World of Stonehenge

Neil Oliver presents a vivid documentary episode of the series that traces the arrival of farming in Britain around 4,000 BC, revealing how new pottery, crops and belief systems reshaped daily life. This episode offers programme highlights, drama and a quick overview at a glance, delivering compelling entertainment for UK viewers and fitting neatly into the UK television and British TV line‑up on PBS America (Freeview) programming, and is a perfect pick for the television guide.

Age of Ancestors is a one‑hour documentary episode presented by archaeologist Neil Oliver, part of a series that investigates the deep roots of human civilisation. In this instalment the focus turns to the arrival of farming in Britain around 4,000 BC and the profound changes it sparked in daily life, material culture and belief systems. The programme blends on‑location filming across the English countryside with vivid reconstructions, offering UK viewers a fresh perspective on a pivotal moment in British prehistory. Viewers can anticipate a clear, narrative‑driven walk through the transition from hunter‑gatherer groups to settled farming communities. Oliver explains how the introduction of grain cultivation led to the first pottery workshops, permanent dwellings and the emergence of social hierarchies. The episode also delves into the spiritual side of the change, exploring new ritual sites, burial practices and the early symbolism that foreshadowed later Celtic traditions. Throughout, the documentary balances scholarly insight with accessible storytelling, making complex archaeological evidence feel like a compelling drama. The series is distinguished by its high‑definition field footage, expert interviews and cutting‑edge 3D visualisations of Neolithic settlements. Highlights include a walk‑through of an excavated long‑house, a hands‑on demonstration of ancient pottery wheel techniques, and a reconstruction of a seasonal feast that would have marked the first harvest. Neil Oliver’s personable presenting style, combined with a soundtrack that evokes the ancient landscape, turns the episode into an immersive entertainment experience that feels both educational and cinematic. Age of Ancestors taps into a growing appetite among UK television viewers for content that connects modern life with the deep past of the British Isles. The series offers a sense of national identity, showing how the ancestors of today’s communities first shaped the land that now hosts bustling towns and cities. Its focus on tangible artefacts such as pottery and stone tools resonates with audiences who enjoy museum‑type experiences from the comfort of their sofa. The programme’s blend of history, archaeology and storytelling makes it a compelling addition to any comprehensive guide for British TV enthusiasts. Although produced for PBS America, the episode is available on Freeview as part of the channel’s documentary strand, fitting neatly alongside other high‑quality historical series. It complements the existing lineup of British TV documentaries that explore ancient cultures, providing a transatlantic perspective that enriches the overall offering. For UK viewers seeking a full‑details, in‑depth review of the series, this episode stands out as a prime example of how international collaborations can deliver top‑tier entertainment and education to the domestic audience.