(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i231/LittleCasino/Stuff/HCI.jpg)
Friday, September 19, 2008
9-10pm -- Egypt Decoded -
What drove the ancient Egyptians to build some of the most magnificent
monuments on earth? Accepted views are that they were for dead
pharaohs. Now, renowned expert on ancient Egypt, Robert Bauval
contests conventional ideas with a theory that could reignite the
debate of the era known as the "time of the gods." Using the latest
astronomy computer software, Bauval reveals that the entire landscape
of ancient Egypt was created along with a long-term plan to turn Egypt
into a "Celestial Kingdom" where time would cyclically recur and the
cosmic order obeyed.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
8-10pm -- Quest for Dragons -
A spirited exploration of the history, science, and legend of the
world's most notorious beast--the dragon, the best-known creature that
never was. Throughout history, dragons influenced wars, science, art,
and religion. They appear in almost every culture and many still
believe in dragons. How could different cultures, isolated by geology
and millennia, all invent the same creature? If the dragon is simply
the product of our imagination, how could distant peoples, with no
knowledge of each other, all invent the same beast? One of the reasons
dragons are a perennial favorite is that even though they are the
ultimate predator and antagonist, it's also fun to identify with them.
In the end, we want to be the dragon as much as we may want to slay
the dragon.
10-12am -- Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed -
The story of Anakin Skywalker's descent into darkness and his son
Luke's quest to conquer evil has spellbound audiences for 30 years.
The reason for this is simple: the saga of Star Wars is universal and
firmly rooted in the mythology and the political history of the entire
planet. May 2007 will mark the 30th anniversary of George Lucas' space
fantasy that grossed billions worldwide. For the first time take a
profound look at the serious subtext behind Lucas' six film milestone.
The influence of ancient mythology from Greek legends to King Arthur
is visible; but also more recent historical influences, from the
political rise of Napoleon to the machinations of Adolf Hitler can be
seen.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
7-8pm -- Lost Worlds - The Pagans.
In the late Stone Age, the pagan people of the British Isles
constructed some of the greatest monuments of the ancient world.
Fabulous constructions of wood, earth, and stone arose. In this hour,
we enter the world of their builders. We travel from the ancient stone
villages of the Orkney Islands, off the north coast of Scotland, to
Stonehenge, in Southern England. We reveal a startling new theory
about the role this extraordinary structure played in the lives of the
pagans. With computer animation, we reconstruct the monument as it
appeared to them. We then trace a forgotten ancient pathway to
Stonehenge's lost twin--Woodhenge, explore the secrets of Silbury
Hill, the world's largest man-made mound, and visit Maiden Castle, a
fortress that witnessed the pagan world's end.
Monday, September 22, 2008
8-10pm -- The Templar Code -
For nearly two centuries, the Knights Templar were the medieval
world's most powerful order, a fearsome and unstoppable Crusader
militia. Then came accusations of unspeakable crimes. Who were the
Templars, really? How did they become so powerful, so fast, and why
did they fall just as quickly? Evidence hints that the Templars
excavated under Jerusalem's Temple of Solomon. What did they find
there? Was it, as The Da Vinci Code suggests, the true identity of the
Holy Grail--the bloodline of Christ? Or an unimaginable treasure,
documented in the Dead Sea Scrolls, buried 1,000 years before Christ's
birth? We explore the Templar's origin, how they lived, trained,
fought and became a medieval world power, and the suspicious
circumstances behind their sudden downfall. Plus, we reveal why these
warriors, dead for seven centuries, and their treasure still populate
Hollywood blockbusters. Narrated by Ed Herrmann and featuring
preeminent Templar authors.
Great lineup. Thanks for the heads up. :)
Saturday, September 27, 2008
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7-8pm -- Engineering An Empire - The Persians
The Persian Empire was one of the most mysterious civilizations in the
ancient world. Persia became an empire under the Cyrus the Great, who
created a policy of religious and cultural tolerance that became the
hallmark of Persian rule. Engineering feats include an innovative
system of water management; a cross-continent paved roadway stretching
1500 miles; a canal linking the Nile to the Red Sea; and the creation
of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Mausoleum of Maussollos.
The rivalry between Persia and Athens led to a 30-year war known as
the Persian Wars, the outcome of which helped create the world we live
in today. Peter Weller hosts.
8-10pm -- Last Stand of The 300 -
After Custer, Thermopylae is the most famous last stand in history. In
a narrow pass in Northern Greece, seven thousand Greek soldiers await
an onslaught of epic proportions. They will soon face the largest
fighting force ever assembled--the war machine of the mighty Persian
Empire, estimated at over a million men. The Greeks are led by three
hundred of the most ferocious warriors of the ancient world--the
Spartans. Their leader is the fearless King Leonidas, who after this
battle would be catapulted into legend. When it is over, every Spartan
in the pass will have sacrificed his life for freedom. Creating a
fresh visual style and using new technologies we will dramatically
recreate the significant events that lead to Thermopylae and the clash
of arms.
10-12am -- Indiana Jones and the Ultimate Quest -
Throughout history there have been legendary artifacts that have
captured the imagination of adventurers everywhere. While belief in
their existence seems to fly in the face of reason and science, there
have been those who have devoted their lives to their discovery. One
man has looked for some of these remarkable treasures. He is Indiana
Jones--professor of archeology and an adventurer who has uncovered
some of the world's greatest mysteries. But Dr. Jones is just a
fictitious character and it's widely assumed that the artifacts he
searched for were also figments of a writer's imagination. But were
they?
Sunday, September 28, 2008
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7-8pm -- Lost Worlds - Ramses' Egyptian Empire
1300 BC. The mighty Egyptian civilization is in its golden age. Its
ruler is Ramses II, a man who intends to be the greatest of the
Pharaohs. He will make his mark by building: vast statues; towering
obelisks; temples carved from the living rock. Ramses is a giant of a
man, dominating his kingdom for 67 years, pushing it on to ever
greater glory. The ruins of what he built still stand, and with the
aid of new research and cutting edge graphics technology, the true
scale of his ambition can now be fully revealed. We reconstruct the
grand hypostyle hall at Karnak; explore the technical innovation and
engineering skill that produced the temple at Abu Simbel; we rebuild
the Ramesseum as he would have seen it, and uncover how the
extraordinary tomb that Ramses built for himself would have looked
when his body was finally laid there.
Monday, September 29, 2008
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8-10pm -- Angels: Good or Evil -
Winged messengers have mesmerized humans since the dawn of
civilization. Isis, Hermes, Mercury, and Asmodeus set the stage for
monotheism's angels--Gabriel, Michael, and Satan. Hebraic, Christian,
and Muslim scripture all describe angels and demons that were invoked
in magic spells, immortalized in art, trivialized as decorative
accessories, and dismissed by science. We see how their legacies
shaped religion and art and hear from those who testify to firsthand
encounters with these curious creatures.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
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7-8pm -- Engineering An Empire - The Byzantines
As much of the world descended into the Dark Ages after the fall of
Rome, one civilization shone brilliantly: the Byzantine Empire. With
ruthless might and supreme ingenuity, the Byzantines ruled over vast
swaths of Europe and Asia for more than a thousand years. It was
Byzantium that preserved the classical learning and science that would
one day give rise to the Renaissance. The Byzantines constructed the
ancient world's longest aqueduct, virtually invincible city walls, a
massive stadium, and a colossal domed cathedral that defied the laws
of nature. Watch with host Peter Weller as we learn how the
engineering feats of this great empire would betray them as an ancient
light was extinguished in the glare of modern warfare.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
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7-8pm -- Lost Worlds - Knights Templar.
They defended the Holy Land through bloodshed and prayer. Founded in
the 12th century, these Christian warrior monks reigned supreme for
nearly 200 years before suffering a spectacular fall from grace. Tried
for heresy, they were disbanded and their Grand Master burned at the
stake. We'll search behind the legend for their lost world. We
recreate the city they knew as Tortosa--now hidden among modern homes
in the Syrian city of Tartus. We reveal secrets of their headquarters
at Temple Mount in Jerusalem, with magnificent underground vaults that
could stable 1,000 horses. And we visit the circular church in London
built to resemble the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and
the site of the Templar's mysterious initiation rites. We bring to
life the hilltop fortress that Lawrence of Arabia called "the finest
castle in the world", and return to the Mediterranean island where the
Knights Templars made their last stand against Moslem enemies.
This Monday, November 3, 2008 on..
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8-9pm -- Knights Templar -
The Poor Knights of Christ and the Temple of Solomon, founded to
protect Christians on pilgrimage, quickly belied its name becoming the
most powerful and wealthiest religious order, rumored to possess the
Holy Grail. Yet, in the end they stood accused of devil worship. Were
the Knights Templar betrayed by the Pope or their own greed?
Be There! (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i231/LittleCasino/Smileys/popcorn.gif)
Saturday, November 15, 2008
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7-8pm -- The Worst Jobs in History - The Middle Ages.
Host Tony Robinson once again slides down the career ladder as he
takes on some of the most disgusting jobs of the Middle Ages. First he
finds out what it was like to be an Arming Squire for a Knight--a
combination of a valet and washerwoman. And cleaning up a Knight after
battle was quite messy. Being an archer was also horrible--if you were
captured after battle, your fingers were sliced off. Next, Tony checks
out the medical profession, and with the Black Death sweeping through
the success rates were low. Tony becomes a leech collector, a
barber-surgeon, and a wise woman. Wait until you see some of the
cures! Since medieval cathedral building provided work for whole
communities of craftsmen, he checks out the life of a stone mason,
lime burner, and treadmill worker. But the worst job was wool fuller.
A fuller took woven wool and trod on it in large vats filled with
human urine for at least two hours to soften the cloth!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
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7-8pm -- Lost Worlds - The Vikings
The Vikings were fearsome warriors from Denmark and Norway who burst
upon Western Europe, raiding and plundering at the end of the 8th
century. They first targeted coastal monasteries, but later they
constructed magnificent ships that could sail up rivers and sack
inland towns. These raids resulted in the Viking invasion of Britain
and Northern France. Many of the sites of the most crucial events in
world history are now lost. Follow a team of historical detectives who
use evidence from recent excavations, scientific studies and
historical documents to see what these locations looked like. Computer
graphics allow viewers to fly over, enter the streets and peer into
these lost worlds.
(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i231/LittleCasino/Renaissance%20Album/flag1.jpg) Sunday, November 30, 2008
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7-8pm -- Lost Worlds - Pirates of the Caribbean
During the heyday of piracy, fearsome buccaneers sailed the Caribbean
in search of booty. Fortresses are raided, swords are drawn and
galleons clash in an incredible story of glittering treasure and
swashbuckling adventures. From the icy docks of Bristol to the
tropical paradise of the Caribbean, discover the incredible world of
the buccaneers. Follow a team of historical detectives who use
evidence from recent excavations, scientific studies and historical
documents to piece together clues as to what the pirate world looked
like.
Monday, December 15, 2008
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10-12am -- The Plague -
It began like the common cold. Then fever, baseball-sized black
swellings on the neck, coughing of blood. Few lived more than two
days. The year--1347. It was history's worst biological disaster and
almost half of Europe's population died within three years. Visit the
plague ships' rat-infested holds, witness the terror that swept
through the towns, and walk with the religious flagellants. Follow a
princess as she travels into the center of the plague, a doctor who
struggles to understand what is happening, and a Jewish merchant
caught up in violent attacks. Hear the actual words of the victims,
taken from diaries and journals. From the Pope's palace to the humble
huts of medieval peasants, watch as people live and die in the
unforgiving grip of fear and death, and wonder how we would act if
such a terrible event happened today.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
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7-8pm -- Lost Worlds - Braveheart's Scotland.
At the end of the 13th century, Scotland was a country under attack.
Defeat seemed inevitable. But from nowhere emerged a man who became
Scotland's greatest hero--William Wallace, commonly known as
Braveheart. Rising from obscurity in a violent age, he became an
inspirational leader and national symbol of patriotism and survival.
Now, new research allows us to journey back to his world. Traveling
down secret pathways that still lie beneath Scotland, we rediscover a
surprisingly sophisticated culture that hasn't been seen for 700
years--a world Braveheart died to protect. Uncovering the mysteries
beneath Eldersie, we reveal the town that gave rise to the Guardian of
Scotland. Restoring the Castle of Lanark to its former glory, we visit
the place where he sought revenge for the murder of his wife. And
rebuilding Stirling Bridge, we relive Wallace's famous battle against
the English army--a turning point in the history of Scotland and the
life of its champion.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
8-9pm -- The Revolution - 06 - Forging an Army.
George Washington's losses are adding up and some in Congress begin to question his leadership. Washington's main concern, however, is sustaining and rebuilding his ragged, starving, and dwindling army through the frigid winter at Valley Forge. With the help of Baron von Steuben and Nathanael Greene, the Continental Army becomes a more professional fighting force. And Washington rebuilds his reputation by holding back the British at the Battle of Monmouth. Join us for this 13-part look at the birth of America--from the Boston Tea Party to the ratification of the Constitution.
10-11pm -- Engineering An Empire - Greece: Age of Alexander
438 BC. The Parthenon is complete. This masterpiece is the crowning achievement for the Greek people. Without Alexander the Great, it is possible Greece's Golden Era would have been just a footnote in history. Tens of thousands would die during Alexander's relentless attacks on Persia and Egypt, yet, his armies carried Greek life, culture and values far abroad and this empire became known as the "Hellenistic" world. Greece's amazing engineering achievements and ideas are still with us today.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
8-8:30pm -- The Naked Archaeologist - Joshua.
Joshua succeeded Moses as the leader of the Israelites and was one of the Bible's greatest generals. The Bible says he conquered Canaan, the land God promised the Israelites. From Joshua came Israel, from Israel Jesus, from Jesus, Christianity and much of the Western World. But did the Old Testament's fiercest warrior even exist? It's hard to find traces of Joshua--he didn't build temples or cities to leave behind. He knocked them over, or burnt them, or put them to the sword. The Naked Archaeologist takes the challenge, searching for Joshua through the stones, bones and miracles surrounding Joshua, the myth and the man.
8:30-9pm -- The Naked Archaeologist - Who Wrote the Dead Sea Scrolls?
In the 1950s a Bedouin shepherd's sheep stumbled upon some ancient scrolls in a cave on the shores of the Dead Sea. This accidental find would prove to be the greatest archaeological discovery of the twentieth century. Who wrote these scrolls? Join host Simcha Jacobovici as forensic analysis of their ancient toilets may finally answer this question once and for all.
9-10pm -- Bloodlines: The Dracula Family Tree -
When a team of Dracula hunters, notably members of a family linked to the real-life Prince Vlad Dracul, tries to unearth the truth about the tyrant, they are haunted by mystifying events, misfortune, and tragedy 500 years after the 15th-century prince died.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
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8-9pm -- The Revolution - 07 - Treason & Betrayal.
Heroic General Benedict Arnold turns his back on his cause and country in an act of pride, sealing forever his legacy as a traitor. George Washington takes his war to the frontier, burning the Iroquois Indians out of New York State and leaving a wake of destruction and devastation.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
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8-8:30pm -- The Naked Archaeologist - 21 - Babes, Brothels and Baths
Prostitution: the world's oldest profession. The Hebrew Bible mentions prostitution in lots of places, but the juiciest sex story involving a prostitute is the one about Judah and Tamar in Genesis 38--where prostitution is the lynch pin to the whole plot. So how do you go from prostitution and non-marital sex not prohibited in the Bible, to the prudery of the New Testament. Is there anything archaeology can tell us about this shift? Simcha Jacobovici hosts.
8:30-9pm -- The Naked Archaeologist - 22 - The Beloved Disciple
Who was the Beloved Disciple? Mentioned five times in the gospel of John, but never named, scholars have speculated about the identity of the "disciple whom Jesus loved" for centuries. Could it be John himself, or Peter, or even Mary Magdalene? Or is it a code for a disciple whose identity had to remain secret? It's a two thousand year old mystery, and host Simcha Jacobovici is on the case.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
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10-12am -- Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed -
The story of Anakin Skywalker's descent into darkness and his son Luke's quest to conquer evil has spellbound audiences for 30 years. The reason for this is simple: the saga of Star Wars is universal and firmly rooted in the mythology and the political history of the entire planet. May 2007 will mark the 30th anniversary of George Lucas' space fantasy that grossed billions worldwide. For the first time take a profound look at the serious subtext behind Lucas' six film milestone. The influence of ancient mythology from Greek legends to King Arthur is visible; but also more recent historical influences, from the political rise of Napoleon to the machinations of Adolf Hitler can be seen
Saturday, January 17, 2009
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8-10pm -- The Templar Code -
For nearly two centuries, the Knights Templar were the medieval world's most powerful order, a fearsome and unstoppable Crusader militia. Then came accusations of unspeakable crimes. Who were the Templars, really? How did they become so powerful, so fast, and why did they fall just as quickly? Evidence hints that the Templars excavated under Jerusalem's Temple of Solomon. What did they find there? Was it, as The Da Vinci Code suggests, the true identity of the Holy Grail--the bloodline of Christ? Or an unimaginable treasure, documented in the Dead Sea Scrolls, buried 1,000 years before Christ's birth? We explore the Templar's origin, how they lived, trained, fought and became a medieval world power, and the suspicious circumstances behind their sudden downfall. Plus, we reveal why these warriors, dead for seven centuries, and their treasure still populate Hollywood blockbusters. Narrated by Ed Herrmann and featuring preeminent Templar authors.
10-12am -- The Kings: From Babylon to Baghdad -
The history of the hotspot now known as Iraq was written in blood. Ancient kings leading the world's first armies fought for total control of the fertile lands of Mesopotamia. Their cities and empires, the earliest on earth, rose and fell through warfare, invasion, and conquest. In the modern age, Iraq provided a stage for European imperialism and more recently, a focal point in U.S. foreign policy. Our 2-hour look at this historical ground zero recounts its story through its leaders, from Sargon the Great to Saddam Hussein, and brings its history to life with compelling dramatic recreations, captivating location photography, and archaeological artifacts. Notable historians, scholars, experts, and policy makers draw connections and relevance between ancient and modern Iraq through its government, culture, and religion.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
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8-9pm -- Rome: Rise and Fall of an Empire - The First Barbarian War
It is 113 BC. Rome is a republic, a small empire clinging to the rim of the Mediterranean. Though it is a democracy in name and spirit, a man there still must be rich and from the noble class to hold the highest offices, both political and military. The system has worked well for three centuries. But now a barbarian horde known as the Cimbri smashes through the northern imperial border. One humiliating defeat follows another, with losses of hundreds of thousands of Roman legionaries. Terror grips Rome and drives her into the arms of General Marius. Though a commoner, Marius has a brilliant military mind. To defeat the Cimbri, he will transform the Roman army and shake the Republic's political foundations to the core. It is a turning point for the Republic. Faced with the savage Cimbri, Rome must decide between dictatorship and annihilation.
9-10pm -- Rome: Rise and Fall of an Empire - Spartacus
When Roman generals Pompey and Crassus, lead their mighty legions of soldiers and mercenaries into the lands surrounding Italy, neither could anticipate the turmoil caused by one bold mercenary: a Thracian warrior named Spartacus. Spartacus deserts the Roman army, but is captured and enslaved, forced to fight as a gladiator. Then in 73 BC, the untamable barbarian leads a slave revolt of 70,000 gladiators against the Roman Republic. Though the brutal and conniving Roman General Crassus is finally able to suppress the revolt, his rival, the more popular Pompey, takes all the credit, sparking a division within the Republic itself that will ultimately spell its demise.
10-11pm -- Rome: Rise and Fall of an Empire - Julius Caesar
It is 60 BC. Over-powerful generals and money corrupt the Roman Republic. The empire churns with civil war, and violence and murder run rampant. Julius Caesar, desperate for fame and honor, embarks on a brutal decade-long campaign to annex Gaul and build his own reputation. His aristocratic rivals try to stop him, but he is an expert manipulator. His propaganda and extravagant victories against bloodthirsty barbarians thrill the public. In 49 BC, he crosses the Rubicon intending to claim his rightful place as the chief man of Rome. It sparks a new civil war that pits him against Pompey the Great and sounds the final death knell for the Republic.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
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8-10pm -- Rome: Engineering an Empire -
For more than 500 years, Rome was the most powerful and advanced civilization the world had ever known, ruled by visionaries and tyrants whose accomplishments ranged from awe-inspiring to deplorable. One characteristic linked them all--ambition--and the thirst for power that all Roman emperors shared fueled an unprecedented mastery of engineering and labor. This documentary special chronicles the spectacular and sordid history of the Roman Empire from the rise of Julius Caesar in 55 BC to its eventual fall around 537 AD, detailing the remarkable engineering feats that set Rome apart from the rest of the ancient world. Featuring extensive state-of-the-art CGI animation, and exclusive never-before-seen footage shot on a diving expedition in the water channels underneath the Colosseum.
10-12am -- Roman Vice -
The flowering of the Roman Empire saw incomparable power and civilization - and at the same time corruption, cruelty and depravity on an unparalleled scale. Emperors from Augustus to Tiberius and Nero built the biggest empire the world had ever seen, while presiding over a way of life riddled with violence, deviancy and excess. This special visits the archaeological sites of ancient Rome, talks to leading historians world-wide and uses stylish
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
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8-9pm -- Lost Worlds - Atlantis.
Field investigators using the latest research, expert analysis, and cutting-edge technology take us back to ancient Greece, to a peaceful island that exploded with devastating force. But, at the dawn of the 20th Century, the remains of a palace were discovered on the island of Crete, preserved beneath volcanic ash. Could the ruins be home to the ancient civilization of Atlantis? Our investigators find that a Cretan palace and a town on Santorini are linked by unique engineering of their buildings. Rebuilding towns, temples, and the palace of Atlantis as described by Plato, we reveal the majesty and mystery of this lost world. The builders of the original palace achieved a level of engineering excellence not matched for centuries. With its massive scale, complex water-management systems, and sparkling gypsum walls, the engineering of this extraordinary palace connects it to Plato's descriptions of Atlantis.
9-10pm -- Lost Worlds - Athens-Ancient Supercity
In the 5th century BC, one man leads his city to greatness and paves the way for western civilization. The city is Athens and Pericles is not a king or prince, but an elected man. He will mastermind the most costly and ambitious construction campaign undertaken in the western world--creating a model city of temples, houses, market places, civic buildings, and a highly innovative sanitation system. But Pericles' decision to raid the Greek treasury and take the money set aside to defend all the city states will lead to the downfall of Athens and Pericles himself. It took 30 years to build, but it was brought down in one generation by war and disease. Now, 2,500 years later we restore Athens to its former glory--the first senate house, the terrifying power of the Greek navy, and one of the world's most advanced water systems. We also reveal the magnificence of the Parthenon--a building often hailed as the most perfect building ever completed.
10-11pm -- Lost Worlds - Knights Templar.
They defended the Holy Land through bloodshed and prayer. Founded in the 12th century, these Christian warrior monks reigned supreme for nearly 200 years before suffering a spectacular fall from grace. Tried for heresy, they were disbanded and their Grand Master burned at the stake. We'll search behind the legend for their lost world. We recreate the city they knew as Tortosa--now hidden among modern homes in the Syrian city of Tartus. We reveal secrets of their headquarters at Temple Mount in Jerusalem, with magnificent underground vaults that could stable 1,000 horses. And we visit the circular church in London built to resemble the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and the site of the Templar's mysterious initiation rites. We bring to life the hilltop fortress that Lawrence of Arabia called "the finest castle in the world", and return to the Mediterranean island where the Knights Templars made their last stand against Moslem enemies.
Monday, March 2, 2009
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8-10pm -- The Crusades: Crescent & the Cross - #1.
The shadow of war between Christian and Muslim hangs over us today, but it is a war that began nearly a thousand years ago. By the close of the 11th century, Jerusalem had been in Muslim hands for over 400 years. In 1095 Pope Urban II launched an unprecedented military campaign to seize it back--a "Crusade" to purge the Holy Land of "the infidel". Over 60,000 Christian warriors would journey 3,000 miles and for almost three years to reclaim the Holy City in the name of God. But their adversaries, the Turkish warlords of the Middle East would resist them every step of the way. In a series of epic battles and bloody massacres, tens of thousands would die as the crusaders inched ever closer towards Jerusalem.
10-12am -- The Crusades: Crescent & the Cross - #2.
In 1099 the Crusaders took Jerusalem in the bloodiest of battles, wrenching it back from the Muslims for the first time in 400 years. But, over the decades that followed, the Islamic world dreamed of fighting back. In 1144 the Muslims seized the city of Edessa from the Christians. The news reverberated back to Europe, and the Pope called for a Second Crusade. But this Crusade was a disaster. It failed to expand the Christian empire, and strengthened the resolve of the Muslims. Under their great leader, Saladin, the Muslim swept through the Christian Kingdom taking town after town. In 1187 he took Jerusalem. This shocked the west into responding, with a Third Crusade. Led by Richard the Lionheart they defeated Saladin and marched on Jerusalem. Richard failed to take the city and the Third Crusade failed.
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Tuesday, March 17, 2009
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8-9pm -- Saint Patrick: The Man, the Myth -
Shot in England, Ireland, and Wales, the biography travels to the 5th century to explore Patrick's transformation from privileged aristocrat to tormented slave to missionary hero. Follow his enslavement by the Celts, escape to Wales, and attempts to change pagan behavior.
9-11pm -- Irish in America -
Aidan Quinn narrates this special look at the epic 350-year struggle of Irish immigrants. Includes Irish involvement in the American Revolution, the Age of Jackson, the Mexican and Civil Wars, the California Gold Rush, and the building of the great American cities.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
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8-10pm -- The Rise and Fall of the Spartans - Code of Honor.
Revered and feared in their own time, the ancient warriors from the Greek city-state Sparta invented the boot camp, frontal assault, state-sponsored education, and a lifestyle and aesthetic that still bears their name. Who were these soldiers willing to fight a losing battle in defense of honor and country? How did they become the greatest fighting force the world has ever known? What kind of society produced such men? We explore the cornerstones of life and death in ancient Sparta.
10-12am -- The Rise and Fall of the Spartans - Tides of War.
In the 5th century BC, all of Greece united against Persia. But after the defeat of the invading Persian army, both Sparta and Athens became rivals, each expanding in strength and influence. While Athens ruled the sea, Sparta's celebrated army was unbeatable on land. When the two Greek giants met on a collision course, the resulting Peloponnesian War spanned 27 years, engulfed all of Greece, and changed the nature of democracy. We explore the devastating effects of the war and demise of Sparta.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
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8-10pm -- Secrets of the Koran -
The Koran--one of the most influential religious books of all time. Muslims worldwide believe the Koran is God's guidance, a sourcebook to help believers follow the right path. But much of the non-Muslim world sees the Koran as a text shrouded in mystery...and controversy. We'll attempt to demystify and explain the text: where it came from, what it says, and what it means. Like any holy scripture, the Koran can't be separated from its historical context. We'llexamine the history of the verses and also their implications for modern times, as well asthe striking similarities and differences between the Koran and the Bible--and the ways in which Muslims believe the Koran corrects some of the Jewish and Christian scriptures. The program will get at the heart of one of the world's holiest books, capturing its majesty and mystery and illuminating for the audience the very foundation of Islam.
10-12am -- Beyond The Da Vinci Code -
Is it the greatest story ever told--or the greatest story ever sold? A best-selling novel sparks a debate that could changeChristianity forever. Were Jesus and Mary Magdalenemarriedand co-leaders of their movement? Was Mary Magdalene, herself,the Holy Grail--the vesselsaid to hold Jesus's blood--and mother of his descendants? Didthe early Church knowthis "truth" and deliberately misleadfollowers? Istherea secret, ancientsociety, the Priory of Sion, which still protects this bloodline? Have some of the most illustrious names in art and science been members?These are some of the questions that Dan Brown's best-selling novelThe Da Vinci Code raises. We examine both sides of the story--the conventional view of Christianity and the "alternate history" proposed by Brown--so thatviewers can decide.
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Thursday, April 2, 2009
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8-9pm -- History's Mysteries - Sodom & Gomorrah.
Did the sinful biblical cities Sodom and Gomorrah exist or was the story of their destruction crafted for other purposes? Near the Dead Sea, archaeologists uncovered the ruins of two ancient cities, Bab-edh-dhra and Numeira, that show evidence of fire and collapse and an inscription on a sanctuary near a cave calling it a shrine to Lot. Is this the cave where Lot and his daughters sought refuge after the demise of the evil cities? We examine the many theories.
9-10pm -- Secrets of the Kama Sutra -
A visit to the fabled temples of India that celebrate the Kama Sutra, ancient Hindu texts that deal with all facets of sexual experience including exotic lovemaking and formulas for aphrodisiacs.
10-11pm -- High Tech Sex -
Join us for a walk on the wild side of the history of sexual enhancement and contraception--from Cleopatra's box of buzzing bees to 17th-century condoms to Internet sex and 21st-century holographic pornography! In an explicit exploration of the aphrodisiacs, drugs, contraceptives, toys, and cyber-tech innovations that have ushered in a brave new world of modern sexuality, we talk to sexologists and historians for ribald romp behind the bedroom's closed doors.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
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7-8pm -- Lost Worlds - Pirates of the Caribbean
During the heyday of piracy, fearsome buccaneers sailed the Caribbean in search of booty. Fortresses are raided, swords are drawn and galleons clash in an incredible story of glittering treasure and swashbuckling adventures. From the icy docks of Bristol to the tropical paradise of the Caribbean, discover the incredible world of the buccaneers. Follow a team of historical detectives who use evidence from recent excavations, scientific studies and historical documents to piece together clues as to what the pirate world looked like.
Don't miss it Skullywags!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
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8-10pm -- The Quest for King Arthur -
For centuries, the adventures of King Arthur and his fabled court have dominated the imagination of the Western world. But how did this overpowering legend begin and what truth lies behind the enduring story of Arthur, King of Britons? In this 2-hour exploration of the Arthurian medieval myths, we examine the tantalizing historical facts behind the story of this band of deathless heroes and illuminate the contemporary quest by researchers to establish if the 6th-century warlord truly existed.
10-12am -- The True Story of Troy -
It's the site of history's most legendary war and the Western world's oldest adventure story. According to myth, it began with a rigged beauty contest and ended with a giant wooden horse unleashing utter destruction. Now, archaeologists, literary detectives, and military analysts are uncovering evidence suggesting the war was really waged. From archaeological trenches at ancient Troy and the citadel fortress of King Agamemnon, from Homer to Hollywood, we search for the true story of Troy.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
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7-8pm -- Lost Worlds - Braveheart's Scotland.
At the end of the 13th century, Scotland was a country under attack. Defeat seemed inevitable. But from nowhere emerged a man who became Scotland's greatest hero--William Wallace, commonly known as Braveheart. Rising from obscurity in a violent age, he became an inspirational leader and national symbol of patriotism and survival. Now, new research allows us to journey back to his world. Traveling down secret pathways that still lie beneath Scotland, we rediscover a surprisingly sophisticated culture that hasn't been seen for 700 years--a world Braveheart died to protect. Uncovering the mysteries beneath Eldersie, we reveal the town that gave rise to the Guardian of Scotland. Restoring the Castle of Lanark to its former glory, we visit the place where he sought revenge for the murder of his wife. And rebuilding Stirling Bridge, we relive Wallace's famous battle against the English army--a turning point in the history of Scotland and the life of its champion.
Friday, April 24, 2009
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8-10pm -- The Templar Code -
For nearly two centuries, the Knights Templar were the medieval world's most powerful order, a fearsome and unstoppable Crusader militia. Then came accusations of unspeakable crimes. Who were the Templars, really? How did they become so powerful, so fast, and why did they fall just as quickly? Evidence hints that the Templars excavated under Jerusalem's Temple of Solomon. What did they find there? Was it, as The Da Vinci Code suggests, the true identity of the Holy Grail--the bloodline of Christ? Or an unimaginable treasure, documented in the Dead Sea Scrolls, buried 1,000 years before Christ's birth? We explore the Templar's origin, how they lived, trained, fought and became a medieval world power, and the suspicious circumstances behind their sudden downfall. Plus, we reveal why these warriors, dead for seven centuries, and their treasure still populate Hollywood blockbusters. Narrated by Ed Herrmann and featuring preeminent Templar authors.
Monday, April 27, 2009
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8-10pm -- Vampires Secrets -
Since Bram Stoker first published his novel Dracula in 1897, the world's most popular vampire has made his appearance in 44 languages. The vampire myth however, is much older than Count Dracula, popping up from Athens to Beijing almost 1000 years before the Transylvanian legend. Vampire legends have two things in common: drinking blood and returning from the dead. Long before Jesus urged his followers to drink his blood and eat his flesh, prehistoric man held similar rituals. From the Bible and ancient Mesopotamian history to blood drinking societies in New York, we reveal the amazing truth behind one of the most terrifying legends in history.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
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8-9pm -- Rome: Rise and Fall of an Empire - The Invasion of Britain
It is 47 AD. The new emperor Claudius is considered by many to be the village idiot. He can only hang onto his throne by waging a spectacular conquest. He chooses Britannia, a legendary land which fascinates and inspires fear in the Romans. Proud and warlike, the Britons use the island's treacherous terrain and dark forests to lure the legions to ruin. Led by magic wielding Druid priests and a charismatic warrior named Caratacus, the Britons resist in the face of the greatest military machine the world has ever known.
9-10pm -- Rome: Rise and Fall of an Empire - The Dacian Wars
Despite the Empire's successes, the extensive military campaigns begin to take their toll on Rome's finances. When Dacian tribes ravage Roman lands, the unpopular Emperor Domitian is forced to raise taxes. He has never been on the front lines himself, but one of his generals, a young man named Trajan, soon proves to be a worthy leader while battling Germanic tribes on the Rhine. After Domitian's murder, Trajan is proclaimed emperor and sets out to rebuild the troubled Empire. He solves its financial problems by attacking the Dacian chieftain, Deceblas, uncovering his golden treasures, hidden in a river. In 106 AD, Deceblas flees, but Trajan's men hunt him down, only to find that he has killed himself to avoid the humiliation of defeat. Trajan's victory is immortalized in Trajan's Column in Rome, and under his reign, the Empire reaches its maximum extent of power.
10-11pm -- Rome: Rise and Fall of an Empire - Rebellion and Betrayal
It is 162AD. Marcus Aurelius inherits the empire at its peak. Peace and prosperity have reigned for a hundred years, and the imperial boundaries stretch from the Irish Sea to the sands of Syria. But the greater Rome grows, the bigger a target she becomes. War breaks out on two fronts -- in the east and in the north -- just as plague takes a terrible toll on the empire's population. Marcus Aurelius would rather stay home and write about philosophy, but duty dictates that he save the empire. His German wars are a prolonged, bloody quagmire that seems to stretch on without end. But with his death, his long dream of conquering the German lands is lost, when his son, Commodus, fails to pursue the mission, preferring the luxurious life in Rome to the dangerous life of a soldier.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
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7-8pm -- Engineering An Empire - The Persians
The Persian Empire was one of the most mysteri of religious and cultural tolerance that became the hallmark of Persian rule. Engineering feats include an innovative system of water management; a cross-continent paved roadway stretching 1500 miles; a canal linking the Nile to the Red Sea; and the creation of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Mausoleum of Maussollos. The rivalry between Persia and Athens led to a 30-year war known as the Persian Wars, the outcome of which helped create the world we live in today. Peter Weller hosts.
8-9pm -- Terry Jones' Barbarian Lives - # 1: The Primitive Celts.
In this four-part series Terry Jones pieces together exciting new archaeological evidence to reveal the startling truth about the Barbarians. In the process, the ex-Python discovers how the Roman propaganda machine was able to pull off the greatest con-trick in history and turn their enemies into monsters fit for children's stories. In the first program, Terry reveals the great secret the Romans never told us about the Celts. In 58 BC Julius Caesar invaded Celtic Gaul. He claimed it was to protect the Northern borders of the Empire from these volatile people. But Terry discovers that Caesar's account was a smokescreen for a more sinister truth. The Celtic world was built on vast deposits of gold and these "primitive people" were gold-miners par-excellence. The ambitious Caesar was broke and the rich, sophisticated Celts were there for the taking... by his own account over a million Celts were slaughtered in his campaign. Soon Rome was minting gold coins again.
9-10pm -- Terry Jones' Barbarian Lives - # 2: The Savage Goths.
In part two, ex-Python Terry Jones discovers that the so called "Sack of Rome" is in large measure the invention of Roman propagandists. Roman writers have left us with an image of the Barbarians of the North--the Germans, Dacians and Goths--as hairy primitives. It was an image reinforced by the wholesale massacre of a Roman army in Germany in 9AD, and sealed by the so-called "Sack of Rome" in 410. Terry reveals that far from being brutal savages, the Barbarians of the North were in fact much admired by Rome for their fighting prowess; they became crucial to the defense of the Roman Empire--and would eventually became as "Roman" as the Romans themselves.
10-11pm -- Terry Jones' Barbarian Lives - # 3: The Brainy Barbarians.
In this episode Terry Jones immerses himself in the world of the Barbarians of East--the Greeks and the Persians--and discovers that it was they, and not the Romans, who were the real brains of the ancient world. The story begins and ends with a strange lump of rusty metal discovered on the seabed in the Mediterranean in 1900. It turned out to be a two thousand year-old piece of highly complex engineering the like of which would not be seen for another 1500 years. What had happened to halt the progress of ancient know-how? From the great Parthian Empires of the East to their closer neighbors, the Greeks, the Roman world was surrounded by mathematical and scientific brilliance. Tragically, Terry discovers that all the Romans were interested in was conquest and money. In the single-minded expansion of their Empire the Romans buried scientific treasures and wonderfully enlightened societies that are only just coming to light.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
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7-8pm -- Engineering An Empire - Greece
Western Civilization has been influenced by many cultures, but it was born in Ancient Greece. The Ancient Greeks laid a foundation that has supported nearly 3000 years of European history. Philosophers like Aristotle and Socrates, Olympian gods, the beginnings of democracy and great conquering armies can be attributed to the Ancient Greeks. This strong and charismatic people strategically harnessed the materials and people around them to create the most advanced technological feats the world had ever seen. From The Tunnel of Samos: a mile-long aqueduct dug through a large mountain of solid limestone, to Agamemnon's Tomb, to The Parthenon, we will examine the architecture and infrastructure engineered by the Greek Empire. Peter Weller hosts.
8-10pm -- Last Stand of The 300 -
After Custer, Thermopylae is the most famous last stand in history. In a narrow pass in Northern Greece, seven thousand Greek soldiers await an onslaught of epic proportions. They will soon face the largest fighting force ever assembled--the war machine of the mighty Persian Empire, estimated at over a million men. The Greeks are led by three hundred of the most ferocious warriors of the ancient world--the Spartans. Their leader is the fearless King Leonidas, who after this battle would be catapulted into legend. When it is over, every Spartan in the pass will have sacrificed his life for freedom. Creating a fresh visual style and using new technologies we will dramatically recreate the significant events that lead to Thermopylae and the clash of arms.
10-12am -- Roman Vice -
The flowering of the Roman Empire saw incomparable power and civilization - and at the same time corruption, cruelty and depravity on an unparalleled scale. Emperors from Augustus to Tiberius and Nero built the biggest empire the world had ever seen, while presiding over a way of life riddled with violence, deviancy and excess. This special visits the archaeological sites of ancient Rome, talks to leading historians world-wide and uses stylish reconstructions to describe and explain how good and evil went side by side.
(http://i39.tinypic.com/24y4u3d.jpg)
Monday, May 11, 2009
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10-12am -- The Dark Ages -
The Roman Empire, rotten to the core by the fifth century, lay open to barbarian warriors. Europe was beset by famine, plague, persecutions, and a state of war that was so persistent it was only rarely interrupted by peace. These centuries are remembered today as the Dark Ages. Beneath this cloak of darkness were people like Charlemagne, St. Benedict and the Empress Theodora who helped to bridge the gap of civilization between Rome and the Renaissance. Ultimately, these points of light would illuminate the darkness, and Western Europe would rise from the Dark Ages to a level of cultural and political power unseen for a thousand years.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
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8-10pm -- Russia Land of the Tsars - Part 1.
Traces the rise and fall of one of the world's greatest empires and weaves together the glittering and tempestuous stories of the Imperial rulers with the life of the Russian people to explore historic trends and turning points that shaped the nation's destiny. Part 1 begins with the founding of ancient "Rus" by Viking warlords, Russia's subjugation by Mongol hordes, the rise of Ivan the Terrible, and transformation from isolated borderland to powerful European state under Peter the Great.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
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7-8pm -- Engineering An Empire - Greece: Age of Alexander
438 BC. The Parthenon is complete. This masterpiece is the crowning achievement for the Greek people. Without Alexander the Great, it is possible Greece's Golden Era would have been just a footnote in history. Tens of thousands would die during Alexander's relentless attacks on Persia and Egypt, yet, his armies carried Greek life, culture and values far abroad and this empire became known as the "Hellenistic" world. Greece's amazing engineering achievements and ideas are still with us today.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
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7-8pm -- Lost Worlds - The Pagans.
In the late Stone Age, the pagan people of the British Isles constructed some of the greatest monuments of the ancient world. Fabulous constructions of wood, earth, and stone arose. In this hour, we enter the world of their builders. We travel from the ancient stone villages of the Orkney Islands, off the north coast of Scotland, to Stonehenge, in Southern England. We reveal a startling new theory about the role this extraordinary structure played in the lives of the pagans. With computer animation, we reconstruct the monument as it appeared to them. We then trace a forgotten ancient pathway to Stonehenge's lost twin--Woodhenge, explore the secrets of Silbury Hill, the world's largest man-made mound, and visit Maiden Castle, a fortress that witnessed the pagan world's end.
Monday, May 25, 2009
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8-9pm -- Ancient Discoveries - Egyptian Warfare
Egyptian monuments and great works of art still astound us today. We will reveal another surprising aspect of Egyptian life--their weapons of war, and their great might on the battlefield. A common perception of the Egyptians is of a cultured civilization, yet there is fascinating evidence which reveals they were also a war faring people, who developed advanced weapon making techniques. Some of these techniques would be used for the very first time in history and some of the battles they fought were on a truly massive scale.
9-11pm -- Rome: Engineering an Empire -
For more than 500 years, Rome was the most powerful and advanced civilization the world had ever known, ruled by visionaries and tyrants whose accomplishments ranged from awe-inspiring to deplorable. One characteristic linked them all--ambition--and the thirst for power that all Roman emperors shared fueled an unprecedented mastery of engineering and labor. This documentary special chronicles the spectacular and sordid history of the Roman Empire from the rise of Julius Caesar in 55 BC to its eventual fall around 537 AD, detailing the remarkable engineering feats that set Rome apart from the rest of the ancient world. Featuring extensive state-of-the-art CGI animation, and exclusive never-before-seen footage shot on a diving expedition in the water channels underneath the Colosseum.
Friday, May 29, 2009
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7-8pm -- Battlefield Detectives - Siege of Masada.
Masada is an extraordinary place and an epic story. A seemingly impregnable mountain fortress built by King Herod, it rises from the Judean desert of Israel close by the Dead Sea. It's said that there, 2,000 years ago, a band of Jewish freedom fighters defied the might of the Roman legions for three years. How did they hold out against such odds? How did the Romans conduct a siege in such a hostile environment? The Romans eventually battered their way into the fortress. But in a famous act of defiance, all the Jews chose death over slavery. Overnight 960 men, women, and children committed suicide rather than submit to their Roman conquerors. Or did they? Today, using the latest scientific tools and re-examining archaeological evidence, experts are piecing together a new story of the Masada siege, one that threatens to overturn a legend.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
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7-8pm -- Engineering An Empire - The Byzantines
As much of the world descended into the Dark Ages after the fall of Rome, one civilization shone brilliantly: the Byzantine Empire. With ruthless might and supreme ingenuity, the Byzantines ruled over vast swaths of Europe and Asia for more than a thousand years. It was Byzantium that preserved the classical learning and science that would one day give rise to the Renaissance. The Byzantines constructed the ancient world's longest aqueduct, virtually invincible city walls, a massive stadium, and a colossal domed cathedral that defied the laws of nature. Watch with host Peter Weller as we learn how the engineering feats of this great empire would betray them as an ancient light was extinguished in the glare of modern warfare.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
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7-8pm -- Lost Worlds - Knights Templar.
They defended the Holy Land through bloodshed and prayer. Founded in the 12th century, these Christian warrior monks reigned supreme for nearly 200 years before suffering a spectacular fall from grace. Tried for heresy, they were disbanded and their Grand Master burned at the stake. We'll search behind the legend for their lost world. We recreate the city they knew as Tortosa--now hidden among modern homes in the Syrian city of Tartus. We reveal secrets of their headquarters at Temple Mount in Jerusalem, with magnificent underground vaults that could stable 1,000 horses. And we visit the circular church in London built to resemble the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and the site of the Templar's mysterious initiation rites. We bring to life the hilltop fortress that Lawrence of Arabia called "the finest castle in the world", and return to the Mediterranean island where the Knights Templar made their last stand against Moslem enemies.
It's been awhile however, a few shows that fall close to the theme have surfaced.
Monday, July 13, 2009
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10-11pm -- Star Wars Tech - (http://i43.tinypic.com/29p3pme.jpg)
Take a look at the technology shown throughout the six Star Wars films and examine their viability through the eyes of cold hard science. Could a Death Star really be built? Can you build an army of clones? What is 3-D imaging, and where the can you get a Light Saber? Travel to a galaxy far, far away to answer all of these questions and more.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
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7-8pm -- Engineering An Empire - Greece: Age of Alexander
438 BC. The Parthenon is complete. This masterpiece is the crowning achievement for the Greek people. Without Alexander the Great, it is possible Greece's Golden Era would have been just a footnote in history. Tens of thousands would die during Alexander's relentless attacks on Persia and Egypt, yet, his armies carried Greek life, culture and values far abroad and this empire became known as the "Hellenistic" world. Greece's amazing engineering achievements and ideas are still with us today.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
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7-8pm -- Lost Worlds - Henry VIII's Mega Structures
Considered one of England's greatest Kings and builders, Henry VIII remains famous for his six wives. Henry ruled by fear, executing his opponents and several of his wives. He ordered the destruction of beautiful buildings, libraries and works of art. However, Henry also built many magnificent palaces like Hampton Court and transformed Westminster Abbey from a modest church into the epicenter of the Protestant religion. Henry VIII remains one of the most important monarchs to have ruled England.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
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7-8pm -- Engineering An Empire - The Byzantines
As much of the world descended into the Dark Ages after the fall of Rome, one civilization shone brilliantly: the Byzantine Empire. With ruthless might and supreme ingenuity, the Byzantines ruled over vast swaths of Europe and Asia for more than a thousand years. It was Byzantium that preserved the classical learning and science that would one day give rise to the Renaissance. The Byzantines constructed the ancient world's longest aqueduct, virtually invincible city walls, a massive stadium, and a colossal domed cathedral that defied the laws of nature. Watch with host Peter Weller as we learn how the engineering feats of this great empire would betray them as an ancient light was extinguished in the glare of modern warfare.
10-12am -- The True Story of Troy -
It's the site of history's most legendary war and the Western world's oldest adventure story. According to myth, it began with a rigged beauty contest and ended with a giant wooden horse unleashing utter destruction. Now, archaeologists, literary detectives, and military analysts are uncovering evidence suggesting the war was really waged. From archaeological trenches at ancient Troy and the citadel fortress of King Agamemnon, from Homer to Hollywood, we search for the true story of Troy.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
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7-8pm -- Lost Worlds - The Vikings
The Vikings were fearsome warriors from Denmark and Norway who burst upon Western Europe, raiding and plundering at the end of the 8th century. They first targeted coastal monasteries, but later they constructed magnificent ships that could sail up rivers and sack inland towns. These raids resulted in the Viking invasion of Britain and Northern France. Many of the sites of the most crucial events in world history are now lost. Follow a team of historical detectives who use evidence from recent excavations, scientific studies and historical documents to see what these locations looked like. Computer graphics allow viewers to fly over, enter the streets and peer into these lost worlds.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
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(http://i39.tinypic.com/24y4u3d.jpg)
10-11pm -- Lost Worlds - Knights Templar.
They defended the Holy Land through bloodshed and prayer. Founded in the 12th century, these Christian warrior monks reigned supreme for nearly 200 years before suffering a spectacular fall from grace. Tried for heresy, they were disbanded and their Grand Master burned at the stake. We'll search behind the legend for their lost world. We recreate the city they knew as Tortosa--now hidden among modern homes in the Syrian city of Tartus. We reveal secrets of their headquarters at Temple Mount in Jerusalem, with magnificent underground vaults that could stable 1,000 horses. And we visit the circular church in London built to resemble the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and the site of the Templar's mysterious initiation rites. We bring to life the hilltop fortress that Lawrence of Arabia called "the finest castle in the world", and return to the Mediterranean island where the Knights Templar made their last stand against Moslem enemies.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
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9-10pm -- The Real Sorcerer's Stone -
Today, the sorcerer's stone is seen as fiction off the pages of Harry Potter, but in the Middle Ages the quest for the sorcerer's stone was second only to that of the Holy Grail. The stone was actually said to have the power to transform base metals into gold and grant long life--even immortality. The ingredients were hidden in bizarrely coded manuscripts by alchemists who lived within their own secret society. The processes needed to combine them could be dangerous--even deadly. Today, we owe most of our modern lab equipment and experimental techniques to the efforts of these alchemists. Was their search for immortality really on sound scientific ground and did some, as is still rumored, actually succeed?
Saturday, August 8, 2009
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8-10pm -- The Plague -
It began like the common cold. Then fever, baseball-sized black swellings on the neck, coughing of blood. Few lived more than two days. The year--1347. It was history's worst biological disaster and almost half of Europe's population died within three years. Visit the plague ships' rat-infested holds, witness the terror that swept through the towns, and walk with the religious flagellants. Follow a princess as she travels into the center of the plague, a doctor who struggles to understand what is happening, and a Jewish merchant caught up in violent attacks. Hear the actual words of the victims, taken from diaries and journals. From the Pope's palace to the humble huts of medieval peasants, watch as people live and die in the unforgiving grip of fear and death, and wonder how we would act if such a terrible event happened today.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
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8-10pm -- The Dark Ages -
The Roman Empire, rotten to the core by the fifth century, lay open to barbarian warriors. Europe was beset by famine, plague, persecutions, and a state of war that was so persistent it was only rarely interrupted by peace. These centuries are remembered today as the Dark Ages. Beneath this cloak of darkness were people like Charlemagne, St. Benedict and the Empress Theodora who helped to bridge the gap of civilization between Rome and the Renaissance. Ultimately, these points of light would illuminate the darkness, and Western Europe would rise from the Dark Ages to a level of cultural and political power unseen for a thousand years.
10-11pm -- History Traveler - Axes
The axe is one of the world's oldest, most dangerous and efficient cutting tools. Watch as competitive lumberjacks and Jills chop through 12-inch logs in a matter of seconds. Visit one of the nation's largest axe manufacturers to see hot metal forged into a modern axe. Take a swing with a Vikings' battleaxe and then see which knight would win in a fight of sword versus axe. Learn why the Native American tomahawk is making a comeback as a modern tactical weapon. Finally, see how the classic fireman's axe has evolved into a trailer full of high tech rescue tools.
Friday, August 14, 2009
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10-11pm -- Star Trek Tech -
For forty years Star Trek has engulfed our imagination and sent us on voyages across the galaxy. We'll take a look at the technology behind the gadgets used in the series such as phasers and communicators, and tell their stories from the people who knew them best--the actors, producers and prop men.
(http://i29.tinypic.com/2wnwjec.jpg)
Today on....
(http://i39.tinypic.com/24y4u3d.jpg)
History Traveler
Castles & Dungeons.
Saturday, August 15 @ 3pm ET/PT
Some of the most imposing structures ever built, medieval castles withstood both bloody assaults and the test of time. Designed like machines with nearly every architectural detail devoted to defense, castles represented the perfect fusion of form and function. Journey back to that unruly era as we examine the complexity of their construction and the multipurpose they served--homes to kings and nobles, economic centers, courthouses, treasuries, prisons, and torture chambers
Then immediately following. "Investigating History
The Holy Grail" Which focuses a lot on the Knights Templar and one of my favorite Templar strongholds the mysterious "Castle of Bezu" Le Bézu
Sunday, August 23, 2009
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7-8pm -- Lost Worlds - Pirates of the Caribbean (http://i42.tinypic.com/2lu9caa.jpg)
During the heyday of piracy, fearsome buccaneers sailed the Caribbean in search of booty. Fortresses are raided, swords are drawn and galleons clash in an incredible story of glittering treasure and swashbuckling adventures. From the icy docks of Bristol to the tropical paradise of the Caribbean, discover the incredible world of the buccaneers. Follow a team of historical detectives who use evidence from recent excavations, scientific studies and historical documents to piece together clues as to what the pirate world looked like.
Friday, September 4, 2009
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9-10pm -- In Search of the Real Frankenstein -
The fascinating story of Johann Konrad Dipple, a brilliant scientist caught up in the dark world of alchemy and body snatching. This is the true tale of the original mad scientist, born in 1673, in the famous gothic Frankenstein Castle that overlooked Germany's Rhine Valley. His pioneering work would lead to electric shock therapy used in modern medicine. It was at Frankenstein Castle that Dipple would carry out his search to brew a secret elixir of life. He began to dig up fresh corpses from the nearby Nieder-Beerbach cemetery and dragged them to his laboratory in Castle Frankenstein to test out his formulas. Ironically, it was his potions that finally killed him.
10-12am -- Star Wars: Empire of Dreams. -
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, George Lucas launched the most successful movie franchise ever created. We look at how the Star Wars trilogy changed movie-making, catapulted Harrison Ford to stardom, and made director George Lucas a legend. For Lucas, what began as a quest for creative freedom became a philosophy, a cultural phenomenon, and an empire of dreams. Features film clips, screen tests, and interviews with Lucas, Ford, Steven Spielberg, Mark Hamill, and Carrie Fisher.
C'mon ...we all a few
Thursday, October 1, 2009
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9-10pm -- Modern Marvels - Barbarian Battle Tech
Barbarians and technology, maybe they're not such a contradiction after all. It's the bow that nearly brought down Rome, and the suspension system that revolutionized the chariot. Barbarians built the forts that held out invaders, and forged the axe that named a country. We'll see inside the shop of one of the world's finest metal workers as he shapes iron ore into a classic Celtic sword. With 21st Century animation we'll rebuild a 2600 year-old hill fort--and show that protecting a village was as easy as digging a ditch. Finally, the designers of "Rome: Total War: Barbarian Invasion" reveal how they devised a system that accurately recreates the great barbarian battles. Which weapons scored best? The results may surprise you.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
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(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i231/LittleCasino/Stuff/hi_header.jpg)
7-8pm -- Engineering An Empire - The Byzantines
As much of the world descended into the Dark Ages after the fall of Rome, one civilization shone brilliantly: the Byzantine Empire. With ruthless might and supreme ingenuity, the Byzantines ruled over vast swaths of Europe and Asia for more than a thousand years. It was Byzantium that preserved the classical learning and science that would one day give rise to the Renaissance. The Byzantines constructed the ancient world's longest aqueduct, virtually invincible city walls, a massive stadium, and a colossal domed cathedral that defied the laws of nature. Watch with host Peter Weller as we learn how the engineering feats of this great empire would betray them as an ancient light was extinguished in the glare of modern warfare.
Friday, October 16, 2009
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10-12am -- Quest for Dragons -(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i231/LittleCasino/Renaissance%20Album/s_31f164246fcce5520b5d1eeaa575ffe1.gif)
A spirited exploration of the history, science, and legend of the world's most notorious beast--the dragon, the best-known creature that never was. Throughout history, dragons influenced wars, science, art, and religion. They appear in almost every culture and many still believe in dragons. How could different cultures, isolated by geology and millennia, all invent the same creature? If the dragon is simply the product of our imagination, how could distant peoples, with no knowledge of each other, all invent the same beast? One of the reasons dragons are a perennial favorite is that even though they are the ultimate predator and antagonist, it's also fun to identify with them. In the end, we want to be the dragon as much as we may want to slay the dragon.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
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7-8pm -- Engineering An Empire - Greece: Age of Alexander
438 BC. The Parthenon is complete. This masterpiece is the crowning achievement for the Greek people. Without Alexander the Great, it is possible Greece's Golden Era would have been just a footnote in history. Tens of thousands would die during Alexander's relentless attacks on Persia and Egypt, yet, his armies carried Greek life, culture and values far abroad and this empire became known as the "Hellenistic" world. Greece's amazing engineering achievements and ideas are still with us today.
8-10pm -- The True Story of Troy -
It's the site of history's most legendary war and the Western world's oldest adventure story. According to myth, it began with a rigged beauty contest and ended with a giant wooden horse unleashing utter destruction. Now, archaeologists, literary detectives, and military analysts are uncovering evidence suggesting the war was really waged. From archaeological trenches at ancient Troy and the citadel fortress of King Agamemnon, from Homer to Hollywood, we search for the true story of Troy.
10-12am -- The Quest for King Arthur -
For centuries, the adventures of King Arthur and his fabled court have dominated the imagination of the Western world. But how did this overpowering legend begin and what truth lies behind the enduring story of Arthur, King of Britons? In this 2-hour exploration of the Arthurian medieval myths, we examine the tantalizing historical facts behind the story of this band of deathless heroes and illuminate the contemporary quest by researchers to establish if the 6th-century warlord truly existed.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
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7-8pm -- Lost Worlds - The Real Dracula. (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i231/LittleCasino/Animal%20Pictures%20and%20Gifs/blackbat.gif)
In a country torn by bloody civil war, a young man seizes power. In his native tongue, he is called Dracula. This is not the vampire, Count Dracula, but a real historical figure: a Romanian prince. Dracula was a warlord who became known all across Europe for both his breathtaking courage and his terrifying cruelty. But he also left an enduring legacy. Not just in blood, but also in brick, mortar, and stone. He constructed palaces. He founded the city that was to become his country's capital. He also built one of Eastern Europe's most breathtaking mountaintop castles. Now, with state-of-the-art computer animation, we'll bring Dracula's lost world back to life: his birthplace in the fortified town of Sighisoara; the gothic splendor of Transylvania's Bran Castle; the sumptuous palace of Targoviste; and the real castle Dracula, Poenari.
Friday, November 20, 2009
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8-9pm -- Lost Worlds - Knights Templar.
They defended the Holy Land through bloodshed and prayer. Founded in the 12th century, these Christian warrior monks reigned supreme for nearly 200 years before suffering a spectacular fall from grace. Tried for heresy, they were disbanded and their Grand Master burned at the stake. We'll search behind the legend for their lost world. We recreate the city they knew as Tortosa--now hidden among modern homes in the Syrian city of Tartus. We reveal secrets of their headquarters at Temple Mount in Jerusalem, with magnificent underground vaults that could stable 1,000 horses. And we visit the circular church in London built to resemble the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and the site of the Templar's mysterious initiation rites. We bring to life the hilltop fortress that Lawrence of Arabia called "the finest castle in the world", and return to the Mediterranean island where the Knights Templar made their last stand against Moslem enemies.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
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7-8pm -- Engineering An Empire - The Byzantines
As much of the world descended into the Dark Ages after the fall of Rome, one civilization shone brilliantly: the Byzantine Empire. With ruthless might and supreme ingenuity, the Byzantines ruled over vast swaths of Europe and Asia for more than a thousand years. It was Byzantium that preserved the classical learning and science that would one day give rise to the Renaissance. The Byzantines constructed the ancient world's longest aqueduct, virtually invincible city walls, a massive stadium, and a colossal domed cathedral that defied the laws of nature. Watch with host Peter Weller as we learn how the engineering feats of this great empire would betray them as an ancient light was extinguished in the glare of modern warfare.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
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7-8pm -- Lost Worlds - Braveheart's Scotland.
At the end of the 13th century, Scotland was a country under attack. Defeat seemed inevitable. But from nowhere emerged a man who became Scotland's greatest hero--William Wallace, commonly known as Braveheart. Rising from obscurity in a violent age, he became an inspirational leader and national symbol of patriotism and survival. Now, new research allows us to journey back to his world. Traveling down secret pathways that still lie beneath Scotland, we rediscover a surprisingly sophisticated culture that hasn't been seen for 700 years--a world Braveheart died to protect. Uncovering the mysteries beneath Eldersie, we reveal the town that gave rise to the Guardian of Scotland. Restoring the Castle of Lanark to its former glory, we visit the place where he sought revenge for the murder of his wife. And rebuilding Stirling Bridge, we relive Wallace's famous battle against the English army--a turning point in the history of Scotland and the life of its champion.
Friday, February 19, 2010
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10-12am -- Star Wars: Empire of Dreams. - (http://i50.tinypic.com/142tpo2.jpg)
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, George Lucas launched the most successful movie franchise ever created. We look at how the Star Wars trilogy changed movie-making, catapulted Harrison Ford to stardom, and made director George Lucas a legend. For Lucas, what began as a quest for creative freedom became a philosophy, a cultural phenomenon, and an empire of dreams. Features film clips, screen tests, and interviews with Lucas, Ford, Steven Spielberg, Mark Hamill, and Carrie Fisher.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
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7-8pm -- Lost Worlds - The Pagans.
In the late Stone Age, the pagan people of the British Isles constructed some of the greatest monuments of the ancient world. Fabulous constructions of wood, earth, and stone arose. In this hour, we enter the world of their builders. We travel from the ancient stone villages of the Orkney Islands, off the north coast of Scotland, to Stonehenge, in Southern England. We reveal a startling new theory about the role this extraordinary structure played in the lives of the pagans. With computer animation, we reconstruct the monument as it appeared to them. We then trace a forgotten ancient pathway to Stonehenge's lost twin--Woodhenge, explore the secrets of Silbury Hill, the world's largest man-made mound, and visit Maiden Castle, a fortress that witnessed the pagan world's end.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
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7-8pm -- Lost Worlds - Pirates of the Caribbean (http://i42.tinypic.com/313ol1w.jpg)
During the heyday of piracy, fearsome buccaneers sailed the Caribbean in search of booty. Fortresses are raided, swords are drawn and galleons clash in an incredible story of glittering treasure and swashbuckling adventures. From the icy docks of Bristol to the tropical paradise of the Caribbean, discover the incredible world of the buccaneers. Follow a team of historical detectives who use evidence from recent excavations, scientific studies and historical documents to piece together clues as to what the pirate world looked like.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
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(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i231/LittleCasino/Stuff/hi_header.jpg)
7-8pm -- Lost Worlds - Knights Templar.
They defended the Holy Land through bloodshed and prayer. Founded in the 12th century, these Christian warrior monks reigned supreme for nearly 200 years before suffering a spectacular fall from grace. Tried for heresy, they were disbanded and their Grand Master burned at the stake. We'll search behind the legend for their lost world. We recreate the city they knew as Tortosa--now hidden among modern homes in the Syrian city of Tartus. We reveal secrets of their headquarters at Temple Mount in Jerusalem, with magnificent underground vaults that could stable 1,000 horses. And we visit the circular church in London built to resemble the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and the site of the Templar's mysterious initiation rites. We bring to life the hilltop fortress that Lawrence of Arabia called "the finest castle in the world", and return to the Mediterranean island where the Knights Templar made their last stand against Moslem enemies.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
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7-8pm -- Battlefield Detectives - Alesia.
In the late summer of 52 BC, Julius Caesar, Rome's most brilliant general was pitted against the great Gallic chieftain Vercingetorix. Fifty thousand Roman soldiers came face-to-face against a quarter of a million Gallic warriors. For the first time, at a small hilltop called Alesia in what is now central France, all Caesars's enemies were gathered in one place. And Caesar won. Yet for 2,000 years there's been only one explanation for his victory--his own. Does evidence from the battlefield correspond with this account? The battle that day shaped the map of modern Europe. How did Caesar do it? Recent archaeological discoveries, systematic analysis of Roman warfare, and extraordinary photographic evidence reveal the secrets of Caesar's success.