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Watch Civilizations
Survey the history of art, from antiquity to the present, on a global scale. Civilizations reveals the role art and creative imagination have played in forging humanity, and introduce viewers to works of beauty, ingenuity and illumination across cultures.
Watch Video from Episode 1 of Civilizations
The Lady of Brassempouy
Host Simon Schama argues this 25,000 year-old sculpture found in France represents the dawn of the idea of beauty.
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1m 38s
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The Lady of Brassempouy
1m 38s
Host Simon Schama argues this 25,000 year-old sculpture found in France represents the dawn of the idea of beauty.
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The Cognitive Revolution
1m 49s
The cognitive revolution stirred early humanity from its creative slumber, and the images it produced continue to humble e
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An Early Step on the Road to Civilization
1m 11s
Cave paintings in Castillo Spain represent some of the first paintings made by humans.
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The Protector of Civilization
2m 45s
ISIS destroyed ancient artifacts in the city of Palmyra, Syria, and museum curator sacrificed his life trying to save them.
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About the Author
Sam is the director of multiplatform discovery and production for PBS. When not geeking out about the latest Ken Burns documentary or Call the Midwife season, you can find him playing video games with the cool kids.