Dan Cruickshank's quest for this enlightening TV series is to tell the story of civilisation through the greatest of man's achievements. It is also the story of his travels, and who and what he meets along the way. Whether standing before the solemn heads of Easter Island, investigating the mysterious Nazca lines in Peru or the magnificent temple of Borobodur in Java, Dan is never less than fascinating about the origins, construction, mysteries and vicissitudes of each of these monuments to the great civilisations of the world.

Do they live up to expectation? Have they been left in ruin, or over-restored? Along the way, Dan reveals his most intimate thoughts and feelings about the people he meets, the ups and downs of the journey, perils, joys, and the ongoing relationships formed on the road.