The First Eden

Episode 01

The Making of the Garden

Mar 8, 1987 · 55 min

David Attenborough travels from France to Syria to explore the Mediterranean. The opener charts the creation of the sea's basin and surveys the area's wildlife, including chameleons, porcupines, flamingos, spoonbills, storks and monkeys.

Episode 02

The Gods Enslaved

Mar 15, 1987 · 55 min

Changing attitudes toward animals. Included: the worship of bulls and birds in ancient Egypt; the use of animals in spectator sports during the Roman Empire. Also: a visit to Crete to see olive oil being made and men diving for sponges. David Attenborough hosts.

Episode 03

The Wastes of War

Mar 22, 1987 · 55 min

David Attenborough visits Jordan, Spain, Italy and Malta. Included: the Arabs' passion for horses, which were the key to the spread of Islam in Spain; the devastation of forests in Spain for sheep pastures and in Italy for shipbuilding.

Episode 04

Strangers in the Garden

Mar 29, 1987 · 55 min

How pollution and exploitation, including oil spills and sewage dumping, have endangered wildlife and the Mediterranean terrain. Also: visits to areas where animals still live safely, such as the coasts of Majorca and Tunisia.