E4
4. Japan
For 250 years, Japan has thrived, largely cut off from western influence - until US gunboats arrive. In the face of an industrialised west, how will reformers, the shogun and the samurai class react?
Latest episode
S1 E4 · Japan
Civilisations: Rise and Fall is a documentary TV series that premiered on BBC Two on November 24, 2025. It has 1 season and 4 episodes so far and is still airing new episodes. The latest episode, Season 1 Episode 4 "Japan", aired on December 15, 2025.
Four mighty civilisations - Rome, Egypt, Japan's Samurai and the Aztecs. Their legends remain - now priceless artefacts reveal what led them to fall into the echoes of history.
Last updated
4 episodes · 1 season
2025 · 4 episodes · Last episode: 10 months ago
What caused the demise of the greatest civilisations of the ancient world?
Civilisations: Rise and Fall Series 1 release dates →
E4
For 250 years, Japan has thrived, largely cut off from western influence - until US gunboats arrive. In the face of an industrialised west, how will reformers, the shogun and the samurai class react?
E3
The Aztecs battle to save their civilisation from Spanish invaders – but is the real threat from the enemy within?
E2
The 3,000-year-old civilisation of ancient Egypt faces disaster as war, famine and a toxic dynasty threaten its survival. Will Queen Cleopatra become the last of the pharaohs?
E1
A weak emperor. A divided empire. Barbarians at the gate. Does this perfect storm mean the end of ancient Rome?
A date for the next episode of Civilisations: Rise and Fall hasn't been announced yet. Follow Civilisations: Rise and Fall in the Streambay app and you'll be notified as soon as a new episode airs.
The most recent episode of Civilisations: Rise and Fall, Season 1 Episode 4 "Japan", aired on December 15, 2025.
Civilisations: Rise and Fall has 1 season with 4 episodes in total.
Civilisations: Rise and Fall first aired on BBC Two on November 24, 2025.
Download the Streambay app, follow Civilisations: Rise and Fall, and you'll get a push notification the moment each new episode is released.
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Civilisations: Rise and Fall
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