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Four mighty civilisations - Rome, Egypt, Japan's Samurai and the Aztecs. Their legends remain - now priceless artefacts reveal what led them to fall into the echoes of history.
Now playingSeries 1, Episode 1
Watching1. Rome
A weak emperor. A divided empire. Barbarians at the gate. Does this perfect storm mean the end of ancient Rome?
2. Egypt
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
The Aztecs battle to save their civilisation from Spanish invaders – but is the real threat from the enemy within?
4. Japan
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?
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