From reconstructing an ancient Neanderthal cave, to retracing an ancient woman's footprints, to decoding the famous Herculaneum scrolls, see how scientists are deciphering the past by examining traces of history that have disappeared.

Discover how cutting-edge technology can protect at-risk archaeological sites to help preserve our past. From the bottom of the ocean to deep inside pre-Inca temples, see how LIDAR, robots and digitization allow us to go beyond human limits and create virtual archives for the future.

Just as autopsies help us solve criminal cases, technological innovations allow us to analyze ancient skeletons–revealing more about our diverse ancestors. Isotope and DNA analysis from bones and dental plaque allow us to determine skin, eye and hair color, as well as genetic ancestry and gender.

Objects found at archaeological sites reveal unsuspected truths about the past, but risk destruction without expert preservation. Follow scientist Philippe Walter to France, Egypt and Greece as he uses new technology to analyze antiquities.