Free trial of PBS Documentaries or buy
Terms apply
Prime membership required
Episodes
- S1 E1 - The First AlphabetSeptember 22, 202053minWhere would we be without the world’s alphabets? Writing has played a vital role in the development and expansion of cultures throughout history. But researchers are only now uncovering the origin story to our own alphabet. From the shape of the letter A to the role of writing in trade and storytelling, discover how the written word shaped civilization itself.Free trial of PBS Documentaries or buy
- S1 E2 - How Writing Change the WorldSeptember 29, 202053minThe evolution of paper and printing revolutionized the spread of information. While the invention of paper boosted Chinese and Islamic societies, the simple fact that the Latin alphabet could be in printed using a small number of repetitive symbols handed Europe a crucial advantage. The printing press itself kicked off the Scientific Revolution that fast-tracked us to the current digital age.Free trial of PBS Documentaries or buy
Details
More info
By clicking play, you agree to our Terms of Use.