Abstract:

"A monumental introduction to the grand history of humanity in all its glorious triumphs and ignominious misfortunes from the emergence of humans on the African savanna through the postwar era. Each program weaves together archaeological artifacts, computer-enhanced maps, artwork, location footage and gracefully poetic and informative narration to chart the rise and fall of empires, cultural advances, and scientific achievements. Based on THE TIMES CONCISE ATLAS OF WORLD HISTORY, the programs parallel events of th past and present, showing how echoes of ancient civilizations speak to us through the centuries. Asia: 1600-1800 : The response of Asiatic societies to the 'Jesuit missions' of the Dutch during the 16th century was to turn inward, causing modernization and technological advances to cease in Japan and China. A separate section focuses on India, where the British were able to exploit the weakness of the Mogul empire to play off one Indian element against another."