The series “What the Ancients Did for Us” is a fascinating exploration of ancient history and the many inventions and innovations that have shaped our world today. Presented by Adam Hart-Davis, the series takes viewers on a journey through time to discover the groundbreaking contributions made by civilizations from across the globe.
From the ancient Chinese to the Mesopotamians, the Arabs, and even the Ancient Britons, each episode of the series focuses on a specific civilization and the remarkable advances they made in military, technological, social, architectural, and medical fields. Throughout the series, viewers are introduced to the many incredible inventions that emerged from each era, and how these innovations have played a vital role in shaping our modern world.
One of the standout episodes of the series is “The Islamic World,” which delves into the amazing inventions and discoveries made by Islamic scientists and scholars during the Golden Age of Islam. During this period, from the 8th to the 14th centuries, the Islamic world was at the forefront of scientific and intellectual advancements, paving the way for much of the modern world’s technology and knowledge.
From advancements in medicine to breakthroughs in astronomy, mathematics, and engineering, the episode on “The Islamic World” covers a wide range of fascinating topics. For example, the episode reveals how Islamic scholars were the first to identify and diagnose many diseases, including smallpox, measles, and diabetes. Additionally, the episode highlights the incredible achievements of Islamic astronomers, who were the first to accurately measure the Earth’s circumference and created some of the most accurate star charts of their time.
Throughout the series, viewers are also introduced to the many incredible inventions that emerged from each era. For example, the episode on the ancient Greeks highlights the creation of robots and the first computer, while the episode on the Mesopotamians delves into the invention of the wheel and the earliest forms of writing.
Overall, “What the Ancients Did for Us” is a fascinating exploration of history and the many incredible inventions and innovations that have shaped our modern world. From the ancient Chinese to the Ancient Britons, the series provides an in-depth look at the many contributions made by these civilizations and how they continue to influence our lives today.
In short, this series is a must-watch for anyone interested in history, science, and technology. By taking viewers on a journey through time, it provides a unique perspective on how the world we know today was shaped by the many incredible innovations of the past.