Civilisations: Rise and Fall
Four mighty civilisations - Rome, Egypt, Japan's Samurai and the Aztecs. Their legends remain - now priceless artefacts reveal what led them to fall into the echoes of history.
Genre: Documentary
Cast:Sophie Okonedo , Luca Saraceni-Gunner , Leander Vyvey , Roberto Davide , Jake Meniani , Melissanthi Mahut , Calin Bleau , David Bedella , Andressa Cardoso Fernandes
Season 1, Episode 1
A weak emperor. A divided empire. Barbarians at the gate. Does this perfect storm mean the end of ancient Rome?
Season 1, Episode 2
The 3,000-year-old civilisation of ancient Egypt faces disaster as war, famine and a toxic dynasty threaten its survival. Will Queen Cleopatra become the last of the pharaohs?
Season 1, Episode 3
The Aztecs battle to save their civilisation from Spanish invaders – but is the real threat from the enemy within?
Season 1, Episode 4
For 250 years, Japan has thrived, largely cut off from western influence - until US gunboats arrive. In the face of an industrialised west, how will reformers, the shogun and the samurai class react?
