Once Upon a Time… Man
Season 1
Not Rated
In this series, the history of humanity and Western Civilization is surveyed. To illustrate this in an entertaining way, a cast of specific characters are recast in each episode as they live their lives in each major historical period of focus.
Where to Watch Season 1
26 Episodes
- Cro-Magnon Man
E3Cro-Magnon ManThe story focuses on the life of the Cro-Magnons, the first modern humans to settle in Europe. One of the local tribes has developed more advanced technology than their jealous neighbors, so two tribes develop trade relations and start exchanging ideas. Espionage is used to learn the technological secrets of other tribes. The wise man Maestro develops new techniques for painting and sculpture. During a period of food scarcity, two tribes ally with each other to hunt Mammoths. During a victory feast, the two tribes negotiate their union into a single tribe. The new tribe develops initiation rituals for its young hunters, which prominently involve their cave paintings. As the decades pass, adults grow into seniors and their children replace them in leadership positions. The Pest was a reasonably competent and diplomatic tribal leader in his youth, but turns reactionary and vindictive in his old age. No longer relying solely on hunting for their survival, the tribe starts domesticating cattle and dogs. The story notes that the world human population had risen to 10 million people by 10,000 BC. - The Conquest of Islam
E8The Conquest of IslamThe story depicts the Byzantine Empire during the reign of Justinian I (reigned 527-565), the wars of Heraclius (reigned 610-641) against the Sasanian Empire, the life and Career of the prophet Muhammad (c. 570-632), and the early conquests of the Rashidun Caliphate (632-661). - The Age of Vikings
E10The Age of VikingsThe first of the Viking raids on the coast of Europe took place at the end of the VIII century. But first let us take a look at these ferocious warriors, who were indomitable navigators, on their home ground. 790 AC: A Viking village in the north with its typical houses. Food is scarce, and the men are preparing a whale hunt. - The Quattrocento
E14The QuattrocentoFourteenth century Florence, during the time of Lorenzo de Medici, is a focal point. In the city's bustling streets where commerce flourishes, Peter Junior is returning from some errand on which his father, a draper, has sent him. The boy saunters along then stops when his curiosity is engaged by the workshop of Master Verrocchio: young artists with names like da Vinci, Boticelli, and le Perrugin. - The Golden Age of Spain
E15The Golden Age of SpainThe Moorish rule comes to an end in 15th century Spain, when the last Islamic bastion Granada falls in 1492. This flourishing city has some 400 000 inhabitants, 70 libraries and more than 50 schools. Its wall carries 1030 defense towers. After 500 years of war, the Spanish have become fanatic and intolerant. The Jews are being expelled and 400 000 Moors must leave the land as well. - The Great Reign of Louis XIV
E18The Great Reign of Louis XIV1680: Paris has 450 000 inhabitants. The state prison, the Bastille, is situated in the East. In the West, there's the Louvre, which is the king's palace. Louis XVI has other plans though... The construction of the Palace of Versailles has been in progress for 18 years, but still there were some things missing. The interior decoration and parks need a lot of time and quality. - The Age of Reason (18th)
E20The Age of Reason (18th)The century of the enlightenment... The basic idea is that the true character of human beings is defined by reason and rational thinking. Reason contains the valid measure of value for all human creation, activity and living conditions. The reaction of the state and the church on this movement is violent. - 1789–1814 (The French Revolution)
E221789–1814 (The French Revolution)The night before the French Revolution in 1789, the Estates-General come together in Versailles. Freedom is the first big issue. Mainly, the deputies want to end serfdom. The French Revolution starts with the storming of the bastille. Finally, France is becoming a republic. - The Belle Epoque
E24The Belle EpoqueWhen Cugnot builds up his roll car in 1770, the trouble with the automobiles commences... There is a first race between Paris and Rouen. Eight hours are planned for 123 kilometers. Anything that came out of the inventors' minds and was built rattles off. In June of 1895, the era of car races if introduced by the competition of Bordeaux to Paris and all the way back.
