The Time Compass

Journey to the ancient Near East to explore the origins of the Israelites and their religious traditions. Discover the stories of the patriarchs, the Exodus and the establishment of Israelite communities in the land of Canaan.

Continue the history of ancient Israel through the development of its kingdoms and religious institutions. Explore the importance of Jerusalem, the Temple, prophetic traditions and the historical events that shaped the enduring legacy of Judaism.

Travel into the Andes to discover how the Incas established a powerful civilization in a challenging mountainous environment. Explore the empire's origins, its capital at Cusco and the agricultural and political systems that supported its expansion.

Discover the remarkable engineering, architecture and administration of the Inca Empire. From mountain roads and agricultural terraces to the spectacular city of Machu Picchu, explore the achievements of Inca society and the Spanish conquest that transformed it.

Journey to central Mexico to discover the origins of the Aztec civilization. Explore the founding of Tenochtitlan, the growth of the Aztec Empire and the sophisticated agricultural systems that supported its enormous capital.

Discover the military power, religious beliefs and intellectual traditions of the Aztecs. Learn about their rituals, calendars and pursuit of knowledge, before examining the arrival of Spanish conquistadors and the fall of their empire.

Travel to the fertile lands between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, where some of the world's earliest cities emerged. Discover how farming communities developed into organized societies and explore the achievements of the Sumerians and other ancient peoples.

Explore the extraordinary intellectual legacy of Mesopotamia, including the development of writing, astronomy and systems of law. Discover Babylon, the Code of Hammurabi and the Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the oldest surviving works of literature.

Explore the origins of Islam in seventh-century Arabia and the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. Discover how the new religion developed and how the first Muslim communities established the foundations of a rapidly expanding civilization.

Follow the spread of Islamic civilization across the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. Explore the achievements of Muslim scholars, artists and scientists, and discover how trade, education and cultural exchange shaped the Islamic world.

Journey to ancient Persia and discover the rise of one of history's greatest empires. Learn how Persian rulers united diverse peoples, organized their vast territories and developed religious and cultural traditions that influenced neighboring civilizations.

Explore the wealth, power and achievements of the Persian Empire. Discover its magnificent royal centres, the conflicts with ancient Greece and the enduring political and cultural legacy of Persian civilization.

Travel to Mesoamerica to discover the origins of Maya civilization and the earlier cultures that influenced its development. Explore the growth of Maya cities, their elaborate architecture and the political organization of their kingdoms.

Discover the intellectual and artistic achievements of the Maya, including their writing system, mathematical knowledge and sophisticated calendars. Explore their religious beliefs, astronomical observations and the changing fortunes of their great cities.

Travel to the Japanese archipelago and explore the beginnings of Japanese civilization. Discover how geography, early religious traditions and influences from mainland Asia contributed to the development of a distinctive society.

Continue through Japan's history as powerful families and military rulers reshape the country. Explore the traditions of the samurai, Japanese arts and religious practices, and the cultural achievements that helped establish Japan's enduring identity.