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

Stream Archaeology - A Secret History on BBC Select

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.

Blitz Spirit with Lucy Worsley

Watch Blitz Spirit with Lucy Worsley on BBC Select

In this historical documentary about the Blitz, Lucy Worsley looks at The Battle of Britain and the paranoia that it left behind.

Belsen: The Untold Story

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The untold story of the infamous Bergen-Belsen concentration camp where over 50,000 mostly Jewish people died, primarily from starvation and disease in the last phase of World War II. Featuring powerful new interviews with some of the last remaining survivors of the Holocaust, plus archival audio and video footage, the true horrors of the camp and the Nazi regime are revealed.

African Apocalypse

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This critically acclaimed documentary film tells the story of British-Nigerian activist Femi Nylander’s journey across Africa in search of a colonial killer and to bring attention to the forgotten victims of colonial atrocity.

With a copy of Joseph Conrad’s novel Heart of Darkness in hand, he seeks to discover the shocking reality of the book and the meaning and legacy of colonial horror in West Africa.

Dynasties: The Families That Changed The World

Dynasties The Families That changed the World

Throughout history, certain names have cropped up again and again, holding onto the reins of power. Families that seem to continually reach the pinnacle of society. But how do they do it? This insightful historical documentary series delves into the inner workings of the world’s most powerful and intriguing dynasties. The scandals, powerplays, humble beginnings and dramatic downfalls are all explored.