Brand: PBS

Features:

• DVD
• Multiple Formats, Color, Widescreen
• English (Original Language)
• 2
• 364

Format: color

PartNumber: KOC-DV6550

Release Date: 08-07-2008

Details: Journey to the heart of urban life and witness the splendor and brilliance of the world’s most magnificent cities throughout the ages. Using computer animation, lavishly staged scenes and expert commentary, this 7-part series explores invention and innovation as well as the experiences of daily life in these centers of power. THE POWER OF CITIES Athens: The Rule of the People Through a fascinating but arduous process, Athens brings the world a new political system - democracy. But even in this bastion of logic, the gods still have their say. Watch as the restoration of monuments on the Acropolis gives spectacular insight into some of the most famous buildings constructed in this cradle of western culture. Alexandria: The Centre of Knowledge Hellenistic culture creates a bustling metropolis deep in the Egyptian desert. Guided by the vision of Alexander the Great, architects erect the most powerful urban center of its time. Visit the Greek royal city in the land of the Pharaohs and ascend one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the legendary Alexandria lighthouse. Carthage: City of Seafarers Follow Phoenician sailors along the coast of North Africa to the city that will rule the western Mediterranean for decades - Carthage. Computer animation helps to unravel the mystery of the secret war harbor and reveal the underground mines where many seafarers’ hopes of fame and glory were dashed by imprisonment. Rome: The Heart of the Empire In the 2nd century AD, Rome is both the crown jewel of a massive empire and an infamous capitol of crime. Here the elite’s shallow lifestyle contrasts sharply with the meager existence of ordinary citizens. Extensive computer animation re-creates the Colosseum in all its glory alongside the city’s seedy underbelly of dark alleys and inns. THE BRIGHT CITIES OF THE DARK AGES Mission to Constantinople 1437. The wealthiest and most beautiful city in Christendom stands isolated in the heart of the Byzantine Empire, completely surrounded by the Ottoman Turks. Constantinople defies the Islamic onslaught only by virtue of its massive defensive works and ramparts, but unless they receive help from Rome, all may be lost. Escape to Venice 1494. The world is in upheaval, but thanks to its powerful arsenal, Venice, the largest industrial complex of its time, remains wealthy and powerful - rich in both trade and the arts. Dive below the water, to see how this amazing floating city was constructed on a forest of logs and see buildings that were destroyed long ago come to life once again. Murder in Paris 1455. The city is in the process of recovering from the horrors of the Hundred Years War, marauding soldiers and the Plague. The spirit of change and new beginnings is in the air. Computer animation, contemporary paintings and an examination of the city’s lifeline – the Seine - provide a clear picture of Paris in the medieval ages.

UPC: 741952655091

EAN: 0741952655091

Model: KOC-DV6550

Languages: English

Binding: dvd

Item Condition: New