Series synopsis
First Civilizations is an American documentary television series that premiered on PBS on April 24, 2018. It ended on May 15, 2018. It stars Kerry Shale.
Using the latest in archaeology, anthropology and genetics, this series tells the story of where the modern world began. Incorporating studies of artifacts, renowned sites of archaeological interest and interviews with leading experts, it moves around the geographic zones of the world, exploring how and why civilization first sparked into life.
Premise
Using the latest in archaeology, anthropology and genetics, this series tells the story of where the modern world began. Incorporating studies of artifacts, renowned sites of archaeological interest and interviews with leading experts, it moves around the geographic zones of the world, exploring how and why civilization first sparked into life.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Kerry Shale as Self - Narrator (voice)
Episodes
This series spans 1 season with 4 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 4 | April 24, 2018 | May 15, 2018 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
War Examine the process of “destructive creation” — the idea that fear, rivalry and conflict strengthen community bonds while stimulating an arms race of technological progress. The result is civilization. Ancient Mesoamerica exemplifies this development. |
April 24, 2018 |
| 2 |
Religion The secret to the stability and cohesion of Ancient Egypt was religion. When people share a core set of beliefs, they are more likely to identify as one. That was true for the first civilizations, it’s just as true today. |
May 1, 2018 |
| 3 |
Cities View the birthplace of civilization: the Middle East, site of the world’s first villages, towns and cities, from the hills of Turkey to the plains of Iraq. They were crucibles of invention and innovation — turbo-charging the pace of progress. |
May 8, 2018 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | PBS |
|---|---|
| First aired | April 24, 2018 |
| Last aired | May 15, 2018 |
| Runtime | 56 minutes |
| Status | ended |
| Schedule | Tuesday at 21:00:00 |