World History

This 8-part series provides an immersion in each civilization by combining precise historical overviews with detailed glimpses of everyday life. Scholars provide commentary on each culture, including such topics as the role of women, religion, education, the military, and politics, while readings from contemporary sources and 3-D architectural reconstructions allow students to virtually visit these ancient worlds. 8-part series, 46-50 minutes each.

Whether it is the morning market in ancient Greece or the myths of the Aztec gods in pre-Columbian Mexico, this 13-part series provides an immersion in each civilization by combining precise historical overviews with detailed glimpses of everyday life. Scholars provide commentary on each culture, including such topics as the role of women, religion, education, the military, and politics, while readings from contemporary sources and 3-D architectural reconstructions allow students to virtually visit these ancient worlds. 13-part series, 46-50 minutes each.

For almost 3,000 years, the pharaohs ruled a civilization that is arguably the grandest of the ancient world. This program sheds new light on this enigmatic empire, offering information on the god-kings, the construction of the pyramids, religions and cults, mummification and burial rites, the Rosetta Stone, and the vast treasures of Tutankhamen. Interviews with noted Egyptologists, a professor from Cairo University, the chief inspector at the archaeological digs at Gaza, and the son of the guide who led Howard Carter to the tomb of Tutankhamen in 1922 add valuable insights. Computer graphics re-create pyramids, temples, and the sphinx in their original states. (47 minutes)

Whether looking at Western language, history, or institutions, no other civilization has so greatly influenced our contemporary world. This program re-creates the Greek world, from the morning market to the evening symposiums, from burial rituals to the Olympics. Beginning with Homer's account of the Trojan War, this program explores Greek civilization using 3-D re-creations of the Parthenon and Agora, maps, and commentary by scholars to provide insight into the daily lives of Greek citizens. (46 minutes)

The antecedents of modern Indian culture can be traced back to the Harappan civilization, which flourished between 2300 and 1500 BC in what are now Pakistan and Afghanistan. The Aryan tribes from the Russian steppes invaded the subcontinent in 1000 BC, bringing their language and culture. The resulting synthesis between the Aryan and Indian civilizations brought forth a unique society that included a caste system, which soon became entrenched. This program examines the religious tension between Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam, and the historical events that shaped the great Indian civilizations, from the Mauryan Empire through the Mogul Empire. Maps and scholars provide insight into a culture that remains vibrant and diverse today. (48 minutes)

At its zenith, the Roman Empire included North Africa, Spain, France, and Britain. The wealth that these conquests generated allowed Roman citizens to live in a sumptuous world of beautifully decorated homes and opulent cities. In this program, scholars discuss Roman unification of Europe, Roman culture and institutions, and the family structure. The role of the army as a major force in Roman society and politics, along with its military structure and tactics, are discussed. The Christianization of Rome and the enduring legacy of Roman Law and institutions in Western government today are also analyzed. 3-D re-creations of the Coliseum and Pompeii allow students to see Rome as it was before the empire collapsed. (49 minutes)

Just the Facts: America's Explorers and Pioneers

Our early explorers paved the way for the development of America. They had the courage, the drive, the passion, to be the first and their discoveries proved to the world that America was a land of extraordinary resources and beauty.

This program is about those American explorers and pioneers who were the pathfinders; those who first explored the valleys, rivers and mountains of America, and those who were the first to make it their home. Men like Christopher Columbus, Sir Francis Drake, Henry Hudson, James Cook, Daniel Boone, Robert Gray, Lewis and Clark, Charles Wilkes, John Fremont and many more.

While outlining the exploration of our continent, this video also captures the great beauty and abundant natural resources of our great land. You’ll see expansive landscapes and breathtaking vistas, from the eastern landscapes and breathtaking vistas, from the eastern seaboard, where the pilgrims first set foot, to the dense forests of Shenandoah… from the great plains of the mid-west, to the soaring Rocky Mountains, and from the stark beauty of the southwestern desert to the magnificence of California coastline.

Our great explorers remain heroes and their stories are both thrilling and fascinating. The Just The Facts Learning Series brings these adventures to you in a fast-paced style that makes learning fun!

This fascinating program examines the important figures of this period, their motivations for exploring new lands, and their tragedies and successes.

These pioneers include Prince Henry the Navigator of Portugal, who sponsored many voyages to Africa; Bartolomeu Dias, who discovered the southern cape of Africa; Christopher Columbus, who made four voyages to the Americas; Pedro Cabral, who claimed Brazil for Portugal; John Cabot, who set out to duplicate the journey of Columbus; Amerigo Vespucci, from whom America derives its name; Vasco da Gama, who opened a trade route to India; and Ferdinand Magellan, whose three-year journey took his ship and crew around the world, although he died without seeing the end of the journey.

Scholars from Saint Anselm College and California Lutheran University provide a balanced and objective presentation of the facts surrounding this very important period of history. On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther, a Catholic priest, nailed to the door of Wittenberg Cathedral in Germany his 95 Theses attacking certain practices of the Roman Catholic Church. When he refused to recant and apologize, the church excommunicated him, and he went into hiding in fear for his life.

No period of history can boast of greater beauty than The Renaissance. This was the period, from approximately early 14th century to late 16th century, that gave us Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Shakespeare.