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First Civilizations Season 1
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:40
Season 1 Episode 4
Trade
Examine the civilizing effect of trade.
Cities
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53:40
Season 1 Episode 3
Cities
Investigate why cities were so integral to the rise of civilization.
Religion
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:39
Season 1 Episode 2
Religion
Learn why every successful civilization needs a narrative—a shared set of beliefs.
War
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53:39
Season 1 Episode 1
War
See how war can destroy lives, yet create civilization.
Episode 3 Preview | Cities
0:30
Episode 3 Preview | Cities
Investigate why cities were so integral to the rise of civilization.
Episode 4 Preview | Trade
0:30
Episode 4 Preview | Trade
Examine the civilizing effect of trade.
Episode 2 Preview | Religion
0:30
Episode 2 Preview | Religion
Learn why every successful civilization needs a narrative — a shared set of beliefs.
Preview
0:30
Preview
Explore the seedbed civilizations of Mesoamerica, the Middle East and the Indus Valley.
Power of Obsidian
3:32
Power of Obsidian
Explore the power of obsidian weapons and their use in Teotihuacan.
Raiding Oaxaca Valley
2:36
Raiding Oaxaca Valley
Oaxaca Valley became an area of conflict as raiding occurred between villages.
Indus Valley Civilization
2:41
Indus Valley Civilization
Explore the splendor of the Indus Valley civilization.
Rise of International Trade
3:13
Rise of International Trade
Archaeologist Jeff Rose examines the history of a petroglyph in Oman.
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