Ep 2. Civilizations

As per your request, here's the episode description for H2O: The Molecule That Made Us season 1 episode 2 named Civilizations.

In this episode, the focus is on the role of water in the development of ancient civilizations. The episode takes us on a journey through history, highlighting water's significance in the formation and growth of early settlements.

The first stop is to the ancient city of Petra, located in modern-day Jordan. We learn how the ingenious Nabataean people harnessed water from surrounding mountains and used it to create a thriving city in the middle of the desert. The show explores the Nabataean's sophisticated water management systems, which enabled them to survive in such a harsh environment and create a spectacular city that still stands today.

Next, we travel to Peru to discover the incredible civilization of the Incas, who built their empire along the rugged Andes Mountains. The episode shows how the Incas used water to farm on steep terraces, irrigate crops, and even create a network of canals and fountains within their cities. The Incas' mastery of water enabled them to become one of the most successful and advanced civilizations of their time.

The episode also explores the role of water in the ancient city of Rome, which relied on aqueducts to transport water from distant sources to its growing population. We learn how the Romans made water a central part of their society, using it for everything from public baths and fountains to irrigation and sewage disposal. This innovative use of water helped Rome become one of the most prosperous and influential civilizations in the world.

Throughout the episode, we also see how water played a role in the rise and fall of these civilizations. For example, we learn how droughts and other natural disasters contributed to the collapse of the ancient Mayan civilization in Mexico. We also see how war and political instability can disrupt water supplies and threaten the survival of entire societies.

Finally, the episode explores the global water crisis facing us today. We see how the growing population and increasing demands for water are straining our planet's resources, and how climate change is making water scarcity even more of a concern. The episode emphasizes the need for innovative solutions to meet the global water challenge and ensure that water continues to play a vital role in the development of our societies.

Overall, Civilizations is an engaging and informative episode that explores the fundamental role of water in human history. From the desert cities of Jordan to the Andean peaks of Peru, we see how water has enabled civilizations to flourish and how it continues to shape our world today.