Civilisations: Rise and Fall
Series 1
Created by:
Network: BBC Two
Season aired: 2025-11-24
Overview
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.
About This Season
What caused the demise of the greatest civilisations of the ancient world?
Advertisement
AdSense · 320×100
Episodes · 4
Rome
A weak emperor. A divided empire. Barbarians at the gate. Does this perfect storm mean the end of ancient Rome?
Egypt
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?
Aztecs
The Aztecs battle to save their civilisation from Spanish invaders – but is the real threat from the enemy within?
Japan
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?
