CNN Millennium — Season 1, Episode 2: The Twelfth Century: Century of the Axe

Episode synopsis

All over the world people challenged nature and a century of ambitious building began. At Pueblo Bonito, in the American Southwest, a monumental city rose from the desert. Vast new churches arose all over Northern Europe to celebrate God's glory through Gothic architecture. Spectacular Christian churches were carved out of solid rock in Ethiopia to establish the power of King Lalibela. New cities produced a new way of life in Italy. Citizens gave themselves charters, established their rights, and declared themselves independent republics. Not everyone built. Nomadic tribes such as the Australian aborigines continued to flourish by hunting, gathering and honoring the land.

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

• E1The Eleventh Century: Century of the Sword
• 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