The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization (1997)
The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization (1997)Narrated by Liam Neeson, this 165-minute PBS video recounts the legacy of the remarkable civilization that gave birth to the Western world. The story of this astonishing culture is told through the lives of heroes of ancient Greece. The latest advances in computer technology rebuild the Acropolis, recreate the Battle of Marathon and restore the Academy where Socrates, Plato and Aristotle laid the foundations of Western philosophy. There is something for everyone here regardless of one’s specialization. For those in fine arts, the segments on theatre and the competition of art should prove fascinating. For political scientists, there is a thoughtful examination of Pericles and his Athenian contemporaries. Finally, for anyone in the humanities, the follies of the Peloponnesian War seem particularly relevant in the 21st century.
Sandy Czernek, West Liberty State College, sandy121@comcast.net
