Mysteries of China

Archaeologist Agnes Hsu, a director of New York-based China Institute goes on a quest to answer some of ancient China’s most beguiling mysteries.

Disasters Of The Century

Sometimes all it takes is a poorly-handled match to burn down the legacy of a cultural icon and reduce untold lives to ash. In heartbreaking detail, tragic disasters of our time are told through survivor stories, re-enactments, and accurate 3D renderings explaining exactly how these tragedies began, escalated, and destroyed the lives of thousands, and left an indelible mark on history.

Quebec: A City In Layers

From fur-trading station to naval outpost, to the source of French pride or English conquest, Quebec City is somewhat of a chameleon, constantly transforming itself to reflect the ideology of the day. Through expert interviews, archival footage and a behind-the-scenes tour of the city’s most interesting and storied buildings, QUEBEC: A CITY IN LAYERS explores 400 years of architectural history and brings it to life.

The Spy Who Stole The Atom Bomb

Newly declassified MI5 files reveal the story of the female spy who stole Britain’s atomic secrets and gave them to the Soviets. In January 1941, Ursula Kuczynski, a Jewish German refugee, arrives in Oxford with her children, on a British passport. She has no possessions, no accommodation and seemingly no connections in the area. She settles into the daily life of a housewife, where many of Britain’s governmental and military organisations have relocated in wartime. But this woman has a secret – she is a Soviet spy.

Secrets Of The Lost Cities

SECRETS OF THE LOST CITIES unearths the hidden mysteries behind the world’s most legendary ancient metropolises - how they rose, why they fell, and what they left behind. From Angkor’s sophisticated water systems to Pompeii’s vibrant life frozen in time, from Petra’s breathtaking stone architecture to Cusco’s strategic brilliance, each episode blends expert insight, cutting-edge archaeology, and stunning visual recreations to bring these lost worlds to life. Journey to ancient times and uncover the innovations, ambitions, and vulnerabilities that shaped history. Buried in the ruins are not just stories - but powerful lessons for our world today.

Bacchus, Venus And Mars Uncovered

In this series Professor Bettany Hughes embarks on a voyage of discovery, travelling across the Mediterranean and Middle East to reveal the true stories of three of the most iconic Greek Gods and Goddesses; Venus, Bacchus and Mars. From Jordan to Cyprus and around the world, Bettany explores the gods of wine, war and love, and their stories' endurance in history.

Cracking The Code

CRACKING THE CODE uncovers some of the world’s most famous – and infamous – encryptions. From bizarre ancient markings to random numbers and letters, codes and ciphers have been used for millennia to send secret messages, hide identities and operate outside the law. Unravelling these codes can unlock military secrets, unmask deadly enemies and even decode lost civilizations.

Much Ado About Shakespeare

MUCH ADO ABOUT SHAKESPEARE follows Steven Wadlow, a window cleaner who believes that a painted portrait that has been hanging above his family’s television set for over half a century may be worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Over eleven years, Steven embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about the portrait, visiting some of the world’s top art institutions. The history of the painting suggests it could be a missing portrait of William Shakespeare that had been painted during his lifetime. Facial comparison software shows a striking resemblance to The Bard, more so than any known image. Despite the art world’s skepticism, Steven’s breakthrough comes in Paris, where a renowned expert, who has examined masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, confirms his discovery. This captivating film uncovers the mystery behind a painting that could rewrite history and change Steven’s life forever.

Inside The Statue Wars

For some, historical figures are great heroes and nation builders. But for a growing legion of others, they are imperialists, racists, and criminals. INSIDE THE STATUE WARS delves into a fascinating, high stakes battle being waged over public memorials and statues. From Indigenous protestors tearing down a statue of Queen Victoria, to students threatening to walk out of schools named after these historical figures, to civic and business leaders spending millions to re-name streets, brands, and buildings, we are living through a momentous re-evaluation of our past. Is it a long overdue reckoning or an over-reaction? Are we rebalancing the narrative to reach a more inclusive future, or is this an activist approach to history in the age of cancel culture?

Mao’s Cold War

Mao’s Cold War is a stunning and unique historical angle on China’s involvement in the Cold War, told through the declassified top-secret Chinese army film record of their campaigns. There are always two sides to every story, and the PLA archive combined with first person accounts and expert commentary paints a far more complex picture of the Cold War than has ever been told before.