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.

The Most Dangerous Man In Tudor England

Image of the most dangerous man in Tudor

He was a man whose life and legacy have been hidden from history, but whose impact on Christianity in Britain endures today. In this BBC history documentary, Melvyn Bragg explores the dramatic story of William Tyndale and his mission to translate the Bible into English. His radical work made him a profound threat to the authority of the church and set him on a fateful collision course with Henry VIII’s heretic hunters.

Russia: 1000 Years Of History

Discover Russia’s medieval origins; its bloody and brutal expansion before becoming the biggest country in the world. From the era before and after the Tsars to the rise of Putin, the character of Mother Russia is explored. This fascinating history documentary reveals the secrets behind holding the world’s largest country together and what the future for Russia might hold.

Scotland: Rome's Final Frontier

A Scottish man standing on a plot of land

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.

Henry VIII's Enforcer: The Rise and Fall of Thomas Cromwell

Image of Henry VIII

Was Thomas Cromwell a corrupt, ambitious politician or has history unfairly maligned him?

Thomas Cromwell rose from poor beginnings to become chief minister and the power behind the throne to King Henry VIII. However, falling victim to the King’s anger, he was beheaded in 1540. His greatest triumph was usurped and destroyed. Thomas Cromwell has gone down in history as an ambitious and corrupt politician. But this BBC Thomas Cromwell documentary asks, is that fact or fiction?

Rome: What Lies Beneath

Discover what the glory of the Roman Empire was really like using space-age technology.

The Roman civilization was the one of the most intriguing and powerful to have ever existed, but what were the secrets that helped Rome rule? Dr. Sarah Parcak uses space-archaeology to discover what the glory of the Roman Empire was really like? Thanks to cutting-edge satellite archaeology and high-tech remote-sensing tools, this Romansdocumentary peels back the layers of history to see Ancient Rome in all its magnificence.