Civilisations: Rise and Fall
Four mighty civilisations - Rome, Egypt, Japan's Samurai and the Aztecs. Their legends remain - now priceless artefacts reveal what led them to fall into the echoes of history.
Cast
Sophie Okonedo
Self - Narrator
Seasons
What caused the demise of the greatest civilisations of the ancient world?
E1Rome
Nov 24, 2025
A weak emperor. A divided empire. Barbarians at the gate. Does this perfect storm mean the end of ancient Rome?
E2Egypt
Dec 1, 2025
The 3,000-year-old civilisation of ancient Egypt faces disaster as war, famine and a toxic dynasty threaten its survival. Will Queen Cleopatra become the last of the pharaohs?
E3Aztecs
Dec 8, 2025
The Aztecs battle to save their civilisation from Spanish invaders – but is the real threat from the enemy within?
E4Japan
Dec 15, 2025
For 250 years, Japan has thrived, largely cut off from western influence - until US gunboats arrive. In the face of an industrialised west, how will reformers, the shogun and the samurai class react?
Videos
Storyline
Four mighty civilisations - Rome, Egypt, Japan's Samurai and the Aztecs. Their legends remain - now priceless artefacts reveal what led them to fall into the echoes of history.
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