Civilisations: Rise and Fall Season 1

Back to series

Season 1

What caused the demise of the greatest civilisations of the ancient world?

Air date: 2025-11-24

Episodes: 4

Episodes

E1: Rome

A weak emperor. A divided empire. Barbarians at the gate. Does this perfect storm mean the end of ancient Rome?

Air date: 2025-11-24 • ★ 1

E2: 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?

Air date: 2025-12-01 • ★ 1

E3: Aztecs

The Aztecs battle to save their civilisation from Spanish invaders – but is the real threat from the enemy within?

Air date: 2025-12-08 • ★ 1

E4: 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?

Air date: 2025-12-15 • ★ 1