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  • BBC Two

Civilisations: Rise and Fall

  • 2025
  • Returning Series
  • Documentary
  • ~59m / ep
  • 1 season
  • 4.8/10

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.

Latest: Series 1 · 2025

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

  1. E1. Rome

    Nov 24, 2025 · 59m

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

  2. E2. Egypt

    Dec 1, 2025 · 59m

    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?

  3. E3. Aztecs

    Dec 8, 2025 · 59m

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

  4. E4. Japan

    Dec 15, 2025 · 59m

    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?

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