Singaporean curator and scholar Peter Lee explores the history of four Southeast Asian empires that made their mark on the world. Travelling from Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia to Indonesia, Peter explores ancient ruins, epic legends and vibrant traditions to chart the rise and fall of four distinct empires, and how their legacy still shapes cultures and identities in the region today.
Showing Season 2 of 2
Kingdoms Of The East
2022
Over six weeks and covering 2,500km, Peter travels to South Korea, the birthplace of the Joseon dynasty and the longest reigning. In Japan, he discovers the mighty Tokugawa Shogunate and in Hokkaido, home to the Ainu, he goes in search of wild bears. Finally, to the southern Ryukyu Kingdom, home to enterprising merchants.
01. Warriors Of Tokugawa
2022-12-10
Peter Lee tries his hand at samurai swordsmanship and makes supersized sushi, as he uncovers the legacy of the mighty Tokugawa Shogun that unified Japan 400 years ago.
02. Joseon’s Defenders
2022-12-11
Peter joins a deep-sea archaeology expedition, as he uncovers the legacy of the Joseon Dynasty in South Korea. And tries his hand at archery, a skill that was a key weapon in defence.
03. Merchants Of Ryuku
2022-12-12
Peter Lee learns the art of kobudo fighting and searches for underwater artefacts in Japan’s Ryukyu islands, as he traces the history of the vibrant kingdom of merchants.
04. Descendants Of Ainu
2022-12-13
Peter visits Hokkaido to learn about the indigenous Ainu, trying out ancient crafts and venturing deep into nature to discover how their culture was almost lost after years of oppression.