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First Civilizations

War

Season 1 Episode 1 | 53m 39s

Examine the process of “destructive creation” — the idea that fear, rivalry and conflict strengthen community bonds while stimulating an arms race of technological progress. The result is civilization. Ancient Mesoamerica exemplifies this development.

Aired: 04/23/18 | Expires: 05/22/18

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

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

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