History documentaries
History of Tanks
When tanks were first used during 1916’s Battle of the Somme to break the deadlock of trench warfare in World War I, military history changed forever. The introduction of the armored combat vehicle changed the course of the Great War. This documentary looks at the tank’s development, from basic early designs to technologically advanced models in the modern combat era.
Thomas Cromwell: A Very Modern Tudor
His life made gripping reading for millions through Hilary Mantel’s bestselling novel Wolf Hall. But who was the real Thomas Cromwell? Historian Tracy Borman presents this two-part documentary which focuses on King Henry VIII’s chief minister. From the son of a lowly blacksmith to one of the most powerful figures in Tudor history, his meteoric rise and spectacular fall are revealed.
Castles: Britain's Fortified History
Castles have always been romanticized, especially in Britain. They have been incorporated into folklore, witnessed bloody battles, played host to the great and the good, and been kept alive in the imagination by the world’s great writers and artists. Historian Sam Willis looks at Britain’s castles from weapons of conquest to fuel for literature and national identity.
Ancient Powers
Chinese, Egyptian, Indian, Greek, and Roman societies fought wars, battled the climate and established the fascinating cultures which laid the foundations of the modern world. This groundbreaking history documentary uses the very latest scientific and archaeological discoveries and world-leading experts to reveal the tools and technologies that decided the fate of the ancient world.
Julius Caesar Revealed with Mary Beard
Julius Caesar is the most famous Roman of them all: brutal conqueror, dictator, and victim of a gruesome assassination. 2,000 years on, his influence is still being felt. Historian Mary Beard is on a mission to uncover the real Caesar and seeks the answers to some big questions. How did he become ruler of Rome? What tactics did he use to get to the top? And why was he killed?