In the series Ancient Inventions, British actor Terry Jones takes the viewer on a journey through the past. With countless examples, Jones shows that many inventions that we consider 'contemporary' and 'modern' were often developed centuries ago by our distant ancestors. The ancient Greeks and Romans, China and the ancient Egyptians are central. Based on the idea that our ancestors were just as intelligent as modern humans, Jones explains the history of utensils, weapons and manners.