Great Empires of the Past: Core Concepts Video Clip Library 2010
Distributed by Films Media Group, 132 West 31st St., 17th Floor, New York, NY 10001; 800-257-5126
Produced by Films Media Group
Director n/a
DVD, color, 84 min. (36 segments, 2-3 min. each)
Jr. High - General Adult
History, Ancient History, European Studies, Latin American Studies, Native American Studies, Central American Studies, Architecture, Area Studies, Mythology, Art History
Date Entered: 12/21/2011
Reviewed by Sarah B. Cornell, Daniel Webster CollegeThe primary strength of Great Empires of the Past is its consistent use of images of genuine art, artifacts, and monuments to illustrate each empire. The editing and visual style is fresh and lively, but does not obscure the iconic images which students would encounter upon further study. The clip library consists of 3 short segments for each of twelve civilizations, going beyond the commonly illustrated empires of the Greeks, Romans, Mayas, Incas and Aztecs to include those of Ancient Persia, Medieval West Africa, and the Medieval Islamic World.
Great Empires of the Past provides concise yet insightful introductions to key concepts as well as geographical and historical contexts. As a collection of clips, it is not intended to fill a need for in-depth exploration of each empire, nor does it provide any over-arching commentary on empire as a concept. Teachers will find the 2- to 3-minute segments useful as writing prompts, discussion prompts, or simply a way to add variety to classroom instruction and reach auditory and visual learners. Each segment could easily be used independently of all the others.