Skip to main content
Support Provided By
Trade
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:40
Examine the civilizing effect of trade.
Cities
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:40
Investigate why cities were so integral to the rise of civilization.
Religion
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:39
Learn why every successful civilization needs a narrative—a shared set of beliefs.
War
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:39
War
See how war can destroy lives, yet create civilization.
Episode 3 Preview | Cities
0:30
Investigate why cities were so integral to the rise of civilization.
Episode 4 Preview | Trade
0:30
Examine the civilizing effect of trade.
Episode 2 Preview | Religion
0:30
Learn why every successful civilization needs a narrative — a shared set of beliefs.
Preview
0:30
Explore the seedbed civilizations of Mesoamerica, the Middle East and the Indus Valley.
Humans Are Social
3:13
Humans are social creatures. Evolutionary Psychologist Michael Muthukrishna explains.
Ritual
3:42
Explore how rituals bring people together.
Power of Obsidian
3:32
Explore the power of obsidian weapons and their use in Teotihuacan.
Culture of Violence
2:50
Archaeologist Yuki Huada explores the history of San Jose Mogote.
Active loading indicator