Artisans in China

Highlights the importance of medieval innovations as the basis for later technological progress

Follow the race to rebuild the Blenheim Covered Bridge in New York State, an icon of 19th century American engineering. More than 15,000 wooden covered bridges once spanned the rivers of forested regions of the U.S., linking communities and opening up land for pioneering farmers. Built in 1855, the Blenheim structure was the longest single span covered bridge in the world until Hurricane Irene destroyed it in 2011. Watch a team of elite bridge builders and engineers faithfully reproduce the intricate timber structure under grueling time pressure - they must rebuild and move it on to new foundations before spring floods destroy their worksite.