First Civilizations

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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.

First Civilizations

Indus Valley Civilization

Explore the splendor of the Indus Valley civilization.

Clip: S1 E4 | 2:41

First Civilizations

Rise of International Trade

Archaeologist Jeff Rose examines the history of a petroglyph in Oman.

Clip: S1 E4 | 3:13

Watch • 53:40

First Civilizations

Trade

Examine the civilizing effect of trade.

Episode: S1 E4 | 53:40

Latest Episodes

Watch • 53:40

First Civilizations

Trade

Examine the civilizing effect of trade.

Episode: S1 E4 | 53:40

Watch • 53:40

First Civilizations

Cities

Investigate why cities were so integral to the rise of civilization.

Episode: S1 E3 | 53:40

Watch • 53:39

First Civilizations

Religion

Learn why every successful civilization needs a narrative—a shared set of beliefs.

Episode: S1 E2 | 53:39

Watch • 53:39

First Civilizations

War

See how war can destroy lives, yet create civilization.

Episode: S1 E1 | 53:39

Extras

First Civilizations

Episode 4 Preview | Trade

Examine the civilizing effect of trade.

Preview: S1 E4 | 0:30

First Civilizations

The Merchant's Seal

The merchant’s seal was a guarantee of quality goods.

Clip: S1 E4 | 2:37

First Civilizations

Episode 3 Preview | Cities

Investigate why cities were so integral to the rise of civilization.

Preview: S1 E3 | 0:30

First Civilizations

Humans Are Social

Humans are social creatures. Evolutionary Psychologist Michael Muthukrishna explains.

Clip: S1 E3 | 3:13

First Civilizations

Rise of Inequality

Explore the rise of inequality and threat of dictatorship.

Clip: S1 E3 | 3:29

First Civilizations

Episode 2 Preview | Religion

Learn why every successful civilization needs a narrative — a shared set of beliefs.

Preview: S1 E2 | 0:30

First Civilizations

Kings Become Gods

In Ancient Egypt, at the site of Nekhen, kings were recognized as living gods.

Clip: S1 E2 | 2:22

First Civilizations

Nabta Playa

Nabta Playa became a religious monument where people could gather and worship.

Clip: S1 E2 | 3:00

First Civilizations

Ritual

Explore how rituals bring people together.

Clip: S1 E2 | 3:42

First Civilizations

Power of Obsidian

Explore the power of obsidian weapons and their use in Teotihuacan.

Clip: S1 E1 | 3:32

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