Engineering an Empire (2005) | StreamScapeX

Episodes

Season 1, 14 episodes

Episode 1: Rome
- Now playing
- Sep 13, 2005
See the engineering feats that brought Rome to power in the ancient world. From Julius Caesar and the end of the Roman Republic to the birth of an empire that would transform Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East for at least 500 years with grand feats of engineering.
Episode 2: Egypt
- Oct 9, 2006
From the year 3000 BC all the way to around 1212 BC, the Egyptians accomplished the impossibe and built the unimaginable. From the Great Pyramid of Giza to the temple at Abu Simbel, see all the incredible engineering feats of the Pharaohs of Egypt.
Episode 3: Greece
- 1h
- Oct 16, 2006
See the engineering feats that gave rise to the Greek empire.
Episode 4: Greece: Age of Alexander
- 1h
- Oct 23, 2006
See the engineering feats of Greece under Alexander the Great.
Episode 5: Aztecs
- 1h
- Oct 30, 2006
In less than 200 years the Aztec's transformed themselves from a band of wandering nomads to the greatest civilization the New World had ever known. What records remain of this amazing feat indicate they did it through brilliant military campaigns and by ingeniously applying technology to master the harsh environment they faced. They built their capital city where no city should have been possible: in the middle of a lake. The Aztec also practiced human sacrifice on an unprecedented scale and made many enemies. By the time the Spaniards landed they had no trouble recruiting tribal allies to destroy the Aztecs. Watch with host Peter Weller as we examine the architecture and infrastructure behind the New World's greatest, and last, indigenous society
Episode 6: Carthage
- 1h
- Nov 6, 2006
Carthage, a remarkable city-state that dominated the Mediterranean for over 600 years, harnessed their extensive resources to develop some of the ancient world's most groundbreaking technology. For generations, Carthage defined power, strength and ingenuity, but by the third century B.C., the empire's existence was threatened by another emerging superpower, Rome. However, when the Romans engineered their empire, they were only following the lead of the Carthaginians. From the city's grand harbor to the rise of one of history's greatest generals, Hannibal Barca, we will examine the architecture and infrastructure that enabled the rise and fall of the Carthaginian Empire.
Episode 7: Maya: Death Empire
- 1h
- Nov 13, 2006
At the height of its glory, this mysterious civilization ruled a territory of 125,000 square miles across parts of Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador and Belize. What began as a modest population of hunters and gatherers expanded into more than forty flourishing city-states who engineered sky-high temple-pyramids, ornate palaces and advanced hydraulic systems. Where did they come from and what catastrophes caused the collapse of this innovative civilization? From the Temple-Pyramids at Tikal, to the royal tomb at Palenque, to the star observatory at Chichen Itza, this episode will examine the architecture and infrastructure that enabled the rise and fall of the ancient Maya civilization.
Episode 8: Russia
- Nov 20, 2006
At the height of its power the Russian Empire stretched across 15 times zones, incorporated nearly 160 different ethnicities, and made up one sixth of the entire world's landmass. What started as a few small principalities was shaped into an indomitable world power by the sheer force of its leaders. However, building the infrastructure of this empire came at an enormous price. As Russia entered the 20th century, her expansion reached critical mass as her rulers pushed progress at an unsustainable pace and her population reacted in a revolution that changed history. From the Moscow Kremlin, to the building of St. Petersburg, we will examine the architecture and infrastructure that enabled the rise and fall of the Russian Empire.
Episode 9: Great Britain: Blood and Steel
- Nov 27, 2006
At its pinnacle, the British Empire spanned every continent and covered one quarter of the Earth's land mass. Through the centuries, the rulers of this enormous powerhouse used extraordinary engineering feats to become an industrial and military titan, loaded with riches. Some of their many pioneering accomplishments include the world's first locomotive, a superhighway of underground sewers, the imposing and grand Westminster Palace, and the most powerful and technically advanced navy in the age of sail.
Episode 10: The Persians
- 1h
- Dec 4, 2006
The Persian Empire was one of the most mysterious civilizations in the ancient world. Persia became an empire under the Cyrus the Great, who created a policy of religious and cultural tolerance that became the hallmark of Persian rule.
Episode 11: China
- 1h
- Dec 11, 2006
For over 4,000 years the world's greatest empires have come and gone--only China has survived the test of time. Century after century, China's regal emperors mobilized peasant armies to accomplish engineering feats unparalleled in human history. .
Episode 12: Napoleon: Steel Monster
- 1h
- Dec 18, 2006
Centuries after the fall of the Roman Empire, French kings struggled for control against the church and the aristocracy. Chaos and bloody warfare rampaged and France stood on the edge of utter disaster as the French Revolution turned into a period of brutal repression. From the ashes emerged one of the greatest military strategists in history, Napoleon. Throughout his reign, France built brilliantly innovative, widely influential masterpieces that have given the world some of its greatest feats of engineering.
Episode 13: The Byzantines
- Dec 25, 2006
As much of the world descended into the dark ages after the fall of Rome, one civilization shone brilliantly: the Byzantine Empire. With ruthless might and supreme ingenuity the Byzantines ruled over vast swaths of Europe and Asia for more than a thousand years. The Byzantines constructed the ancient world's longest aqueduct, virtually invincible city walls, a massive stadium, and a colossal domed cathedral that defied the laws of nature
Episode 14: Da Vinci's World
- Jan 8, 2007
After the fall of Rome, Italy fell into a dark sleep, and wasn't reawakened until the 11th century. Autonomous city-states emerged and these tiny republics began to revitalize their cities and build on a massive level not witnessed since the rise of Rome. In the late 15th and 16th centuries, alliances among various city-states continually shifted as foreign superpowers tried to sink their claws into Italy. The masters who are best known for creating the works of art and architecture of the Renaissance, were also the greatest military and civil engineers of the time.

Engineering an Empire

History's greatest engineering and architectural achievements.

2005 to 2007
Rated TV-PG
1 season
1h 30m per episode
Documentary

8.1TMDB(15)

Overview

Engineering an Empire is a program on The History Channel that explores the engineering and/or architectural feats that were characteristic of some of the greatest societies on this planet. It is hosted by Peter Weller, famous for his acting role as RoboCop but also a lecturer at Syracuse University, where he completed his Master's in Roman and Renaissance Art. The executive producer is Delores Gavin. The show started as a documentary about the engineering feats of Ancient Rome and later evolved into a series. It originally ran for one full season of weekly episodes.

Fun facts

Episodes
Ran for 1 season and 14 episodes (2005 to 2007)
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Details

Created by: Dolores Gavin
Randy Martin
Status: Ended
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 14
First aired: September 13, 2005
Last aired: January 8, 2007
Original language: English
Countries: United States of America

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In the United States

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Network

Production

Cast

Videos

Episodes

Season 1, 14 episodes

Episode 1: Rome
- Now playing
- Sep 13, 2005
See the engineering feats that brought Rome to power in the ancient world. From Julius Caesar and the end of the Roman Republic to the birth of an empire that would transform Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East for at least 500 years with grand feats of engineering.
Episode 2: Egypt
- Oct 9, 2006
From the year 3000 BC all the way to around 1212 BC, the Egyptians accomplished the impossibe and built the unimaginable. From the Great Pyramid of Giza to the temple at Abu Simbel, see all the incredible engineering feats of the Pharaohs of Egypt.
Episode 3: Greece
- 1h
- Oct 16, 2006
See the engineering feats that gave rise to the Greek empire.
Episode 4: Greece: Age of Alexander
- 1h
- Oct 23, 2006
See the engineering feats of Greece under Alexander the Great.
Episode 5: Aztecs
- 1h
- Oct 30, 2006
In less than 200 years the Aztec's transformed themselves from a band of wandering nomads to the greatest civilization the New World had ever known. What records remain of this amazing feat indicate they did it through brilliant military campaigns and by ingeniously applying technology to master the harsh environment they faced. They built their capital city where no city should have been possible: in the middle of a lake. The Aztec also practiced human sacrifice on an unprecedented scale and made many enemies. By the time the Spaniards landed they had no trouble recruiting tribal allies to destroy the Aztecs. Watch with host Peter Weller as we examine the architecture and infrastructure behind the New World's greatest, and last, indigenous society
Episode 6: Carthage
- 1h
- Nov 6, 2006
Carthage, a remarkable city-state that dominated the Mediterranean for over 600 years, harnessed their extensive resources to develop some of the ancient world's most groundbreaking technology. For generations, Carthage defined power, strength and ingenuity, but by the third century B.C., the empire's existence was threatened by another emerging superpower, Rome. However, when the Romans engineered their empire, they were only following the lead of the Carthaginians. From the city's grand harbor to the rise of one of history's greatest generals, Hannibal Barca, we will examine the architecture and infrastructure that enabled the rise and fall of the Carthaginian Empire.
Episode 7: Maya: Death Empire
- 1h
- Nov 13, 2006
At the height of its glory, this mysterious civilization ruled a territory of 125,000 square miles across parts of Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador and Belize. What began as a modest population of hunters and gatherers expanded into more than forty flourishing city-states who engineered sky-high temple-pyramids, ornate palaces and advanced hydraulic systems. Where did they come from and what catastrophes caused the collapse of this innovative civilization? From the Temple-Pyramids at Tikal, to the royal tomb at Palenque, to the star observatory at Chichen Itza, this episode will examine the architecture and infrastructure that enabled the rise and fall of the ancient Maya civilization.
Episode 8: Russia
- Nov 20, 2006
At the height of its power the Russian Empire stretched across 15 times zones, incorporated nearly 160 different ethnicities, and made up one sixth of the entire world's landmass. What started as a few small principalities was shaped into an indomitable world power by the sheer force of its leaders. However, building the infrastructure of this empire came at an enormous price. As Russia entered the 20th century, her expansion reached critical mass as her rulers pushed progress at an unsustainable pace and her population reacted in a revolution that changed history. From the Moscow Kremlin, to the building of St. Petersburg, we will examine the architecture and infrastructure that enabled the rise and fall of the Russian Empire.
Episode 9: Great Britain: Blood and Steel
- Nov 27, 2006
At its pinnacle, the British Empire spanned every continent and covered one quarter of the Earth's land mass. Through the centuries, the rulers of this enormous powerhouse used extraordinary engineering feats to become an industrial and military titan, loaded with riches. Some of their many pioneering accomplishments include the world's first locomotive, a superhighway of underground sewers, the imposing and grand Westminster Palace, and the most powerful and technically advanced navy in the age of sail.
Episode 10: The Persians
- 1h
- Dec 4, 2006
The Persian Empire was one of the most mysterious civilizations in the ancient world. Persia became an empire under the Cyrus the Great, who created a policy of religious and cultural tolerance that became the hallmark of Persian rule.
Episode 11: China
- 1h
- Dec 11, 2006
For over 4,000 years the world's greatest empires have come and gone--only China has survived the test of time. Century after century, China's regal emperors mobilized peasant armies to accomplish engineering feats unparalleled in human history. .
Episode 12: Napoleon: Steel Monster
- 1h
- Dec 18, 2006
Centuries after the fall of the Roman Empire, French kings struggled for control against the church and the aristocracy. Chaos and bloody warfare rampaged and France stood on the edge of utter disaster as the French Revolution turned into a period of brutal repression. From the ashes emerged one of the greatest military strategists in history, Napoleon. Throughout his reign, France built brilliantly innovative, widely influential masterpieces that have given the world some of its greatest feats of engineering.
Episode 13: The Byzantines
- Dec 25, 2006
As much of the world descended into the dark ages after the fall of Rome, one civilization shone brilliantly: the Byzantine Empire. With ruthless might and supreme ingenuity the Byzantines ruled over vast swaths of Europe and Asia for more than a thousand years. The Byzantines constructed the ancient world's longest aqueduct, virtually invincible city walls, a massive stadium, and a colossal domed cathedral that defied the laws of nature
Episode 14: Da Vinci's World
- Jan 8, 2007
After the fall of Rome, Italy fell into a dark sleep, and wasn't reawakened until the 11th century. Autonomous city-states emerged and these tiny republics began to revitalize their cities and build on a massive level not witnessed since the rise of Rome. In the late 15th and 16th centuries, alliances among various city-states continually shifted as foreign superpowers tried to sink their claws into Italy. The masters who are best known for creating the works of art and architecture of the Renaissance, were also the greatest military and civil engineers of the time.

Episodes

E1 Episode 1: Rome

E2 Episode 2: Egypt

E3 Episode 3: Greece

E4 Episode 4: Greece: Age of Alexander

E5 Episode 5: Aztecs

E6 Episode 6: Carthage

E7 Episode 7: Maya: Death Empire

E8 Episode 8: Russia

E9 Episode 9: Great Britain: Blood and Steel

E10 Episode 10: The Persians

E11 Episode 11: China

E12 Episode 12: Napoleon: Steel Monster

E13 Episode 13: The Byzantines

E14 Episode 14: Da Vinci's World

Overview

Fun facts

Details

Streaming on

Network

Production

Cast

Videos

More like this

Fun facts

Episodes

E1 Episode 1: Rome

E2 Episode 2: Egypt

E3 Episode 3: Greece

E4 Episode 4: Greece: Age of Alexander

E5 Episode 5: Aztecs

E6 Episode 6: Carthage

E7 Episode 7: Maya: Death Empire

E8 Episode 8: Russia

E9 Episode 9: Great Britain: Blood and Steel

E10 Episode 10: The Persians

E11 Episode 11: China

E12 Episode 12: Napoleon: Steel Monster

E13 Episode 13: The Byzantines

E14 Episode 14: Da Vinci's World

Episode 1: Rome

Episode 2: Egypt

Episode 3: Greece

Episode 4: Greece: Age of Alexander

Episode 5: Aztecs

Episode 6: Carthage

Episode 7: Maya: Death Empire

Episode 8: Russia

Episode 9: Great Britain: Blood and Steel

Episode 10: The Persians

Episode 11: China

Episode 12: Napoleon: Steel Monster

Episode 13: The Byzantines

Episode 14: Da Vinci's World

Episode 1: Rome

Episode 2: Egypt

Episode 3: Greece

Episode 4: Greece: Age of Alexander

Episode 5: Aztecs

Episode 6: Carthage

Episode 7: Maya: Death Empire

Episode 8: Russia

Episode 9: Great Britain: Blood and Steel

Episode 10: The Persians

Episode 11: China

Episode 12: Napoleon: Steel Monster

Episode 13: The Byzantines

Episode 14: Da Vinci's World