description Civilisation Overview
Civilisation is a 1969 documentary series hosted by art historian Kenneth Clark. It examines the development of Western culture from ancient Greece to the present day. Clark’s thoughtful analysis explores key artistic and philosophical achievements that shaped European civilization. The series was notable for its ambitious scope and remains relevant for anyone interested in understanding the foundations of modern society, particularly students and scholars of history and art.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
info Civilisation Specifications
| Country | United Kingdom |
help Civilisation FAQ
Why does Kenneth Clark start Civilisation in the Dark Ages rather than in classical Greece or Rome?
The 1969 BBC series frames Western civilisation as something that survived collapse and slowly reassembled after Rome. In the opening episode, Sir Kenneth Clark uses places like Skellig Michael and Aachen to show how monastic Christianity and Charlemagne preserved art, books, and institutions.
How many episodes of Civilisation are there, and what does each one cover?
Civilisation has 13 episodes, each built around a period or cultural theme in Western art and society. The route runs from medieval Europe through the Renaissance, Reformation, Enlightenment, Romanticism, and modernity.
Was Civilisation actually filmed on location?
Yes. The BBC filmed the series in museums, churches, palaces, and historic cities across Europe, which was unusual and expensive for British television in 1969.
How is Civilisation different from Civilisations, the later BBC series?
Civilisation is Kenneth Clark's single-author, Western-focused 1969 argument about culture. Civilisations, broadcast by the BBC in 2018, used multiple presenters and expanded the frame to global art histories.
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