Ancient Civilizations

Watch Ancient Civilizations

  • 2008
  • 5 Seasons

Ancient Civilizations from National Geographic is a compelling documentary series that delves into the fascinating history and culture of the world's greatest civilizations. From the majestic wonders of ancient Egypt to the mysterious ruins of the Inca Empire, this show is a journey through time, exploring the stories of the people, the places, and the events that shaped our world.

Each episode of Ancient Civilizations takes viewers on a remarkable adventure, exploring the architecture, art, religion, and customs of different civilizations. With stunning cinematography and a wealth of expert knowledge, the show brings these ancient cultures to life and uncovers the secrets of their rise and fall.

The first episode of Ancient Civilizations takes us to ancient Egypt, one of the world's most renowned civilizations. The episode explores the construction of the pyramids, the role of the Pharaohs, and the mystery surrounding the burial of Tutankhamun. The show also takes us inside the great temple of Karnak, and reveals the secrets of the mummification process.

The second episode of the series takes us to Greece, where we meet the philosophers Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, and learn about the birth of western civilization. The episode explores the unique politics of ancient Greece, including the city-states, the Athenian democracy, and the Peloponnesian War. We also visit some of the wondrous ruins of the ancient world, such as the Parthenon and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

The third episode of Ancient Civilizations focuses on the Roman Empire, one of the most powerful and influential empires in history. This episode takes us inside the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Forum, and explores the amazing engineering feats that allowed the Romans to conquer and rule such vast territories. We also learn about the rule of Julius Caesar and the rise of Christianity in Rome.

The fourth episode of the series takes viewers to Peru, where we explore the lost city of Machu Picchu and the Inca Empire. The show explains the unique architectural style of the Incas, as well as their remarkable advances in agriculture and medicine. We also learn about the Spanish conquest of Peru, which brought an abrupt end to the Inca Empire.

The fifth episode of Ancient Civilizations takes us to the ancient city of Petra, located in modern-day Jordan. Petra was once a thriving trade center and a hub of culture and design. The show explores the wonder of the architecture and the trade networks that allowed Petra to become a major center in the region. We also learn about the mysterious Nabataean people who once inhabited this city.

In the sixth episode of the series, we travel to China to explore the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army. We learn about the complex social structure of Imperial China, including the emperor's vast system of government, the belief in ancestor worship, and the role of poetry in the culture.

In the seventh episode, Ancient Civilizations takes us to the Maya civilization of Central America. This episode covers the Mayan creation story, their calendar system and their complex hieroglyphic script. The show takes us to the ruins of Palenque, Tikal and other sites to reveal the legacy of this fascinating culture.

In the last episode of the series, we travel to Africa to explore the Kingdom of Benin, which was one of the greatest African civilizations. The show uncovers the amazing cast metal sculptures and the kingdom's famous trade in ivory and spices. It also delves into the conflict with the Portuguese Empire, which ultimately led to the downfall of the kingdom.

Overall, Ancient Civilizations is an enlightening and engaging series that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of our world. With its breathtaking cinematography and wealth of fascinating information, it provides a greater understanding and appreciation of the various civilizations that have come before us. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious about the world around you, Ancient Civilizations is a show you won't want to miss.

Ancient Civilizations is a series that is currently running and has 5 seasons (52 episodes). The series first aired on January 1, 2008.

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Seasons
Ancient Treasure of the Amazon
9. Ancient Treasure of the Amazon
December 18, 2023
From Ecuador, across Bolivia, and into Peru, the Incan Trail connects prediluvian ceremonial sites on a path of misunderstood monuments through mountains and valleys.
Sulawesi: Giant Jars & Mysterious Megaliths
8. Sulawesi: Giant Jars & Mysterious Megaliths
December 11, 2023
How did sophisticated prediluvian megaliths appear on the world's eleventh largest island of Sulawesi, Indonesia during a time with no recorded civilization?
China: Ascended Masters & Unfinished Megalith
7. China: Ascended Masters & Unfinished Megalith
December 4, 2023
Explore how these ancient sites provide more evidence from a time before the Younger Dryas Period and sharply challenge the mainstream timeline for the rise of civilization.
Sunken City of the Caribbean
6. Sunken City of the Caribbean
November 27, 2023
When deep sea relics in the Caribbean are examined alongside theories of an Atlantean empire of islands proposed by Plato and Edgar Cayce, the possibility of an ancient Mesoamerican civilization emerges.
Anomalies of Our Ancient Moon
5. Anomalies of Our Ancient Moon
November 20, 2023
This episode explores a fourth theory, rooted in ancient mythology: was our moon precisely placed to counteract the effects of the Younger Dryas?
Younger Dryas: A Planet Transformed
4. Younger Dryas: A Planet Transformed
November 13, 2023
Alternative researchers continue to explore enigmatic, planet-altering impacts which launched our modern epoch from the debris of the Younger Dryas period.
Younger Dryas: Extraplanetary Impacts
3. Younger Dryas: Extraplanetary Impacts
November 6, 2023
From escaped fragments of a former planet to comets and coronal mass ejections, what light can experts shed upon world-changing events of the anomalous period of the Younger Dryas?
The Living Legend of Atlantis
2. The Living Legend of Atlantis
October 30, 2023
Explore the historical writings and readings that kept the legend of Atlantis alive.
The Motherland of Mu
1. The Motherland of Mu
October 23, 2023
Could the area we have come to know as the mighty Pacific once have been mostly land?
Description
Where to Watch Ancient Civilizations
Ancient Civilizations is available for streaming on the National Geographic website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Ancient Civilizations on demand at Amazon Prime and Amazon.
  • Premiere Date
    January 1, 2008