Kultur Video - Secrets of Ancient Empires (2006)

The Secrets of Ancient Empires collection takes you back many thousands of years to the mysterious days of antiquity. This unique series traces the development of the ancient peoples, revealing new secrets and exploring myths as it seeks the truth behind the great civilizations of the world. Featuring brand new location footage from all over the world, stunning reconstructions and re-creations plus rare period imagery, these entertaining and informative programs provide a superb record of the very roots of today's civilization and society.
Part 1: The First Civilisations
This fascinating episode from the Secrets of Ancient Empires collection investigates the very latest findings about the development of the earliest civilizations. Superb graphics and re-creations combine to reveal the truth behind our transition from hunter gatherer to city dweller as the myth of the 'primitive savages' of pre-history is explored. The great ancient cities of Babylon and Jericho are explored as the program compares the lives of our earliest ancestors and their nomadic contemporaries.

Part 2: The First Merchants
The common thread that joined all great ancient powers was the need to trade. This episode of Secrets of Ancient Empires explains how trade was carried out across continents long before a single road was constructed. Nor was it only raw materials that were common currency -the program reveals how luxury items such as honey, jewelry and opium were bought and sold across the world via a complex network of trade routes.

Part 3: The First Beliefs
The bloody act of human sacrifice combined with bizarre ritualized acts formed the backdrop to ancient organized religious systems. This powerful episode of the Secrets of Ancient Empires collection peers into the darker side of life in the ancient world, where acts that appear immoral to the modern eye were an integral part of temple life.

Part 4: The First Cities
As the concept of society grew and developed, the first great cities of the ancient world came to prominence. This episode from the Secrets of Ancient Empires collection investigates the realities behind everyday life in the city including law and order, taxation and the surprising truth behind early class systems.

Part 5: The First Armies
This episode of Secrets of Ancient Empires collection features stunning re-creations and reconstructions as it tells the powerful story of the origins of organized warfare. The program reveals the truth behind the savagery of ancient battle; how weapons were made and developed; how sophisticated tactics were introduced and how great warriors made their reputation as they fought to win glory and protect their lands from foreign invasion.