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.

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.

The Stuarts

The Stuarts

The Stuart monarchs are considered merciless tyrants, but they also forged modern Britain.

Ruling Britain from 1603 to 1714, the Stuart monarchs have often been branded as merciless tyrants. But the kingdoms they ruled, Scotland, England and Ireland, were already steeped in bloodshed and infighting as they took power. Historian Dr Clare Jackson argues that the Stuarts were Britain’s defining royal family and their impact on the country is still felt today.

Tutankhamun: Life, Death and Legacy

Tutankhamun life death and legacy

The final 100 days of ancient Egypt’s most astonishing ruler: Tutankhamun.

Featuring towering pyramids, chambers of treasure and gruesome rituals, this fascinating series travels back over 3,000 years to retrace the final 100 days of ancient Egypt’s legendary pharaoh: Tutankhamun. Daily life for the 19-year-old king is revealed, his sudden death that caused panic throughout Egypt is investigated, and the story of how his gold-filled tomb was finally discovered is told.

Nuremburg: The Nazi Trials

Nuremberg: The Nazis Trials on BBC Select

After the atrocities of World War II, leading Nazis were tried at the Nuremberg WarCrimes Tribunal. This gripping documentary attempts to delve inside the minds and secret workings of Hitler’s Nazi leadership. Meticulously crafted using archive clips and courtroom footage, one of the most important trials in history, that brought Hitler’s willing collaborators to justice, is explored.