Watch How the Earth Changed History

How the Earth Changed History is a six-part documentary series produced by National Geographic that explores the role that geology has played in shaping the course of human history. Hosted by geologist Iain Stewart and archaeologist Ali Haleyalur, each episode delves into a specific era and examines how geological events and processes have influenced humanity's development.

In the first episode, "Deep Earth," viewers are taken back billions of years to the Earth's formation and learn how the creation of the planet's core and mantle set the stage for plate tectonics and the movement of continents. This movement, in turn, has led to the formation of natural resources such as coal, oil, and diamonds that have had a significant impact on human history.

The second episode, "Wind," explores the importance of wind in shaping the world as we know it. From the creation of deserts and sand dunes to the formation of fertile soil and the development of sailing ships, the power of wind has played a vital role in human advancement.

The third episode, "Water," looks at the ways that water has shaped our world - from the creation of canyons and valleys to the formation of rivers and oceans that have facilitated trade, exploration, and colonization.

In "Fire," the fourth episode, viewers are introduced to the role that volcanic activity and earthquakes have played in human history. From the eruption of Mount Vesuvius that destroyed the city of Pompeii to the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, the power of these natural disasters has shaped societies and changed the course of history.

The fifth episode, "Survival," takes a closer look at how humans have adapted to extreme environments, from the arctic tundra to the scorching deserts of Africa. From the evolution of human physical traits to the development of technologies such as fire and clothing, this episode explores the ways that humans have learned to survive in some of the harshest conditions on Earth.

Finally, in the sixth and final episode, "Human Planet," viewers see the ways in which humans have transformed the Earth over thousands of years. From the development of agriculture and the building of cities to the impact of modern-day industry and technology on the planet, this episode examines the ways in which human activity has influenced the environment and what we can do to mitigate negative impacts.

Throughout the series, Stewart and Haleyalur take viewers on a captivating journey through time and space, revealing how the Earth's geological processes have shaped human history in ways both big and small. With stunning footage, expert interviews, and a deep understanding of geology and archaeology, How the Earth Changed History is an engrossing and enlightening exploration of our planet's past and present.

How the Earth Changed History is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (6 episodes). The series first aired on June 20, 2010.