The Universe
2007–2015 · Vice TV · 60 min · 9 seasons
S09E06 · Roman Engineering
Sun, 24 May, 12:00 pm
Examining Roman engineering and its impact on life in the ancient empire.
About
From the planets to the stars and out to the edge of the unknown, history and science collide in this epic exploration of the Universe and its mysteries. It's a very old universe. Yet just 50 years since man first ventured into outer space, the heavens are yielding their greatest secrets. Robotic rovers give us eyes on the red rock of Mars--NASA probes slam into comets at hyper speed--deep-space telescopes capture violent images of the birth of stars and their collapse into black holes. All have significantly changed the way we see ourselves. We wonder, is there anywhere else out there that that can support life? Using cutting-edge computer graphics, this series brings the universe down to earth to show what life would be like on other planets, and to imagine what kind of life forms might evolve in alien atmospheres. Episodes examine how discoveries were made and the scientists and explorers who dared to venture into the uncharted territory of the universe.
Episodes
- E01
Omens of Doom
Sun, 19 Apr· 60 minExamining the interpretations by ancient peoples of celestial phenomena as bad omens, and the impact that the perceived omens may have had on history.
- E02
The Eye of God
Sun, 26 Apr· 60 minExamining strange shapes of the universe, such as the "Eye of God", the hexagon on Saturn, and the "face" on the Moon.
- E03
Apocalyptic Visions
Sun, 3 May· 60 minHell fires, endless winters, or a planet wracked by earthquakes are a few versions of Armageddon visualized by the Vikings, Aztecs, and the rest of our ancient ancestors. But which does modern science think will be closest to the truth? Celestial phenomena--the aging of our sun, the expansion of our universe, and other potentially cataclysmic events--could trigger the kind of Armageddon the ancients feared. Which ancient prophecy do scientists believe actually foretells our doom? And how close are we to the end of the world?
- E04
Alien Worlds
Sun, 10 May· 60 minExamining the possibility of other worlds existing in the universe.
- E05
Predicting the Future
Sun, 17 May· 60 minExamining whether tracking astronomical phenomena can actually predict the future.
- E06
Roman Engineering
Sun, 24 May· 60 minExamining Roman engineering and its impact on life in the ancient empire.
Cast
Erik Thompson
Narrator