The Ascent of Civilization

What were the Vikings really like? What did the Romans accomplish? And how do the singular achievements of the ancient Greeks live on in our society today? This fascinating series questions the myths and unravels age-old clichés about these ancient cultures. It examines their strange and sometimes amusing idiosyncrasies, with fresh insights into who they were and what made their societies work.

20161 season

DocumentarySpecial Interest

20161 season

13+

Season 1

3 episodes

1. Greece and the Foundations of the Western World

Around 3000 years ago, the cultural foundations of western civilization were laid in Ancient Greece. Imaginative animation, stunning visuals and an entertaining narrative give an extraordinary exploration of Greece and the rise of an ancient superpower that would leave a permanent mark on western society.

13+

50min

Jun 15, 2016

2. The Professional Class of Rome

The Romans created one of the greatest empires in history, built with the help of an incredible army of professional legionnaires and a well-oiled political machinery. They undertook some of the most ambitious building projects of their time and left a lasting legacy.

13+

51min

Jun 15, 2016

3. Vikings: Merchants and Explorers

A nation of seafarers and merchants, the Vikings revolutionised exploration and trading in the Middle Ages and discovered America 500 years before Columbus. As the best seafarers of their time, daring, tolerant explorers and expert merchants, they set new benchmarks and left their mark everywhere.

13+

50min

Jun 15, 2016

The Ascent of Civilization

DocumentarySpecial Interest

20161 season

Creators and Cast