DVD

Investigates the driving forces behind this brilliant period of artistic and scientific achievement. Discover how humanists like Petrarch pioneered the rediscovery of ancient Greek and Roman culture, sparking an explosion of creativity and innovation. Changes abound in politics and religion as well.

What was it like to live during the Renaissance? This program explores the typical homes, diets, and clothing of the period. Examines how due to a surging economy, many people had more money to spend on new household items, spices, and clothing. Witness the changing roles of work, education, religion, art, and family life over three centuries across Europe.

Explores the newly discovered uses of realism, mathematics, and perspective in art; the introduction of new musical instruments and changes in musical style; and how literature flourished thanks to the innovation of the printing press. Explores Leonardo, Machiavelli, and Shakespeare, whose works continue to be admired and emulated today. DVD divided into chapters.

Explores the people, ideas, and inventions behind the major scientific breakthroughs in astronomy, physics, anatomy, and mathematics. Examines scientific greats including Galileo, Kepler, and Brunelleschi, and discusses how the life of a scientist often conflicted with existing religious beliefs. DVD divided into chapters. Includes discussion questions and Spanish soundtrack option.

During the Renaissance, sailors set off into uncharted waters in search of new trade routes and lucrative luxury goods. Advancements in navigational tools, including lateen sails and the astrolabe, aided explorers such as Columbus and da Gama on their journeys.

All aboard! Next stop...New York! On this trip, we will explore New York's landforms, taking a trip under Niagara Falls and up into the Catskill Mountains. We will explore the history, industry, natural resources and culture of the state, especially the contributions of immigrants and native peoples.

Examines the ancient civilizations of the Olmec, Aztec, and Maya; Spanish conquest of the Aztec; the impact of Catholic missionaries; the wars for independence. Looks at Mexican leaders such as Benito Juarez, Father Hidalgo, and General Santa Anna.

Looks at how the geography of Mexico has shaped its history, society, and culture. Examines a variety of regions including the Sonoran Desert and the rainforests of Chipas. Discusses major industries like silver mining and tourism.

Viewers will learn about the rich cultural heritage of Mexico. Looks at the influences of indigenous people and Spanish rule in clothing, folktales, foods and holidays. Includes a sample day in the life of a fisherman's son and a young girl in Mexico City. Also looks at Tejano bands, artwork of Diego Rivera, and Talavera pottery.

Islam is one of the great monolithic world religions practiced today. Discover the Islamic culture through the daily life and rituals of Muslims around the world.

Narrated by Academy Award winner, Ben Kingsley, Religions of the World offers insight into the striking similarities and vast differences among the world's major religions as well as the unique perspective of its many individual cultures.

One of the world's oldest surviving religions, Judaism is both a theology and a way of life for over 12 million followers in the world today. The first religion to be founded upon the principle of monotheism, Judaism has survived despite persecution against its people throughout the ages.

Narrated by Academy Award winner, Ben Kingsley, Religions of the World offers insight into the striking similarities and vast differences among the world's major religions as well as the unique perspective of its many individual cultures.

See how the political, religious and social events of 16th-century Europe changed the course of history. Examine the context in which these factors sparked the birth of Protestant Christianity. Led by Martin Luther, this spiritual revolution gained momentum and, under the helm of other Protestant leaders, thrived and grew into new factions in Europe and North America.

From the public ministry of Jesus to the legendary battles of the Crusades, examine the interwoven histories of these two distinct branches of Christianity. Although its followers were long persecuted by the Roman Empire, Christianity spread throughout the Mediterranean region and eventually became the favored religion of the Empire, following the ascension of Constantine to the Roman throne.