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History documentaries

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BBC Select is the place to discover so much more about history. Stream a range of compelling BBC history documentaries that explore the people, places and events of the past that shaped our world. Whether it’s the Roman Empire, Nelson and Napoleon, Black history, the story of the Titanic or the Tudors, BBC Select brings acclaimed and award-winning history shows, and featuring experts including Bettany Hughes, Lucy Worsley, Simon Schama and David Olusoga.

The Hector: Canada's Mayflower

Stream The Hector: Canada's Mayflower on BBC Select

Historian Neil Oliver recounts the horrifying story of the highland migrants who left Scotland in 1773 to settle in Nova Scotia. He uncovers their terrifying journey on a filthy disease-ridden ship: the Hector. Neil uncovers how the migrants were deceived by speculators, and goes on to meet their descendants.

For some in Nova Scotia, the Hector has become little short of a Canadian ‘Mayflower’.

Italy's Invisible Cities

Watch Italy's Invisible Cities

Three-part BBC documentary series that uses cutting-edge technology and 3D scanners to uncover the hidden treasures that lie beneath Naples, Venice and Florence. Join Dr Michael Scott and Alexander Armstrong as they discover hidden tunnels, historic passageways and even long-forgotten torture chambers.

Who Were The Greeks?

Ancient Greek history, culture and society still has an enormous influence on the modern world.

Classicist Dr Michael Scott travels across Greece, visiting cities, battlefields, ruins and wild countryside in an attempt to uncover Ancient Greece and see how the ancient Greeks lived.

What he discovers is surprising and at times outrageous: a people as brutal as they were brilliant.

Armada: The Untold Story

Watch Armada: The Untold Story on BBC Select

When Elizabeth I ascended to the English throne in 1558, she rejected Philip II, Emperor of Spain, as a suitor. Thirty years later, he would lead a huge invasion force against her, seeking to depose Elizabeth and bring Protestant England back into the Catholic fold. It was a decision that would define them both.

Historian Dan Snow looks at this monumental time in European history in this European history documentary on the Spanish Armada.

Elizabeth I and II: The Golden Queens

Watch Elizabeth I & II: Golden Queens on BBC Select

This fascinating royal history documentary explores the parallels between Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Elizabeth II. Both became monarch at 25 but what unites and what divides them? Historians analyse the moments that define their reigns. Despite the centuries between them, could they share any surprising characteristics?