The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization

Narrated by Liam Neeson, this series tells the story of Classical Athens through its leading figures: Cleisthenes and the birth of democracy, Themistocles and the war with Persia, and Pericles and the Golden Age, ending with the trial of Socrates.

The dramatised reconstructions now look dated, but the storytelling is excellent and the historians interviewed are well chosen. It is especially good at explaining how ideas such as democracy and philosophy grew out of real political struggles.

Our verdict

A superb introduction for students and families.