Abstract:

This 4 part program recounts the dramatic story of the rise and fall of an empire, an empire that at its prime spawned incredible inventions that sparked the dawn of our modem world. The story of the genius of this astonishing civilization is told by traveling back in time to witness China's inventions and how they were used. The newest advances in computer and television technology are used to rebuild the worlds first clocks, missiles, seismographs, astronomical instruments and paddleboat warships. This exceptional program combines dramatic story telling, stunning imagery, ground breaking research and distinguished scholarship by leading experts to render classical China gloriously alive. Without the importation from China of such things as ships rudder, the compass, and sailing techniques, Columbus might never have sailed to America. Without the arrival from China of the stirrup, enabling the rider to stay on horseback, the knights of Europe might never have created the Age of Chivalry. And without the arrival from China of guns and gunpowder rockets, the knights might not have been knocked from their horses, delaying the Age of Enlightenment and the rise of modern science. Golf, manned flight, printing, and the mechanical clock are all part of a profound synthesis of East and West