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  1. Navigate Home
  3. Television

  4. Big History of Civilizations

TELEVISION

Big History of Civilizations

Series: Great Courses
4.4
(39)
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Episodes
36
Rating
TVPG
Year
2016
Language
English
Publisher
The Great Courses

About

Apply a cutting-edge historical approach to the epic story of humanity across time and around the world. Taught by acclaimed Professor Craig G. Benjamin of Grand Valley State University, these 36 sweeping lectures trace the grand story of human civilizations from our emergence as a species, through the agricultural and industrial revolutions, and into the future.

Related Subjects

  • Educational
  • History

Episodes

1. A Tale of Two Ancient Cities

30m

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Jericho and Anau are two of the world's oldest cities, and their stories have much to tell us about the scope of human history. Begin the course by examining what made these cities successful, and how they differed from each other. This starting point will introduce the concept and key themes of Big History.

2. The Rise of Humanity

30m

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Trace the origins of the human species from the emergence of proto-humans 2.5 million years ago to the rise of Homo sapiens from about 200,000 years ago. Professor Benjamin offers perspectives from biology, anthropology, archeology, and linguistics to show what makes the human species unique - and why we have been able to flourish.

3. Foraging in the Old Stone Age

30m

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Although it is often skimmed over in the history books, the Paleolithic Era is the longest time in human history, ranging from 200,000 to 11,000 years ago. Understanding this period is crucial for understanding the human history that follows. See how family dynamics, migration patterns, climate change, and more affected life in this fascinating era.

4. Origins of Agriculture

30m

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Archaeologists continue to debate precisely why and how humanity transitioned from foraging to agriculture 10,000 years ago. Delve into the agricultural revolution to find out how some combination of climate change, population growth, and human ingenuity led to one of the most important revolutions in human history.

5. Power, Cities, and States

30m

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After the agricultural revolution, the next major transition in human history was the rise of cities. After introducing you to life in the early farm communities, Professor Benjamin investigates the origins of power and its relationship to the state. Discover several of the abiding features of the world's early cities.

6. The Era of Agrarian Civilizations

30m

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The vast Era of Agrarian Civilizations stretches nearly 5,000 years, from 3,200 B.C.E. to 1750 C.E. and the dawn of the Industrial Revolution. Tease out the large-scale trends and patterns of this period to find out what led to the growth of agrarian civilizations as well as the key barriers these civilizations faced.

7. Innovations of Mesopotamia

30m

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Gain new insights into civilization by looking at one of the first: the Sumerians of Mesopotamia. Here, use techniques from linguistics, genetics, archeology, climatology, and more to see how this society unfolded - and what lessons it has to offer us today. The approach in this lecture is "Big History" at its most engaging.

8. The Downfall of Sumer

30m

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Wars and rumors of war abound in this next lecture on Mesopotamia. Survey the rise and fall of empires in the 1,000 years after the collapse of the Sumerians. See how laws and language barriers impacted the Babylonians, the Hittites, and the Assyrians, and how the changing environment inevitably had the last word.

9. Egypt

30m

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Dive into the world of Ancient Egypt during the time of the great pharaohs. In this sweeping lecture, Professor Benjamin shows you how environmental circumstances led to Egyptian power. Examine the work of modern-day geneticists, chemists, and other scientists who are shedding new light on this mythical civilization.

10. Society and Culture of Egypt

30m

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Shift your attention from Ancient Egyptian power to the society's fascinating social, economic, and cultural achievements. Investigate Egyptian urban life, its system of trade, hieroglyphics, and religion. Thanks to its important heritage and influence on subsequent civilizations, Ancient Egyptian society remains truly astonishing.

Extended Details

  • SeriesGreat Courses
  • Closed CaptionsEnglish

Artists

Craig G. BenjaminWriter
Craig G. BenjaminActor

Similar Artists

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