First Civilizations
Using the latest in archaeology, anthropology and genetics, this series tells the story of where the modern world began. Incorporating studies of artifacts, renowned sites of archaeological interest and interviews with leading experts, it moves around the geographic zones of the world, exploring how and why civilization first sparked into life.
Cast
Kerry Shale
Self - Narrator (voice)
Seasons
E1War
Apr 24, 2018
Examine the process of “destructive creation” — the idea that fear, rivalry and conflict strengthen community bonds while stimulating an arms race of technological progress. The result is civilization. Ancient Mesoamerica exemplifies this development.
E2Religion
May 1, 2018
The secret to the stability and cohesion of Ancient Egypt was religion. When people share a core set of beliefs, they are more likely to identify as one. That was true for the first civilizations, it’s just as true today.
E3Cities
May 8, 2018
View the birthplace of civilization: the Middle East, site of the world’s first villages, towns and cities, from the hills of Turkey to the plains of Iraq. They were crucibles of invention and innovation — turbo-charging the pace of progress.
E4Trade
May 15, 2018
Examine an ancient civilization unlike any other, that of the Indus Valley. Rather than imposing order through war or religion, it relied on the free flow of trade. The exchange of goods promoted wealth, co-operation and trust.
Videos
Storyline
Using the latest in archaeology, anthropology and genetics, this series tells the story of where the modern world began. Incorporating studies of artifacts, renowned sites of archaeological interest and interviews with leading experts, it moves around the geographic zones of the world, exploring how and why civilization first sparked into life.
Recommended
American Experience
1988
Ancient Apocalypse
2022
The Story of God with Morgan Freeman
2016
American Masters
1986
Antiques Roadshow
1979
Who Do You Think You Are?
2004
Superpowered: The DC Story
2023
The Food That Built America
2019
MegaStructures
2004
Down to Earth with Zac Efron
2020
Drain the Oceans
2018
Quarterback
2023
More Like This
Jungle Atlantis
2014
Secrets of the Lost Ark
2021
Botany: A Blooming History
2011
Jesus: The Evidence
1984
Viking Empires
2022
Dig WW2 with Dan Snow
2012
Britain's Ancient Capital: Secrets Of Orkney
2017
Lost Treasures of Rome
2022
Extreme Archaeology
2004
Bible Secrets Revealed
2013
First Peoples
2015
Tales from the Explorers Club
2022