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First Civilizations

Episode 2 Preview | Religion

Season 1 Episode 2 | 30s

Discover the secret to the stability and cohesion of Ancient Egypt: religion. When people share a core set of beliefs, they are more likely to identify as one. That was true for the first civilizations and it’s just as true today.

Extras
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First Civilizations
Episode 4 Preview | Trade
Examine the civilizing effect of trade.
Preview: S1 E4 | 0:30
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First Civilizations
Indus Valley Civilization
Explore the splendor of the Indus Valley civilization.
Clip: S1 E4 | 2:41
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First Civilizations
Rise of International Trade
Archaeologist Jeff Rose examines the history of a petroglyph in Oman.
Clip: S1 E4 | 3:13
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First Civilizations
The Merchant's Seal
The merchant’s seal was a guarantee of quality goods.
Clip: S1 E4 | 2:37
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First Civilizations
Trade
Examine the civilizing effect of trade.
Episode: S1 E4 | 53:40
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First Civilizations
Cities
Investigate why cities were so integral to the rise of civilization.
Episode: S1 E3 | 53:40
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First Civilizations
Episode 3 Preview | Cities
Investigate why cities were so integral to the rise of civilization.
Preview: S1 E3 | 0:30
Watch • 3:13
First Civilizations
Humans Are Social
Humans are social creatures. Evolutionary Psychologist Michael Muthukrishna explains.
Clip: S1 E3 | 3:13
Watch • 3:29
First Civilizations
Rise of Inequality
Explore the rise of inequality and threat of dictatorship.
Clip: S1 E3 | 3:29
Watch • 2:22
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 • 53:40
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