How We Invented The World

Watch How We Invented The World

  • 2013
  • 1 Season
  • 7.7  (55)

How We Invented The World is an entertaining and captivating documentary series that explores the most significant inventions and innovations of human history that have transformed the world as we know it. The series premiered on the Discovery Channel in 2012 and features Seth Porges, a renowned pop culture and technology expert, Olivia Chenery, a science and history enthusiast, and Sarah Armstrong, an archaeologist and historian.

The show revolves around four episodes, each dedicated to a major invention that has changed the course of humanity. The first episode focuses on the wheel, which is arguably the most important invention in history, without which the world would come to a halt. The team delves into the origins of the wheel, from its likely invention in Mesopotamia to its evolution into various types of wheels used for different purposes. They also explore the how the wheel led to other inventions like the chariot, the water mill, and more modern inventions like cars and airplanes.

The second episode is dedicated to the advent of writing, which fundamentally changed the way humans communicate, preserve knowledge, and advance civilization. The team travels to different parts of the world, from ancient Mesopotamia to China, to discover the first writing systems and hieroglyphics. The episode also explores the impact of writing on art, religion, science, and politics, and how it laid the foundation for modern communication technologies like the printing press.

The third episode discusses the innovation of money, which revolutionized trade, commerce, and economy. The team looks at the first currencies used in ancient China and Mesopotamia and how they evolved into paper money, credit cards, and digital transactions. They also examine the impact of money on society, including the rise of banking, stock markets, and globalization.

The fourth and final episode focuses on the invention of the internet, which has transformed the world more profoundly than any other invention in recent history. The team traces the history of the internet from its origins in the Cold War-era military network to its current omnipresence in every aspect of modern life. They also explore the impact of the internet on society, including its effect on communication, culture, and politics, as well as the challenges posed by issues such as privacy and cybersecurity.

Throughout the series, the team uses a combination of expert interviews, informative graphics, and engaging animations to bring the stories of these inventions to life. They also conduct experiments and simulations to demonstrate the practical applications of these inventions and how they have shaped human progress.

One of the main strengths of the show is its ability to connect the inventions of the past to the innovations of the present. It shows how seemingly unrelated inventions are interconnected and how they have created a ripple effect of progress and change that has fueled human evolution. In doing so, the show offers a unique perspective on human history that is both informative and awe-inspiring.

Overall, How We Invented The World is an excellent documentary series that offers a fascinating look at the inventions that have changed the world. The show is well-produced, well-researched, and well-presented, making it an entertaining and engaging watch for anyone interested in history, technology, and innovation.

How We Invented The World
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Seasons
Guns
5. Guns
June 14, 2013
The evolution of guns.
Cars
4. Cars
March 26, 2013
The evolution of automobiles.
Planes
3. Planes
March 26, 2013
The evolution of Planes.
Skyscrapers
2. Skyscrapers
March 19, 2013
The evolution of skyscrapers.
Cell Phones
1. Cell Phones
March 19, 2013
In the series premiere, watch how mobile phones evolved.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    March 19, 2013
  • IMDB Rating
    7.7  (55)