In this award-winning series, Peter Lee once again embarks on a journey back in time to discover the ancient kingdoms and empires of Asia. How did these civilisations grow and thrive, and what mark have they left on the modern day?

We travel through Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines to uncover the hidden histories of Southeast Asia’s ancient civilisations. How did the wealthy Srivijaya Empire leverage its strategic position and maritime power to become a centre not only of commerce, but also religious learning? What can two majestic towers in Vietnam’s central plains tell us about a civilisation that thrived for over 1,500 years? And how did a powerful and diverse Sultanate maintain its independence from Spanish colonisation for three centuries?

Featuring leading researchers, historians and archaeologists, as well as beautifully animated reconstructions, we uncover the secrets of these extraordinary civilisations, and the key factors that led to their rise, prosperity and ultimate decline.