Watch First Civilizations

First Civilizations is a remarkable and captivating four-part series that presents the most comprehensive, up-to-date survey of ancient human history in the world. Created by PBS and starring Martin May, Achim Buch, and Michael Bideller, the show premiered in 2018 and dives deep into the origins and evolution of civilization, from the Cradle of Civilization in Mesopotamia to the mighty empires of Asia, the Americas, and beyond.

Through cutting-edge archaeological research and stunning visual effects, the series brings to life the amazing stories of the first human settlements and societies that shaped our modern world. The experts in the series explore how these civilizations were born, how they evolved, and how they ultimately triumphed, unraveling the mysteries of human progress along the way.

The first episode of the series, titled "Brains and Bronze," takes viewers on a fascinating journey to the Middle East, where civilization first emerged over 5,000 years ago. Here, the show reveals the incredible innovations of the Sumerians, who developed the first writing system, invented the wheel, and built the earliest cities. As we learn about the struggles and successes of these early societies, we also gain insight into how people interacted, communicated, and organized themselves in the face of new challenges.

In the second episode, titled "Cities," the series travels across the globe to explore the rise of urbanization and the birth of the world's greatest cities. We discover how the ancient people of India, China, and Africa created massive metropolises that became the center of commerce, culture, and power. From the silk roads of China to the bazaars of Baghdad, we learn how these cities grew and flourished, and how they influenced the development of other civilizations.

The third episode, titled "Religion," takes viewers on a spiritual journey through history, uncovering the influence of religion on ancient civilization. From the cult of Isis in Egypt to the polytheistic beliefs of the Maya, the experts reveal how religion drove social and cultural change, created powerful empires, and even inspired the construction of stunning architectural monuments. We learn how the ancients sought to make sense of the world around them, and how their beliefs shaped their daily lives.

Finally, in the fourth and final episode of the series, titled "Trade," the show explores the global networks that emerged between the major civilizations of the world. We discover how trade and commerce transformed societies, from the vast markets of the Mediterranean to the tea plantations of China. We also learn how ancient peoples developed technologies and techniques that enabled them to travel long distances and establish new trading partners, ultimately leading to the creation of a truly global civilization.

Throughout the series, the experts take us deep into history and help us understand how the first civilizations developed, how they interacted, and why they mattered. With stunning visuals, fascinating insights, and engaging storytelling, First Civilizations is an exceptional documentary series that sheds new light on our shared human history. The series is an incredible journey through time, and a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of human civilization.

First Civilizations is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between April 24, 2018 and on PBS