Watch Terry Jones: Ancient Inventions

Terry Jones: Ancient Inventions is a documentary series from BBC hosted by Monty Python star Terry Jones. The show premiered in 1998, and its sole season consists of six episodes of approximately 30 minutes each. Each episode explores one ancient invention that has had a significant impact on human society.

Throughout the series, Terry Jones takes viewers on a journey through time, visiting various locations around the world, and uncovering the stories behind some of the most important inventions of ancient times. He meets with experts in relevant fields such as archaeology, engineering, and history, to gain a better understanding of each invention's impact on their respective civilizations and how it evolved over time.

The first episode of the series, entitled "City Life," focuses on the invention of cities and how they changed the way humans lived. Jones takes the audience from the beginnings of the concept of a city in Mesopotamia to the ancient metropolis of Athens, discussing how each city developed and the challenges they faced.

The second episode, "Sex and Love," explores the development of contraceptives and the concept of romantic love in ancient societies. Jones visits Egypt and Greece, examining the impact of ointments and other substances on contraception, as well as the myths and stories surrounding romantic relationships in ancient times.

The third episode, "War and Conflict," investigates the innovations in warfare and defensive systems in ancient societies. From the ancient Greeks' use of the Phalanx formation to the Romans' engineering marvels like aqueducts and roads, Jones shows how cities and military tactics evolved over time to become more effective.

The fourth episode, "Leisure and Pleasure," takes a more lighthearted turn, examining entertainment and the concept of happiness in ancient times. Jones delves into the ancient Greeks' love for theater, the invention of board games and other leisure pastimes, and explores ancient Indian texts that aim to provide guidance on how to live a satisfying life.

The fifth episode, entitled "Food and Drink," focuses on the evolution of agriculture and the ways humans transformed the landscape. Jones examines the importance of irrigation, the domestication of animals, and the development of beer-making in ancient societies.

The final episode, "Exploration and Discovery," focuses on the significance of navigation for trade and exploration in ancient times. Jones visits ancient seafaring cultures in Greece and the Philippines, discussing the evolution of ships and navigational tools.

Overall, Terry Jones: Ancient Inventions is an engaging and informative series that highlights the enormous impact ancient societies had on modern civilization. Terry Jones is an excellent host, bringing humor and charm to each episode, while remaining knowledgeable and informative on the subject. The show is a must-see for history buffs, those interested in science and engineering, and anyone who wants to learn more about how humans evolved to a modern society.