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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.

Archaeology: A Secret History

If you don’t think history is a dangerous business, think again.  Richard Miles battles heat, ticks and leeches in search of secrets.

People aren’t just interested in the present, we’re intrigued by the past too. Throughout time, humankind has been fascinated by history and the Kings, Queens and ancient civilisations that have come before.

In this three-part archaeology documentary series, Richard Miles takes a journey through history to chart how humans have searched for the truth about the adventures of their antecedents. Travelling from sweltering jungles in Mexico to peat bogs in Scandinavia, he digs deep into ancient secrets to unearth some spectacular surprises.

Vienna: Empire, Dynasty and Dream

Simon Sebag Montefiore tells the story of the magical capital of Austria: Vienna.

The Birth of Empire: The East India Company

Stream The Birth of Empire - The East India Company on BBC Select

Centuries ago, England controlled India and was heavily invested in China. The country’s economy and trade dwarfed all others, and it was all in the hands of the first multinational: the East India Company.

American History's Biggest Fibs

American History's Biggest Fibs

Join Lucy Worsley in a three-part series exploring how American history has been mythologised and manipulated by politicians, writers and protesters. From the American Revolution and Civil War through to the United States’ becoming a superpower after the Second World War, how much is fact and how much is potentially fiction?

Suffragettes

Stream Suffragettes

This award-winning BBC history documentary with Lucy Worsley explores the sacrifices made by English women fighting for their right to vote. Learn more about the Suffragette Movement and how a group of working-class women faced danger throughout their campaign for votes for women.