

Season 1 • Episode 12
LatestHow being the fastest enabled empires to be born and capitalism to thrive.
Mankind Decoded is the intriguing story of how 12 timeless forces have shaped human history in extraordinary ways. Find out how the implacable forces of nature have compelled us to adapt or die; how new technologies have transformed our existence; how our need for food brought forth civilization; and the desire for luxuries changed our world.
Production
Slick CGI makes ancient history feel like a blockbuster.
Writing
Eric Meyers narrates like he's telling you state secrets.
Editing
Tight 22-min episodes respect your attention span.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The series shares DNA with 'Mankind: The Story of All of Us' but trims the fat for ADHD-era documentary fans.
Part of the 2010s 'big history' boom that tried to make us feel small and important simultaneously—peak pre-pandemic optimism.