Watch Genius of the Ancient World

Genius of the Ancient World is a captivating historical documentary series that first aired in 2015. It stars Bettany Hughes, Martin Palmer, and Angela Hobbs, three renowned historians who take viewers on a journey through the lives and works of three of the most talented intellectuals from ancient times: Socrates, Confucius, and Buddha.

The show's main focus is to explore the thinking and philosophy of each of these great minds and how they've influenced the modern world. The series is incredibly well-researched, with each episode delving deeply into the history, geography, and culture of the time. It offers unparalleled insights into the ancient world that the viewers won't find anywhere else.

The first episode of Genius of the Ancient World features the great philosopher, Socrates, whose influence on philosophy is unmatched to this day. Bettany Hughes, the host, journeys to the Greek island where Socrates lived and died. She takes the viewer through his life, his teachings, and his trial and conviction on charges of atheism and corrupting the youth. She then goes on to explore the reasons behind his execution and the impact he had on the world, even after his death.

The second episode focuses on Confucius, a philosopher, and politician who lived in ancient China. Martin Palmer, the host, takes viewers to China's central province, where Confucius was born, and provides insights on the origin of his teachings and its relevance even today. The show explores his life, teachings, his famous book, The Analects, which is still a cornerstone of Chinese philosophy. Palmer delves deep into how Confucius influenced Chinese society and modern-day China, from business and politics to education and morality.

Lastly, the final episode features one of the most revered spiritual leaders in history, Buddha. Angela Hobbs takes viewers on a journey throughout India and Nepal, tracing back the steps of Buddha, and his evolution from a prince to a spiritual leader. The episode explores his teachings of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, and how he influenced the culture of the region. Hobbs also dives into this mysterious figure who has been heavily mythologized over the years and deconstructing the Buddha's life and teachings.

What makes Genius of the Ancient World stand out is the way in which it manages to bring these ancient figures and topics to life. The series combines breathtaking visuals of the ancient world, including landmarks, ruins, and artifacts, with expert commentary from historians and scholars. This blend of elements makes for a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating viewing experience.

Moreover, each of the three episodes is filled with anecdotes, trivia, and lesser-known insights that make the viewers feel like experts in the field. The show is not just a history lesson, but a dive into the depths of human philosophy and understanding. By focusing on ancient geniuses, Genius of the Ancient World shows the audience a new way to look at the world and think about society and human nature in general.

To sum up, Genius of the Ancient World is a must-watch for anyone interested in history, philosophy, or ancient culture. The expert storytelling mixed with state-of-the-art visuals and riveting insight will leave the viewer with a more comprehensive understanding of the significance of these great figures in the modern world. This series demonstrates what makes history so fascinating and timeless, and why the ancient world still holds such tremendous value.

Genius of the Ancient World is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between August 5, 2015 and on Acorn TV