History documentaries

History genre page header
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 World War: 1914 - 1945

The World War 1914-1945

Two brutal world wars defined the 20th century. They are usually considered as two separate entities. But what if they are viewed as a continuous narrative of error, ambition and courage? This ground-breaking documentary series views World War I and World War II as a single conflict, achieving new insights into the cause and effect of these vicious conflicts that changed human history forever.

Arabian Adventures

Arabian Adventures

Explorer and adventurer Alice Morrison travels to Jordan and Saudi Arabia on a quest to reveal the secrets of a forgotten ancient empire, that of The Nabataeans. Alice travels to ancient sites to tell the spectacular story of this mysterious civilization–along the way meeting people who are thriving in this remarkable landscape today.

Byzantium: A Tale of Three Cities

Byzantium: A Tale of Three Cities

It’s known by some as the ‘Centre of the World’. Simon Sebag Montefiore charts the rise of Istanbul from pagan trading post to capital of three empires and two religions. This one metropolis has been held by the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Each left its mark in its architecture, traditions and in the communities who still populate this vast modern conurbation of 14 million people.

Atlantis: The Evidence

Atlantis: The Evidence

The mysterious lost city of Atlantis has captured imaginations for centuries. But does new evidence prove that the legendary story is true? Historian Bettany Hughes unravels one of the most intriguing mysteries of all time, as she presents a series of geological, archaeological, and historical clues to show that the legend of Atlantis was inspired by real historical events.

Britain's Human Zoos

Britain's Human Zoos

In a shocking and emotional expose, novelist Nadifa Mohamed reveals how African people were trafficked to Western countries for entertainment and experimentation. Starting in the 1890s, millions of Europeans and Americans encountered ‘native’ Africans for the first time in so-called ‘human zoos’. This deeply strange but once hugely popular enterprise has been all but forgotten. Until now.