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Civilisation

Sir Kenneth Clarke guides us through the ages exploring the glorious rise of civilisation in western man. Beginning with the bleakness of the dark ages to the present day, we consider civilisation's articulations and expressions in some of man's finest works of art.

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Cast & Crew See All

Kenneth Clark
Self - Narrator
Ian Richardson
Hamlet
Ronald Lacey
Gravedigger

Season 1 Episode Guide See All

Episode 1

The Skin of Our Teeth

49 mins

Sir Kenneth Clark begins his classic 1969 series on the history of civilisation with the re-establishment of civilisation in Western Europe, in the tenth century after the fall of Rome to barbarism. He travels from Byzantine Ravenna to the Celtic Hebrides examining aqueducts, cathedrals, the lives of the Vikings and of the Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne.

Where to Watch
Civilisation, Season 1 Episode 1 image

Awards

  • 1970 - BAFTA TV Award - Best Specialised Programme - nominated
  • 1970 - BAFTA TV Award - Best Script - nominated
  • 1970 - Special Award - - winner
  • 1973 - Technical Craft Award (TV) - - winner

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