History documentaries
First Britons
New archaeological discoveries are painting a different picture of the very first native Britons. For centuries, it’s been thought that these hunter-gatherers lived a brutal, hand-to-mouth existence. But extraordinary new evidence has forced scientists to rethink who these Stone Age people were, where they came from, what impact they had, and how they give birth to the island nation of Britain.
The Greatest Knight: William Marshal
From Europe’s medieval castles to the holy city of Jerusalem, Thomas Asbridge explores the incredible life of William Marshal, who many consider the world’s greatest knight. He reveals a rip-roaring adventure story in the spirit of King Arthur’s Knights of the Round Table, featuring an English soldier and statesman who remained loyal to those he served through disaster and victory.
Queen Elizabeth's Secret Agents
It was the world’s first secret service. When the pope declared Queen Elizabeth I as a heretic, she was the immediate target of Catholic assassins. To combat this, her spymaster William Cecil set up a network of informers and agents to prevent any plots. This soon grew into a huge espionage operation using brutal methods to protect the monarchy. It would change history forever.
Britain Under the Nazis: The Forgotten Occupation
In June 1940, the Nazis swept through Europe. France fell and the British government took the strategic decision to withdraw troops from the Channel Islands, leaving them open to German invasion. It’s a propaganda victory for Hitler and a possible first step to invading the mainland. At first the islanders are treated with courtesy, but soon they witness a nightmare roll out of Nazism.
Meet the Roman Emperor with Mary Beard
Acclaimed classicist Mary Beard explores what it was really like for the emperors of ancient Rome, taking us behind palace walls to reveal the hidden world of the Roman imperial court and lifestyle. Deciphering rare inscriptions, imperial-era artifacts and exploring epic locations, Mary gives us her unique insights into the emperors’ lives, homes, entourages, sex lives and health.