The BBC's latest foray into ancient history, "Civilisation: Rise and Fall," may evoke a sense of déjà vu. After all, the narrative arc – rise to greatness, followed by collapse under the weight of internal decay – is an all-too-familiar tale. The show's creators have taken a masterclass in building tension, with each episode hurtling towards its climax like a ticking time bomb.
This third installment, featuring Sophie Okonedo as the narrator, delves into the downfall of four ancient worlds: Rome, Egypt, the Aztecs, and the samurai of Japan. It's not just the external pressures – climate catastrophe, war, pandemic, mass migration, and insatiable greed – that seal their fate; it's also a toxic mix of inequality, social decay, and power struggles within.
The show's commentary is astute, with Luke Kemp from the Centre for the Study of Existential Risk saying, "Wealth inequality is the most common and crucial element in societal collapse." It's a sobering reminder that the seeds of our own downfall are often sown within. The artefacts on display – including a stunning 2,050-year-old head of Augustus and the infamous Rosetta Stone – serve as potent reminders of our own capacity for both greatness and destruction.
While the show is undeniably gripping, with re-enactments that sometimes feel like a cross between Game of Thrones and Shōgun, it's hard to shake the feeling that we've seen this all before. The constant countdowns, ticking away towards each civilization's demise, can be stressful viewing – a stark reminder that our own time is running out.
Ultimately, "Civilisation: Rise and Fall" presents us with an uncomfortable mirror held up to our own society. We're forced to confront the darker aspects of human nature, the same flaws that have always driven civilizations to the brink of collapse. Will we learn from history? Perhaps; but until then, it's clear that our collective anxiety is at an all-time high.
As for a companion piece, I'd recommend "Empire" with David Olusoga – a documentary series that, in many ways, serves as a counterpoint to this latest installment. Nonetheless, if you're prepared to confront the abyss staring back at us, then "Civilisation: Rise and Fall" is an unflinching journey into the heart of darkness.
This third installment, featuring Sophie Okonedo as the narrator, delves into the downfall of four ancient worlds: Rome, Egypt, the Aztecs, and the samurai of Japan. It's not just the external pressures – climate catastrophe, war, pandemic, mass migration, and insatiable greed – that seal their fate; it's also a toxic mix of inequality, social decay, and power struggles within.
The show's commentary is astute, with Luke Kemp from the Centre for the Study of Existential Risk saying, "Wealth inequality is the most common and crucial element in societal collapse." It's a sobering reminder that the seeds of our own downfall are often sown within. The artefacts on display – including a stunning 2,050-year-old head of Augustus and the infamous Rosetta Stone – serve as potent reminders of our own capacity for both greatness and destruction.
While the show is undeniably gripping, with re-enactments that sometimes feel like a cross between Game of Thrones and Shōgun, it's hard to shake the feeling that we've seen this all before. The constant countdowns, ticking away towards each civilization's demise, can be stressful viewing – a stark reminder that our own time is running out.
Ultimately, "Civilisation: Rise and Fall" presents us with an uncomfortable mirror held up to our own society. We're forced to confront the darker aspects of human nature, the same flaws that have always driven civilizations to the brink of collapse. Will we learn from history? Perhaps; but until then, it's clear that our collective anxiety is at an all-time high.
As for a companion piece, I'd recommend "Empire" with David Olusoga – a documentary series that, in many ways, serves as a counterpoint to this latest installment. Nonetheless, if you're prepared to confront the abyss staring back at us, then "Civilisation: Rise and Fall" is an unflinching journey into the heart of darkness.
We've seen this all before... and we're running out of time! 
[A screenshot of Game of Thrones with a samurai helmet on Jon Snow's head]
it's like they're holding up a mirror to our own society right now! The way it explores how inequality, power struggles, and internal decay can lead to collapse is so eerily relevant 
. I'm still reeling from the stunning visuals of ancient artifacts – that 2,050-year-old head of Augustus is giving me goosebumps 
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. The way it shows these civilizations' rise to power and subsequent downfall feels like a ticking time bomb, counting down to our own demise 
.
. Maybe this is the catalyst for change, or maybe we're just doomed to repeat history 
. Either way, I'm glad I watched it. Here's a simple diagram of how civilizations rise and fall: 
. Will we learn from history, or are we doomed to repeat the same mistakes?
. Can't they just chill? It's like, we get it, civilizations rise and fall, move on from the ticking time bomb vibes already 
. Give me some actual depth or nuance for once! The show's got some great points about wealth inequality and social decay, but the way they're presented feels so predictable and overused 
no wonder the show is all about how our greed & inequality are killing us 
. It's crazy how much history is just a precursor to what we're dealing with today... it's like the same old patterns keep repeating ourselves 
How can something so beautiful be tied to such darkness? I mean, what's the point of watching this if it just confirms everything we already know is doomed? 
But at the same time... I feel like I need to see it through, you know? It's a weird sort of morbid curiosity 
.