Can future pandemics be prevented?

Why do people in Europe refer to them as "Arabic numerals" when they were invented in India? How could ten tiny symbols conquer the world? And how did zero change the course of history? The Western world calls them "Arabic numerals," while in the Arab world, today's European notation is thought of as being Western. What is "Arabic" about the symbols that traveled from India to Europe and on to the rest of the world? Following the trail of our numbers leads us to Baghdad. There, in the eighth century, a scholar named al-Khwarizmi — Latinized as "Algorismi," later to be found in the word "algorithm" — helped spread Indian numerals. He would become known as the father of modern algebra. The "Arabic" numerals commonly used in Europe today derive from another variant, known as "Ghubar" — Arabic for "dust." That had emerged from the so-called "dust tables" used by Maghrebi merchants around the Mediterranean. From Europe to America, and from the dawn of modern science to the computer age — the fascinating history of these ten small digits is

Dan is joined by author, broadcaster and historian Professor Alice Roberts to examine how Christianity out-organised and outlasted the Roman Empire. Around 50 CE, a small group of travellers began to preach that a Jewish man, crucified by the Romans, had risen from the dead. Teaching love, forgiveness and eternal life, this new faith quickly gained followers. By the early fourth century, it was thriving, and over the next hundred years, it exploded, spreading across the entire Roman Empire before becoming its official religion. What enabled it to take such a strong hold so quickly and so steadfastly? Produced by James Hickmann and Mariana Des Forges, and edited by Matthew Wilson and Dougal Patmore. You can now become a History Hit member right here on the original video platform! Join for access to a new exclusive documentary every week, and access to over 160+ of our documentaries presented by world-renowned historians like Dan Snow, Eleanor Janega, Tristan Hughes, Mary Beard, Matt Lewis and more.

As Apple turns 50, this film tells the story of the tech company that revolutionized our world, along with its opportunities and downsides. Has this tool of liberation become an instrument of control? Founded 50 years ago, Apple grew from a counterculture movement into a global corporation. The film looks back at the breathtaking rise of headstrong visionary Steve Jobs, who never gave up on his dream despite fierce competition, his destructive perfectionism and even his ousting from his own company. Colleagues and companions shine light on the expertise behind Apple: designer Hartmut Esslinger created Apple's legendary 'Snow White' design language, and typographer Erik Spiekermann developed groundbreaking typefaces. People like Daniel Kottke, a former flat mate of Steve Jobs and one of the first Apple employees, share insights into the inner workings of the legendary team. Andy Cunningham, who was sacked by Jobs a total of five times, also weighs in. ______ DW Documentary gives you knowledge beyond the headlines. Watch top documentaries from German broadcasters and international production companies. Meet intriguing people, travel to distant lands, get a look

From the Queen's Silver Jubilee to the collapse of Charles and Diana's marriage, this episode chronicles the turbulent years that transformed the British monarchy. It explores Princess Margaret's divorce, Prince Charles's courtship of Diana, the rise of Camilla Parker Bowles, Prince Andrew's marriage to Sarah Ferguson, Windsor Castle's role in hosting world leaders, and the devastating 1992 fire that came to symbolize the Royal Family's darkest chapter. Through scandal, heartbreak, and public scrutiny, Windsor Castle remained the heart of the House of Windsor as it fought to rebuild its image.

Could Germany become a hotspot for the global markets of the future? Young startup founders are using cutting-edge innovations to tackle tomorrow's biggest challenges. They're not just dreaming about the future — they're building it. With humanoid robots, climate-friendly chocolate and next-generation semiconductors, they just might transform entire industries. David Reger, founder of NEURA Robotics, is developing intelligent humanoid robots with his team in Metzingen, Germany — not to replace people, but to assist them: in the home, in caregiving and in dangerous situations. Speed and efficiency are the focus for brothers Sebastian and Daniel Schall, the minds behind Black Semiconductor. Their chip technology combines electrical and optical data transmission — a small revolution in the semiconductor market. In a purpose-built high-tech production facility in Aachen, Germany, international experts are laying the foundations for tomorrow's energy efficiency — creating a cornerstone for artificial intelligence, autonomous driving and the digital transformation. Twins Sara and Max Marquart, founders of Planet A Foods, are exploring the future of what we eat. Their goal: to complement cocoa and coffee — crops increasingly affected by

Marine pilots must make crucial decisions under extreme conditions. Transferring from a cargo ship to a small pilot boat in hurricane-force gusts can be fatal. For marine pilots, this is the most dangerous moment in their daily working lives: climbing down a rope ladder from a cargo ship in gale-force gusts, and transferring to a small pilot boat. In mid-January, a pilot fell into the sea off Borkum and was taken to hospital suffering from hypothermia. Just a few days earlier, a British colleague died during a similar maneuver. Harbor pilot Gerhard Janssen and sea pilot Dominik Thieben are getting ready for their assignment. In force 8 winds, they set off in the pilot boat to the cargo ship "Silver Soul". They must guide it safely out of the harbor, along the Ems River in northern Germany, and out into the North Sea. They face oncoming traffic, poor visibility and a narrow channel that leaves little room to maneuver. Off the island of Borkum, a pilot boat will pick them up and take them back to shore. Transferring vessels in