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Age of Empire (58:19)
Andrew Marr tells the story of the first empires to lay the foundations for the modern world. Using dramatic reconstructions, documentary filming around the world and cutting-edge computer graphics, he covers conquerors from the Assyrians to Alexander the Great; developments such as the Phoenician alphabet and Jewish monotheism; and ideas from Socrates, Confucius, and Buddha. Buddhism offered an alternative to empire building and democracy was born in Greece, but these political experiments soon came under threat.
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The Beginnings: The Greeks and Romans (25:07)
This program traces Greek civilization from the Minoans to the city-states dominated by Athens. The Trojan War, Marathon, Thermopylae, and Salamis are discussed as major historical turning points. The rise of the Roman Empire and its 500-year dominance of Europe and the Mediterranean are attributed to its engineering and architectural expertise and military prowess. Emperor Diocletian, Constantine, and the invasion of the Visigoths are discussed in relationship to the 5th-century downfall of the empire.
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Living Stones 2: Uncovering Ancient History Series
This outstanding ten-part series assembles, through archaeology, a vivid composite picture of world-shaping events and day-to-day business in the ancient world. Footage of archaeologists at work, computer-generated reconstructions, and virtual walk-throughs bring the history of faraway lands and long-ago times to life. Not available in French-speaking Canada. 10-part series, 27-29 minutes each.
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Series: Lost Kingdoms of Africa
Africa: it’s where the human race began, yet less is known of its past than almost anywhere else on Earth. In the last few decades, though, scholars have begun to explore a history that has been preserved in the continent’s pyramids and monasteries and mosques, arts and spiritual expression, metallurgy, ceramics, and gold. In this four-part series, art historian Gus Casely-Hayford guides viewers on a tour of discovery through Africa and speaks with elders, artisans, and archaeologists to learn what made these kingdoms great. Portions in other languages with English subtitles. 4-part series, 50–60 minutes each.
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Survival (58:51)
Starting with our earliest beginnings in Africa, Marr traces the story of our nomadic ancestors as they spread out around the world and settled down to become the first farmers and townspeople. He uncovers hand-prints left in European caves nearly 30,000 years ago and shows how human ingenuity led to inventions still used today. He also discovers how the first civilizations were driven to extremes to try to overcome the forces of nature, adapting and surviving against the odds, and reveals how everyday life in ancient Egypt had more in common with today's soap operas than might be imagined.
Try these videos to get started. Must be on campus or login with your COM account for off campus access.
