Civilisation: Season 1

The first program in this 13-part documentary series covers the Dark Ages, from AD400 to AD1000.

The sudden re-awakening of European civilisation in the 12th century is traced by Sir Kenneth Clarke to its high point - the building of the Cathedral of Chartres.

Sir Kenneth Clark explores the aspirations and achievements of the gothic world, on a journey from a castle on the river Loire in France to the cathedral baptistry at Pisa in Italy.

Kenneth Clarke visits the Italian palaces of Urbino and Mantua, which were centers of the Renaissance.

Kenneth Clarke visits Papal Rome to explore the work of 16th-century artists Michelangelo, Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci.

Examining protest and communication, Kenneth Clarke explores the Reformation - Luther and Durer's Germany, and Shakespeare's England.

Kenneth Clarke discusses the glory of Rome during the Counter-Reformation.

Kenneth Clarke discusses the importance of light in 17th-century Dutch painting, and the rapid pace of scientific discovery in the London of the Royal Society.

Kenneth Clarke looks at the rococo style in 18th-century music and architecture.

Kenneth Clarke discusses the 18th-century Age of Reason.

Kenneth Clarke discusses changing views of God and nature in the 18th century.

Kenneth Clarke traces the disillusionment of the artists of the Romantic movement.

Kenneth Clarke shows how the heroic materialism of the past 100 years has been linked with an increase in humanitarism.