History documentaries
The Persians: A History of Iran
How is the modern Islamic nation of Iran influenced by its ancient Persian heritage?
Samira Ahmed starts her epic trek through Persia’s rich history at a 3,000-year-old temple in this Persian Empire three-part documentary series.
Persia, the world’s first empire, has a complex past. In this fascinating series, journalist Samira Ahmed visits historical and cultural sites across Iran that few westerners have ever seen.
Focusing on the rich artistic legacy of the region, she looks at literature, painting and ancient structures to relay a tale of power and ultimate destruction.
How much did this history influence modern Iran?
Archaeology: A Secret History
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.
Vienna: Empire, Dynasty and Dream
Simon Sebag Montefiore tells the story of the magical capital of Austria: Vienna.
The Birth of Empire: The East India Company
Centuries ago, England controlled India and was heavily invested in China. The country’s economy and trade dwarfed all others, and it was all in the hands of the first multinational: the East India Company.
American History's Biggest Fibs
Join Lucy Worsley in a three-part series exploring how American history has been mythologised and manipulated by politicians, writers and protesters. From the American Revolution and Civil War through to the United States’ becoming a superpower after the Second World War, how much is fact and how much is potentially fiction?