NHK Special "The Road of Civilization" Review: A profound journey through history and culture

NHK Special "The Road of Civilization" - A masterpiece depicting the grand history of Eurasia

NHK Special "The Road of Civilization" is a seven-episode anime series that aired on NHK from July 20 to October 12, 2003. The series depicts the rise and fall of civilizations over 1600 years against the backdrop of the vast Eurasian continent. Although the original work is said to be "other," recent discoveries and research have revealed that Central Asia played a role as the "cradle of civilization." One of the highlights of this series is the recreation of historical scenes using CGI, providing viewers with deep emotions and knowledge.

Broadcast information

• Broadcast period : July 20, 2003 to October 12, 2003
• Broadcasting station : NHK
• Duration : 53 minutes
• Episodes : 7

Production information

• Production : CGI/OLM Digital
• Copyright : ©NHK

cast

• Narration : Sanae Ueda, Shinichi Takeda

Main Staff

• Music : Takeshi Hatakeda

subtitle

• Volume 1 : Alexander the Great's Challenge to the Persian Empire
• Volume 2 : Alexander's Legacy: The Farthest City in Greece
• Volume 3 : Gandhara: The Land Where Buddhism Takes Flight
• Volume 4 : The Roman Mediterranean Empire: Dreams of the East
• Volume 5 : The Mystery of the Silk Road: The Sogdian Caravan
• Volume 6 : Baghdad, the City of Great Wisdom
• Volume 7 : Jerusalem Peace Treaty: The Young Emperor's Decision

Commentary

"The Road of Civilizations" explores recent discoveries and research that have revealed that Central Asia, located at the heart of Eurasia, played the role of the "cradle of civilization." The civilizations brought to Eurasia through conquest and trade repeatedly clashed and merged, influencing each other and developing into new civilizations. Set across the vast Eurasian continent, the show looks at the rise and fall of dynamic civilizations that unfolded over 1,600 years. Historical scenes recreated using CG are also a highlight.

Detailed episode commentary

Volume 1: Alexander the Great's Challenge to the Persian Empire

This episode tells the epic story of Alexander the Great's challenge to the Persian Empire. It details Alexander's military strategies and how he conquered the Persian Empire. The CGI battle scenes are incredibly realistic, conveying the tension of the era to the viewers. It also delves deep into Alexander the Great's leadership and how his dreams and ambitions influenced the development of civilization.

Volume 2: Alexander's Legacy: The Farthest Greek City

This episode depicts how Alexander the Great's legacy was inherited and developed after his death. In particular, it focuses on how the most remote Greek cities were formed and developed. This episode details how Greek culture merged with other civilizations and created a new culture. The CGI recreation of the city is very beautiful and allows the viewer to feel the atmosphere of that era.

Volume 3: Gandhara, the land where Buddhism took flight

The episode depicts the role that the Gandhara region played in the development of Buddhism. Gandhara was an important base from which Buddhism spread from India to Central Asia and China. The episode details Gandharan Buddhist art and how Buddhism merged with other religions and cultures to create new forms. The CGI recreations of Buddhist temples and statues are very beautiful and give the viewer a sense of the religious atmosphere of the time.

Volume 4: The Roman Mediterranean Empire: Dreams of the East

This episode tells the story of the Roman Empire's pursuit of its dreams to the East. It details how the Roman Empire came into contact with and was influenced by Eastern civilizations. This episode focuses on Roman military strategies and how cultural exchange through trade gave birth to new civilizations. The CGI recreations of Roman cities and military scenes are very realistic, conveying the tension of the era to the viewers.

Volume 5: The Mystery of the Silk Road: The Caravan People of Sogd

This episode unravels the mysteries of the Silk Road. It particularly details how the Sogdians, a people of caravans, used the Silk Road to trade. This episode focuses on the Sogdian culture and how they interacted with other civilizations and created new cultures. The CGI recreation of the Silk Road is very beautiful and gives the viewer a sense of the atmosphere of that era.

Volume 6: Baghdad, the City of Great Wisdom

This episode tells the story of Baghdad's development as a great city of wisdom. It details how Baghdad became the center of Islamic culture and developed science, philosophy, and literature. This episode focuses on how Baghdad's libraries and universities accumulated knowledge and gave birth to a new civilization. The CGI recreation of Baghdad is very beautiful, giving the viewer a sense of the wealth of knowledge of that era.

Volume 7: Jerusalem Peace Treaty - The Young Emperor's Decision

It tells the story of Jerusalem's development as a place of peace. In particular, it details how the young emperor tried to achieve peace in Jerusalem. This episode focuses on the religious significance of Jerusalem and how different religions and cultures blended together to create a new civilization. The CGI recreation of Jerusalem is very beautiful, allowing viewers to feel the religious atmosphere of the time.

Ratings and Recommendations

"The Road of Civilization" is a spectacular work that depicts the vast history of the Eurasian continent. The recreation of historical scenes using CGI is very beautiful, allowing viewers to feel the atmosphere of the era. Each episode also details the rise and fall of civilizations and the fusion of different cultures, providing viewers with deep knowledge and emotion. This work is especially recommended for those who are interested in history and culture, and also for those who want to enjoy the beauty of CGI.

Related information

This work can be viewed on NHK On Demand. In addition, related books and DVDs are also available, allowing you to enjoy this work even more deeply. If you are interested in history and culture, be sure to check out these related information as well.

summary

NHK Special's "The Road of Civilization" is a spectacular work depicting the vast history of the Eurasian continent. The recreation of historical scenes using CGI is very beautiful, allowing viewers to feel the atmosphere of those times. Each episode also details the rise and fall of civilizations and the fusion of different cultures, providing viewers with deep knowledge and inspiration. This work is especially recommended for those who are interested in history and culture. It is also recommended for those who want to enjoy the beauty of CGI. Be sure to watch it on NHK On Demand and check out the related books and DVDs.