The First Eden (1987)
David Attenborough presents the history and natural history of the Mediterranean lands.
Seasons & Episode
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.
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.
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.
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.
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