NOVA | Athens: Birth of Democracy Preview | Season 53 | Episode 8

Athens: Birth of Democracy PreviewPreview: Season 53 Episode 8 | 30sVideo has Closed Captions | CCArchaeologists investigate the dramatic origins of democracy in ancient Greece 2,500 years ago.Follow archaeological investigations into the dramatic origins of democracy in Greece 2,500 years ago. Mass graves and ancient ruins where tyrants were murdered shine new light on the birth of a revolutionary form of government.04/15/2026Problems playing video? Report a Problem | Closed Captioning FeedbackReport a ProblemBefore you submit an error, please consult our Video Help page.Type of ErrorSubmitCancelProblems playing video? Report a Problem | Closed Captioning FeedbackReport a ProblemBefore you submit an error, please consult our Video Help page.Type of ErrorSubmitCancelNational Corporate funding for NOVA is provided by Carlisle Companies and Viking Cruises. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the NOVA Science Trust and PBS viewers.Support provided by:About This PreviewMore EpisodesTranscriptYou Might Also LikeAthens: Birth of Democracy PreviewPreview: Season 53 Episode 8 | 30sVideo has Closed Captions | CCFollow archaeological investigations into the dramatic origins of democracy in Greece 2,500 years ago. Mass graves and ancient ruins where tyrants were murdered shine new light on the birth of a revolutionary form of government.04/15/2026Problems playing video? Report a Problem | Closed Captioning FeedbackReport a ProblemBefore you submit an error, please consult our Video Help page.Type of ErrorSubmitCancelGenreScience and NatureFollow Us#novapbsShare This VideoEmbed VideoNOVAAthens: Birth of Democracy PreviewS53 Ep8Fixed iFrameWidth: in pixelspxHeight: in pixelspxCopyResponsive iFrameCopyLink Copied to ClipboardHow to Watch NOVANOVA is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App, available on iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, LG TV, and Vizio.Stream Here on PBS.orgDownload the PBS App Check Your Local Listings for Broadcast Schedules Buy NowBuy on Apple TVBuy on AmazonInteractiveNOVA LabsNOVA Labs is a free digital platform that engages teens and lifelong learners in games and interactives that foster authentic scientific exploration. Participants take part in real-world investigations by visualizing, analyzing, and playing with the same data that scientists use.PlayLoading...Providing Support for PBS.orgLearn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipOpen in new tab - [Narrator] In Athens.- [Speaker] This is where democracy was first practiced.- [Narrator] Archeologists are digging for clues.- That's a smoking gun.- [Narrator] Of a radical experiment.- Deimos is the people.Kratos meant power.- [Narrator] That inspired our own system of government.- The second one is a white one.(audience cheers and claps) - [Narrator] "Athens: Birth of Democracy" on Nova.(dramatic music continues)Science and NatureCapturing the splendor of the natural world, from the African plains to the Antarctic ice.Science and NatureTake a journey through the history of life on Earth.Support for PBS provided by:National Corporate funding for NOVA is provided by Carlisle Companies and Viking Cruises. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the NOVA Science Trust and PBS viewers.