Ep 6. Treasures of Arabia

In season 1 episode 6 of Ancient Treasures with Bettany Hughes, titled Treasures of Arabia, viewers are taken on a journey to explore the rich history and cultural heritage of Arabia. The episode opens with Bettany Hughes standing in front of the Kaaba in Mecca, the holiest site in Islam, and introduces the audience to the importance of Arabia in the world's religious and cultural history.

Next, viewers are transported to ancient Arabia, where they learn about the Nabateans, a tribe of traders who created a rich civilization in the desert. Bettany visits the ancient city of Petra in Jordan, which was once a thriving trade center and the capital of the Nabatean kingdom. She explores the impressive architecture of the city's buildings and tombs, which were carved directly into the rock face, and discusses the trading routes and the caravan systems that made Petra a vital link in the region's economic network.

Moving forward in history, Bettany explores the Islamic Golden Age, a period of great prosperity and cultural innovation that occurred during the eighth and ninth centuries. She travels to Al-Ula, an important Islamic city in Saudi Arabia that was a center of learning and enlightenment during this time. Visitors to Al-Ula can still see evidence of the city's glorious past in its impressive fortress, ancient tombstones, and innovative irrigation systems.

One of the highlights of the episode is Bettany's visit to the Shafee Mosque in Jeddah, one of the oldest mosques in the world. She examines the intricate details and designs that are incorporated into the building's architecture, along with the rich history of Islam in the region.

The episode also features a discussion of the region's art and literature, with Bettany exploring the impressive calligraphy and poetry that has been produced in Arabia over the centuries. She visits a calligraphy artist in Jeddah to see how the intricate designs are created and speaks with a modern-day poet who shares her insights into the enduring power of Arabic verse.

Finally, the episode ends with a discussion of modern-day Arabia and the challenges facing the region today. Bettany interviews artists and activists who are working to preserve the region's cultural heritage, as well as those who are seeking to create a new, more inclusive vision of the future.

Overall, Treasures of Arabia is a fascinating exploration of the history, culture, and people of this important region. Through Bettany's engaging and informative presentations, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the rich traditions and unique challenges facing the Arabian peninsula today.