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All Episodes

Trade

Examine the civilizing effect of trade.

Cities

Investigate why cities were so integral to the rise of civilization.

Religion

Learn why every successful civilization needs a narrative—a shared set of beliefs.

War

See how war can destroy lives, yet create civilization.

About First Civilizations

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.

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