Civilisations (TV Miniseries)

A reboot of Kenneth Clark' groundbreaking 1969 documentary, this series investigates the achievements, ingenuity and achievements of civilisations from around the world. From Ancient Greek temples to the stone statues of the Olmecs of Mexico and ancient Japanese scrolls, this gripping series introduces this generation to the achievements of the Ancient World. Ten-part series telling the story of art from the dawn of human history to the present day, for the first time on a global scale. It is now nearly half a century since Kenneth Clark's series Civilisation thrilled audiences with its authoritative interpretation of the glories of Western art. Inspired by that groundbreaking program, this new series of Civilisations introduces a new generation to the great masterworks of beauty, ingenuity and illumination created across the continents. It explores the visual culture of societies from around the globe, revealing alongside the magnificent objects made in the West the wealth of treasures created by other cultures, from the landscape scrolls of classical China and the sculpture of the Olmecs to African bronzes, Japanese prints and Mughal miniatures. Told by three presenters, each bringing their own skills and perspectives to the series - Simon Schama, Mary Beard and David Olusoga.