Jump to content

Menu

Top Picks: Ancient History DVD Documentaries


Recommended Posts

Our library system does not have the greatest selection of DVD documentaries. When I am able to locate a decent title and make a request via inter-library loan, we wait ... and wait ... and wait some more! I'm still awaiting Russia, Land of the Tsars and I requested this title back in January ... I think I'm now 3rd in the queue :blink:.

I'd love to use Netflix, but we're in Canada and Netflix, or a decent alternative, isn't available to us.

 

I have a bit of money left in my budget for the upcoming school year, so I'm thinking I might add to our DVD collection. What DVD titles (documentaries) are your top picks to accompany a year of Ancient History in grade 9.

 

Thanks, everyone!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We bought and enjoyed "Mysteries of the Ancient World", the Reader's Digest Classic Collection DVD of three 1-hour programs, and each program covering an aspect of three different ancient cultures (for a total of nine ancient cultures):

 

1. "Mysteries of Europe and the Mediterranean: Myths and Legends"

- Egyptian hieroglyphs

- purpose of Stonehenge

- ancient Minoan civilization

 

2. "Mysteries of the Orient: Ancient Journeys"

- Silk Road across the Orient

- prosperousness of ancient Anatolian (modern day Turkey) city Catal Hoyuk

- Middle Eastern desert city of Petra's underground water system

 

3. "Mysteries of the Americas: Vanished Civilizations"

- lost cities of the Incas

- collapse of the Mayan civilization

- human sacrifice among the Moche (South American) people

 

 

 

We also loved some of the NOVA programs that had a historical focus, especially the "Secrets of Lost Empires series" in which modern-day scientists try to re-create how the ancients built something. PBS is now allowing you to watch a lot of their programs, including past NOVA episodes for free online; check out the PBS website for what history-based episodes are "now playing" online. Hulu also lets you watch past NOVA episodes for free online. Here is a Wikipedia article which lists all past NOVA episode titles.

 

 

And don't forget to enjoy some feature films set in ancient times. Often, seeing the clothing and setting can really help visualize the cultures/times. Most of these you could rent from your local DVD rental store. (Some documentaries can be rented locally, too!) Enjoy your visual journey through the ancients! Warmest regards, Lori D.

 

Ancient Egypt

- The Ten Commandments (1956)

 

Ancient Greece

- Jason and the Argonauts (1963)

- The Odyssey (1997 - TV mini-series)

 

Ancient Rome

- Ben Hur (1959)

- Spartacus (1960)

- Gladiator (2000)

 

Ancient China

- Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon (2000)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

×
×
  • Create New...