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First Civilizations

Cities

Season 1 Episode 3 | 53m 40s

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.

Aired: 05/07/18 | Expires: 06/05/18

Extras

First Civilizations

Episode 4 Preview | Trade

Examine the civilizing effect of trade.

Preview: S1 E4 | 0:30

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

First Civilizations

The Merchant's Seal

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

Clip: S1 E4 | 2:37

Watch • 53:40

First Civilizations

Trade

Examine the civilizing effect of trade.

Episode: S1 E4 | 53:40

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

Latest Episodes

Watch • 53:40

First Civilizations

Trade

Examine the civilizing effect of trade.

Episode: S1 E4 | 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