Footprint Of Civilization

The Architecture of the ancient world not only left behind incredible monuments, it also created the building blocks for much of the architecture that has come since. We visit ancient architectural wonders, and investigate how our ancestors accomplished their design and construction without access to modern tools.

We explore the incredible scientific and technological advances made by ancient cultures, considering discoveries made thousands of years ago: from the invention of the wheel in Mesopotamia to the invention of gunpowder in China; the discovery of zero in Ancient India, to the great philosophers of Ancient Greece.

Modern society and politics have their roots in classical cultures, starting with the early political systems which laid the foundations for democracy. Demos Kratia - "people power" was first put into practise in Ancient Athens; and the struggle between the Senate and Emperors of Ancient Rome are echoed in modern US politics.

Advances in Agriculture from Prehistoric times, throughout the lifespan of Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome still shape our lives today. Agriculture, irrigation, animal husbandry, and the whole market economy which has endured since: all of this began with the Ancients.

The parallels in communications between the modern world and the classical era are astounding. Charting from Ancient Egypt's hieroglyphics through to modern day emoticons, and the development of the first alphabet by the Phoenicians roughly 3000 years ago.

Episode six considers the arts and the monumental significance classical art has had upon the course of art ever since. From Greek theatre, still staged and rethought today, to the unrivalled Greek sculpture, and its profound refiguring in the Renaissance. All these centuries later, the Footprints of Civilization still mark the way.