First Civilizations

2018-04-24 Documentary TV-PG

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.

Trailer

Storyline

First Aired

2018-04-24
Last Aired

2018-05-15
Creator

Tim Lambert
Genre

Documentary
Seasons

1
Episodes

4
Status

Ended
Language

English
Network

PBS

Keywords:

civilization genetics anthropology archeology

Stream and watch First Civilizations

Season 1

1. War

Examine the process of “destructive creation” — the idea that fear, rivalry and conflict strengthen co...More

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.Less

56mins 2018-04-24

2. Religion

The secret to the stability and cohesion of Ancient Egypt was religion. When people share a core set o...More

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.Less

56mins 2018-05-01

3. Cities

View the birthplace of civilization: the Middle East, site of the world’s first villages, towns and ci...More

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.Less

56mins 2018-05-08

4. Trade

Examine an ancient civilization unlike any other, that of the Indus Valley. Rather than imposing order...More

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.Less