Early Civilization & The History of Writing is a fascinating documentary that explores the development of human civilization and the written word. This film is presented by the renowned historian Dr. David Neiman, who takes us on a journey through time to explore the emergence of writing and its impact on human history. The documentary begins by exploring the origins of human civilization, taking us back to the first primitive societies that emerged around 12,000 years ago. Dr. Neiman provides a detailed look at how early humans lived, hunted, and gathered in small communities. He discusses the importance of agriculture and the development of permanent settlements, which laid the foundation for the emergence of complex societies.
The film then focuses on the development of writing, which is a crucial milestone in human history. Dr. Neiman explains how writing allowed humans to record their thoughts and ideas, creating a permanent record of their culture and history. He highlights the various systems of writing that emerged in different parts of the world, such as cuneiform in Mesopotamia, hieroglyphics in Egypt, and the Chinese script. Dr. Neiman also discusses the importance of the invention of the alphabet by the ancient Phoenicians, which paved the way for the development of modern writing systems.
Throughout the documentary, Dr. Neiman draws from a wide range of sources such as archeological findings, ancient texts, and other historical documents to present a comprehensive view of the history of writing. He also delves into the social and cultural implications of writing, such as its use in religious texts or the spread of knowledge across civilizations.
Beyond the historical aspects, Early Civilization & The History of Writing also touches on the philosophical implications of the written word. Dr. Neiman explains how writing allowed humans to communicate complex ideas and concepts that were impossible to convey through speech alone. He also explores the development of philosophy and how it would not be possible without writing, as early philosophers recorded their thoughts and ideas in writing for later generations to learn from.
The documentary also highlights the literary achievements of ancient civilizations, such as the epic poems of Gilgamesh and Homer's Iliad and Odyssey. Dr. Neiman discusses how these works are not just important literary treasures, but they also provide us with valuable insights into the cultures and societies that produced them.
Finally, the film ends with a discussion of how writing has evolved and transformed over time, from the invention of the printing press to the rise of digital technologies. Dr. Neiman reflects on the enormous impact that writing has had on human history and the ways in which it continues to shape our lives today.
Overall, Early Civilization & The History of Writing is an engaging and informative documentary that provides a comprehensive overview of human history through the lens of the written word. Dr. Neiman's expertise and passion for the subject matter shines throughout, making this film a must-watch for anyone interested in history or literature.
Early Civilization & The History of Writing is a 2012 special interest movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes.
