Civilisations: Rise and Fall

Four mighty civilisations - Rome, Egypt, Japan's Samurai and the Aztecs. Their legends remain - now priceless artefacts reveal what led them to fall into the echoes of history.

Overview Credits Learn Reviews Seasons Images Videos Recommendations Similar

Created By
Status	Returning Series
Original Name	Civilisations: Rise and Fall
First Air Date	November 24, 2025
Last Air Date	December 1, 2025
Seasons	1
Episodes	4
Episode Runtime	59min
Language	English
Original Language	English
Production Countries	—
Production Companies
Networks	BBC Two

S01E04

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?

View Episodes