Waldemar Januszczak embarks on a trip around the world to discover if the Dark Ages were actually a time of great artistic achievement, inspired by novel ideas and religion. He discovers how Christianity emerged into the Roman Empire in the third and fourth centuries, and how the absence of a description of Jesus led them to draw on images of ancient Gods for inspiration.

Waldemar Januszczak continues his trip around the world, exploring whether the Dark Ages were a time of artistic achievement, inspired by novel ideas and religion. He investigates the art produced by the Barbarians, who are often blamed for the collapse of the Roman Empire. Following the journeys of the Huns, Vandals and Goths, he uncovers evidence of creativity they left along the way.

Waldemar Januszczak follows the journey of Islam, from its emergence in the Near East, across north Africa and into Europe, and investigates the unique artistic style the religion left behind as it travelled. The presenter also looks at the development of the Mosque, early examples of creativity by the first Muslims and their scientific achievements.

Waldemar Januszczak turns his attention to the north of Europe, examining how Vikings marked their territory with rune stones, and decorated their long ships with intricate embellishment. He also investigates the jewellery and manuscript illumination created by the Irish and Anglo-Saxons, and examines how the Carolingians forecast their future as successors to Rome in the art they left behind.