Civilisations: Rise and Fall - Series 1

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

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?

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

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?