Beliefs and Ideas - presented by Christopher Clark (Episode 2)

For many Europeans, Europe today is synonymous with the "Christian Occident". But like so much of what has shaped our civilization, Christianity also comes from the Orient. And it is not the only "one-faith belief" that shapes the continent: even before Christianity, Judaism spread throughout the Roman Empire. And on the Iberian Peninsula Muslim Moors rule from the 8th to the 15th century. But that is not enough; the faith community of Christians is breaking up as well.

A continent defined more by cultures than by geography, Europe derives its name from the mythic seduction of Queen Europa by Zeus, king of the ancient Greek gods. From there, all roads lead to Rome,…

Since the Middle Ages, Europe has seen Christianity as central to its Western identity. While true, many beliefs and ideas shaping Europe - including Christianity - originate in the Orient. Long…

In the early Middle Ages, Europe comes into bloom. Cathedral spires rise to the sky, merchants establish banking and trade exchanges, art and literature flourish. Then plague, famine and war spread…

From the 15th to far into the 20th century, Europeans conquer the world. In 1492, Columbus discovers America while seeking a new sea route to India. The Conquistadors then unleash disease and…

As of the 17th century, France sets the standard for all of Europe. First the French Sun King Louis XIV becomes the model and envy of every European ruler, then the Emperor Napoleon threatens the…

Until 1914, Europe dominates the world through its industries and colonies. After 1945, everything lies in ruins. The USA in the West and the USSR in the East are the new global superpowers vying for…

Where and when does the history of Europe begin? The traces lead to ancient Greece, more precisely to Crete: Here we not only found the first high culture of the continent, but also the founding myth…

For many Europeans, Europe today is synonymous with the "Christian Occident". But like so much of what has shaped our civilization, Christianity also comes from the Orient. And it is not the only …

From the 15th to well into the 20th century, Europeans conquered and dominated the world: On behalf of the Spaniards, Christopher Columbus seeks a new sea route to India and finds a "New World":…

Europe's history has many dark sides, but its culture is more than a small gleam of hope, it radiates in many areas far out into the world. The old continent sets standards in art, literature and…

Europe has been a battle concept for centuries: it often takes foreign enemies to weld the Europeans together. But for centuries, they are primarily fighting against themselves. It was not until the…

Europe has never experienced such a long period of peace and prosperity as after the Second World War. When the Iron Curtain falls in 1989, the dream of a Europe united in peace and freedom seems…