In the Bay of Naples, Villa Oplontis - a 2,000-year-old villa - reveals a buried world of luxury. As excavations resume, clues point to the infamous Poppaea Sabina, Nero's second wife.

Starting in the beerhalls of post-First World War Munich, Adolf Hitler captivated a nation desperate for hope; a movement was sparked that drew a loyal inner circle together driven by ambition, extremism, and blind devotion. This sprawling series unravels how economic turmoil, wounded national pride, and 'charismatic' leadership gave rise to unprecedented brutality shaped by the men and women who stood closest to Hitler; each episode focuses on one Nazi figure and provides insight into their lives. These are the threads that made up Hitler's unleashed nightmare...

Lombard King Alboin forced his wife to drink from her father's skull, leading her to conspire in his murder; German King Philip of Swabia was killed in 1208 by Count Otto VIII over marriage disputes.

Starting in the beerhalls of post-First World War Munich, Adolf Hitler captivated a nation desperate for hope; a movement was sparked that drew a loyal inner circle together driven by ambition, extremism, and blind devotion. This sprawling series unravels how economic turmoil, wounded national pride, and 'charismatic' leadership gave rise to unprecedented brutality shaped by the men and women who stood closest to Hitler; each episode focuses on one Nazi figure and provides insight into their lives. These are the threads that made up Hitler's unleashed nightmare...

War hero Gilles de Rais was tried and executed in 1440 for murdering over 100 children; at the 1440 Black Dinner, the young Douglas brothers were invited to dine with the king, then seized and killed.

The Pazzi family attacked the Medicis during Easter Mass in 1478, killing Giuliano; Byzantine Empress Maria of Antioch was strangled in 1182 after her cousin Andronikos incited massacre.

War hero Gilles de Rais was tried and executed in 1440 for murdering over 100 children; at the 1440 Black Dinner, the young Douglas brothers were invited to dine with the king, then seized and killed.

King William Rufus was struck by an arrow while hunting in 1100; Japan's last Minamoto shōgun Sanetomo was assassinated by his nephew outside a shrine in 1219.

The Pazzi family attacked the Medicis during Easter Mass in 1478, killing Giuliano; Byzantine Empress Maria of Antioch was strangled in 1182 after her cousin Andronikos incited massacre.

The Eastern Front saw Hitler's most brutal WWII campaigns, but it is also where the Soviets, with mastery of the ground on which they lived, beat him all the way back to Berlin.

King William Rufus was struck by an arrow while hunting in 1100; Japan's last Minamoto shōgun Sanetomo was assassinated by his nephew outside a shrine in 1219.

The Eastern Front saw Hitler's most brutal WWII campaigns, but it is also where the Soviets, with mastery of the ground on which they lived, beat him all the way back to Berlin.

Starting in the beerhalls of post-First World War Munich, Adolf Hitler captivated a nation desperate for hope; a movement was sparked that drew a loyal inner circle together driven by ambition, extremism, and blind devotion. This sprawling series unravels how economic turmoil, wounded national pride, and 'charismatic' leadership gave rise to unprecedented brutality shaped by the men and women who stood closest to Hitler; each episode focuses on one Nazi figure and provides insight into their lives. These are the threads that made up Hitler's unleashed nightmare...

Scottish King Consort Darnley survived an explosion in 1567 but was then smothered; Cleopatra's sister Arsinoë IV was murdered at the Temple of Artemis by Mark Antony's soldiers, violating sacred law.

Emperor Caracalla was stabbed by conspirators led by Praetorian Prefect Macrinus; King Edward was murdered at Corfe Castle in 978, with suspicion falling on his stepmother Queen Aelfthryth.

Scottish King Consort Darnley survived an explosion in 1567 but was then smothered; Cleopatra's sister Arsinoë IV was murdered at the Temple of Artemis by Mark Antony's soldiers, violating sacred law.

In this two-part series, we reveal the devastation inflicted on medieval Europe by the 14th-century outbreak of the plague that remains the deadliest recorded pandemic in history.

In this two-part series, we reveal the devastation inflicted on medieval Europe by the 14th-century outbreak of the plague that remains the deadliest recorded pandemic in history.

In this two-part series, we reveal the devastation inflicted on medieval Europe by the 14th-century outbreak of the plague that remains the deadliest recorded pandemic in history.

In this two-part series, we reveal the devastation inflicted on medieval Europe by the 14th-century outbreak of the plague that remains the deadliest recorded pandemic in history.

When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in December 1941, it won a battle and inherited a geographic problem. How to hold and defend a vast island empire scattered across the largest ocean on earth?

When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in December 1941, it won a battle and inherited a geographic problem. How to hold and defend a vast island empire scattered across the largest ocean on earth?

Albert Speer, Hitler's architect and armaments minister, built the industrial foundations of the Nazi war machine; after the downfall, he crafted a carefully managed myth to escape the gallows.

In the shadows of the Villa Oplontis, slave quarters, amphora, and Villa B recall the lives of the enslaved. The bodies of Vesuvius' victims are reminders of Rome's strict social hierarchy.

In the Bay of Naples, Villa Oplontis - a 2,000-year-old villa - reveals a buried world of luxury. As excavations resume, clues point to the infamous Poppaea Sabina, Nero's second wife.

Hermann Göring, Hitler's designated successor, was one of the regime's most visible leaders; as the war slipped away, so did his influence ending in a final act of defiance at Nuremberg.

In the Bay of Naples, Villa Oplontis - a 2,000-year-old villa - reveals a buried world of luxury. As excavations resume, clues point to the infamous Poppaea Sabina, Nero's second wife.

In the shadows of the Villa Oplontis, slave quarters, amphora, and Villa B recall the lives of the enslaved. The bodies of Vesuvius' victims are reminders of Rome's strict social hierarchy.

In the shadows of the Villa Oplontis, slave quarters, amphora, and Villa B recall the lives of the enslaved. The bodies of Vesuvius' victims are reminders of Rome's strict social hierarchy.

The games and entertainment, plus violence as a political instrument, with the Battle of Laugaricio (modern-day Slovakia), portraits of Commodus and Lucilla, and the legendary Colosseum.

The games and entertainment, plus violence as a political instrument, with the Battle of Laugaricio (modern-day Slovakia), portraits of Commodus and Lucilla, and the legendary Colosseum.

War, loyalty, citizenship and the plots of a changing empire with the massacres of Alexandria, portraits of Caracalla and Julia Domna, and the extraordinary Baths of Caracalla.

War, loyalty, citizenship and the plots of a changing empire with the massacres of Alexandria, portraits of Caracalla and Julia Domna, and the extraordinary Baths of Caracalla.

At the outbreak of World War II, the Nazis had the finest air force in the entire world. James Holland learns how internecine squabbles led the Nazi High Command on the catastrophic road to defeat.

The crucifixion of Jesus changed the world; how much of our understanding of this event is true, and what answers can be found in the Holy Land to back up the Bible's story?

Italian archaeologists begin the biggest dig in a generation at Pompeiil; they find a bakery, a wealthy house, and a fresco of a so-called 'pizza' before making a grisly discovery.

Berlin falls and the war in Europe ends. Okinawa falls with terrible losses on both sides as each prepares for the invasion of the first of the major home islands - but a new weapon is unleashed.

Berlin falls and the war in Europe ends. Okinawa falls with terrible losses on both sides as each prepares for the invasion of the first of the major home islands - but a new weapon is unleashed.

This episode traces the war in the West and how the geography of Western Europe provided both the Nazis and the Allies with advantages and disadvantages.

This episode traces the war in the West and how the geography of Western Europe provided both the Nazis and the Allies with advantages and disadvantages.

For 2,000 years, whoever controlled the Mediterranean controlled the resources of the known world. In WWII, this area was in control of the British Empire, and Mussolini wanted it back.

For 2,000 years, whoever controlled the Mediterranean controlled the resources of the known world. In WWII, this area was in control of the British Empire, and Mussolini wanted it back.

The Eastern Front saw Hitler's most brutal WWII campaigns, but it is also where the Soviets, with mastery of the ground on which they lived, beat him all the way back to Berlin.

The Eastern Front saw Hitler's most brutal WWII campaigns, but it is also where the Soviets, with mastery of the ground on which they lived, beat him all the way back to Berlin.

When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in December 1941, it won a battle and inherited a geographic problem. How to hold and defend a vast island empire scattered across the largest ocean on earth?

When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in December 1941, it won a battle and inherited a geographic problem. How to hold and defend a vast island empire scattered across the largest ocean on earth?

Acclaimed classicist Mary Beard explores what it was really like to be emperor of Rome, taking us behind palace walls to reveal the hidden world of the Roman imperial court and lifestyle.

The struggle for victory necessitated development of gun technologies; new inventions would emerge on the battlefields and at times surprise soldiers on both sides of the fight.

World War II fostered the emergence of both iconic and unusual tanks that were each engineered with distinct aims; we explore diverse tank innovations and the overall trajectory of armoured warfare.

World War II fostered the emergence of both iconic and unusual tanks that were each engineered with distinct aims; we explore diverse tank innovations and the overall trajectory of armoured warfare.

World War II ignited a fierce battle for aerial dominance and drove nations to pioneer secret aircraft technologies; this episode explores the development of early jet fighters.

World War II ignited a fierce battle for aerial dominance and drove nations to pioneer secret aircraft technologies; this episode explores the development of early jet fighters.

World War II was a battle for supremacy at sea more than any other conflict before or since; in this episode, we explore how the secret weapons of naval warfare changed the tides of history.

World War II was a battle for supremacy at sea more than any other conflict before or since; in this episode, we explore how the secret weapons of naval warfare changed the tides of history.

WWII facilitated the use of technology to wreak destruction from afar; through success and failure, the bomb was and remains a weapon that can tip the balance in favour of those who wield its power.

The excavation of a wealthy villa, bakery and laundry in Pompeii reaches its climax with chilling revelations about what people were doing in the final terrifying hours in A.D. / C.E. 79.

This episode traces the war in the West and how the geography of Western Europe provided both the Nazis and the Allies with advantages and disadvantages.

This episode traces the war in the West and how the geography of Western Europe provided both the Nazis and the Allies with advantages and disadvantages.

For 2,000 years, whoever controlled the Mediterranean controlled the resources of the known world. In WWII, this area was in control of the British Empire, and Mussolini wanted it back.

For 2,000 years, whoever controlled the Mediterranean controlled the resources of the known world. In WWII, this area was in control of the British Empire, and Mussolini wanted it back.

The Eastern Front saw Hitler's most brutal WWII campaigns, but it is also where the Soviets, with mastery of the ground on which they lived, beat him all the way back to Berlin.

The Eastern Front saw Hitler's most brutal WWII campaigns, but it is also where the Soviets, with mastery of the ground on which they lived, beat him all the way back to Berlin.

When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in December 1941, it won a battle and inherited a geographic problem. How to hold and defend a vast island empire scattered across the largest ocean on earth?

When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in December 1941, it won a battle and inherited a geographic problem. How to hold and defend a vast island empire scattered across the largest ocean on earth?

James Holland uncovers the truth behind Hitler's feared Panzer divisions and explores how the German obsession with over-engineering their armoured vehicles brought about their downfall.

James Holland uncovers the truth behind Hitler's feared Panzer divisions and explores how the German obsession with over-engineering their armoured vehicles brought about their downfall.

The onset of a violent storm in Staffordshire in England announced the discovery of the largest Anglo-Saxon hoard ever uncovered, but was the storm an omen of things to come?

Italian archaeologists begin the biggest dig in a generation at Pompeiil; they find a bakery, a wealthy house, and a fresco of a so-called 'pizza' before making a grisly discovery.

Italian archaeologists begin the biggest dig in a generation at Pompeiil; they find a bakery, a wealthy house, and a fresco of a so-called 'pizza' before making a grisly discovery.

A new excavation at Pompeii continues to unearth rich discoveries while a pioneering new investigation finds evidence that some Pompeiians survived the eruption of A.D. / C.E. 79.

A new excavation at Pompeii continues to unearth rich discoveries while a pioneering new investigation finds evidence that some Pompeiians survived the eruption of A.D. / C.E. 79.

The excavation of a wealthy villa, bakery and laundry in Pompeii reaches its climax with chilling revelations about what people were doing in the final terrifying hours in A.D. / C.E. 79.

The excavation of a wealthy villa, bakery and laundry in Pompeii reaches its climax with chilling revelations about what people were doing in the final terrifying hours in A.D. / C.E. 79.

The biggest archaeological dig in Pompeii for a generation reaches its climax as the dig moves focus to a luxurious residence possibly owned by Pompeiian bigwig and politician Aulus Rustius Verus.

The biggest archaeological dig in Pompeii for a generation reaches its climax as the dig moves focus to a luxurious residence possibly owned by Pompeiian bigwig and politician Aulus Rustius Verus.

The economy, trade and commercial power of Rome on the eve of the Empire with the Battle of Alesia, portraits of Julius Caesar and Cleopatra, and the Pantheon, the temple of all gods.

The economy, trade and commercial power of Rome on the eve of the Empire with the Battle of Alesia, portraits of Julius Caesar and Cleopatra, and the Pantheon, the temple of all gods.

The economy, trade and commercial power of Rome on the eve of the Empire with the Battle of Alesia, portraits of Julius Caesar and Cleopatra, and the Pantheon, the temple of all gods.

The aristocracy and the perils of power in the time of a feared emperor with Boudicca's revolt, portraits of Nero and Boudicca, and Nero's incredible palace of the Domus Aurea.

The aristocracy and the perils of power in the time of a feared emperor with Boudicca's revolt, portraits of Nero and Boudicca, and Nero's incredible palace of the Domus Aurea.

The games and entertainment, plus violence as a political instrument, with the Battle of Laugaricio (modern-day Slovakia), portraits of Commodus and Lucilla, and the legendary Colosseum.

The games and entertainment, plus violence as a political instrument, with the Battle of Laugaricio (modern-day Slovakia), portraits of Commodus and Lucilla, and the legendary Colosseum.

War, loyalty, citizenship and the plots of a changing empire with the massacres of Alexandria, portraits of Caracalla and Julia Domna, and the extraordinary Baths of Caracalla.

War, loyalty, citizenship and the plots of a changing empire with the massacres of Alexandria, portraits of Caracalla and Julia Domna, and the extraordinary Baths of Caracalla.

From Lugers to MG42 machine guns and the Pak40 anti-tank gun, James Holland uncovers how the craftsmanship of German weapons engineering was totally unsuited to fighting a long attritional war.

The aristocracy and the perils of power in the time of a feared emperor with Boudicca's revolt, portraits of Nero and Boudicca, and Nero's incredible palace of the Domus Aurea.

The biggest archaeological dig in Pompeii for a generation reaches its climax as the dig moves focus to a luxurious residence possibly owned by Pompeiian bigwig and politician Aulus Rustius Verus.

Pierrefonds looks like a 14th-century fortress, yet it is a 19th-century masterpiece. We uncover how a ruined stronghold became a revolutionary hybrid of Middle Ages and Industrial Age innovation.

Pierrefonds looks like a 14th-century fortress, yet it is a 19th-century masterpiece. We uncover how a ruined stronghold became a revolutionary hybrid of Middle Ages and Industrial Age innovation.

Rising 80 metres above Athens, the Acropolis is a high-speed engineering feat forged in an age of war and political ambition. This episode decodes the logistics behind the Parthenon.

Rising 80 metres above Athens, the Acropolis is a high-speed engineering feat forged in an age of war and political ambition. This episode decodes the logistics behind the Parthenon.

Neuschwanstein is Louis II of Bavaria's 19th-century fairy-tale castle that inspired Walt Disney. Inside, medieval fantasy hides modern innovation: steel beams, plumbing, and central heating.

Neuschwanstein is Louis II of Bavaria's 19th-century fairy-tale castle that inspired Walt Disney. Inside, medieval fantasy hides modern innovation: steel beams, plumbing, and central heating.

Begun in 1882, the Sagrada Família became Gaudí's radical engineering laboratory. In 2026, the church yet to be finished, builders use modern engineering to raise the 170-metre spires above Barcelona.

Begun in 1882, the Sagrada Família became Gaudí's radical engineering laboratory. In 2026, the church yet to be finished, builders use modern engineering to raise the 170-metre spires above Barcelona.

With Nazi Germany's rise to power, an abandoned canal was resurrected; the true purpose of this project came into question with rumours it harboured a secret that could turn the tide of the war.

With Nazi Germany's rise to power, an abandoned canal was resurrected; the true purpose of this project came into question with rumours it harboured a secret that could turn the tide of the war.

Aachen Cathedral is a 1,200-year engineering marvel. We decode the 'smart' mortar, the hidden iron ring stabilising the cupola, and the metal reinforcements that let stained glass replace stone.

Aachen Cathedral is a 1,200-year engineering marvel. We decode the 'smart' mortar, the hidden iron ring stabilising the cupola, and the metal reinforcements that let stained glass replace stone.

For 2,600 years, Carcassonne has stood as Europe's ultimate fortress. Blending archaeology and engineering, we learn how innovation, strategy and restoration shaped an 'impregnable' citadel.

For 2,600 years, Carcassonne has stood as Europe's ultimate fortress. Blending archaeology and engineering, we learn how innovation, strategy and restoration shaped an 'impregnable' citadel.

This iconic statue was a gift from France to the new-born American Republic. The documentary brings us at the heart of the Statue's construction, revealing the founding ideals of our democracies.

This iconic statue was a gift from France to the new-born American Republic. The documentary brings us at the heart of the Statue's construction, revealing the founding ideals of our democracies.

The Eiffel Tower might never have seen the light of day; it owes its existence to the tenacity of visionary engineer Gustave Eiffel prevailing over his main rival architect Jules Bourdais.

The Eiffel Tower might never have seen the light of day; it owes its existence to the tenacity of visionary engineer Gustave Eiffel prevailing over his main rival architect Jules Bourdais.

As Hitler engulfed Europe, old castles across the continent fell under Nazi control; once symbols of nobility and culture, these fortresses were transformed to serve the ambitions of the Third Reich.

As Hitler engulfed Europe, old castles across the continent fell under Nazi control; once symbols of nobility and culture, these fortresses were transformed to serve the ambitions of the Third Reich.

In June 1914, the first steps towards war were made when Archduke Franz Ferdinand, from the house of Habsburg, was assassinated by Slav nationalist Gavrilo Princip.

In June 1914, the first steps towards war were made when Archduke Franz Ferdinand, from the house of Habsburg, was assassinated by Slav nationalist Gavrilo Princip.

During WWI, men had to endure combat and extreme conditions; civilians dealt with food shortages and raids. The insidiousness of ethnic cleansing raised its head, and a young Adolf Hitler took note.

Stalin rises as the leader of the Bolsheviks, and in Munich, the German Workers Party takes a new name: Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiter, or 'Nazi' as it would come to be called.

Stalin rises as the leader of the Bolsheviks, and in Munich, the German Workers Party takes a new name: Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiter, or 'Nazi' as it would come to be called.

Hitler and Stalin begin to shape the course of history. President Roosevelt attempts to raise his country out of the Depression, and the world teeters on the brink of yet another World War.

Hitler and Stalin begin to shape the course of history. President Roosevelt attempts to raise his country out of the Depression, and the world teeters on the brink of yet another World War.

Hitler's invasion of the Rhineland was a gamble that paid off as his push west remained unchecked; while the leaders of Europe attempt 'peace', Kristallnacht signalled the horrors yet to come to many.

Hitler's invasion of the Rhineland was a gamble that paid off as his push west remained unchecked; while the leaders of Europe attempt 'peace', Kristallnacht signalled the horrors yet to come to many.

The 1969 Moon landings were regarded as man's greatest achievement; what was not well-known is that the men behind the mission were engineers of one of the darkest periods in human history.

This episode's hunt for cursed treasure begins not with diamonds and gold, but with skin and bone unearthed in the dangerous wilds of Russia's arctic Yamal Peninsula...

The games and entertainment, plus violence as a political instrument, with the Battle of Laugaricio (modern-day Slovakia), portraits of Commodus and Lucilla, and the legendary Colosseum.

Hunting down the female gladiators who fought in the great amphitheatres of ancient Rome, an international team uncover evidence that restores these amazing women to their rightful place in history.

Espionage and intelligence were crucial during WWII; clever camouflage, the Enigma machine, and concealable weapons were as important as any tank, ship, aircraft or bomb.

Espionage and intelligence were crucial during WWII; clever camouflage, the Enigma machine, and concealable weapons were as important as any tank, ship, aircraft or bomb.

This episode traces the war in the West and how the geography of Western Europe provided both the Nazis and the Allies with advantages and disadvantages.

This episode traces the war in the West and how the geography of Western Europe provided both the Nazis and the Allies with advantages and disadvantages.

For 2,000 years, whoever controlled the Mediterranean controlled the resources of the known world. In WWII, this area was in control of the British Empire, and Mussolini wanted it back.

For 2,000 years, whoever controlled the Mediterranean controlled the resources of the known world. In WWII, this area was in control of the British Empire, and Mussolini wanted it back.

The Eastern Front saw Hitler's most brutal WWII campaigns, but it is also where the Soviets, with mastery of the ground on which they lived, beat him all the way back to Berlin.

The Eastern Front saw Hitler's most brutal WWII campaigns, but it is also where the Soviets, with mastery of the ground on which they lived, beat him all the way back to Berlin.

When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in December 1941, it won a battle and inherited a geographic problem. How to hold and defend a vast island empire scattered across the largest ocean on earth?

When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in December 1941, it won a battle and inherited a geographic problem. How to hold and defend a vast island empire scattered across the largest ocean on earth?

We track the life of Ivan the Terrible as we investigate if he set the tone for future rulers of Russia; was he a merciless murderer or no more than expected in a time when violence was the norm?

Known through the ages as 'Bad' King John, was the Plantagenet ruler of England and France the buffoon depicted in tales of Robin Hood or a sadistic killer fuelled by his insecurity?

In 486 BCE, Xerxes launched an invasion to crush Athens. In response, Themistocles pushed for a radical defence: a navy powered by the working class and unity among rival Greek states.

In 486 BCE, Xerxes launched an invasion to crush Athens. In response, Themistocles pushed for a radical defence: a navy powered by the working class and unity among rival Greek states.

In 480 BCE, Xerxes' army invaded Greece as Themistocles led the Greek fleet at Artemisium. Leonidas and 300 Spartans held Thermopylae, but Xerxes' Immortals outflanked them.

In 480 BCE, Xerxes' army invaded Greece as Themistocles led the Greek fleet at Artemisium. Leonidas and 300 Spartans held Thermopylae, but Xerxes' Immortals outflanked them.

In 1942, the Allies were losing the air war; a mysterious technology was helping the Luftwaffe with the Blitz. Desperate for answers, British intelligence set its sights on an installation in France.

Young, handsome and athletic, he was the jewel in England's crown - King Henry the Eighth had just one problem... was he a potential psychopath in the making?

He is infamous for ordering the murder of all first-born male children in an attempt to prevent the coming of the Son of God Jesus Christ, but Herod may not be as evil as the Bible made out.

After Rome's First Punic War victory, Carthage's power was diminished. In 218 BCE, driven by vengeance, Hannibal led a daring invasion across the Alps, striking at Rome's heart with tactical genius.

He is infamous for ordering the murder of all first-born male children in an attempt to prevent the coming of the Son of God Jesus Christ, but Herod may not be as evil as the Bible made out.

After Rome's First Punic War victory, Carthage's power was diminished. In 218 BCE, driven by vengeance, Hannibal led a daring invasion across the Alps, striking at Rome's heart with tactical genius.

After 15 years of warfare, Hannibal returned to defend his homeland, but Scipio's innovative strategy challenged tradition. Their clash decided the fate of empires and shaped the course of history.

After 15 years of warfare, Hannibal returned to defend his homeland, but Scipio's innovative strategy challenged tradition. Their clash decided the fate of empires and shaped the course of history.

1943: as the Allies bombed Nazi-occupied Europe, a massive concrete dome rose from the French countryside. This huge shell reportedly concealed a crucial component of Hitler's plan for victory.

1943: as the Allies bombed Nazi-occupied Europe, a massive concrete dome rose from the French countryside. This huge shell reportedly concealed a crucial component of Hitler's plan for victory.

War, loyalty, citizenship and the plots of a changing empire with the massacres of Alexandria, portraits of Caracalla and Julia Domna, and the extraordinary Baths of Caracalla.

Given the affectionate name 'Little Boots' by the troops of those Roman legions he marched with, Gaius's nickname name became feared and his reputation forever scarred by his terrorising behaviour.

He famously tinkered as Rome burnt, but the legend of Nero commonly accepted as true is pure myth; he was, however, responsible for some of the worst crimes committed by a Roman emperor.

Ancient history knows few rulers like Constantine the Great. This first episode follows archaeologists on the stages of his life from Naissus to Rome.

Ancient history knows few rulers like Constantine the Great. This first episode follows archaeologists on the stages of his life from Naissus to Rome.

Constantine's claim to power knew no bounds. This final episode follows the emperor's archaeological traces to the new Rome, Constantinople.

Constantine's claim to power knew no bounds. This final episode follows the emperor's archaeological traces to the new Rome, Constantinople.

After the Allied landing in Normandy, France fell city after city; a small island fortress off of the coast of France became the stage for a harrowing act of Nazi defiance.

After the Allied landing in Normandy, France fell city after city; a small island fortress off of the coast of France became the stage for a harrowing act of Nazi defiance.

Acclaimed classicist Mary Beard explores what it was really like to be emperor of Rome, taking us behind palace walls to reveal the hidden world of the Roman imperial court and lifestyle.

Archaeologists hunt for clues to the origins and explosive rise of the mighty Inca Empire - at their height, the largest empire in the world.

Archaeologists hunt for clues to how the mysterious Inca conquered much of South America, and why, when Europeans arrived, the mighty empire crumbled.

Archaeologists hunt for clues to how the mysterious Inca conquered much of South America, and why, when Europeans arrived, the mighty empire crumbled.

In this two-part series, we reveal the devastation inflicted on medieval Europe by the 14th-century outbreak of the plague that remains the deadliest recorded pandemic in history.

In this two-part series, we reveal the devastation inflicted on medieval Europe by the 14th-century outbreak of the plague that remains the deadliest recorded pandemic in history.

In this two-part series, we reveal the devastation inflicted on medieval Europe by the 14th-century outbreak of the plague that remains the deadliest recorded pandemic in history.

In this two-part series, we reveal the devastation inflicted on medieval Europe by the 14th-century outbreak of the plague that remains the deadliest recorded pandemic in history.

Deep within the forests of East Prussia, a sprawling Nazi complex became the nerve centre of Hitler's war machine; these secure facilities became the site of a daring plot against the Fuhrer.

Deep within the forests of East Prussia, a sprawling Nazi complex became the nerve centre of Hitler's war machine; these secure facilities became the site of a daring plot against the Fuhrer.

Once the most powerful empire in history, Rome collapsed in 476 A.D. / C.E. - but was it truly the barbarian invasions that ended it? We uncover some deeper causes such as plagues and climate shifts.

Heinrich Himmler, the head of the SS, built an organisation of terror rooted in racial fantasy and Nordic mythology. As Nazi Germany crumbled, his desperate bid for power ended in disgrace.

Once the most powerful empire in history, Rome collapsed in 476 A.D. / C.E. - but was it truly the barbarian invasions that ended it? We uncover some deeper causes such as plagues and climate shifts.

The Carthaginian Empire was a Mediterranean superpower that dominated trade and warfare, but Rome annihilated it in 146 B.C. / B.C.E; what led to its downfall?

The Carthaginian Empire was a Mediterranean superpower that dominated trade and warfare, but Rome annihilated it in 146 B.C. / B.C.E; what led to its downfall?

The Great Pyramids stand as a testament to Egypt's power, but the Old Kingdom collapsed by 2200 B.C. / B.C.E; what caused the fall of the Pyramid Age?

The Great Pyramids stand as a testament to Egypt's power, but the Old Kingdom collapsed by 2200 B.C. / B.C.E; what caused the fall of the Pyramid Age?

We reveal the ground-breaking science being used by Professor Brent Seales as he attempts to be the first person in nearly 2,000 years to read inside the ancient scrolls found in Herculaneum.

We reveal the ground-breaking science being used by Professor Brent Seales as he attempts to be the first person in nearly 2,000 years to read inside the ancient scrolls found in Herculaneum.

The Berlin Olympics of 1936 were innovative, introducing television coverage and the torch relay. We show the highlights, but also how Hitler used the Games as propaganda for his brutal regime.

The Berlin Olympics of 1936 were innovative, introducing television coverage and the torch relay. We show the highlights, but also how Hitler used the Games as propaganda for his brutal regime.

In 1609, in the Basque Country, a local dispute turned into accusations of witchcraft. Between the 15th and 17th centuries, up to 60,000 people were condemned. Historians find out what really happened.

After a snub in Munich, the Soviets make a pact with the Germans; with the invasion of Poland, the pretence of peace is gone as France and the UK declare war on Germany.

After a snub in Munich, the Soviets make a pact with the Germans; with the invasion of Poland, the pretence of peace is gone as France and the UK declare war on Germany.

Operation Barbarossa's endgame does not come to fruition; with the world distracted, Japan launch their attack on Pearl Harbor, forcing American isolationists to join the war in earnest.

Operation Barbarossa's endgame does not come to fruition; with the world distracted, Japan launch their attack on Pearl Harbor, forcing American isolationists to join the war in earnest.

War in Europe ends with Soviet and American troops surrounding the German army; in the Pacific, it takes the devastating nuclear bombs of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to force the Japanese surrender.

War in Europe ends with Soviet and American troops surrounding the German army; in the Pacific, it takes the devastating nuclear bombs of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to force the Japanese surrender.

By 5:00pm on the 2nd of May, 1945, the last guns stopped firing among the ruins of Berlin as the iconic image of the Soviet Red Flag rising above the Reichstag symbolised an irreversible change.

By 5:00pm on the 2nd of May, 1945, the last guns stopped firing among the ruins of Berlin as the iconic image of the Soviet Red Flag rising above the Reichstag symbolised an irreversible change.

Japan stood at a crossroads after the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings; on the 14th of August, 1945, Emperor Hirohito retreated to his office bunker to record a message announcing Japan's surrender.

Japan stood at a crossroads after the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings; on the 14th of August, 1945, Emperor Hirohito retreated to his office bunker to record a message announcing Japan's surrender.

The crucifixion of Jesus changed the world; how much of our understanding of this event is true, and what answers can be found in the Holy Land to back up the Bible's story?

What is a tank? From the early concepts to the first tank prototype, we examine how the battlefields of WWI set the scene for the mechanised warfare of WWII.

WWII has begun; new tank strategies take the world by storm and completely change the way wars are fought. As war engulfs Europe, each country learns to adapt to mechanised warfare in its own way.

During WWII, countries all over the world leverage their industrial might to perfect the art of tank manufacturing; will quality or quantity matter more when it comes to armoured warfare?

The tank became the key to victory during WWII; Germany unveils its latest evolution of the German panzer, the Panther, but is it ready for battle, and is it enough to overcome the Soviet T-34?

Tanks continued to evolve and older tanks found a new life on the Pacific battlefront; with the end of WWII in Europe in sight, anything went in the peak of experimentation of tank design.

Deep sea divers hunt for the wrecks of Hitler's dreaded U-Boat fleet off Ireland's Northwest coast while historians unravel the early stages of WWII's longest campaign.

The team uses drones to explore one of the world's largest ancient water systems, and ancient weapons and traces of a colossal iron industry reveal the truth behind the power of the Khmer military.

This documentary is a rediscovery of Nineveh, capital of one of the greatest civilisations - the world's first genuine superpower, the Assyrians. Why did this great city disappear?

What secrets did the Nazis hope to find inside the cells and DNA of the human body? Some of the most nauseating Nazi experiments were performed in the name of creating a pure Aryan race.

Reinhard Heydrich, the ruthless figurehead behind the Holocaust's planning, wielded power through deadly efficiency. His assassination was a dramatic blow to the Nazi elite.

6000 years ago, Sumerians built the world's first cities in southern Iraq; the first Westerners to explore these ruins were inspired by Bible stories. What was the world of the Book of Genesis like?

Nineveh and Babylon were two superpowers of the ancient world, but they were the cities of sin for the writers of the Bible; why do they have such poor reputations in the Old Testament?