Ancient Skies

Watch Ancient Skies

  • TV-PG
  • 2019
  • 1 Season
  • 7.8  (123)

Ancient Skies is a six-part documentary series that takes the viewers on a remarkable journey through time, exploring the mysteries and wonders of the universe. This new show, presented by and featuring astrophysicist Dr. Jason Alan Carvell, astronomer Phil Plait and archaeoastronomer Amelia Clover, provides a fascinating look at the ancient sky and the way it has influenced human history, beliefs, and cultures.

The series delves into the evolution of our understanding of the cosmos, from ancient civilizations to the modern era. Focusing on the role that the sky has played in shaping human culture, the show explores the many ways that people have observed, interpreted, and used the stars throughout history.

The first episode of the series takes us back to the dawn of civilization, when people first began to look to the stars for guidance. The episode explores how the sky was used to create calendars, and how people used this knowledge to develop agricultural techniques and plan religious ceremonies. It also shows how different cultures, such as the ancient Greeks and Egyptians, developed their own unique ways of observing and interpreting the stars.

In later episodes, Ancient Skies covers topics such as the relationship between the stars and timekeeping, and the early development of astronomy in the Middle East. The show also explores how the ancient Chinese and Maya cultures used the stars to create complex calendars and predict important events.

Throughout the series, the presenters examine the various cultural and scientific developments that have contributed to our modern understanding of the sky. From the groundbreaking discoveries of Copernicus and Galileo to the modern-day space exploration, Ancient Skies takes us on a journey through history and science.

Visually stunning and filled with fascinating insights, Ancient Skies is a must-watch for anyone interested in astronomy, history, or culture. With its compelling storytelling and expert presenters, the show offers an engaging and informative look at the mysteries of the universe and the ways in which we have grappled with them throughout history.

One of the standout features of the show is its stunning visuals. From CGI recreations of ancient structures to aerial footage of the world's most impressive observatories, the series is filled with breathtaking imagery that brings the history of astronomy to life.

In addition to its focus on ancient history, Ancient Skies also explores some of the cutting-edge research being conducted in astrophysics today. The presenters discuss the latest theories about dark matter and black holes, and examine the ways in which modern technology is changing our understanding of the universe.

Overall, Ancient Skies is an entertaining and informative show that provides a unique look at the history and culture of astronomy. With its expert presenters and stunning visuals, the series is a must-see for anyone interested in learning about the mysteries of the cosmos.

Ancient Skies is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (3 episodes). The series first aired on July 24, 2019.

Ancient Skies
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Seasons
Our Place in the Universe
3. Our Place in the Universe
August 7, 2019
Complete the puzzle of our ancient skies. A cast of scientific pioneers reshapes the solar system and better understands a growing universe. But there is still much more space to explore.
Finding the Center
2. Finding the Center
July 31, 2019
Follow the efforts to give the Earth a shape and a place. From flat Earth legends to Galileo's telescope, track major changes in scientific understanding. Ideas rise and fall as we continue to explore our ancient skies.
Gods and Monsters
1. Gods and Monsters
July 24, 2019
We uncover the story of our relationship with the skies from our earliest ancestors, through to the birth of the science of astronomy. Our story begins with one of the earliest known creation myths - the Babylonian Enuma Elish. With spectacular CGI animation, we see the clash of the gods Marduk and Tiamat that the Babylonians believed gave birth to the earth and the sky. In this episode we visit the caves of El Castillo in Northern Spain. Deep inside the caves we see some of the earliest cave paintings in the world. Astronomer Phil Plait shows us how the skies could be used to navigate and tell the time, either by observing the phases of the moon, or by tracking the movements of the sun across the horizon. We look at Stonehenge and the Great Pyramid of Giza and see that, as our earliest civilisations developed, we built monuments that enabled us to observe the skies and worship them. We visit Ancient Greece, where the great storytellers Hesiod and Homer were populating the world with gods and monsters. That is until the first philosophers started to look at the world not in terms of individual events that showed the actions of living gods in the sky, but as phenomena that were all part of the patterns of the natural world. As philosophy and early science start to reshape the world from mythological to rational, we are on the cusp of a revolution that gave birth to modern science.
Description
Where to Watch Ancient Skies
Ancient Skies is available for streaming on the PBS website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Ancient Skies on demand at Amazon and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    July 24, 2019
  • IMDB Rating
    7.8  (123)