In this episode of our season-long “Modern World” tour, we’ll explore the Aztec Empire, where a powerful alliance of city-states built one of the largest and most impressive civilizations in the Americas. Discover how the Aztecs transformed Tenochtitlan into a thriving island capital, how conquest, tribute, and trade united millions of people across Mesoamerica, and how shared language, religion, and culture shaped daily life throughout the empire. From the engineering marvels of canals and agriculture to the grandeur of Aztec temples, the role of religious traditions, and the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, we’ll uncover the achievements and lasting legacy of this extraordinary civilization.

In this episode of our season-long “Modern World” tour, we’ll explore the Inca Empire, where one of South America’s most remarkable civilizations flourished high in the Andes Mountains. Discover how the Inca built a vast empire across challenging mountain landscapes, how innovations like terrace farming, an extensive road network, and masterful stone architecture united millions of people, and how shared language, religion, and government connected diverse cultures throughout the empire. From the breathtaking city of Machu Picchu and the engineering marvels of Cusco to the arrival of the Spanish and the enduring legacy of Inca culture, we’ll uncover the achievements and lasting influence of this extraordinary civilization.

In this episode of our season-long “Modern World” tour, we’ll explore Feudal Japan, where powerful landowning families and legendary samurai shaped centuries of political conflict and cultural tradition. Discover how Japan’s geography influenced its economy and society, how the rise of daimyos and shoguns transformed the balance of power while emperors became figureheads, and how cultural diffusion from China and Korea introduced ideas like Buddhism and written language. From the code of the samurai and the struggles for control of Japan to the nation’s long period of isolation and eventual reopening to the outside world, we’ll uncover the institutions, traditions, and lasting legacy of one of history’s most fascinating civilizations.