Watch The Archaeological Sites of Turkey. Lecture 2 of 6. In the Aftermath of the Fall of Civilization.

The movie The Archaeological Sites of Turkey is the second lecture in a six-part series titled In the Aftermath of the Fall of Civilization. The film is hosted by Dr. William J. Neidinger, an esteemed historian and archaeologist who specializes in the ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean and Near East. In this lecture, Dr. Neidinger takes viewers on a journey through Turkey's most significant archaeological sites, highlighting the importance of these sites for understanding the region's rich cultural history.

The documentary opens with a brief overview of the fall of civilization in the Mediterranean and Near East, which occurred around 1200 BCE. Dr. Neidinger explains that this collapse had a profound impact on societies throughout the region, disrupting trade routes and political systems and leading to the disintegration of many once-great empires. Despite the chaos caused by this collapse, however, many ancient cultures persisted, and their legacy can still be seen today in the ruins of archaeological sites throughout Turkey.

The bulk of the film is dedicated to exploring some of these sites in detail. Dr. Neidinger begins with a tour of Hattusa, the ancient capital of the Hittite Empire. He explains how the Hittites were among the first civilization to develop a system of writing, and how their empire was able to expand through military conquest and strategic alliances. Dr. Neidinger brings the city to life, describing the various structures and monuments that once stood there and explaining their significance in Hittite culture.

From Hattusa, the documentary moves on to other important archaeological sites throughout Turkey. Dr. Neidinger discusses the ancient city of Troy, famous for its legendary siege by the Greeks, and the city of Ephesus, which was one of the most important religious and cultural centers of the ancient world. He also explores lesser-known sites like Catalhoyuk, an early agricultural settlement that dates back to the Neolithic period.

Throughout the film, Dr. Neidinger emphasizes how archaeological sites can offer insight into the lives of our ancestors. He discusses the art, architecture, and religious practices of the ancient civilizations that once inhabited these sites, and explains how these cultural expressions can help us understand their beliefs and values. He also notes that modern archaeologists are able to use cutting-edge technology to uncover even more information about these sites, from analyzing chemical traces in ancient ceramics to using 3D modeling to reconstruct long-lost buildings.

Overall, The Archaeological Sites of Turkey is an engaging and informative documentary that offers fascinating insights into the cultural history of the Mediterranean and Near East. Dr. Neidinger is an engaging and knowledgeable host, and the film is filled with stunning footage of Turkey's most significant archaeological sites. Whether you're an amateur historian or simply curious about the ancient world, this film is an excellent introduction to one of the world's most culturally rich regions.

The Archaeological Sites of Turkey. Lecture 2 of 6. In the Aftermath of the Fall of Civilization. is a 2007 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes.