Your Classical Companion
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Rick Steves’ Europe: Art of Prehistoric Europe

Season 12 Episode 1201 | 28m 04s

As the Ice Age glaciers melted, prehistoric Europe bloomed with surprisingly sophisticated art. From Ireland to France, Scotland to the Greek Isles, we traverse that mystical world of mighty megaliths, torchlit cave paintings, magical goddesses, and wrinkled bog people. We stand in awe as a massive tomb is radiated by a dramatic beam of sunlight and listen to ritual horns that still play today.

Aired: 09/30/23 | Expires: 09/30/28
Distributed nationally by American Public Television
Extras
Sixty million American bison once thundered across the prairies of North America.
Syria’s uncertain future under jihadist-turned-statesman Ahmad al-Sharaa.
June 30, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
Tamara Keith and Amy Walter on Trump's big bill facing GOP opposition
Dozens in Gaza killed by Israeli strikes and gunfire as U.S. makes new push for ceasefire
News Wrap: Idaho investigators identify alleged gunman in firefighter ambush attack
Senate pushes to pass Trump's budget as some Republicans voice concerns over Medicaid cuts
Operation Not Forgotten dedicates FBI agents to cold cases as Native families seek answers
Who would be affected by health care cuts in Senate version of Trump's budget bill
The power of stories helps young people overcome differences
Latest Episodes
All
  • All
  • Rick Steves' Europe Season 12
  • Rick Steves' Europe Season 11
  • Rick Steves' Europe Season 10
  • Rick Steves' Europe Season 9
  • Rick Steves' Europe Season 8
  • Rick Steves' Europe Season 7
  • Rick Steves' Europe Season 6
  • Rick Steves' Europe Season 5
  • Rick Steves' Europe Season 4
  • Rick Steves' Europe Season 3
  • Rick Steves' Europe Season 2
  • Rick Steves' Europe Season 1
Greece’s timeless art: Golden Age temples, alluring Venuses, and exuberant Winged Victory.
Early Europeans produce diverse art: from Christians to Muslims and Byzantines to Vikings.
Roaming Europe, we admire stately Neoclassical buildings and dramatic Romantic paintings.
The turbulent century and its rule-breaking art—Picasso, Surrealism and edgy architecture.
Shimmering Impressionist canvases by Monet and Renoir, plus Van Gogh, Gauguin and more.
Soaring Gothic cathedrals of radiant stained glass, plus art celebrating worldly pleasure.
Rome’s rise, as seen in its supersized monuments, colorful mosaics, and marble Caesars.
We marvel at Baroque’s over-the-top churches, palaces, bubbly fountains, and theatric art.
Florence’s bold “rebirth” is powered by the genius of Leonardo, Rafael, and Michelangelo.
From Portugal to Germany, booming economies and new technologies produce exquisite art.