Series 1
2025 · 4 episodes · 3h 56m in all · 3.0/10
What caused the demise of the greatest civilisations of the ancient world?
Episodes
1. Rome
24 Nov 2025 · 59 min · 3.0/10
A weak emperor. A divided empire. Barbarians at the gate. Does this perfect storm mean the end of ancient Rome?
2. Egypt
1 Dec 2025 · 59 min · 3.0/10
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. Aztecs
8 Dec 2025 · 59 min · 2.8/10
The Aztecs battle to save their civilisation from Spanish invaders – but is the real threat from the enemy within?
4. Japan
15 Dec 2025 · 59 min · 3.3/10
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?
Civilisations: Rise and Fall Series 1: quick answers
How many episodes are in Civilisations: Rise and Fall Series 1?
Series 1 of Civilisations: Rise and Fall has 4 episodes, about 4 hours in total.
When did Civilisations: Rise and Fall Series 1 come out?
Series 1 premiered on 24 Nov 2025.