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First Civilizations

Trade

Season 1 Episode 4 | 53m 40s

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.

Aired: 05/14/18 | Expires: 06/12/18

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

Cities

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

Episode: S1 E3 | 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

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