The Ancient Origins Of The Minotaurs | The Minotaur's Island

Bettany Hughes examines how the Minoans turned to religion to guard against the ominous threats of volcanoes.

The mysterious island of Crete has always loomed large in imagination, as the home of the Minotaur -- that monstrous creature, half-man half-bull -- imprisoned in Daedalus' labyrinth. Before Crete collapsed in fire and violence, it gave birth to Europe's first civilisation nearly 5,000 years ago, and boasted an advanced, prosperous Mediterranean 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.

The ancients saw the wilderness as a place of mystery and darkness, where a traveler could find rewards - as well as danger. We explore the tragic Greek myth of Actaeon, the Celtic Otherworld, the Kraken and the woods of Brothers Grimm.

The Island of Anglesey was once home to one of history's most mysterious groups: the Druids. The Romans accused them of magical rituals, human sacrifice and even cannibalism, and soon after the invasion, the full force of the Roman army descended on this small island. Their mission: to destroy this stronghold of the British resistance. 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!

Before the US declared its independence, its destiny hung in the balance with the vast lands of America up for grabs to anyone willing to stake a claim. Called to examine a possibly ancient land claim, Scott Wolter is drawn into an epic quest to prove whether French fur traders were actually here on a secret mission to steal pre-Columbian land claims placed at a much earlier time. The key to this whole mystery could lie in tracking down a long-lost artifact, allegedly found with strange carvings that only those with hidden knowledge could understand. On this adventure through America's little-known early history, Scott uncovers a high stakes game of land grabbing where only the winner comes in first--and the only way to win might be to cheat. 💚 Join the Absolute History club to get access to exclusive member benefits! 📺 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

In a world-first experiment, British cab driver Alan Bilis—diagnosed with terminal cancer—volunteers his body to solve a 3,000-year-old mystery: the "secret art" of mummification. For years, historians believed the Egyptians used simple dry salt to preserve their Pharaohs, but Dr. Stephen Buckley and Dr. Jo Fletcher have a radical new theory. 💚 Join the Absolute History club to get access to exclusive member benefits! 📺 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.