to modern-day alphabets.
How to Watch NOVA
NOVA is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App, available on iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Vizio.
Buy Now
NOVA Labs
NOVA Labs is a free digital platform that engages teens and lifelong learners in games and interactives that foster authentic scientific exploration. Participants take part in real-world investigations by visualizing, analyzing, and playing with the same data that scientists use.Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship
Aboriginal Elder Sings Ancient Creation Song
Video has Closed Captions
In the Wardaman Creation Story, all the plants and animals of the world were once people. (4m 4s)
How Egyptian Hieroglyphs Influenced Modern Alphabets
Video has Closed Captions
Learn why Egyptian hieroglyphs are hiding in modern alphabets—and how to find them. (3m 56s)
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.