Footprints of Civilisation

The legacies of the Inca, Mesopotamian, Persian, Greek, Chinese, Egyptian, Roman and Indus societies continue to shape contemporary life. This programme examines the ways their communication systems still affect us today. From written scripts to trade routes, their innovations underpin many of the channels we use now.

The programme titled Communication is an episode‑length entry in a series that examines how past societies shape the world we live in today. It’s presented as a concise, self‑contained instalment that fits within the broader format of the show, focusing specifically on the ways people have shared information across the ages. In this episode the narrative turns to a selection of ancient cultures – the Inca, Mesopotamian, Persian, Greek, Chinese, Egyptian, Roman and Indus civilisations – and shows how each of them continues to leave a profound imprint on contemporary life. The central thread is communication, with the episode tracing how the ideas and practices born in those societies still echo in the ways we convey messages now. The segment walks viewers through the contributions of each civilisation, highlighting the enduring relevance of their communication systems. By juxtaposing historic methods with modern equivalents, it points out the continuity between ancient ingenuity and today’s information exchange. The episode’s structure allows the audience to see how techniques once developed thousands of years ago still underpin the basics of how we interact. Ultimately, the episode underscores that the legacy of these early cultures isn’t confined to archaeology; it lives on in the very fabric of our daily conversations, written symbols and digital networks. Their influence on communication remains a vivid reminder of humanity’s long‑standing drive to connect.