CNN Millennium — Season 1, Episode 1: The Eleventh Century: Century of the Sword

Episode synopsis

Survey the world in AD 1000 and see that China was the most vibrant, open and technologically advanced civilization. Islam, less than 400 years old, had become the most far reaching civilization in trade and travel. Cordoba, in Southern Spain, was one of the most important cities in the world. India, rich in natural resources, was the only other civilization that the Chinese respected. Enriched by contact with China, Japan looked promising but turned increasingly in on itself. We are able to examine life in the imperial palace through an intimate diary left by Sei Shonagon, who was a lady in waiting to the Heian royalty. Christianity was divided into two rival camps. The Western Catholic Church looked to Rome, the Eastern Orthodox Church looked to Constantinople. In 1054, the political wrangling reached a climax when the Pope excommunicated the Eastern Church.

About CNN Millennium

A documentary series covering the last 1,000 years. Each of the 10 episodes focuses on a single century, brought to life by five vignettes from five different locations worldwide. Inspired by Felipe Fernandez-Armesto's book, "Millennium," and filmed in 28 countries, the series is as geographically far-ranging as the world it covers.

More episodes from Season 1

• E2The Twelfth Century: Century of the Axe
• E3The Thirteenth Century: Century of the Stirrup
• E4The Fourteenth Century: Century of the Scythe
• E5The Fifteenth Century: Century of the Sail
• E6The Sixteenth Century: Century of the Compass
• E7The Seventeenth Century: Century of the Telescope
• E8The Eighteenth Century: Century of the Furnace
• E9The Nineteenth Century: Century of the Machine
• E10The Twentieth Century: Century of the Globe