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The Big History of Civilizations
The next major transition in human history is the rise of cities; introducing life in the early farm communities; Professor Benjamin investigates the origins of power; its relationship to the state; the abiding features of the world's early cities.
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The Big History of Civilizations
The Era of Agrarian Civilizations stretches nearly 5,000 years: teasing out the large-scale trends and patterns of this period, what leads to the growth of agrarian civilizations and the key barriers these civilizations face.
The Big History of Civilizations
Gaining new insights into civilization by looking at the Sumerians of Mesopotamia; using techniques such as linguistics, genetics, archeology, climatology and more to see how this society unfolds; what lessons it has to offer today.
The Big History of Civilizations
Surveying the rise and fall of empires in the 1,000 years after the collapse of the Sumerians; how laws and language barriers impact the Babylonians, the Hittites and the Assyrians; how the changing environment inevitably has the last word.
Greece, Rome, and the Birth of Western Philosophy
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Greece, Rome, and the Birth of Western Philosophy
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Greece, Rome, and the Birth of Western Philosophy
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Greece, Rome, and the Birth of Western Philosophy
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Greece, Rome, and the Birth of Western Philosophy
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Greece, Rome, and the Birth of Western Philosophy
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Greece, Rome, and the Birth of Western Philosophy
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Greece, Rome, and the Birth of Western Philosophy
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The Big History of Civilizations
Jericho and Anau are two of the world's oldest cities; their stories have much to say about the scope of human history; what makes these cities successful; how they differ from each other; introducing the concept and key themes of Big History.
The Big History of Civilizations
Tracing the origins of the human species from the emergence of proto-humans to the rise of Homo sapiens, Professor Benjamin offers perspectives to show what makes the human species unique and why it has been able to flourish.
The Big History of Civilizations
The Paleolithic Era is the longest time in human history; understanding this period is crucial for comprehending the human history that follows, including how family dynamics, migration patterns, climate change and more affect life in this era.
The Big History of Civilizations
Debating why and how humanity transitions from foraging to agriculture; delving into the agricultural revolution; how some combination of climate change, population growth and human ingenuity leads to a revolution in human history.
The Big History of Civilizations
The next major transition in human history is the rise of cities; introducing life in the early farm communities; Professor Benjamin investigates the origins of power; its relationship to the state; the abiding features of the world's early cities.
The Big History of Civilizations
The Era of Agrarian Civilizations stretches nearly 5,000 years: teasing out the large-scale trends and patterns of this period, what leads to the growth of agrarian civilizations and the key barriers these civilizations face.
The Big History of Civilizations
Gaining new insights into civilization by looking at the Sumerians of Mesopotamia; using techniques such as linguistics, genetics, archeology, climatology and more to see how this society unfolds; what lessons it has to offer today.
The Big History of Civilizations
Surveying the rise and fall of empires in the 1,000 years after the collapse of the Sumerians; how laws and language barriers impact the Babylonians, the Hittites and the Assyrians; how the changing environment inevitably has the last word.
A History of England from the Tudors to the Stuarts
Taking a look at the scope of the series; the significance of English history; why this Early-Modern period is crucial not only to the development of England but to transatlantic civilization itself.
A History of England from the Tudors to the Stuarts
Examining England's so-called "island mentality"; its complicated relationship to both Europe and the Celtic lands of Scotland, Ireland and Wales.
A History of England from the Tudors to the Stuarts
The discussion of the physical world of the English people in 1485 continues; a look at the material and social topography of the English town, manor and village, from its wealthiest residents to its poorest.
A History of England from the Tudors to the Stuarts
Turning to the mental landscape of the English people; focusing on the concept of the "Great Chain of Being"; the unyielding social hierarchy it implies.
The Great Tours: England, Scotland and Wales
Why Great Britain offers so much as a travel destination; thousand-year-old castles and cathedrals; contemporary art museums and scenic hikes; a look at the scope of all Britain has to offer, along with a few unique ideas.
The Great Tours: England, Scotland and Wales
The beginning of Great Britain's history 5,000 years ago; a mysterious ancient people whose only vestiges are earthworks and stone circles; the massive popularity of Stonehenge; visiting other ancient ruins such as Avebury or Maiden Castle.
The Great Tours: England, Scotland and Wales
The Roman conquest; how the Romans invaded Great Britain and spread their territory; Hadrian's Wall marking the edge of the empire; the Roman impact on Great Britain, from the city of Bath to the island's long and straight roads.
The Great Tours: England, Scotland and Wales
How a number of Germanic tribes stepped in to fill the power vacuum left after the Romans left Britain; exploring the Anglo-Saxon conquests; the Viking attacks in the Middle Ages; Offa's Dyke and the monastery of Lindisfarne.
Crimes of the Century: A Selective History of Infamy
Unsolved murders are as compelling as anything one might see in movies; the first "crime of the century" is the mysterious murder of a Hollywood director in 1922; William Desmond Taylor is not who he seems to be, and his death continues to fascinate.
Crimes of the Century: A Selective History of Infamy
The murder of Bridget Cleary in turn-of-the-century Ireland shows the mystery of human psychology; on the surface, it seems her husband, Michael, murders her because he believes she is a "changeling" fairy in disguise; investigating this motive.
Crimes of the Century: A Selective History of Infamy
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand is one of the most world-shaking events in the 20th century; the motivation behind the murder is rife with conspiracy; diving into a cycle of mystery and violence in early 20th-century Sarajevo.
Crimes of the Century: A Selective History of Infamy
Exploring the murder of the Russian Tsar Nicholas and other Romanovs at the hands of the Bolsheviks; for more than a century, the facts of this murder are dissected and debated; time adds few facts but plenty of speculation and myth to this event.
Foundations of Western Civilization II: A History of the Modern Western World
An overview of the past 500 years of European history and culture; the system of government; economic structures; science and technology; the literature, art and music.
Foundations of Western Civilization II: A History of the Modern Western World
How the physical realities of Europe and the Atlantic world shaped its destiny; geography and climate affecting patterns of population, immigration, diplomacy, war, and political and cultural divisions.
Foundations of Western Civilization II: A History of the Modern Western World
The Great Chain of Being, which assumed an ordered, hierarchical universe in which humans were placed in a particular rank by God; Europe emerging from the Middle Ages; how the concept was challenged and strained by various forces.
Foundations of Western Civilization II: A History of the Modern Western World
A revived interest in the literary and historical works of classical Greece and Rome; new ideas about the qualifications of a gentleman, the role of women and the expectations of a prince; a resulting emphasis on literacy and education.
The Skeptic's Guide to American History
The key elements of a broadened approach; the study of history with this fast-moving examination of the origins of religious and racial tolerance in America; grasping how the assumptions one has held can differ dramatically from historical reality.
The Skeptic's Guide to American History
Understanding history with a look at efforts of the colonists to defend their rights as Englishmen; the ironic role played by European tyrannies in helping establish the nation that would forever change the definition of liberty.
The Skeptic's Guide to American History
Gaining a nuanced understanding of what the founders' original intent really is; many of the questions they grapple with divide them for their entire lives; ultimately being bequeathed to their successors and persisting even to this day.
The Skeptic's Guide to American History
The hagiography that shapes George Washington's image and undertakes a balanced examination, measuring his military and presidential failings against his numerous successes; some of the successes may be his major contributions to American history.
The Skeptic's Guide to American History
Jefferson and Hamilton hold opposing views on policy and constitutional interpretation; their conflict is often thought of in terms of one's contemporary understanding of liberalism and conservatism; it is relevant in very different ways.
The History of the Supreme Court
Outlining the Supreme Court's development as an institution; discussing the recurring themes of continuity and change, consensus and conflict, and the societal diversity that creates many of the Court's cases.
The History of the Supreme Court
Discussing the factors that led to the drafting of a new Constitution; the debates over the shape of the new government.
The History of the Supreme Court
Examining the debates at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 over ratification between the supporting Federalists and the Antifederalists; the addition of the Bill of Rights in 1791; the workings of the Court during its first decade.
The History of the Supreme Court
The impact of Marshall's 34-year tenure as Chief Justice is significant and long-lasting, examining his career and influence.
The History of the Supreme Court
Examining the impeachment and trial of Justice Samuel Chase; studying several landmark cases that grow out of the rapid growth of the nation in the 19th century.
The History of the Supreme Court
Roger Taney is a fervent advocate of states' rights and slavery; when he becomes Chief Justice after the death of John Marshall, the Court's reading of the Constitution becomes very different.
The American Revolution
Driven close to financial collapse by the French and Indian War, England turns for help to the colonies that had fought at its side; the new taxes, imposed without representation, outrage people who consider themselves fully English.
The American Revolution
Britain's understanding of its ancient, although unwritten, style of government places it at odds with that of its colonists; the colonists see in John Locke's theories not a hypothetical thought experiment, but an argument for autonomy.
The American Revolution
What the typical British soldier and officers are like; knowing how the troops are organized and equipped; meeting the forces expected to maintain order in the increasingly rebellious colonies.
The American Revolution
Tensions escalate and the first Continental Congress convenes; King George III finally heeds a request for reinforcements; nevertheless, the British sorely underestimate American militia and suffer a humiliating defeat at Lexington and Concord.
The American Revolution
Benedict Arnold helps win a key victory at New York's Fort Ticonderoga; the Second Continental Congress authorizes a new army under George Washington, a soldier aware of the implications of the conflict; the risk of potentially rebellious slaves.
The Skeptic's Guide to American History
The key elements of a broadened approach; the study of history with this fast-moving examination of the origins of religious and racial tolerance in America; grasping how the assumptions one has held can differ dramatically from historical reality.
The Skeptic's Guide to American History
Understanding history with a look at efforts of the colonists to defend their rights as Englishmen; the ironic role played by European tyrannies in helping establish the nation that would forever change the definition of liberty.
The Skeptic's Guide to American History
Gaining a nuanced understanding of what the founders' original intent really is; many of the questions they grapple with divide them for their entire lives; ultimately being bequeathed to their successors and persisting even to this day.
The Skeptic's Guide to American History
The hagiography that shapes George Washington's image and undertakes a balanced examination, measuring his military and presidential failings against his numerous successes; some of the successes may be his major contributions to American history.
The Skeptic's Guide to American History
Jefferson and Hamilton hold opposing views on policy and constitutional interpretation; their conflict is often thought of in terms of one's contemporary understanding of liberalism and conservatism; it is relevant in very different ways.
The History of the Supreme Court
Outlining the Supreme Court's development as an institution; discussing the recurring themes of continuity and change, consensus and conflict, and the societal diversity that creates many of the Court's cases.
The History of the Supreme Court
Discussing the factors that led to the drafting of a new Constitution; the debates over the shape of the new government.
The History of the Supreme Court
Examining the debates at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 over ratification between the supporting Federalists and the Antifederalists; the addition of the Bill of Rights in 1791; the workings of the Court during its first decade.
The History of the Supreme Court
The impact of Marshall's 34-year tenure as Chief Justice is significant and long-lasting, examining his career and influence.
The History of the Supreme Court
Examining the impeachment and trial of Justice Samuel Chase; studying several landmark cases that grow out of the rapid growth of the nation in the 19th century.
The History of the Supreme Court
Roger Taney is a fervent advocate of states' rights and slavery; when he becomes Chief Justice after the death of John Marshall, the Court's reading of the Constitution becomes very different.
The American Revolution
Driven close to financial collapse by the French and Indian War, England turns for help to the colonies that had fought at its side; the new taxes, imposed without representation, outrage people who consider themselves fully English.
The American Revolution
Britain's understanding of its ancient, although unwritten, style of government places it at odds with that of its colonists; the colonists see in John Locke's theories not a hypothetical thought experiment, but an argument for autonomy.
The American Revolution
What the typical British soldier and officers are like; knowing how the troops are organized and equipped; meeting the forces expected to maintain order in the increasingly rebellious colonies.
The American Revolution
Tensions escalate and the first Continental Congress convenes; King George III finally heeds a request for reinforcements; nevertheless, the British sorely underestimate American militia and suffer a humiliating defeat at Lexington and Concord.
The American Revolution
Benedict Arnold helps win a key victory at New York's Fort Ticonderoga; the Second Continental Congress authorizes a new army under George Washington, a soldier aware of the implications of the conflict; the risk of potentially rebellious slaves.
The Skeptic's Guide to American History
The key elements of a broadened approach; the study of history with this fast-moving examination of the origins of religious and racial tolerance in America; grasping how the assumptions one has held can differ dramatically from historical reality.
The Skeptic's Guide to American History
Understanding history with a look at efforts of the colonists to defend their rights as Englishmen; the ironic role played by European tyrannies in helping establish the nation that would forever change the definition of liberty.
The Skeptic's Guide to American History
Gaining a nuanced understanding of what the founders' original intent really is; many of the questions they grapple with divide them for their entire lives; ultimately being bequeathed to their successors and persisting even to this day.
The Skeptic's Guide to American History
The hagiography that shapes George Washington's image and undertakes a balanced examination, measuring his military and presidential failings against his numerous successes; some of the successes may be his major contributions to American history.
The Skeptic's Guide to American History
Jefferson and Hamilton hold opposing views on policy and constitutional interpretation; their conflict is often thought of in terms of one's contemporary understanding of liberalism and conservatism; it is relevant in very different ways.
The History of the Supreme Court
Outlining the Supreme Court's development as an institution; discussing the recurring themes of continuity and change, consensus and conflict, and the societal diversity that creates many of the Court's cases.
The History of the Supreme Court
Discussing the factors that led to the drafting of a new Constitution; the debates over the shape of the new government.
The History of the Supreme Court
Examining the debates at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 over ratification between the supporting Federalists and the Antifederalists; the addition of the Bill of Rights in 1791; the workings of the Court during its first decade.