History documentaries

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.

Elizabeth I and II: The Golden Queens

Watch Elizabeth I & II: Golden Queens on BBC Select

This fascinating royal history documentary explores the parallels between Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Elizabeth II. Both became monarch at 25 but what unites and what divides them? Historians analyse the moments that define their reigns. Despite the centuries between them, could they share any surprising characteristics?

The Art of Gothic

This BBC Select art history documentary spends some time down in the dungeon as it delves into the world of the Gothic.

Acclaimed art historian Andrew Graham-Dixon explores how a group of 19th-century architects and artists spurned the modern age and turned to Britain’s medieval past to create iconic works and buildings with a distinctly creepy edge.

But what attracted them to the dark side?

The Silk Road

Covering 5,000 miles, passing through 13 countries and crossing some of the most dramatic landscapes on the planet, this is the fascinating story of the lucrative trade route which changed the course of civilization forever.

In this extraordinary BBC Silk Road documentary series, Dr Sam Willis explores how the fortunes, ideas and history of the West were shaped and exchanged by travelers from the East.

Ancient Worlds

From the creation of the first cities in Mesopotamia to the fall of the Roman Empire, this epic six-part BBC history documentary series explores the birth of civilization and the development of humanity. Your guide is archaeologist Richard Miles, who investigates how the development of religion, power and society made us human. What lessons can we learn from our ancient forefathers about how to live our lives today?

Ancient Treasures with Bettany Hughes

Historian Bettany Hughes uncovers more extraordinary treasures from the ancient world. With unprecedented access to new discoveries and using state of the art technology, Bettany unearths incredible stories from the past. She visits one of the world’s best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in Bulgaria, ancient archeological discoveries in Oman and even the oldest sword in the world.

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