Footprints of Civilisation

The legacies of the Inca, Mesopotamian, Persian, Greek, Chinese, Egyptian, Roman and Indus societies continue to shape contemporary life, particularly through their artistic and cultural contributions. This episode examines how those ancient traditions persist in modern art, architecture and cultural practices.

The series Art and Culture is a programme presented as an episodic documentary. It falls under the broader genre of cultural television, delivering concise installments that examine the lasting impact of historic societies on contemporary life. In this particular episode the focus turns to the artistic and cultural footprints left by a range of ancient civilisations. It looks at how the Inca, Mesopotamian, Persian, Greek, Chinese, Egyptian, Roman and Indus peoples continue to shape modern habits, aesthetics and ideas. By tracing their contributions, the episode shows that the legacy of these early cultures is still woven into the fabric of today’s world. The segment walks viewers through each civilisation’s distinct artistic traditions and cultural practices, pointing out the ways these elements survive in current expressions. It highlights that, despite the passage of millennia, the visual motifs, architectural principles and symbolic systems first developed by these societies still resonate in contemporary design and cultural norms. Overall, the episode underscores the deep‑rooted influence of these historic peoples, reminding us that modern life is built on a foundation laid by the Inca, Mesopotamians, Persians, Greeks, Chinese, Egyptians, Romans and the Indus civilization. Their artistic and cultural contributions remain a vibrant part of today’s everyday experience.