Mankind Decoded

2013
Mankind Decoded

Seasons & Episodes

  • 1

EP1 Arms Race Jan 26, 2013

About 10,000 years ago we discover farming. But when crops fail, early farming communities face a new threat. War. It's the birth of the arms race.

EP2 Lust for Luxury Jan 26, 2013

When ordinary people desire the luxuries of the rich, ingenuity and innovation come together to take history in a new direction. From the obsession with silk to the fall of Constantinople, the discovery of the Americas to the launch of the Industrial Revolution, our desire for luxury has shaped our history and evolution.

EP3 Violent Planet Feb 02, 2013

Over millions of years mankind has evolved from a puny, vulnerable creature to become a dominant force on the planet. Occasionally the planet bites back--with terrifying consequences that have shaped our evolution.

EP4 Connecting the World Feb 02, 2013

The world is linked like never before. Modern transport and communications have resulted in a world that is wealthier, healthier, more mobile and better informed than ever before. But throughout history new trade routes have proved to be double-edged swords, opening the way to wealth as well as terrible dangers — among them revolutionary ideas and terrifying pandemics.

EP5 Rise of the Machines Feb 09, 2013

Tools and machines have allowed us to overcome our physical limitations, and become the most successful species on Earth. But tools are also transforming what it means to be human.

EP6 Eat It, Drink It, Smoke It Feb 09, 2013

Man uses plants to feed, heal and clothe himself, to build his world and even to alter how he feels. The use of plants like corn, tobacco and cotton become such an important part of our lives that they play a central role in our evolution, and lead to everything from War to Prohibition.

EP7 Fire, Coal, and Oil Feb 16, 2013

Early man rubbed two sticks together and created fire. We learn to cook our food, saving vital energy. As a result, our brains expand — making us the most intelligent species on the planet. Armed with fire, we experiment by heating minerals to make stronger tools allowing us to fight wars and build civilizations. But burning wood destroys our landscape, so Mankind exploits a new energy — oil.

EP8 Man and Metals Feb 16, 2013

Five thousand years ago man first throws a handful of rocks into a campfire and stumbles upon a discovery that changes the world: Metal. Copper, Tin and Bronze empower the ancient world and allow empires to expand, armed with sharp, hard-wearing weapons.

EP9 Information is Power Feb 23, 2013

Communication is the vital ingredient in the building of civilization. The ability to share complicated ideas allowed early man to hunt, farm and build communities. And the creation of things like a 22-letter alphabet and the printing press allow Mankind to further expand, leading to the proliferation of new ideas and revolution.

EP10 Man and Beast Feb 23, 2013

15,000 years ago man and the wolf form a partnership that shapes the future of Mankind. With the help of man’s new best friend we domesticate more animals, sowing the first seeds of farming and civilization.

EP11 Building Earth Mar 02, 2013

Mankind is a building species. Inspired by the divine, we create monuments to its power (Stonehenge, the Great Pyramid). New challenges create new sciences, and when the Romans mixed volcanic ash with water they created a new super-material: concrete. Today, we shape the surface of the earth to facilitate our needs.

EP12 Need for Speed Mar 02, 2013

How being the fastest enabled empires to be born and capitalism to thrive.
7.4| 0h30m| TV-PG| en| More Info
Released: 26 January 2013 Ended
Producted By: Nutopia
Country: United States of America
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
Official Website: https://web.archive.org/web/20130520070628/http://www.history.com/shows/mankind-decoded
Synopsis

Mankind Decoded is the intriguing story of how 12 timeless forces have shaped human history in extraordinary ways. Find out how the implacable forces of nature have compelled us to adapt or die; how new technologies have transformed our existence; how our need for food brought forth civilization; and the desire for luxuries changed our world.

... View More
Stream Online

The movie is currently not available onine

Director

Producted By

Nutopia

Trailers & Images

Reviews