Watch Building the Ancient City: Athens

Building the Ancient City: Athens is a documentary film about the city of Athens during its golden age in the 5th century BC. The film takes us on a virtual tour of the city’s magnificent structures and tells the story of how they came to be. It highlights how the Athenians built their city from the ground up, creating a magnificent metropolis that still stands today.

To begin with, the movie delves into the history of Athens, starting with its creation and moving through its various phases of development. The film documents the city's struggles during the Persian Wars and the subsequent peace and prosperity that followed. The filmmakers use a combination of historical reenactments, virtual reality, and 3D modeling to bring the viewer back in time to witness the creation of the city.

Next, the documentary takes a closer look at some of Athens' most famous monuments, including the Parthenon and the Acropolis. The filmmakers explore how the Athenians built these incredible structures, making use of the latest technology available at the time. They also delve into the symbolism behind these monuments, including how they were used to promote Athenian democracy and power.

Throughout the movie, we see the process of building an ancient city unfold before our eyes. We learn about the various materials used for construction, including marble, bronze, and timber. We see how these materials were quarried, transported, and shaped. We also learn about the various tradespeople and craftsmen who contributed to the city's construction, including masons, carpenters, and sculptors.

As the film progresses, we learn a great deal about the inner workings of Athenian society. The filmmakers illustrate how the city's infrastructure facilitated commerce and trade, as well as how it supported the city's social, political, and religious institutions. We see how water was transported to the city from distant mountain ranges, and how sewage was disposed of using complex underground drainage systems.

Throughout the documentary, we see how the Athenians built their city to last. We witness how they employed engineering techniques to ensure the safety and stability of the city's structures, including sophisticated column design and the use of weight-bearing architraves. We also see the construction of the Long Walls of Athens, which were designed to protect the city from enemy attack.

Overall, Building the Ancient City: Athens is a fascinating and educational film that provides a rare glimpse into life in ancient Athens. The filmmakers have done an outstanding job in creating an immersive experience that transports the viewer back in time. Whether you are a history buff or simply curious about how ancient cities were built, this film has something to offer. Highly recommended!