Limandy

Math and the Rise of Civilization

2011 1 Seasons

Documentary

A guided tour of the history of numbers and how they’ve shaped the development of humankind is at the heart of this unique series. In five episodes that take us across time and around the world, we see how mathematics played an important role in ancient Egypt and Greece, early India, medieval Europe, and our own modern world. Computer graphics make mathematical formulae accessible and interesting, while dramatic reenactments of history pique the viewer’s interest.

1. The Beginning of Numbers

2011-12-19

The narrator takes the spectator on a journey from the pyramids to the bed of the Nile, demonstrating the need to maintain social and geographical stability after the Nile's annua…

2. The Elements

2011-12-20

In this episode we move to the Greek civilization, where meticulous thinkers used logic and reason to build the foundations of mathematics laid down by the Egyptians. Along with …

3. The Divinity of Numbers

2011-12-21

Our journey takes us to the east, the Indian subcontinent, where we find the zero. Representing both 'nothing' and the infinite possibility, this unique digit, when used as a mar…

4. The World in Motion

2011-12-26

This episode moves to the Renaissance period when European scientists were eager to use the formulas and philosophies learned from the Greeks to discover the mathematical secrets …

5. Conquering Math’s New Frontiers

2011-12-27

In this last episode, we are transported to the modern era, where we can witness that the spirit of mathematics innovation is alive and kicking. We focus us on the great current …