Antiquity/ Ancient Times/ Biblical Times
The Real Lawrence of Arabia
A British Intelligence Officer known as Thomas Edward Lawrence conducted daring raids during World War I which made him a legend. But how did this man become the renowned ‘Lawrence of Arabia?’ This fascinating history documentary explores the character behind the man and tries to explain how he came to lead a small band of Arab fighters against the fourth largest army in the world.
Inside the Tower of London
The Tower of London has stood at the center of British history for nearly 1000 years. This fascinating history documentary series explores the incredible stories and goes behind closed doors to see what keeps the Tower functioning today. How was the Tower built? Who were the famous people to have walked through its gates? And meet the fascinating figures who keep the Tower running.
Ep 1: The Medieval Tower
Meet the Tower’s iconic, unforgettable Beefeater guards as they appoint a new Chief.
It’s been a place of murder, intrigue and scandal. The Tower of London, home to the Crown Jewels, is an iconic piece of British history. It’s guarded by the famous Beefeaters, the memorable Yeoman Warders in their distinctive uniforms. This compelling documentary goes behind the scenes as a new Chief Beefeater is picked. There’s also an insight into an infamous murder at the Tower.
Ep 2: The Tudor Tower
Can new Beefeater Chris memorize the Tower’s extensive history before meeting the public?
There’s a new Beefeater in town! But latest recruit Chris discovers the hard truth of working at the Tower. He’s required to learn its extensive history by heart and will be tested before being let loose on the 100,000 weekly visitors. Plus, chief curator Tracy Borman turns her attention to the time of Henry VIII, when the Tower gained its notorious reputation for imprisonment and execution.
Ep 3: The Tower at War
How the Tower was used during the execution of German spies captured in two world wars.
More modern historical moments are explored as the execution of German spies captured in the two world wars is investigated. Plus, there’s a profile of suffragette Leonora Cohen, who took aim at the crown jewels to publicize her cause. And there’s a look back to 2014, when the Tower hosted a display of nearly 900,000 ceramic poppies in its moat to remember those who were killed in wartime.
Ep 4: The Victorian Tower
Ravens are synonymous with the Tower of London – but how are they encouraged not to leave?
Some notable occupants of the Tower are the many ravens that reside there. If they leave, legend has it, the Tower will fall. Chris is the ancient structure’s Raven Master who needs to introduce a new bird to the grounds. Plus, there’s a look at the original document in the Tower’s archives which reveals how brutally Guy Fawkes, who attempted to blow up Parliament, was tortured.
The Catacomb Mystery
Deep beneath the streets of Rome is an amazing underground world. A labyrinth of tunnels and vaults more than 360 miles long. This vast subterranean cemetery was created by ancient Romans nearly 2,000 years ago. In recent times, a catacomb containing thousands of human skeletons was unearthed. Now a team of specialists is on a mission to unlock the secrets of the skeletons.
The Last Aztec
Author DBC Pierre takes a road trip across Mexico to seek the true soul of the Aztecs.
Has the ancient civilization of the Aztecs been maligned in favor of European culture and advancements? That’s the opinion of acclaimed author DBC Pierre who takes us on this swashbuckling road-trip across Mexico to find the true heart of the Aztecs. DBC embarks on a very personal journey to many notable Aztec sites in an attempt to understand their life and teachings.
EP 1: Lust For Gold
DBC Pierre recounts the clash between Cortes and Moctezuma that would alter history. This is the story of two men whose meeting was to change history forever. Author DBC Pierre travels through Mexico on a personal odyssey to recount the fate of the Aztec civilization. In 1519, a young Spaniard called Cortes arrived in Mexico to seek fame and gold. His forces soon clashed with the mighty Moctezuma, leader of the Aztecs. As DBC discovers, this battle would have global consequences.
EP 2: The Final Showdown
Despite their defeat, DBC Pierre discovers the Aztec influence in contemporary Mexico. Cortes’s Spanish forces reached the capital of the Aztec empire, determined to defeat their leader Moctezuma in their quest for gold. Author DBC Pierre travels through Mexico to tell the story of the Aztec defeat and the loss of a civilization in his own idiosyncratic, tequila-chugging way. Though Moctezuma was defeated, as DBC states, the blood of Mexico is still pumped by an Aztec heart.
Scotland: Rome's Final Frontier
The amazing story of how Scotland became the Roman Empire’s toughest military challenge.
At the height of its power, Rome ruled over millions of people from Syria to Spain. In 43AD Emperor Claudius’ forces invaded and conquered Britain, but there was one part of these barbarian lands that wasn’t so easy to reign- Scotland. In this fascinating history documentary Fraser Hunter explores some of the most extraordinary Roman sites to see how Scotland defied an onslaught of Roman imperial power for over a century.