Grade levels: Upper Elementary (4-6)

The story of Ancient Rome is filled with drama and very important lessons can be learned from both the achievements and mistakes of the Eternal City. In this DVD, video footage gathered in Rome and at sites of Ancient Roman ruins around Europe shows the glory and grandeur that was Rome. Scholars of the classical world from Oxford University, The University of Michigan and UCLA help tell the story.

Castles, cathedrals, nobility, knights in shining armor, witches, dungeons, gothic splendor and almost constant war. The Middle Ages are all of that and more! This video tells the fascinating story of these thousand years of history, from around 500 A.D. to 1400 A.D.

Scholars from Yale University share their knowledge of The Renaissance in this video which takes the viewer on a captivating and beautiful trip back to one of the most glorious periods in world history. No period of history can boast of greater beauty than The Renaissance. This was the period, from approximately early 14th century to late 16th century that yielded Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and the infamous bard, William Shakespeare.

This fascinating program examines the important figures of this period, their motivations for exploring new lands, and their tragedies and successes. These pioneers include Prince Henry the Navigator of Portugal, who sponsored many voyages to Africa Bartolomeu Dias, who discovered the southern cape of Africa Christopher Columbus, who made four voyages to the Americas Pedro Cabral, who claimed Brazil for Portugal John Cabot, who set out to duplicate the journey of Columbus Amerigo Vespucci, from whom America derives its name Vasco da Gama, who opened a trade route to India and Ferdinand Magellan, whose three-year journey took his ship and crew around the world, although he died without seeing the end of the journey.

This enlightening video explores the background of the Roman Catholic Church and the causes of social and religious unrest. The program also introduces key figures who played important roles in the changes taking place in Europe. Early churchmen such as John Wycliffe and Jan Hus preceded Luther in objecting to teachings of the church.

The Age of Enlightenment is a period of history intrinsically French in its origins but predominately American in its impact. Scholars of The Enlightenment from Yale University and UCLA share their insights in this fascinating video. A must-see for any student of the History of Western Civilization.

Scholars from the University of Warwick (England) and UCLA share their knowledge about The Industrial Revolution in this enlightening video – a program deserved to be a part of every student’s collection of modern history.