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Engineering an Empire (History)

common sense media says

History lessons for tech-friendly families.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this engaging educational show uses reenactments (some realistic, others computer-generated) to depict historical events including battles and, in one instance, human sacrifice. These scenes are usually mild, with only a hint of blood. Some shows may include descriptions of unusual socio-cultural practices, like sibling marriage or polygamy.

Positive messages: The point of the show is to educate a broad audience about history and technology. There's objective description of slavery, warfare, and other unsavory topics. Women's place in historical events isn't mentioned much. Scholars include women and people from the location being described, though the lens is generally Euro-centric.
Violence & scariness: Much discussion of battles and wars, including details about weaponry and description of weapon effectiveness. Some hints of blood.
Sexy stuff: In at least one episode, statues of male and female nudes appear in the background. Discussion of ancient marriage practices, including sibling marriage and polygamy.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Short "fact" segments are sponsored by advertisers (for example, Nationwide Insurance). Alcohol ads air between segments.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Possibility of historical discussion of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Engineering an Empire

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the connections between history and contemporary living. How do some of the engineering feats seen on the show affect life today? Are kids or parents surprised to learn where certain things originated? Can kids think of something in their lives that could be improved through engineering? What did you learn from each episode?

What's the story?

What's the story?
ENGINEERING AN EMPIRE is an educational series that looks at history and culture through the lens of engineering feats. Hosted by actor and scholar Peter Weller (RoboCop), the show uses a variety of methods -- from reenactments to computer-generated blueprints -- to illustrate technologies that built great ancient civilizations, like Athens, Egypt, and Mayan Mexico. In the episode "Greece: Age of Alexander," for example, viewers learn about Alexander the Great's use of catapults and special spears, which gave his army an advantage over its enemies and eventually allowed them to conquer outlying areas and spread Greek culture to Egypt and beyond. Location shots add interest to the lessons, like when Weller sits on the steps of an enormous Greek theater while describing its acoustics. Experts from universities in the United States and beyond provide detail and color commentary on aspects of the culture being examined.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

While some kids will be bored to tears by descriptions of ancient history, those interested in how things work will find much to hold their attention. Descriptions use some complex language, but Weller keeps things down to earth -- describing Macedonia, for instance, as the nerd in the class who wanted to join the frat boys of Athens.

Since much of empire building involves war, combat is one of the show's primary topics. Viewers learn about weapons and see some digital reenactments of violence, as well as some realistic scenes of slain soldiers or human sacrifice, though usually without much detail.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: History
Cast: Peter Weller
Genre: Educational
Where to watch: History
This review was written by Sierra Filucci
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

ibart9
teen, 14 years old
10
 
The show was pretty good. We own the first season, and my little brother (9) devours them. However, there is quite a lot of blood and violence, and some sexual themes.
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