BBC Two's new four-part series Civilisations asks what history can teach us about societies on the brink of disaster. The programme, airing at 9pm tonight, gains exclusive access to the British Museum in London and consults top experts to explore the downfall of great civilisations.
The first episode focuses on Rome, using artefacts to trace its collapse. Among the objects examined are the striking head of Augustus and a terracotta theatre mask depicting a barbarian with a ponytail – a style Roman culture viewed as uncivilised.
Presenter Hollie Richardson guides viewers through these historical warnings, drawing parallels to today's global challenges. The series aims to offer insights from the past for our problem-plagued society.
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