Empires - The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization

Starring:Liam Neeson
Director: Cassian Harrison
Studio: Pbs Home Video
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
The lavish and lengthy production of PBS's The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization is a fitting tribute to the glory of ancient Greece, telling the story of Greek democracy from its first stirrings in 500 B.C. through to the cataclysmic wars that virtually destroyed the empire. It concludes with a fascinating look at how the Greeks were defeated, yet their philosophy endured and changed the world forever. Beautifully photographed, and with intelligent narration delivered by actor Liam Neeson, this two-volume set goes into considerable detail while also being engaging to the eye as well as the mind. The photography at ancient sites is often spectacular and judicious use of actors filmed in re-creations of critical events provide immediacy. Much of the story relates how the Greeks essentially invented politics and democracy, and interviews with prominent scholars of classical history provide insight into the major characters, including Thales, Pericles, and Socrates. The stories of epic battles on land and sea and a thoughtful treatment of the Greek ideals of heroism are presented well. But the documentary particularly succeeds in the latter stages, when the story turns to the downfall of Socrates and a thoughtful explanation of how Greek philosophy transformed civilization. --Robert J. McNamara
Description
The Greeks built an empire that laid the foundations for modern science, politics, warfare and philosophy, and produced some of the most breathtaking art and architecture the world has ever seen. This series, narrarted by Liam Neeson, recounts the rise, glory, demise and legacy of the empire that marked the dawn of Western civilization. Using the latest advances in computer technology, the story of this astonishing civilization is told through the lives of the heroes of ancient Greece. This series combines dramatic storytelling, stunning imagery, groundbreaking research and distinguished scholarship to render classical Greece gloriously alive.

Average customer rating:

Arete! The Legacy of Athens

Perfect to Me.

A HEAVY EMPHASIS ON ATHENS & ITS BATTLE HISTORY BUT A FASCINATING & WELL DONE DOCUMENTARY

Empires - The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization

There has to be a better DVD on this subject.

Empires - The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization
Starring: Liam Neeson
Director: Cassian Harrison
Manufacturer: PBS Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Amazon.com

The lavish and lengthy production of PBS's The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization is a fitting tribute to the glory of ancient Greece, telling the story of Greek democracy from its first stirrings in 500 B.C. through to the cataclysmic wars that virtually destroyed the empire. It concludes with a fascinating look at how the Greeks were defeated, yet their philosophy endured and changed the world forever. Beautifully photographed, and with intelligent narration delivered by actor Liam Neeson, this two-volume set goes into considerable detail while also being engaging to the eye as well as the mind. The photography at ancient sites is often spectacular and judicious use of actors filmed in re-creations of critical events provide immediacy. Much of the story relates how the Greeks essentially invented politics and democracy, and interviews with prominent scholars of classical history provide insight into the major characters, including Thales, Pericles, and Socrates. The stories of epic battles on land and sea and a thoughtful treatment of the Greek ideals of heroism are presented well. But the documentary particularly succeeds in the latter stages, when the story turns to the downfall of Socrates and a thoughtful explanation of how Greek philosophy transformed civilization. --Robert J. McNamara

Description

Dramatic stories and computer animation re-create Classical Greece, founder of modern science, politics, warfare, philosophy, and source of breathtaking art and architecture. This film charts the rise, triumph, and decline of the world's oldest democracy, witnessed through the eyes of Pericles, Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. DVD GOLD version includes wide-screen capability, additional interviews, director's comments, and more.

Customer Reviews:

Arete! The Legacy of Athens.......2007-03-25

This may be the best of PBS's 'Empires' series. Because the series' focus is on empire, this particular title inevitably focuses on Athens to the exclusion of almost all other Greek city-states (only Sparta plays a supporting role). Athens' rise from backwater to premier polis and head of a Greek empire in less than 200 years (the 6th to 5th centuries B.C.) is accomplished in roughly three parts:

1) The development of Athenian democracy: the result of a bad political situation turned positive. This segment is revolves around the life of Athens' leader Cleisthenes, the author of Athenian democracy, and sees the rise of Athens from minor town to major player on the Greek peninsula, in part due to agricultural exports (olive oil).

2) The transformation of Athens into a major Greek military power (rivaled only by Sparta) during the Persian war, and Athens' key role in the defeat of the Persians. This segment has as its anchor Themistocles, the Athenian general whose development of Athens' navy was crucial to the Greek's defeat of the Persians.

3) The rapid rise, and just as rapid decline, of Athens at its military and cultural height. Pericles is the leader who brings Athens to glory and to ruin (he both built the Parthenon and started the Peloponnesian War). Athens becomes the leader of an eastern-Mediterranean trading empire, and incurs the wrath of its neighbors when it gets a superiority complex. Pericles shares this segment with Socrates, who represents the new type of Greek hero: the rational man, in juxtaposition to the Greek's long-standing worship of the military hero. (Be forewarned: Plato and Aristotle barely get a mention.)

Supporting this narrative is voice-over by Liam Neeson, an esteemed selection of classical scholars (Victor Davis Hanson is probably the best known, and of course he weighs in on what he knows best: Greek agriculture and warfare), and the expected PBS standards: shots of costumed actors doing Greek-type things, marble sculptures, ruins, and a handful of computer-generated recreations. (And the DVD-ROM features are a nice bonus.)

In short, this is an excellent visual supplement to the rise of Athens and its contribution to what we typically understand as the beginnings of Western civilization. That said, the project is somewhat more limited than its title suggests, as 6th-5th century Athens doesn't really qualify as the entirety of The Greeks (and without Plato and Aristotle, much less Pythagoras, Thucydides, Herodotus, et al (and etc.), you don't really have the entire 'Crucible of Civilization'). But let's not quibble. After all, it's not even three hours long.

Perfect to Me. .......2006-12-27

I just saw this for the first time and will be watching it again as soon as possible. This documentary taught me more that I'll remember than two weeks of the history course I took in college (which admittedly, was taught by a near corpse). This is not merely a simple documentary; it is a finely crafted artistic achievement. Its 2+ hours float by and you'll learn more than you'd ever expect--if you're not already a Greek scholar that is. Neeson's narration is exquisite, and you can't ask for more authoritative commentary than that of Victor Davis Hanson and Donald Kagan. In the very near future, I'll be looking to view the rest of the discs in this series as well.

A HEAVY EMPHASIS ON ATHENS & ITS BATTLE HISTORY BUT A FASCINATING & WELL DONE DOCUMENTARY.......2006-11-09

IN A NUTSHELL:

This fascinating documentary from the series titled 'Empires' is 'The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization', narrated by Liam Neeson and released by PBS HOME VIDEO. With a subject as gigantic as early Greek civilization, and with only 170 minutes [including special features] to cover it in, it was inevitable that this film's focus be somewhat limited. The focus here is clearly on early Athenian civilization and how democracy arose from its earlier roots, which seemed not to be headed toward a future as the first major democracy.

From there, the film illustrates how the leaders of Athens were confronted with a political situation which created democracy out of necessity as the common people claimed ownership of their society by literally taking it back from a dictator who had turned tyrant.

The important historic figures in the wars with Persia and Sparta are highlighted and tactics as well as the rise and fall of armies and navies are shown in detail. Athens' growth as an international trade mecca, their wealth to build a navy via the discovery of a large vein of silver and much more is covered generously.

So of course is Pericles, and the age he ushered in which ended after his untimely death in 429 B.C. which led to a very poor outcome in the Peloponnesian War but a new beginning for Athens out of the ashes.

OK THERE IS A LOT HERE ABOUT ATHENS AND ITS WARS BUT THERE IS MORE TOO:

The beginning of the Greek culture, and philosophy which comprised the very soul of ancient Greece only began to come to fruition as its marshal and imperial goals were in ruin. Socrates, who is examined in depth in this film, ushers in a new era as he is glorified for dying for his principles after the Athenians climactic defeat to Sparta, with Persian aid, in the neverending Peloponnesian War [431-404 B.C.]. In fact, Socrates was executed [399 B.C.] for causing a moral and spiritual decay that allegedly was a primary cause of the loss of the Peloponnesian War by Athens [according to his accusers]. Rather frivilous charges against Socrates, but his execution cemented him in history and he became a new kind of hero that was not associated with violence or making war for glory --- but for thinking, self-examination, and enlightenment!

IN THE END: A GOOD PLACE TO START IN STUDYING EARLY GREEK CIVILIZATION

Yes, most of this film focuses on Athens and battles between Athens and Persia and the Peloponnesian War. But these events shaped what came after it significantly. Philosophy, Art, Drama, Science, Pottery, Women, International Trade, and more is examined, but with the exception of Socrates specifically, everything not pertaining to war seems secondary, and Athens is the only Greek City-State, [though admittedly the most important historically] that is examined in any degree of detail.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

Their are 4 additional scenes, but they are not narrated by Liam Neeson. They are titled, 'The Hoplites - Greek Soldiers', 'The Women', 'Delphi', 'The Theatre'. Each segment is about 4-5 minutes and do add something to the program. I found the program titled 'The Hoplites' the most interesting because it seemed to have concrete details included from solid historic and archeological evidence.

BOTTOM LINE: VERY INTERESTING BUT LIMITED ESSENTIALLY TO ATHENS

The renaissance that followed Socrates death is not fully examined, and since this seems to be at the core of the entire film I do feel a little let-down that the fleshing out of the enlightened age that Socrates ushered in was not delved into. I also wish there was more about the other City-States in Greece rather than an occasional passing reference to them as they pertained to life in Athens.

Though not without its faults, this was still a very compelling video to view and is recommended to anyone wishing to find out more about early Greek civilization or ancient history in general.

Empires - The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization.......2006-08-21

Superb documentary! Well made and enlightening. The Athenians are portrait as human being and not mere marble statuary like the history books make them out to be. I wish there was more documentaries made like this.

There has to be a better DVD on this subject........2006-01-16

"A Battle History of Athens" would have been a better title for this documentary, but as a history of Athens' rise and fall it's marginal at best. It is not a history of the ancient Greeks at all. The emphasis Athens' limited democracy (free, male Athenians) is overly romanticized and Athens' war with Persia (Iran) is characterized as a fight between freedom (democratic Athens) and slavery (autocratic Persia), which Persia started because it couldn't tolerate a city-state such as Athens on its fringes. In fact, the antagonism began when Athens came to the aid of Greek colonists in Asia Minor revolting against Persian rule. Plus, all ancient societies had slaves and Athens could not have prospered as it did without slaves, so to argue that Persia represented slavery while Athens stood for freedom is simply bad faith history.

This documentary also hopes to link Athenian democracy to modern western democracy along some unbroken line of development. There is a connection between the two, but it is not the link that this film implies (in its dramatic final monologue). In fact, Christian Europe (perhaps a truer foundation of the western world), did its best to wipe-out the legacy of Pagan Greece since the early Church fathers considered the Greek writers blasphemous (e.g. the Byzantine emperor Justinian I closed down Plato's Academy in 529 C.E. because he objected to its pagan teachings).

The most serious problem with this film is its treatment of Sparta. Sparta, the other great city-state of the Greek peninsula, and perhaps one of the most intriguing societies of the ancient world, here is reduced to a foil (militaristic oligarchy vs. democracy). To its credit, this film does rightly place responsibility for the Peloponnesian War with Athens. Its treatment of Socrates is also exemplary, and is perhaps the film's one saving grace.

Empires Collection - The Dynasties (Egypt's Golden Empire / The Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance / Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire / The Roman Empire in the First Century / The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization)

Average customer rating:

A really good review of the 5 civilizations covered
Excellent collection

Empires Collection - The Dynasties (Egypt's Golden Empire / The Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance / Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire / The Roman Empire in the First Century / The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization)
Starring: Empires-Dynasties
Manufacturer: PBS Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Description

Empires Collection: The Dynasties (5 Disc Gift Set) - Empires Collection: The Dynasties is a compilation of five outstanding stories of some of histories greatest dynasties.

Egypt's Golden Empire
In 1570 B.C., when Rome was still a marsh and the Acropolis was an empty rock, Egypt was already 1000 years old. Although the period of the pyramid-builders was long over, Egypt lay on the threshold of its greatest age. The New Kingdom would be an empire forged by conquest, maintained by intimidation and diplomacy, and remembered long after its demise. Led by a dynasty of rich personalities, whose dramatic lives changed the course of civilization, Egypt's Golden Empire presents the most extraordinary period in Egyptian history: from 1570 B.C. to 1070 B.C., when the Egyptian Empire reached its zenith.

The Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance
The Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance - From a small Italian community in 15th century Florence, the Medici family would rise to rule Europe in many ways. Using charm, patronage, skill, duplicity and ruthlessness, they would amass unparalleled wealth and unprecedented power. They would also ignite the most important cultural and artistic revolution in Western history- the European Renaissance. But the forces of change the Medici helped unleash would one day topple their ordered world. An epic drama played out in the courts, cathedrals and palaces of Europe, this series is both the tale of one family's powerful ambition and of Europe's tortured struggle to emerge from the ravages of the Dark Ages.

Japan: Memoirs Of A Secret Empire
Commanding shoguns and samurai warriors, exotic geisha and exquisite artisans -- all were part of the Japanese "renaissance" -- a period between the 16th and 19th centuries when Japan went from chaos and violence to a land of ritual refinement and peace. But stability came at a price: for nearly 250 years, Japan was a land closed to the Western world, ruled by the Shogun under his absolute power and control. Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire brings to life the unknown story of a mysterious empire, its relationship to the West, and the forging of a nation that would emerge as one of the most important countries in the world.

The Roman Empire in the First Century
Two thousand years ago, at the dawn of the first century, the ancient world was ruled by Rome. Through the experiences, memories and writings of the people who lived it, this series tells the story of that time - the emperors and slaves, poets and plebeians, who wrested order from chaos, built the most cosmopolitan society the world had ever seen and shaped the Roman empire in the first century A.D.

The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization
The Greeks - Classical Greece of the 4th and 5th centuries, B.C. was a magnificent civilization that laid the foundations for modern science, politics, warfare, and philosophy, and produced some of the most breathtaking art and architecture the world has ever known. Through the eyes and words of the great heroes of ancient Greece, this dazzling production charts the rise, triumph, and eventual decline of the world's first democracy. Now, through dramatic storytelling and state-of-the-art computer animation, you witness history, art, and government with giants like Pericles, Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.

Customer Reviews:

A really good review of the 5 civilizations covered.......2007-03-09

I've been reviewing areas of history that I don't usually cover to balance out my general knowledge. No video can compress into a couple of hours the libraries that have been written on these subjects, but I watched them with a pad nearby and started searching names and topics for further study. Then I added books on those areas to my wish list here on Amazon.

All in all, each disc is a great review if you're rusty or a place to start if you're moving into new areas of history.

Excellent collection.......2007-01-05

I was very impressed with this series. I learned very much, escpecailly about the Medici's. If you enjoy history/documentaries you'll love this collection. I was so impressed I've ordered other Empire series. Props to PBS on this one!

Empires - The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization

Average customer rating:

Arete! The Legacy of Athens
Perfect to Me.
A HEAVY EMPHASIS ON ATHENS & ITS BATTLE HISTORY BUT A FASCINATING & WELL DONE DOCUMENTARY
Empires - The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization
There has to be a better DVD on this subject.

Empires - The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization
Starring: Liam Neeson
Director: Cassian Harrison
Manufacturer: Pbs Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( E ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

All | PBS | Specialty Stores | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Empires - The Roman Empire in the First Century
Empires - Egypt's Golden Empire
Empires - The Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance
Empires - Islam: Empire of Faith
The True Story of Alexander the Great (History Channel)

ASIN: B0000541UE
Release Date: 2001-02-13

Amazon.com

Description

The Greeks built an empire that laid the foundations for modern science, politics, warfare and philosophy, and produced some of the most breathtaking art and architecture the world has ever seen. This series, narrarted by Liam Neeson, recounts the rise, glory, demise and legacy of the empire that marked the dawn of Western civilization. Using the latest advances in computer technology, the story of this astonishing civilization is told through the lives of the heroes of ancient Greece. This series combines dramatic storytelling, stunning imagery, groundbreaking research and distinguished scholarship to render classical Greece gloriously alive.

Customer Reviews:

Arete! The Legacy of Athens.......2007-03-25

Perfect to Me. .......2006-12-27

A HEAVY EMPHASIS ON ATHENS & ITS BATTLE HISTORY BUT A FASCINATING & WELL DONE DOCUMENTARY.......2006-11-09

Empires - The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization.......2006-08-21

There has to be a better DVD on this subject........2006-01-16

Empires (2 Pack) - The Greeks Crucible of Civilization / Peter and Paul the Christian Revolution

Average customer rating:

Empires (2 Pack) - The Greeks Crucible of Civilization / Peter and Paul the Christian Revolution

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Binding: DVD

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