Watch Harvest

The show Harvest from History is a fascinating historical documentary series that takes a fresh look at the agricultural practices and techniques of ancient cultures. Originally aired in 2011, the series features eight hour-long episodes, each focusing on a different civilization and their unique approach to farming.

Hosted by the knowledgeable and affable archaeologist, Gregg Wallace, Harvest from History delves deep into the agricultural practices of civilizations such as the Ancient Greeks, Ancient Romans, Aztecs, Ancient Egyptians, Inca, and Babylonians, among others. The series is shot in stunning locations that represent the agricultural heritage and ruins of each civilization, offering a striking visual context for the discussions that take place on the show.

The series offers a nuanced perspective on ancient societies, digging into their daily lives and the challenges they faced in growing food to ensure their survival. Harvest from History examines the technologies utilized by each civilization, including everything from irrigation systems and ploughs to seed selection and crop rotation. The show also highlights the environmental, social, and cultural factors that influenced farmers in the past, such as changing climate patterns, urbanization, and population growth.

One of the most interesting aspects of the Harvest from History series is its focus on the impact of agricultural practices on ancient societies. The show highlights how food shortages, famine, and crop failures often had a knock-on effect on political and social instability. For instance, the viewer sees how the Ancient Egyptians' Nile River-based agriculture was a key component of their cultural identity, and how their sophisticated techniques allowed their society to thrive for centuries. Later episodes delve deeper into the impact of agriculture on society, exploring the way farming influenced trade, warfare, and religious practices.

Each episode of Harvest from History is structured in a way that keeps viewers engaged, with a blend of expert analysis, dramatized segments, and stunning aerial shots of ancient ruins. At the beginning of each episode, Wallace lays out the historical context and sets the scene for the challenges that the people of each civilization faced. From there, the show examines each civilization in detail, introducing new information and statistics that paint a vivid picture of their daily lives.

Throughout the series, the show introduces historians, archaeologists, and other experts who provide in-depth analysis of the agriculture practices of each civilization. These experts offer valuable insights into the techniques used by ancient farmers, explaining how they were able to grow crops in harsh environments, overcome pest infestations, and select crops that suited their specific geographic conditions.

The dramatized segments of the show offer a refreshing and exciting break from the expert analysis. Each segment brings to life the challenges and rewards of planting, tending, and harvesting crops in the ancient world. These dramatized sequences feature actors in period garb, toiling in fields and orchards, helping to flesh out the detailed picture of daily agricultural life.

Overall, Harvest from History is an informative, entertaining, and visually spectacular series that provides unique insights into the agricultural strategies and practices of ancient cultures. Whether you're interested in history, food, or are simply a fan of fascinating documentaries, the Harvest from History series is a must-see. It is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of our ancestors, who developed agricultural techniques that still form the bedrock of modern farming.

Harvest is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (26 episodes). The series first aired on October 13, 2011.