Secrets of Ancient Empires: The First Armies

This program is the second episode in a five-volume series that investigates the ancient empires of the world, including those of Babylon, Greece, and Rome. The myriad beliefs and practices of these places of antiquity are presented with archival materials, art, reenactments, on-site visits, and interviews with scholars. Leaving the hunter/gatherer way of life behind, people began to congregate in increasingly complex communities known as cities. This centralized organization offered many advantages, but required new strategies. One such development was the formation of the first armies, needed to protect inhabitants from outside aggression, and to seek out and take more territory to serve the needs of an increasing population.