China
This section features documentaries on China, both the current and ancient history.
Ancient China
Lost Treasures of the Silk Road - YouTube (50:31)
It was thought that the Chinese Middle Empire had developed independently of the West. Mighty mountains and deserts seemed to be impossible barriers to cross. However, there have been archeological discoveries that may dispute that theory. Mummies from the Bronze Age have been discovered and extraordinarily well preserved in the desert. What shocked the archeological world was that these mummies did not come from China. Who were they? How much did Western civilization influence China? *Recommend for teacher and student research purposes. Highly recommended for a history and science classroom.*
Diva Mummy - YouTube (49:47)
While ordinary people fought in battles, the aristocrats celebrated and grew wealthy. There was a Han aristocrat named Lady Dai. Lady Dai would not ordinarily make history. However, when her tomb was opened the discovery sent shockwaves through the archeological community. Her mummy was the best-preserved mummy in the world. She was known as the perfect mummy. Her lifelike mummy leaves the Egyptian efforts in the dust. *Recommend for teacher and student research purposes. Highly recommended for a history and science classroom.*
Mysterious Hanging Coffins - YouTube (52:44)
China's Sichuan Province is home to ancient coffins hanging from the mountains. How did they get there? Who put them there? Why did they bury their dead vertically? Do any of their descendants remain? This mystery has baffled historians for centuries. This documentary documents the efforts to learn about them as well as preserve them for the future. It also attempts to learn more about the descendants of the people who built them. *Recommended for research purposes for independent study students and to use in a lecture. Recommended for use in a science and history classroom.*
The Only Empress of China - YouTube (48:02)
Wu Zetian is one of the most controversial rulers of China. She was a concubine who rose to become Empress of China. She was the only woman who ruled China. She led China for 50 years. The Chinese officials under her were scathing in their criticism. However, historians and archeologists are uncovering evidence that challenges that assertion. *Recommend for middle school and high school classrooms. Highly recommend for independent study students or use for clips.*
The Legendary First Emperor of China - YouTube (1:39:33)
Qin Shi Huangdi was the first Emperor of China. He unified the Chinese people. He built an empire that lasted thousands of years. He left behind a legendary tomb. This documentary explores the man and the legend. It will be a challenge to separate fact from fiction but Professor Jeffrey Reigel takes on that challenge. How did Qin create an empire? How could such a person exist? Why is he such a legendary man? *Recommend for high school classrooms. Highly recommend for independent study students or use for clips.*
Confucius - YouTube (1:28:27)
This docu-drama tells the story of Confucius. His ideas were radical and only adopted after his death by the Emperors. His teachings were the foundation of Chinese education for 2,000 years. He taught obedience, meritocracy, and morality. Rituals and etiquette were tools to unite the people. His ideas still govern everything in China. This documentary is the story of Confucius and his legacy. *Highly recommended for a high school history class or class projects.*
Chinese Treasure Fleet - YouTube (44:47)
Six hundred years ago, China had an unstoppable fleet. It was led by Zhen, a long-forgotten admiral. He was one of the most accomplished sailors in history. He commanded an unrivaled fleet, a fleet known as the Treasure Fleet. A modern-day adventurer recreated one of his ships and is setting the theory of this fleet to practice. This documentary drama is the story of this grand fleet. *Recommended for a history classroom and independent study students.*
The Lost City at Jinsha - YouTube (49:53)
Sichuan China is home to a mysterious kingdom. It was found in the Jinsha suburb and was one of the most important finds of the century. Archeological finds include thousands of graves and their grave goods. Who were these people? Why were they left with such fine grave goods? Why did this civilization disappear? Agnes Hsu-Tang, director of the China Institute of New York investigates this lost civilization. *NOT RECOMMENDED FOR A HISTORY CLASSROOM.*
The Mystery of the Jade Suit - YouTube (43:27)
In 1983, construction workers discovered a tomb entrance while excavating a site for a new apartment building. This tomb entrance was dated 2000 years ago. The most curious object in the tomb was a jade suit. However, no historical record showed that an Emperor was entitled to be buried in a jade suit. Who was this man? Why did he deserve such an honor of being buried in a jade suit? What will Agnes discover about this man? *RECOMMENDED for a history class and for independent study students.*
Cao Cao's Tomb: Ancient Secrets of the Three Kingdoms - YouTube (44:01)
In Anyang, a discovery set shockwaves through the archeological world. Many archeologists believe that it belonged to Cao Cao. Cao Cao was one of the most divisive leaders in all of China. Some believed him to be a good leader. Others believe him to be a cruel and ruthless military leader. Others called him a brilliant scholar. He took center stage in the era known as the Three Kingdoms, a period characterized by three factions rising up to fight for control of China. Who was this man really? What can this tomb reveal about his leadership? *RECOMMENDED for a history class and for independent study students.*
China - YouTube (47:49)
China happens to be one of the oldest and most powerful country origins of the world. However many of us do not know much about its ancient origins. It was a land of mystery for decades. It took many years for archeologists to go in and learn about the Chinese. Who were the Chinese? How did they unify themselves as a people? Who created the world's most spectacular sites? What about the Terracotta Warriors? *Put on your list of potential documentaries to show to a history classroom.*
Ancient Super Structures: The Great Wall of China - YouTube (50:01)
The Great Wall of China is one of the largest walls in the world. It stretches from East to West. It was designed to keep the enemy out. However, it is still one of the most enigmatic monuments that was created. With the latest in technology, historians, experts, and archeologists work to solve the mystery of the Great Wall. So what can the latest in technology reveal about the Great Wall? How did the builders build the Great Wall? *Recommended for both a history and technology education class.*
The Great Wall: The Making of China - YouTube (1:07:33)
This is the story of the Great Wall of China from the air. It is one of the greatest monuments of the ancient world. This is the wall that helped create China. Millions of lives would be lost building the wall. It ran from the Yellow Sea and through deserts. Genghis Khan knew about the wall. It has become an image of modern China. It took fourteen Chinese dynasties to build the wall. This is a monument that keeps telling its story. *Recommended for a history class.*
Lost Treasures of the Silk Road - YouTube (50:31)
It was thought that the Chinese Middle Empire had developed independently of the West. Mighty mountains and deserts seemed to be impossible barriers to cross. However, there have been archeological discoveries that may dispute that theory. Mummies from the Bronze Age have been discovered and extraordinarily well preserved in the desert. What shocked the archeological world was that these mummies did not come from China. Who were they? How much did Western civilization influence China? *Recommend for teacher and student research purposes. Highly recommended for a history and science classroom.*
Diva Mummy - YouTube (49:47)
While ordinary people fought in battles, the aristocrats celebrated and grew wealthy. There was a Han aristocrat named Lady Dai. Lady Dai would not ordinarily make history. However, when her tomb was opened the discovery sent shockwaves through the archeological community. Her mummy was the best-preserved mummy in the world. She was known as the perfect mummy. Her lifelike mummy leaves the Egyptian efforts in the dust. *Recommend for teacher and student research purposes. Highly recommended for a history and science classroom.*
Mysterious Hanging Coffins - YouTube (52:44)
China's Sichuan Province is home to ancient coffins hanging from the mountains. How did they get there? Who put them there? Why did they bury their dead vertically? Do any of their descendants remain? This mystery has baffled historians for centuries. This documentary documents the efforts to learn about them as well as preserve them for the future. It also attempts to learn more about the descendants of the people who built them. *Recommended for research purposes for independent study students and to use in a lecture. Recommended for use in a science and history classroom.*
The Only Empress of China - YouTube (48:02)
Wu Zetian is one of the most controversial rulers of China. She was a concubine who rose to become Empress of China. She was the only woman who ruled China. She led China for 50 years. The Chinese officials under her were scathing in their criticism. However, historians and archeologists are uncovering evidence that challenges that assertion. *Recommend for middle school and high school classrooms. Highly recommend for independent study students or use for clips.*
The Legendary First Emperor of China - YouTube (1:39:33)
Qin Shi Huangdi was the first Emperor of China. He unified the Chinese people. He built an empire that lasted thousands of years. He left behind a legendary tomb. This documentary explores the man and the legend. It will be a challenge to separate fact from fiction but Professor Jeffrey Reigel takes on that challenge. How did Qin create an empire? How could such a person exist? Why is he such a legendary man? *Recommend for high school classrooms. Highly recommend for independent study students or use for clips.*
Confucius - YouTube (1:28:27)
This docu-drama tells the story of Confucius. His ideas were radical and only adopted after his death by the Emperors. His teachings were the foundation of Chinese education for 2,000 years. He taught obedience, meritocracy, and morality. Rituals and etiquette were tools to unite the people. His ideas still govern everything in China. This documentary is the story of Confucius and his legacy. *Highly recommended for a high school history class or class projects.*
Chinese Treasure Fleet - YouTube (44:47)
Six hundred years ago, China had an unstoppable fleet. It was led by Zhen, a long-forgotten admiral. He was one of the most accomplished sailors in history. He commanded an unrivaled fleet, a fleet known as the Treasure Fleet. A modern-day adventurer recreated one of his ships and is setting the theory of this fleet to practice. This documentary drama is the story of this grand fleet. *Recommended for a history classroom and independent study students.*
The Lost City at Jinsha - YouTube (49:53)
Sichuan China is home to a mysterious kingdom. It was found in the Jinsha suburb and was one of the most important finds of the century. Archeological finds include thousands of graves and their grave goods. Who were these people? Why were they left with such fine grave goods? Why did this civilization disappear? Agnes Hsu-Tang, director of the China Institute of New York investigates this lost civilization. *NOT RECOMMENDED FOR A HISTORY CLASSROOM.*
The Mystery of the Jade Suit - YouTube (43:27)
In 1983, construction workers discovered a tomb entrance while excavating a site for a new apartment building. This tomb entrance was dated 2000 years ago. The most curious object in the tomb was a jade suit. However, no historical record showed that an Emperor was entitled to be buried in a jade suit. Who was this man? Why did he deserve such an honor of being buried in a jade suit? What will Agnes discover about this man? *RECOMMENDED for a history class and for independent study students.*
Cao Cao's Tomb: Ancient Secrets of the Three Kingdoms - YouTube (44:01)
In Anyang, a discovery set shockwaves through the archeological world. Many archeologists believe that it belonged to Cao Cao. Cao Cao was one of the most divisive leaders in all of China. Some believed him to be a good leader. Others believe him to be a cruel and ruthless military leader. Others called him a brilliant scholar. He took center stage in the era known as the Three Kingdoms, a period characterized by three factions rising up to fight for control of China. Who was this man really? What can this tomb reveal about his leadership? *RECOMMENDED for a history class and for independent study students.*
China - YouTube (47:49)
China happens to be one of the oldest and most powerful country origins of the world. However many of us do not know much about its ancient origins. It was a land of mystery for decades. It took many years for archeologists to go in and learn about the Chinese. Who were the Chinese? How did they unify themselves as a people? Who created the world's most spectacular sites? What about the Terracotta Warriors? *Put on your list of potential documentaries to show to a history classroom.*
Ancient Super Structures: The Great Wall of China - YouTube (50:01)
The Great Wall of China is one of the largest walls in the world. It stretches from East to West. It was designed to keep the enemy out. However, it is still one of the most enigmatic monuments that was created. With the latest in technology, historians, experts, and archeologists work to solve the mystery of the Great Wall. So what can the latest in technology reveal about the Great Wall? How did the builders build the Great Wall? *Recommended for both a history and technology education class.*
The Great Wall: The Making of China - YouTube (1:07:33)
This is the story of the Great Wall of China from the air. It is one of the greatest monuments of the ancient world. This is the wall that helped create China. Millions of lives would be lost building the wall. It ran from the Yellow Sea and through deserts. Genghis Khan knew about the wall. It has become an image of modern China. It took fourteen Chinese dynasties to build the wall. This is a monument that keeps telling its story. *Recommended for a history class.*
Modern China
Empire of Time - Episode 1 (48:48) Episode 2 (49:09)
Matteo Ricci was a Jesuit priest who entered China. He was the first European to enter China at the end of the 16th Century. He would look to convert the Emperor and eventually all of China to Catholicism. He was a man who was trained in geometry and algebra. He would use his learning to convert the people. He noted that Astronomy was important to the Chinese. After him, the Jesuits remained in China for three generations looking to convert the Emperor and eventually all of China. *NOT RECOMMENDED FOR THE HISTORY CLASSROOM.*
China's Forbidden City - Episode 1 (52:50) Episode 2 (52:43)
At the beginning of the 15th Century, Prince Zhu Di took power in China. With his new power, he established the Forbidden City and declared Bejing the capital of China. The Forbidden City was a palace complex and was a symbol of the new Emperor. The Forbidden City was a place where the emperor lived with his empress and concubines. It was kept off-limits to the ordinary man. It is now China’s greatest tourist attraction and is revealing its secrets from the past. *Recommended for a history class and for research purposes.*
Mao's Cold War - Episode 1 (44:09) Episode 2 (45:04) Episode 3 (44:36)
Tibet, an area that has always proven to be a sticky situation. It was the area of the world that would turn allies into foes. China and India were allies before the start of the conflict. However, as China rises in prominence and grew more militant, India started to question their relationship. The issue of Tibetan independence would continue to arise between these two nations. In the second episode, China finds itself waging a war on the Korean Peninsula against the Americans. This war becomes known as the Korean War and would lead to a stalemate between communists and capitalists. The alliance between the Soviet Union and China was thought to last forever. However, China became fed up with the unequalness of the relationship between the Soviet Union and China. Mao Zedong wants to put China on the map as a superpower and major player on the world stage. *Recommended for a history class.*
Empire of Silver Episode 1 (58:30) Episode 2 (58:32) Episode 3 (58:50)
All of a sudden in 1581, the Chinese Emperor decided that he wanted the people to pay their taxes in silver. He had sparked a global demand for silver that would change the course of history. Spain’s silver trade with China would shape the New World and would fund the Industrial Revolution. However, this trade would end up leading to China’s “century of humiliation.” So how would this silver trade impact China? How did this lead into the first steps of globalization? *Recommended for a history class as well as for research purposes.*
Empire of Time - Episode 1 (48:48) Episode 2 (49:09)
Matteo Ricci was a Jesuit priest who entered China. He was the first European to enter China at the end of the 16th Century. He would look to convert the Emperor and eventually all of China to Catholicism. He was a man who was trained in geometry and algebra. He would use his learning to convert the people. He noted that Astronomy was important to the Chinese. After him, the Jesuits remained in China for three generations looking to convert the Emperor and eventually all of China. *NOT RECOMMENDED FOR THE HISTORY CLASSROOM.*
China's Forbidden City - Episode 1 (52:50) Episode 2 (52:43)
At the beginning of the 15th Century, Prince Zhu Di took power in China. With his new power, he established the Forbidden City and declared Bejing the capital of China. The Forbidden City was a palace complex and was a symbol of the new Emperor. The Forbidden City was a place where the emperor lived with his empress and concubines. It was kept off-limits to the ordinary man. It is now China’s greatest tourist attraction and is revealing its secrets from the past. *Recommended for a history class and for research purposes.*
Mao's Cold War - Episode 1 (44:09) Episode 2 (45:04) Episode 3 (44:36)
Tibet, an area that has always proven to be a sticky situation. It was the area of the world that would turn allies into foes. China and India were allies before the start of the conflict. However, as China rises in prominence and grew more militant, India started to question their relationship. The issue of Tibetan independence would continue to arise between these two nations. In the second episode, China finds itself waging a war on the Korean Peninsula against the Americans. This war becomes known as the Korean War and would lead to a stalemate between communists and capitalists. The alliance between the Soviet Union and China was thought to last forever. However, China became fed up with the unequalness of the relationship between the Soviet Union and China. Mao Zedong wants to put China on the map as a superpower and major player on the world stage. *Recommended for a history class.*
Empire of Silver Episode 1 (58:30) Episode 2 (58:32) Episode 3 (58:50)
All of a sudden in 1581, the Chinese Emperor decided that he wanted the people to pay their taxes in silver. He had sparked a global demand for silver that would change the course of history. Spain’s silver trade with China would shape the New World and would fund the Industrial Revolution. However, this trade would end up leading to China’s “century of humiliation.” So how would this silver trade impact China? How did this lead into the first steps of globalization? *Recommended for a history class as well as for research purposes.*
Updated on September 14, 2024