NOVA: First Horse Warriors

Stream now with KPBS Passport!

The advent of horse riding changed the course of human history and the genetic makeup of humankind. Horse riding played a key role in human expansion and civilization. But when and how did people first master these animals?

On "First Horse Warriors," NOVA follows scientists who use archeology and genetics to uncover clues about the first horse riders and how they shaped the world.

1 of 10

Horse herds on the Assy Plateau, Tien Shan Mountains, Kazakhstan.

Courtesy of Handful of Films

2 of 10

Horse warriors, dramatic recreation, Kazakhstan.

Courtesy of Handful of Films

3 of 10

Auez and his son Janibek, starting the winter migration, Altai Mountains.

Courtesy of Handful of Films

4 of 10

Kazakh nomads on the winter migration, Altai Mountains, Mongolia.

Courtesy of Handful of Films

5 of 10

Mongol warrior on horseback with whistling arrow.

Courtesy of Handful of Films

6 of 10

Mongol warrior on horseback with whistling arrow.

Courtesy of Handful of Films

7 of 10

Portrait of a Yamnaya woman on horseback.

Courtesy of Handful of Films

8 of 10

Wild horse herds and Yamnaya riders, Central Asian steppe.

Courtesy of Handful of Films

9 of 10

Woman Yamnaya rider in profile.

Courtesy of Handful of Films

10 of 10

Yamnaya men and women on horseback, sunset.

Courtesy of Handful of Films

Watch On Your Schedule:

This episode is available for streaming with KPBS Passport, video streaming for members supporting KPBS at $60 or more yearly, using your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, AppleTV, Amazon Fire or Chromecast. Learn how to activate your benefit now.

Join The Conversation:

NOVA is on Facebook, and you can follow @novapbs on Twitter. #NOVAnext

Credits:

NOVA/ Handful of Films production. NOVA is produced by WGBH Boston.