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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
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Follow ancient humans’ journey into an icy and perilous new land.
Discover how Homo sapiens outlasted Neanderthals – and how they helped make us who we are today.
Watch a preview of Hard Hat Riot.
Follow Homo sapiens as they venture out of Africa and spread farther than any other human species.
Appraisal: Gustav Stickley Desk, ca. 1910
Trace the remarkable origin story of Homo sapiens and the crucial moments that shaped our species.
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News Wrap: Israel says Hamas spokesperson killed as it expands Gaza offensive
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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.