Ancient Civilizations for Children: 1

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Ancient Mesopotamia - 00:26:55
Where did civilization begin? That's a question archeologists have been trying to answer for centuries. Many believe it began in ancient Mesopotamia, the land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in Asia, in what is now part of Turkey and Iraq. This program examines the Sumerian civilization in detail and takes students to the ancient lands of the Babylonians and the Assyrians to learn of their lives and customs, much of which we have learned from the Bible. The program is hosted by the intriguing archeologist, Arizona Smith, and his young detective-in-training.

Ancient Inca - 00:27:46
The Incan empire was built in the 15th century and lasted less than 100 years. Amazingly, in that short time, the Inca created an incredibly organized and productive society. Located in what is now part of Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, the Inca were excellent farmers, builders and craftsmen. Students will visit the ruins of the lost city of Machu Picchu, a remarkably well-preserved example of an Incan city. Artifacts like pottery fragments, pieces of cloth, old toys and stone tools help archeologists piece together a picture of the daily life of the Inca. What happened to the Inca? When the Spanish explorers arrived in 1532, they found the empire in turmoil. In addition, the Spanish brought new diseases, killing people by the thousands. In the end, the Spanish conquered the Inca, destroying their way of life and religion. Hosted by the intriguing archeologist, Arizona Smith, and his young detective-in-training.

Ancient Egypt - 00:25:30
Travel back in time to ancient Egypt, a civilization that began along the Nile River more than 5,000 years ago. From the building of the pyramids and temples to their vast trading system, these early people did much to advance civilization. Their intricate system of writing symbols and letters -- hieroglyphics -- mystified archeologists until the discovery and translation of the Rosetta Stone. Children will learn about the importance of the Nile in daily life, the lives of kings, craftsmen and farmers, and the legacy of Egyptian art and architecture that still inspires people today. Hosted by the intriguing archeologist, Arizona Smith, and his young detective-in-training.

Ancient China - 00:25:50
China is one of the world's oldest continuing civilizations, and archeologists are still fascinated by it today. Starting with the incredible discovery of an enormous army of clay soldiers in Emperor Q'in's tomb, students will discover how archeologists have pieced together this magnificent find to learn about life in Q'in's time. This program introduces the first four Chinese dynasties, beginning with the Han Dynasty, founded in 206 B.C., and continues back in time through the Q'in, Chou (Zhou) and earliest Shang dynasties. The building of the Great Wall and the development of writing, silk and bronze are also covered. The program is hosted by the intriguing archeologist, Arizona Smith, and his young detective-in-training.