Ancient Worlds
Ancient Worlds is a BBC documentary series presented by Richard Miles, exploring the roots of Western civilization from the first cities of Mesopotamia to the fall of the Roman Empire. Consisting of six episodes, the series examines how our ancestors struggled with the levers of religion and politics, art and culture, war and diplomacy, technology and trade in order to keep the complex machinery of their civilisations turning over, from ancient Iraq to Imperial Rome. (from bbc.co.uk)
Ancient Worlds: Episode 1 - Come Together
Starting in Uruk, the 'mother of all cities', in southern Iraq, Richard Miles travels to Syria, Egypt, Anatolia and Greece, tracing the birth and development of technology and culture.
Ancient Worlds: Episode 2 - The Age of Iron
Richard Miles looks at the winners, losers and survivors of the great Bronze Age collapse, a regional catastrophe that wiped out the hard-won achievements of civilization in the eastern Mediterranean about 3,000 years ago.
Ancient Worlds: Episode 3 - The Greek Thing
Richard Miles explores the power and the paradox of the 'Greek Thing' - a blossoming in art, philosophy and science that went hand in hand with political discord, social injustice and endless war.
Ancient Worlds: Episode 4 - Return of the King
Richard traces Alexander's battle-scarred route through Turkey, Syria and Lebanon to Egypt and ultimately to the western Punjab, Pakistan.
Ancient Worlds: Episode 5 - The Republic of Virtue
Richard Miles examines the phenomenon of the Roman Republic, from its mythical beginnings, through its century-long struggle with Carthage, to Julius Caesar.
Ancient Worlds: Episode 6 - City of Man, City of God
Richard Miles examines the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, and the growth of Christianity.