Origins: The Journey of Humankind

Harnessing fire is the ultimate origin event that made us modern. Fire allowed us to create, to destroy and to transform, but also taught us hard lessons.

Microscopic armies have waged war on humanity for thousands of years. Medicine is our great weapon to fight back against invisible, unthinkable death.

From a simple act of trade to today’s global economy, the meaning of money and what we value changes as civilization evolves.

If knowledge is power, communication is the jet fuel, the delivery system, the gift we give each other that links the modern world. But it has a dark side.

War brings out the best and worst in humanity. It has revolutionized medicine, transportation and communication, and changed how we live and how we think.

This is the story of how humans built a world of their own design. From bone huts to skyscrapers, shelter inspired new technologies and societies.

Exploration has created and defined our modern world. Humanity’s primal curiosity has sparked new inventions and revealed the mysteries of the universe.

Transportation turned society inside out. Engines and animals powered the rise of civilization, driving humanity forward into the modern world.

Members of the 'Origins' production crew discuss the set design and cinematography that brought the series to life.