The Story of China with Michael Wood Season 1 Episode 1 Ancestors

In The Story of China with Michael Wood season 1 episode 1, titled "Ancestors," host Michael Wood embarks on a historical journey to discover China’s ancient civilization and its rich cultural heritage. Throughout the episode, Wood visits various archaeological sites and significant landmarks that hold important keys to the country’s past.

The episode begins with Wood exploring the Yellow River, one of the cradles of Chinese civilization. He takes a boat ride along the river and stops at the village of Lajia, which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1920. Wood explains how the earthquake revealed a 4,000-year-old burial site containing evidence of a sophisticated civilization that flourished in the area around 2,000 BCE. He also explains how China's ancestors believed that humans came from the earth and to it, they returned, so they buried their dead in pits in the ground.

Wood then turns his attention to the Longshan culture, which emerged around 2,500 BCE. He visits the city of Anyang, where the Shang dynasty once ruled, and explores the vast burial pits that are the final resting place for Shang's royal family. He uncovers the story of a legendary Shang emperor and unearths artifacts from his tomb, including intricate bells and bronze vessels. He also visits the ruins of a massive mud-brick palace that once housed the emperor and his family.

In addition to the Longshan culture, Wood examines the Yangshao culture, which emerged around 5,000 BCE. He travels to Banpo village and explores the foundations of the ancient village, which contained around 500 mud and straw houses and had a population of around 1,000 people. He shows how the Yangshao culture had agriculture at its core and how they practiced religious rituals and ceremonies that involved pottery and painted symbols.

Along his journey in this episode, Wood also contemplates the powerful influence of Chinese ancestors and their reverence for the natural world. He visits Mount Tai, a sacred mountain that has been revered by the Chinese for over 3,000 years. Wood explains how Chinese ancestors believed that gods lived on the mountains, and the emperor was seen as a mediator between the gods and people who kept harmony with the cosmos.

In conclusion, The Story of China with Michael Wood season 1 episode 1, "Ancestors," provides an intriguing and insightful look into China's ancient civilization and how the country's ancestors shaped its cultural identity. With stunning aerial views and fascinating archaeological details, the episode takes viewers on a breathtaking journey through time, illuminating the rich heritage of the Chinese people.