Big History ~ Megastructures

Today on Far Future Horizons we present the fifth episode of the History Channel’s documentary series “Big History” that presents History on a grand epic scale.

In this instalment we investigate humankind's urge and fascination with building structures on a colossal scale.  

From the Great Pyramid at Giza to the towering skyscrapers of today, humans have engineered massive constructions for at least 5,000 years. 

But why? How do biology and human emotions affect our desire to build gigantic structures?

Big History integrates studies of the cosmos, Earth, life and humanity using empirical evidence to explore cause-and-effect relations, and is taught at universities and secondary schools often using web-based interactive presentations.”

This multidisciplinary academic movement was spearheaded by historian David Christian of Australia's Macquarie University, who coined the term Big History.

While some academic historians are skeptical about its value or originality, this twenty year old discipline appears to be poised for further growth.

An effort to make the discipline available worldwide is being funded by philanthropist Bill Gates. David Christian has named this effort the Big History Project.

This episode of Big History is available through Amazon Instant Video.

Big History ~ Megastructures

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