Origins: The Journey of Humankind

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Origins: The Journey of Humankind
Genre Historical non-fiction
Presented by Jason Silva
Narrated by Mark Monroe
Country of origin United States
Original language(s) English
No. of episodes 8
Production
Running time 60 minutes
Production company(s) Asylum Entertainment
Release
Original network National Geographic
Original release 6 March –
1 May 2017
External links
Official Site

Origins: The Journey of Humankind is an American documentary series that premiered on the National Geographic channel on 6 March 2017.[1] Hosted by Jason Silva with narration from Mark Monroe, the series showcases through re-enactments the major inventions and events in the history of human evolution that have been responsible for our modernization.[2][3] In the eight part series, each episode is themed on one aspect of human civilization: fire, medicine, money, communication, war, shelter, exploration and transportation.[2][4] Jason Silva has mentioned the works of Marshall McLuhan to be instrumental in conceptualizing the show.[5] Andrew Byrd, an academic expert in linguistics, assisted with the ancient languages spoken during the dramatization.[6]

Episodes

No. Title Original air date U.S. viewers
(in millions)
1 "Spark of Civilization" March 6, 2017 (2017-03-06) N/A
The ability to harness the power of fire and control it gave humans the power to create, transform and destroy. Firepower has transformed us from living as early nomadic tribes to a species with the ability to undertake space voyages. [7]
2 "Cheating Death" March 13, 2017 (2017-03-13) N/A
Throughout evolution, the human species has been battling diseases — conditions initially unknown but in the process of finding a cure was discovered to have been spread by microscopic biological organisms. Medical science has helped humans make a huge progress in fighting modern-day plagues. [7]
3 "Power of Money" March 20, 2017 (2017-03-20) N/A
Expansion of societies led to the proliferation of trade routes. As commerce flourished, the barter system prevalent in inter-societal trades gave way to the currency system that led to the modern day global economy.[7]
4 "The Writing on the Wall" March 27, 2017 (2017-03-27) N/A
Interaction within a species is indispensable for their survival. Communication between humans began with sign languages, cave paintings and hieroglyphs. With time, this led to the development of complex languages with expressive forms that connected them with civilizations from other parts of the globe.[7]
5 "Progress of War" April 10, 2017 (2017-04-10) N/A
The human species has developed in many ways and warfare is no exception. From the early humans' need of self-protection from hostile conditions in the wilderness, to wars fought between humans themselves, it has been the forefront for many inventions.[7]
6 "Building the Future" April 17, 2017 (2017-04-17) N/A
The journey from being nomadic hunter-gatherers to building modern day skyscrapers has been a great human achievement. Our homes are not just a dwelling place; they represent our perpetual desire for a more complex world.[7]
7 "Into the Unknown" April 24, 2017 (2017-04-24) N/A
The human desire for exploration has led us to the depths of sea and farness of our moon. Our curiosity of the unknown has been the driving force behind new inventions.[7]
8 "The Road Ahead" May 1, 2017 (2017-05-01) N/A
The human pursuit for travel led to the exchange of ideas which in turn resulted in innovations, facilitating new modes of transport. Animals used in early civilizations have been replaced by engines used in vehicles that transport us over great distances within short periods of time.[7]

References

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External links

See also