From Hell to the Holy Land

In the third and final part of the documentary Harald Pokieser shows, among other things, probably the oldest settlement area of ​​humanity on the shores of Lake Turkana. Presumably, the dramatic history of the Rift Valley began in the region of Ethiopia, which today is the mountains of the Simien Mountains. 35 million years ago, thin lava formed a highland and mighty shield volcanoes. As the inner fire subsided, wind and rain chiseled the Simien Mountains out of the volcanic rock. The highest peak is over 4,500 meters high. The most famous inhabitants of the Simien mountains are the Jeladas. They are among the rarest and probably the most unusual primates in the world. They live in large groups, only move on the ground and eat only grass. The males are constantly involved in rank-and-file struggles. Everyone wants to be the leader. Only then is he allowed to mate with the females of the family. The Rift Valley is considered the cradle of humanity. In the deserts and valleys between Ethiopia and Tanzania, scientists have found countless fossils of early humans over the past few decades. A walk with the anthropologist Louise Leakey on the eastern shore of Lake Turkana soon reveals the reason. The soil is littered with animal fossils, again and again, short rains and floods release new research material. In this region is probably the oldest settlement area of ​​humanity. Also in the third and last part of the documentary you can see spectacular underwater photos. By far the most impressive moment: In Djibouti, the team suddenly appeared in the middle of a flock of whale sharks.(Text: arte) Alternative title: From Hellfire to the Holy Land / Vom Hoellenfeuer ins Heilige Land.