How Climate Made History

This three-part series illuminates the rise and fall of the ancient American empires of Maya, Inca and Aztecs. These high cultures brought about astonishing civilizational achievements in agriculture, architecture and astronomy to this day and dominated the Mesoamerican continent for over a millennium.

The story of humanity is told through the lens of the world's oceans. Focusing on the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, the series explores how these vast bodies of water have shaped migration, trade, cultural exchange and the rise of civilizations for thousands of years. Ocean currents, tides and monsoon systems have influenced not only life along the coasts but also societies, economies and the global climate. Stunning natural imagery and the latest scientific insights offer a sweeping perspective on the enduring relationship between people and the sea.