History

The Gallic Wars tells the story of the campaigns from 58 BC to 53 BC in which Julius Caesar and his Roman legions conquered Gaul. Caesar portrayed this invasion as a genuine concern for Italian security but as the campaign developed, Rome's greatest commander began to hatch plans for full conquest. Odyssey is your journey into the world of Ancient History; from the dawn of Mesopotamia to the fall of Rome. We'll be bringing you only the best documentaries that journey into the mysteries and ruins of worlds long lost.

It remains one of the most successful and significant thefts in history. In late 321 BC, a carefully-constructed plot was put into operation that would spark years of bloody conflict between rival warlords. The target of the operation was Alexander the Great’s elaborate funeral carriage, designed as a miniature and gold-adorned mobile temple, and the conqueror’s talismanic corpse housed within. Ptolemy and Perdiccas were at loggerheads. The former was the new governor of Egypt. The latter was the all-powerful regent of Alexander’s empire, whose authority theoretically stretched from Afghanistan to the Aegean.Both knew that war between them was all-but-inevitable. Rather than wait, Ptolemy aimed to provoke it on his terms – a pre-emptive strike. It was a huge risk, but one the governor believed he had to take if he would have any chance of victory. At the end of 321 BC, Alexander the Great’s funeral carriage was heading west from Babylon to the Mediterranean. Perdiccas, who was then stationed in Pisidi, central Anatolia, with the royal army, wanted to take the body back to Macedonia. Returning with the dead

Chronicling the romantic life of Britain's royal family in the 20th century, this documentary explores the history of royal marriages and asks what's next for a royal family increasingly battered by media pressures and whose business is shared with the whole world.

Time Team are in Lincolnshire investigating the Roman town of Ancaster, a settlement that has been oft neglected by archaeologists. However, what starts as a normal dig soon turns into one of the most significant in Time Team's history. Odyssey is your journey into the world of Ancient History; from the dawn of Mesopotamia to the fall of Rome. We'll be bringing you only the best documentaries that journey into the mysteries and ruins of worlds long lost.

From improper keeping of chemicals, to ecosystem-destroying oil spills. We take a look at some of the biggest natural disasters to occur because of our own ignorance. Code Red investigates some of the most notable disasters in our recent history. In each episode, the anatomy one type of catastrophe is investigated and is looked back at on the ways in which they have changed us forever. WONDER is packed with binge worthy reality documentaries for hours of entertainment. Check out our hub of diverse and empowering stories which explore the extreme side of life!

The Greco-Persian wars were perhaps some of the most significant ancient clashes between two civilisations. Discover the real history behind these historical battles that would go on to shape modern Europe. Odyssey is your journey into the world of Ancient History; from the dawn of Mesopotamia to the fall of Rome. We'll be bringing you only the best documentaries that journey into the mysteries and ruins of worlds long lost.

Meet the new royal couple and their entourage as we follow their story from the beginning of their romance through their engagement announcement and discover how an American actress will soon be a member of the British Royal family.

Time Team are on the clock (even more than usual). They're investigating whether or not some stumps in the Thames riverbed are actually London's earliest bridge. But can they solve the mystery before the river reclaims this priceless piece of archeology. Odyssey is your journey into the world of Ancient History; from the dawn of Mesopotamia to the fall of Rome. We'll be bringing you only the best documentaries that journey into the mysteries and ruins of worlds long lost.

An investigation into the use of creativity, art and entertainment as a form of survival during the Great Depression of 1929; parallels are drawn between the creativity generated during the Great Depression and the global recession of 2009.

In this four-part series, Professor of Egyptology Joann Fletcher examines Ancient Egypt's extraordinary rise and fall. She traces the mighty empire's humble nomadic beginnings to its zenith as prime architects and pyramid builders and, of course, its descent from worshipped pharaohs to tomb robbers and finally subjugated by the Romans.

The Pyramids are perhaps the most impressive monument of the ancient world, but who created them? Discover the true history of the pyramids. Odyssey is your journey into the world of Ancient History; from the dawn of Mesopotamia to the fall of Rome. We'll be bringing you only the best documentaries that journey into the mysteries and ruins of worlds long lost.

A full series of History Hit the original video platform videos on the most historic and impressive cathedrals and churches in England. Join presenters Dan Snow and Alice Loxton as they travel across the country to discover the incredible secrets that lay inside these iconic sanctuaries of worship. First off, Alice Loxton explores the secrets of Salisbury Cathedral in Wiltshire. Alice travels up the tallest church spire in the United Kingdom, visits the world's oldest working mechanical clock and sees one of the only four remaining original copies of the Magna Carta. Meanwhile, Dan is joined in the capital by Sir David Cannadine, who shows him around the iconic Westminster Abbey, in the heart of London. With an unrivalled arrange of monuments - ranging from grand royal tombs to the grave of The Unknown Warrior - and spectacular architecture spanning nearly 1,000 years, join the two historians as they explore Britain's greatest church. Staying in London, Alice travels to one of Britain's most fascinating buildings, boasting nearly nine centuries of history - Temple Church, built by the holy order of

From exploding on launch like Saturn V, to burning up on re-entry after a successful mission in space. Code Red takes a look at some of the most horrific and avoidable accidents in space travel. Code Red investigates some of the most notable disasters in our recent history. In each episode, the anatomy one type of catastrophe is investigated and is looked back at on the ways in which they have changed us forever. WONDER is packed with binge worthy reality documentaries for hours of entertainment. Check out our hub of diverse and empowering stories which explore the extreme side of life!

Carthage was at one point the Roman Empire's greatest rival. Discover the ups and downs of the Punic Wars and how Rome ultimately set about wiping Carthage from the face of the Earth. Odyssey is your journey into the world of Ancient History; from the dawn of Mesopotamia to the fall of Rome. We'll be bringing you only the best documentaries that journey into the mysteries and ruins of worlds long lost.

From the blaze of Grenfell Tower, to the Californian and Australian wildfires like we've never seen before. Code Red takes a look at the most devastating fires in recent history Code Red investigates some of the most notable disasters in our recent history. In each episode, the anatomy one type of catastrophe is investigated and is looked back at on the ways in which they have changed us forever. WONDER is packed with binge worthy reality documentaries for hours of entertainment. Check out our hub of diverse and empowering stories which explore the extreme side of life!

First, Cat reviews scenes from the hit series 'Vikings', which tells the story of the legendary Ragnar Lothbrok and his descendants. She watches scenes that portray the raid on the monastery at Lindisfarne, the shield maiden Lagertha in single combat, and a clever ploy devised by the Vikings during their attack on Paris. Next up, it's the sequel series 'Vikings: Valhalla'. Cat rates scenes which show a battle taking place on London Bridge and an attack on the fictional town of Kattegat. Cat watches clips from the Netflix series 'The Last Kingdom'. focussing on Uhtred of Bebbanburg's enslavement and the Battle of Edington. It was a climactic battle which really did take place between Alfred the Great of Wessex and the Viking leader Guthrum in 878. Finally, she reviews scenes from the Netflix Viking comedy 'Norsemen'. In one clip, the characters discuss Viking law around homosexuality, while a magic nithing pole leads to disastrous consequences in the second.

Culloden: The Brutal 18th-Century Battle In The Scottish Highlands | Line Of Fire examines the specific people, events and evidence presented in this documentary. On 16 April 1746, on Drummossie Moor overlooking Inverness, a well supplied Hanoverian army led by the Duke of Cumberland annihilated the much smaller army of Lord John Murray and the leader he mistrusted, Prince Charles Edward Stuart. It was Bonnie Prince Charlie's final assault on the English, and the bloodiest of all the Jacobite battles. It was also the last battle fought on British soil.

Over the span of two years, London faced a series of unimaginable disasters. A devastating outbreak of the plague was soon followed by a fire that leveled the city. Based on such sources as the diaries of Samuel Pepys, Dr. Nathaniel Hodges, Rev. Thomas Vincent, and others of the disastrous Great Plague of 1665 and the equally destructive Great Fire of 1666 and their effects on life in 17th-century London.

Time Team investigate a buried villa created following the Roman Empire's invasion of Britain. How did these Britain's adapt to their new overlords and how did they live? Odyssey is your journey into the world of Ancient History; from the dawn of Mesopotamia to the fall of Rome. We'll be bringing you only the best documentaries that journey into the mysteries and ruins of worlds long lost.

For centuries, the Roman Empire was one of the defining powers of the ancient world. But how did this all begin and what caused it to fall apart? Join Mary Beard as she delves into the history of this incredible Empire that shaped the world we know today. Odyssey is your journey into the world of Ancient History; from the dawn of Mesopotamia to the fall of Rome. We'll be bringing you only the best documentaries that journey into the mysteries and ruins of worlds long lost.

It is a great 'what-if' of the last century. What if Robert F. Kennedy, brother of the murdered JFK, had not himself been assassinated while campaigning for the Presidency in 1968? This documentary reveals how Kennedy transformed from Cold War warrior to advocate of peace, from son of privilege to champion of the down-trodden, from timid adolescent to potential President.

Delve into the secret worlds hidden in museums in this series. Secrets of the Exhibit explores the sinister crimes, wild tales, strange findings, and shocking twists of history that altered the art world. From the diamond-encrusted slippers of an Indian Prince to stolen Renoir paintings, Secrets of the Exhibit goes beyond the surface to delve into how theft has shaped the world of heritage conservation.

Time Team have been brought in to help get an archaeological site scheduled. The catch? This site is buried under one of Britain's largest military training facilities. Will Time Team be able to find enough archeology to get the site protected before more gets destroyed by military action? Odyssey is your journey into the world of Ancient History; from the dawn of Mesopotamia to the fall of Rome. We'll be bringing you only the best documentaries that journey into the mysteries and ruins of worlds long lost.

Time Team investigate the litany of historical sites around the city of York, ranging from the ancient to the medieval. One such site is a potential Roman burial site where the team make a grim discovery. Odyssey is your journey into the world of Ancient History; from the dawn of Mesopotamia to the fall of Rome. We'll be bringing you only the best documentaries that journey into the mysteries and ruins of worlds long lost.

In June 1944, the Allies carried out the D-Day Invasion which led to the liberation of France from Nazi occupation during World War II. British General Bernard Montgomery played a pivotal role in Operation Overlord and we follow his journey from the beaches of Normandy to the Battle for Caen and Operation Goodwood. War Stories is your one stop shop for all things military history. From Waterloo to Verdun, we'll be bringing you only the best documentaries and stories from history's most engaging and dramatic conflicts. You can find more from us on

Eight men escape from the most isolated prison on earth. Only one man survives and the story he recounts shocks the British establishment to the core. This is the story of how one man endured the unimaginable by doing the unthinkable. The film follows the final days of Irish convict and bushranger Alexander Pearce as he awaits execution. In 1824, the British penal colony of Van Diemen's Land is little more than a living hell. Chained to a wall in the darkness of a cell under Hobart Gaol, Pearce is visited by Father Philip Conolly, the parish priest of the fledgling colony and a fellow Irishman. Pearce wishes to tell the priest his recollection of the horrors he endured in the three months spent traversing the brutal wilderness of Van Diemen's Land. Conolly struggles to reconcile his desire to grant absolution to the convict with the story Pearce tells him.

Connect Leonardo da Vinci’s paintings with his scientific notebooks, inventions and restless experiments five centuries after his death.

Historian Dan Snow reviews the top five historical movies of all time, as voted for by the public in a History Hit poll. First up, he reviews famous scenes from the Ridley Scott masterpiece Gladiator (2000), starring Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix. Is it the greatest Hollywood movie set in the ancient world? You certainly thought so. Next, it's one of the greatest Hollywood movies about space exploration, Apollo 13 (1995). According to the astronauts who really took part in the ill-fated mission to the moon, this film is particularly faithful to the true story. Third, Dan reviews scenes from one of his own favourite films, Last of the Mohicans (1992). This movie brilliantly depicts combat between Native Americans and European colonial soldiers during the 1750s, and features an incredible lead performance from Daniel Day Lewis. In second place is one of the most moving films of the last century, Schindler's List (1993), in which Liam Neeson plays the leading role. Oskar Schindler really did save the lives of thousands of Jews during the Second World War, but Dan believes

The two flinty syllables strike at the imagination like the sudden hard beat of an Andean drum: Inca. Their cities of gold, sun worship, and virgin sacrifice. It is the stuff of legend. Legends that for the most part remain hidden in the impenetrable no man's land of Peru's high country. For the better part of 400 years, people have searched the deep canyons and towering ice peaks of these mist-covered cloud forests trying to locate the lost cities of the Inca. They were all after one thing; gold. Any gold would do but there was one thing desired above all others, the Great Golden Disc of the Sun. The most sacred of all Inca relics. The Inca Holy Grail. It is in search of this Holy Grail that David Adams goes on his journey to Puncuyoc, the sacred Sister City of Machu Picchu; the city sought but never found by Hiram Bingham.

In 1958, Chairman Mao announced an ambitious 5 year plan known as 'The Great Leap Forward'. The idea of this would be to rapidly industrialise China to catch up to the rest of the world. Instead of producing the grand success promised to Chinese citizens, this would instead be the start of the largest famine in the world killing more than 45 million people.

The Battle of Rorke's Drift saw 150 British soldiers defend a mission station against a force of over 3,000 Zulu warriors. Against all odds, the British were able to hold off the Zulus and defend their position throughout the night. War Stories is your one stop shop for all things military history. From Waterloo to Verdun, we'll be bringing you only the best documentaries and stories from history's most engaging and dramatic conflicts. You can find more from us on

From the constant fear of death, to the physical toll of living in such squalid conditions and the psychological torment soldiers would have to endure, delve into the gritty details of life in the trenches of WW1. War Stories is your one stop shop for all things military history. From Waterloo to Verdun, we'll be bringing you only the best documentaries and stories from history's most engaging and dramatic conflicts. You can find more from us on

The River Nile is what allowed Ancient Egypt to become one of the greatest civilisations in the Ancient World. Find out how this river allowed the Egyptians to create a paradise surrounded by harsh deserts and how it shaped Ancient Egyptian culture. Odyssey is your journey into the world of Ancient History; from the dawn of Mesopotamia to the fall of Rome. We'll be bringing you only the best documentaries that journey into the mysteries and ruins of worlds long lost.

In 2005, the wreck of a German U-Boat was discovered in the Ligurian sea, just off the coast of Italy. The wreck was in almost perfect condition, leading researchers to question why this wreck was here in the first place. This documentary follows the amazing story behind how this U-Boat met it's tragic end.

By 1915, WW1 was well underway. Fighting on the western front had become bogged down to a stalemate which inspired many daring tactical endeavours to get the war moving. One of these was Churchill's idea for the Gallipoli campaign, which didn't have the desired effect. War Stories is your one stop shop for all things military history. From Waterloo to Verdun, we'll be bringing you only the best documentaries and stories from history's most engaging and dramatic conflicts. You can find more from us on

Around three quatres of all ancient Egyptian relics relate to death and the afterlife. Why was this ancient civilisation so fixated upon the afterlife and how did it shape the way they lived. Odyssey is your journey into the world of Ancient History; from the dawn of Mesopotamia to the fall of Rome. We'll be bringing you only the best documentaries that journey into the mysteries and ruins of worlds long lost. Subsribe so you don't miss out!

We visit the wilds of Connemara to meet a homeowner who claims that his home played a central role in civilizing the wild west of Ireland. John D'Arcy, the descendant of the ancient fourteen tribes of Galway and founder of the capital of Connemara, may have been the architect of this humble lake house. As the town of Clifden approaches its 200-year-old anniversary, we will examine D'Arcy's lasting legacy on the people of Connemara.

Soldiers had to endure horrific conditions while living in the trenches during WW1. This documentary delves into the Battle of the Somme and how the constant threat of enemy attacks, disease, and living in cramped, unsanitary conditions for extended periods took a physical and mental toll on those involved. War Stories is your one stop shop for all things military history. From Waterloo to Verdun, we'll be bringing you only the best documentaries and stories from history's most engaging and dramatic conflicts. You can find more from us on

Explore settlements, engineered soils, geometric earthworks and roads that overturn the image of the pre-contact Amazon as an untouched wilderness.

Doctor Joann Fletcher examines what life was like for normal Ancient Egyptians. In the process, she discovers how they lived their lives and how they prepared for their eventual death. Odyssey is your journey into the world of Ancient History; from the dawn of Mesopotamia to the fall of Rome. We'll be bringing you only the best documentaries that journey into the mysteries and ruins of worlds long lost.

Luggala Lodge in County Wicklow sits in a valley of spectacular beauty and is set against the breathtaking scenery of this ancient Wicklow valley. This legendary house has entertained and inspired royalty, musicians, poets, and artists. The house is tucked away in a magical valley, with 6,000 acres of breathtaking natural beauty. Luggala House has stood in the valley for 220 years since it was first built by the La Touche family in 1783. The house was bought by Lord Powerscourt in the 1860s and then, in 1937, sold to Ernest Guinness. It is his grandson, the honorable, Garech De Brún who lives here today. Garech's mother, Oonagh Guinness, is one of the famous three Guinness sisters. She held court in luggala attracting some of the most famous names in Ireland including Samuel Beckett, Brendan Behan, and Mick Jagger.

In 1939, WW2 unleashed a new type of warfare upon the world, mechanized warfare. The infamous Blitzkrieg tore through Europe, easily sweeping aside outdated tactics from the Allies. This documentary tracks the origins of this mechanized terror to The Great War. We take a look at how the messy nature of WW1 gave birth to the horror of the lightning war and how it was unleashed. War Stories is your one stop shop for all things military history. From Waterloo to Verdun, we'll be bringing you only the best documentaries and stories from history's most engaging and dramatic conflicts. You can find more from us on

From the Pyramids to the temple at Karnak, perhaps what makes Ancient Egypt so compelling is that so much of it is still around for us to see. Discover the incredible physical legacy of Ancient Egypt and what it can tell us about this enigmatic ancient civilisation. Odyssey is your journey into the world of Ancient History; from the dawn of Mesopotamia to the fall of Rome. We'll be bringing you only the best documentaries that journey into the mysteries and ruins of worlds long lost.

Teach An Spidéil is a fascinating house in the heart of Spiddal that has associations with Galway Sheriffs, Merchant Princes, John Wayne, and the Waterboys. Manchán takes a trip to Inis Mór to meet local historian Padraig - from this encounter, he can reveal to Donal Standún, the present owner of the house that it was in fact the Fitzpatricks of Inis Mór in 1650 (regarded in their day as Irish Princes of Trade) who were the first landowners of Spiddal House.

The time team visit Cirencester, a once thriving metropolis in the world of Roman Britain. Here they uncover a series of incredible finds including Time Team's first-ever mosaic. Odyssey is your journey into the world of Ancient History; from the dawn of Mesopotamia to the fall of Rome. We'll be bringing you only the best documentaries that journey into the mysteries and ruins of worlds long lost.

Caligula is often thought of as Rome's maddest Emperor but was this actually the case? While his acts of sadism have become legendary, were these all just conjured up by his enemies? Tony Robinson examines the life of one of Ancient Rome's most fascinating emperors. Odyssey is your journey into the world of Ancient History; from the dawn of Mesopotamia to the fall of Rome. We'll be bringing you only the best documentaries that journey into the mysteries and ruins of worlds long lost.

Sir Tony Robinson takes us back nearly 2,000 years to a time when Britain was under the rule of the Roman Empire - a time of Roman soldiers, gladiators, and European slaves. The Roman Empire collapsed and so did their rule of Britain. But what happened next? Tony takes us through the aftermath of the Roman Empire's collapse and into the middle ages.

Why does Queen Victoria's Royal Pavilion look so different than other British royal palaces? What happened at the Seven Sisters Cliffs? What is a Smugglers Pub? Who wouldn't sit under a dragon? Where did Sherlock Holmes retire? And what does the Guinness family have to do with a medieval hotel?