From their beginnings as hunter-gatherers in harsh, unforgiving landscapes; to surviving the worst collapse in human history; to facing off against the greatest empire the world had ever known, the Greeks would have to overcome incredible odds to pave the way for the modern West.
In National Geographic’s landmark event series, "The Greeks," historians and archaeologists, actors and athletes, scientists and artists launch a groundbreaking exploration into the ancient Greeks’ journey — not just to better understand their past, but to discover how their legacy illuminates our present, and will shape our future. The story of the Greeks is the story of us.
Episode 1 | Cavemen to Kings
Uncover the origin story of Western civilization, as the early Greeks rise from nothing and change everything—laying the groundwork for a revolution in human thought.
Episode 2 | The Good Strife
Explore history as the ancient Greeks emerge from the first dark ages to compose timeless epics, compete in the original Olympic Games, conjure early theories of nature, and construct the world’s first democracy.
Episode 3 | Chasing Greatness
Discover how the ancient Greeks finally reached the peak of civilization—revolutionizing art, architecture, drama, philosophy and government—and left a legacy that still points the way forward.