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Documentary

The Best Episodes of Civilisations: Rise and Fall Season 1

Every episode of Civilisations: Rise and Fall Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Civilisations: Rise and Fall Season 1!

Binge this in 3h 56m•Peaking at 6.9/10

Four mighty civilisations - Rome, Egypt, Japan's Samurai and the Aztecs. Their legends remain - now priceless artefacts reveal what led them to fall into the echoes of history.

Airs on
BBC Two
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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Civilisations: Rise and Fall Season 1 Episode 2 - Egypt
    6.9/10(37 votes)

    S1:E2

    The 3,000-year-old civilisation of ancient Egypt faces disaster as war, famine and a toxic dynasty threaten its survival. Will Queen Cleopatra become the last of the pharaohs?

    Director:Richard Pearson
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. Civilisations: Rise and Fall Season 1 Episode 1 - Rome
    6.4/10(44 votes)

    S1:E1

    A weak emperor. A divided empire. Barbarians at the gate. Does this perfect storm mean the end of ancient Rome?

    Director:David Lee
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. Civilisations: Rise and Fall Season 1 Episode 3 - Aztecs
    6.4/10(25 votes)

    S1:E3

    The Aztecs battle to save their civilisation from Spanish invaders – but is the real threat from the enemy within?

    Director:Duncan Singh
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. Civilisations: Rise and Fall Season 1 Episode 4 - Japan
    6.0/10(24 votes)

    S1:E4

    For 250 years, Japan has thrived, largely cut off from western influence - until US gunboats arrive. In the face of an industrialised west, how will reformers, the shogun and the samurai class react?

    Director:Patrick Dickinson
    Writer:Unknown

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Season 1 Ratings Summary

"Egypt" is the best rated episode of "Civilisations: Rise and Fall" season 1. It scored 6.9/10 based on 37 votes. Directed by Richard Pearson and written by Unknown, it aired on 12/1/2025. This episode is rated 0.5 points higher than the second-best, "Rome".