History Unsealed
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Inside The Tower of London: Crimes, Conspiracies, Confessions
Bishop Bonner, who tortured both Catholics and Protestants in the turbulent years following the reign of Henry VIII; why the Tower was constructed, why it was built, where it is, how it developed and how the first prisoner it held remains the only on etc escape from the White Tower. We also hear about Lady Jane Grey, and speak to a Beefeater about their role and unique traditions.
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Great Greek Myths
Although they were the son and daughter of Zeus, Apollo and his twin sister Artemis were born under threats from the goddess Hera. Zeus' wife Hera never forgave the twins' mother - the nymph Leto - for her union with the King of Mount Olympus, and she forced Leto into exile.
Gehlen: Hitler's Superspy
Reinhard Gehlen was Hitler's Chief of Intelligence on the Russian Front during WWII. Before May 1945 he had secreted himself and the files on the Soviets away from Berlin. He then bargained for his freedom with the advancing Americans and his files formed the basis of the CIA when it was set up in 1947. The story traces Gehlen's joining the Nazi party to his retirement on a CIA pension.
Ancient Megacities
In the 9th century BC, Phoenicians built Carthage, a grand city at Mediterranean trade crossroads, set to be their empire's capital. After the Third Punic War, Carthage fell to Rome. Hadrian's task: ensure year-round water supply. Today, Byrsa hill showcases intertwined Punic and Roman relics, symbolizing Carthage's enduring legacy linking two civilizations.
Inside The Tower of London: Crimes, Conspiracies, Confessions
Some of the more famous prisoners, such as the only American imprisoned, who was convicted of spying but rather than taking the infamous walk to the block ended up becoming the toast of London society; the tortured life of Roger Casement and how he fell from grace; and the network of spies and informers whose lives centered on the Tower.
The Real Joan of Arc
The myth of Joan of Arc has fascinated people the world over. In the collective memory, she is the young shepherd girl who died at the stake having saved France. But 15th century chronicles report that following events in Rouen, certain people refused to believe she was dead and that another woman was burned instead.
Secrets in the Bones: The Hunt for the Black Death Killer
It was called the Black Death, a disease that started in the 14th century, and swept across Europe wiping out half the population, one of the most lethal killers in human history. But the cause of the Black Death has eluded scientists. Now, Evolutionary biologist Hendrik Poinar embarks on an epic journey to solve the 600-year old mystery and change the way we fight infectious diseases today.
Imperium - Vespasian: The Path to Power
Vespasian, one of the Roman Empire's finest emperors remains largely unknown. Yet his reign in 1st century AD transitioned a weakening Empire into a period of stability and growth that was the legacy of the other great emperors Trajan, Hadrian, Marcus Aurelius and Septimius Severus. Vespasian ultimately saved Rome from disaster and made possible the Golden Age of the 2nd century AD.
Great Greek Myths: The Odyssey
Penelope is now forced to choose a husband among the Suitors. She offers them a test to decide who among them is the most worthy: with the bow of Odysseus, they must shoot an arrow and pass it through twelve axes.
Great Greek Myths: The Odyssey
Odysseus has been living out peaceful days with Calypso for 7 years. But waves of nostalgia wash over him, and the memories of his wife, his son and his island never cease to torment him. Hermes, sent by Zeus, under pressure from Athena, comes to ask Calypso to let the king of Ithaca leave.
Great Greek Myths: The Odyssey
Ten years after the sack of Troy by the Greek army, Zeus is alone on Olympus, left alone in his palace by the other gods. His daughter Athena is the only one remaining at his side. She tries to convince her father to help Odysseus, the last Greek fighter who has not yet returned home to Ithaca.
Great Greek Myths: The Odyssey
Odysseus has been living out peaceful days with Calypso for 7 years. But waves of nostalgia wash over him, and the memories of his wife, his son and his island never cease to torment him. Hermes, sent by Zeus, under pressure from Athena, comes to ask Calypso to let the king of Ithaca leave.
Great Greek Myths: The Iliad
The Trojans are surprised to discover that the Greeks have suddenly left the shores of Troy, leaving only a wooden horse. Inside the horse, Greek warriors remain silent and still.
Great Greek Myths: The Iliad
Ten years have passed since the Greek forces arrived in Troy, but King Priam's city has still not fallen. The king's eldest son, Hector, reproaches his brother Paris for causing this war with no end.
Great Greek Myths: The Iliad
A golden apple inscribed 'for the fairest' is sent to a feast at Olympus. Unable to decide between the goddesses Aphrodite, Hera and Athena, Zeus decides to let a mortal choose.
Great Greek Myths: The Iliad
Saved by Apollo, Hector goes back on the attack and leads the Trojans as far as the Greeks' ships. Patroclus, a childhood friend of Achilles, rushes to him and implores him to re-join the battle.
Great Greek Myths: The Iliad
The chaos that reigns between Greeks and Trojans has now spread to Mount Olympus. Back on the battlefield, the Trojans have driven back the Greeks, and decide to build a long wall.
Great Greek Myths: The Iliad
Odysseus and Ajax try to convince Achilles to return to combat, but the Greek warrior rejects their appeals. On the battlefield, Agamemnon, Diomedes and even Odysseus are injured one after the other.
The Romanovs
The seventh segment chronicles the rule of both Nicolas I and his son Alexander II, as well as the Emancipation Reform of 1861, which succeeded in abolishing serfdom.
The Crimean War
This program looks at the epic charge of the Light Brigade, when a misunderstood Order sent troops straight into the main Russian artillery during the Battle of Balaclava. It also looks at the later Battle of Inkerman and the work of Florence Nightingale.
The Egyptians
Zahi Hawass is still searching for the tomb of Imhotep, the vizier and architect of pharaoh Djoser's Step Pyramid. The archaeologist is now excavating an enclosure called Gisr El-Mudir, at the foot of the Step Pyramid. His teams will discover sarcophagi containing mysterious mummies - including one adorned with gold - as well as rich painted tombs. Will these treasures lead them to Imhotep?
The Romanovs
Although he had tremendous foresight in his attempts to modernize Russia and enact effective foreign policies, Peter neglected to name an heir before his death in 1725.
Great Greek Myths
Dedalus, a prominent Greek inventor, settled in Crete among King Minos' court. Queen Pasiphaë, who had an all-consuming passion for a white bull, called upon his services. Dedalus found a way to allow Pasiphaë to mate with the bull, and Minos locked Daedalus and his son, Icarus, away for their betrayal. Dedalus found a way to escape - but his method put his own son's life in peril.
Great Greek Myths
His first wife was Metis. His second, who was known as his wife on Olympus, was the jealous Hera. But there was also Themis, the goddess of Justice, with whom he produced the Hours, the Fates and the Mnemosyne - meaning 'memory' - who gave birth to nine Muses. In order to achieve his aims, Zeus metamorphosed. He was an expert at changing shape and form.
King Arthur: The Legend
Rich with dramatic reconstructions and lavish photography of ancient heritage sites and mystic Celtic landscapes, this thrilling programme, reveals how the stories of King Arthur have grown and developed across a thousand years. The Legend is alive and well today, on screen and in print, intriguing a new generation who are in search of an inspiring hero-figure and a Camelot for their own age.
The Egyptians
Two hundred years ago, Jean-François Champollion deciphered the Egyptian hieroglyphs for the first time, thus solving one of the greatest enigmas in the history of humanity.
The Last Mystery of Cleopatra
Even from her grave, Egyptian Queen Cleopatra continues to mystify scholars and common people alike! The debate about the way she looked, her mysterious death & her lost tomb continues today even as more evidence of her glorious reign comes to the surface. Whether she died from a snake bite or not, the whereabouts of her mummy - unanswered questions lead scholars on quest about the enigmatic royal.
Life in the Time of
In the 17th century, a young man from Gascony wanted to join the prestigious regiments of musketeers of the King of France. To this end, he trains daily in an academy of gentlemen in the handling of weapons and equestrian art. He thus hopes to be noticed by an officer. But the selection is ruthless: you have to be the best to join the Musketeers.
Lost Army of King Cambyses
While escaping the Egyptians 2,500 years ago, the Persian King Cambyses led his army into the desert and disappeared forever. Despite efforts in the 1930s to discover what happened to him, no clues were found until 1996 when a geologist stumbled on evidence by accident. The Egyptian authorities have suppressed news of these findings until now.
1000 AD: Anglo-Saxons vs Vikings
What was it really like to live just before the end of the first millennium? 1000 AD recreates life circa 999 AD, showing the everyday lives, loves and passions of the Anglo-Saxon people. A soap opera-style drama runs alongside interviews with leading historians who paint a revealing picture of the political and social structure of pre-Norman Britain.
Great Greek Myths
The Goddess of War Athena was the wisest, most level headed and rational deity. She was born out of Zeus' skull, wearing a helmet and holding a spear. She was the protector of heroes, the State, and mankind, to whom she passed on many inventions.
For Athens
Themistocles against Xerxes, the story of a duel and the exceptional parallel careers of two men of a similar age. However, their origins, beliefs and cultures were very different: one the son of a king and the other the son of democracy itself.
The Egyptians
Over 4,500 years ago, near the city of Cairo, once stood an outstanding construction. One of the first pyramids of ancient Egypt, built long before Khufu. The Pyramid of Sekhemkhet. Today, all that remains is an underground tomb and a mysterious sarcophagus. In this episode, experts will decipher this monument of eternity, never before opened to the public and filmed for the very first time.
The Egyptians
An overview of the largest stone giants, unveiling their construction secrets and origins.
Napoleon Bonaparte: The Russian Campaign
Part 2 details the hardships and deprivations suffered by Napoleon's Grande Armee as they await the surrender of the Tsar, which never comes. And with problems in France and his popularity waning, Napoleon begins the long, death-filled retreat from Russia with his exhausted, starving troops.
Life in the Time of
Cro-Magnon man lived 20,000 years ago. One of them, Tashar, is a teenage boy who leads a peaceful life in a clan led by Chaleg. One day, he meets Yaline, a young woman from another clan subject to a barter concluded by Chaleg. Telling the story of this prehistoric adolescent allows you to immerse yourself in these fierce ages and discover the daily life of Cro-Magnon men.
Endangered Civilizations
Between the Sahara and the equatorial rainforest of West Africa, the huge cliff of Bandiagara stretches across a desolate plateau. This vast wall of rock is home to one of the world's most unique civilizations - the Dogon. Their animist beliefs are founded on a refined tradition based on a beautiful legend : the Ark of the First Ancestor.
The Romanovs
After the reign of Tsarevna, Princess Sophia Alekseyevna, the first female ruler of Russia, who displayed as much governing savvy and cruel tactics as her male counterparts.
Great Greek Myths: The Odyssey
Penelope is now forced to choose a husband among the Suitors. She offers them a test to decide who among them is the most worthy: with the bow of Odysseus, they must shoot an arrow and pass it through twelve axes.
Great Greek Myths: The Odyssey
Odysseus' fleet tries to avoid Charybdis, the first sea monster ready to swallow them, but Scylla, a horrible multi-headed creature, destroys three of his ships. The last few hours have been grueling, and the sailors want to rest on the island of Helios, which is now in sight.
Great Greek Myths: The Odyssey
10 years earlier, as the Greek warriors had just razed Troy. Devastated by this 'war for nothing' which has caused so many deaths, Odysseus is indignant against the gods, guilty of having let this carnage happen. He wishes for nothing more than to return to his kingdom, the island of Ithaca.
Great Greek Myths: The Odyssey
A year has passed. It is time for Odysseus and his men to leave the witch Circe's island and return to Ithaca. To do so, they must first go to meet the prophet Tiresias in the Underworld. Only he can tell them what to do to appease Poseidon's wrath.
Great Greek Myths: The Iliad
The River Scamander and its banks are set alight by fireballs sent by the god Hephaestus. The river god spares Achilles, who immediately goes back on the rampage. The gods are shocked by his rage.
Great Greek Myths: The Iliad
Agamemnon has seen it in a dream: Troy will be taken today. Helen's husband Menelaus recognizes Paris, the man who took his wife. The two men decide to face each other in a duel.
Great Greek Myths: The Iliad
All of the Greek kings and their armies have responded to Agamemnon's call... All except two, that is: Odysseus, and Achilles.
Great Greek Myths: The Iliad
Ten years have passed since the Greek forces arrived in Troy, but King Priam's city has still not fallen. The king's eldest son, Hector, reproaches his brother Paris for causing this war with no end.
Great Greek Myths: The Iliad
Thetis asks Hephaestus, the god of blacksmiths to forge new armour and weapons for her son Achilles. At dawn, she hands them to him, knowing that they will lead to his death.
Great Greek Myths: The Iliad
The Trojans are surprised to discover that the Greeks have suddenly left the shores of Troy, leaving only a wooden horse. Inside the horse, Greek warriors remain silent and still.
Ships That Changed the World
Gigantic sea-faring vessels were the pride and joy of late 19th century Europe. An Irish-German alliance of entrepreneurs saw the founding of ship-builders Harland and Wolff in Belfast, fueling the city's industry. Despite disasters such as the Titanic, ship designs became increasingly utilitarian as inter-European tensions increased, epitomized by the arrival of the Dreadnaught in 1906.
The Romanovs
Catherine the Great dominates the fifth episode. An unusually enlightened mind, enraptured by the poetry and philosophy of the time, she enjoyed tremendous public adoration throughout her eventful reign of over three decades.
Impossible Peace
After four years of fighting, World War I ends. The victorious nations assemble at Versailles to design the peace that they will impose on the defeated - Germany and Austria-Hungary. Russia's Bolshevik revolution has become a murderous civil war. The map of Europe is remade, with the dismantling and collapse of old empires.
Princess Alice: The Queen's Mother-In-Law
Featuring exclusive interviews and archived footage, this film sheds new light on one of the royal family's most unknown personalities. Princess Alice, a great granddaughter of Queen Victoria, married into the Greek royal family before their monarchy was overthrown by revolution. She was later placed in mental hospitals and subjected to experiments by psychiatrists such as Sigmund Freud himself.
The Viking Myths
Odin, who wants Sigurd dead so he can recruit him, reveals to Brynhild the deception she has fallen victim to. Enraged at having married a coward, Brynhild orders the assassination of Sigurd, whom she holds responsible. In Midgard, Gudrun, Brynhild and their descendants will wage a long and bloody war, allowing Odin and Freyja to reap countless glorious deaths in preparation for Ragnarök.
Europe - History Seen From Above
Composed of more than 4,000 islands, Britain's fate has always been tied to the sea. From Roman invaders to Viking raids, its coasts bore the marks of constant threats. Yet by the 15th century, with merchants and the Royal Navy, it ruled a global empire. Ports like Liverpool and Portsmouth echo this legacy, forging Britain's enduring identity as an island nation defined by maritime power.
The Alchemists
'La France des Mysteries' invites you to discover the main sites which, in our country, have played a major role in the history of alchemy. From Bourges, which was the capital of alchemy, to the Château du Plessis Bourré which still attracts specialists trying to decipher the symbols engraved in its walls, we will try to unravel the mysteries of a fascinating discipline.