First Civilizations

2018
First Civilizations

Seasons & Episodes

  • 1

EP1 War 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.

EP2 Religion May 01, 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.

EP3 Cities May 08, 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.

EP4 Trade 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.
6.9| 0h30m| TV-PG| en| More Info
Released: 24 April 2018 Ended
Producted By: Wall to Wall
Country:
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
Official Website: http://www.pbs.org/show/first-civilizations/
Synopsis

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.

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Reviews

TxMike This page appears to be only for episode one of four, yet my comments are for all four episodes, each running just under one hour.This is a high quality PBS production, I was able to watch it on the 2-DVD set from my public library. Not only is the subject fascinating, leading right up to our modern cities and modern civilizations, but one can't help learning a lot about the history of the world. Good series.
Graham Harvey War is necessary to civilisation & advancement? I don't think so!