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NOVA; Riddles Of The Sphinx

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Series
NOVA
Program
Riddles Of The Sphinx
Program Number

3703

Series Description

Premiered March 1974 NOVA is a general-interest documentary series that addresses a single science issue each week. Billed as "science adventures for curious grown-ups" when it first aired in March, 1974, NOVA continues to offer an informative and entertaining approach to a challenging subject. 1996 marked NOVA's 23rd season, which makes it the longest-running science program on national television. It is also one of television's most acclaimed series, having won every major television award, most of them many times over. Series release date: 3/3/1974

Program Description

The Great Sphinx is disappearing. It would not be the first time in its nearly 5,000 history that the sands of Egypt have buried this wonder of the ancient world. But today the Sphinx confronts a threat far worse than being blanketed by dunes. The face of the mysterious Pharaoh is being sandblasted to oblivion, its features eroded beyond recognition by whipping winds while its limestone lion's body is dissolved by rising saltwater and sewage and shaken by planes, cars, and construction. Now, an international team of archeologists, architects, and engineers, led by Zahi Hawass and Mark Lehner, are racing against time to save the Sphinx. With the aid of the most advanced digital 3D model ever constructed, they hope to save the Sphinx before it is too late. Along the way, they'll also solve the riddles that have eluded the rescue missions of Pharaohs, Caesars, and Emperors for more than 3,000 years. Who is the Sphinx and what did it symbolize? How was it built, when and by whom? NOVA follows the team to find out if they can reverse the destructive forces of man and nature to save this wonder of the ancient world.

Duration

00:56:46

Asset Type

Broadcast program

Media Type

Video

Genres
Documentary
Topics
Science
Citation
Chicago: “NOVA; Riddles Of The Sphinx,” GBH Archives, accessed April 26, 2024, http://openvault.wgbh.org/catalog/V_A481EBF000C64A4BB6C229E42924E18F.
MLA: “NOVA; Riddles Of The Sphinx.” GBH Archives. Web. April 26, 2024. <http://openvault.wgbh.org/catalog/V_A481EBF000C64A4BB6C229E42924E18F>.
APA: NOVA; Riddles Of The Sphinx. Boston, MA: GBH Archives. Retrieved from http://openvault.wgbh.org/catalog/V_A481EBF000C64A4BB6C229E42924E18F
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