‎How Art Made the World - Apple TV

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Fusing social history, art, politics, science, nature, archaeology, architecture and religion, this series unravels a universal mystery. Why the world around us looks like it does. Classicist Nigel Spivey embarks on a thrilling journey through time and five continents to the heart of creativity. Modern-day mysteries are answered by journeying back to the beginning of civilization.

Documentary · 2005 · 51 min

EPISODE 1

More Human than Human

One image dominates our contemporary world above all others: the human body. Classicist Nigel Spivey travels from the modern world of art and advertising to the temples of classical Greek history and the tombs of ancient Egypt. He investigates these marvels of architecture to solve a compelling mystery. Why do humans surround themselves with images of the body that are so unrealistic?

50 min · May 9, 2005
EPISODE 2

The Day Pictures Were Born

The discovery of prehistoric cave paintings in the last century led to a shocking realization. Humans have been creating art for over 30,000 years. This changed many established views on art, culture and civilization. Classicist Nigel Spivey reveals how the very first pictures ever made were made, and how images may have triggered the greatest ever change in human history.

47 min · May 16, 2005
EPISODE 3

The Art of Persuasion

The visual devices used by modern politicians to get themselves elected and maintain power didn’t originate in modern times, but come from a world that is thousands of years old. Classicist Nigel Spivey ventures back into history to the creation of Stonehenge and the reign of Alexander the Great to reveal how art and imagery became an indispensable weapon in every leader's political armory.

49 min · May 23, 2005
EPISODE 4

Once Upon a Time

Each year over seven billion people across the world are drawn to see the latest feature films in the cinema. Movies excite, entertain and delight us. But this very modern cultural phenomenon has its roots deep in history. Classicist Nigel Spivey reveals how the most powerful storytelling medium ever created exploits visual techniques invented by artists in the ancient world.

49 min · May 30, 2005
EPISODE 5

To Death and Back

Today in the 21st Century people see fewer real dead bodies than at any time in history. Yet in the modern world we seem almost obsessed with images of death. In an investigation encompassing ancient Jericho, Aztec America and classical Italy, historian Nigel Spivey discovers what it is that has compelled human beings to surround themselves with images of death for thousands of years.

51 min · Jun 6, 2005

How Art Made the World Trailer

Documentary · 3 min