Guns, Germs, and Steel explores humanity’s journey over the past 13,000 years—from the advent of agriculture at the end of the last Ice Age to life in the twenty-first century. Sparked by a question he encountered on Papua New Guinea over thirty years ago, Diamond sets out on a global quest to uncover the roots of inequality.

Why did Europeans come to dominate so much of the world? Why didn’t the Chinese or the Inca establish global empires? What led to the emergence of cities in the Middle East? Why was agriculture absent in Australia? And how did the tropics become the epicenter of global poverty?

As he delves into history to reveal the fundamental environmental factors that have influenced humanity’s trajectory, Diamond confronts challenges to both his theories and his own resilience.

The series comprises three one-hour episodes filmed in High Definition across four continents, blending dramatic reenactments with poignant documentary footage and computer animations. It features insights from Diamond and a diverse array of international historians, archaeologists, and scientists.

Guns, Germs, and Steel offers a captivating exploration of the powerful forces that have shaped our world and continue to impact our future.