Around the World in 80 Treasures

Dan Cruickshank's worldwide quest for mankind's greatest achievements.

Architectural historian Dan Cruickshank embarks on a five-month, 34-country world tour visiting his selection of the eighty greatest buildings, artworks and other man-made treasures that define human civilization. This energetic global treasure hunt takes in the Parthenon, Machu Picchu, King Tut's burial mask, a samurai sword and even a Volkswagen Beetle with ventures as far afield as Easter Island, the Mud City of Chan Chan, space age Shanghai and the temple of Borobodur in Java.

In revealing the stories behind the treasures, Dan comes face to face with the legacies of great ancient civilisations, learning something of human aspiration, about the secrets of life and death, and ultimately about himself.