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She may have been the greatest monarch that ever ruled England, but from her very first breath to the day she died, Elizabeth was surrounded by enemies who threatened her crown and her life. A year after the execution of Mary Queen of Scots, Elizabeth faced the Spanish Armada who set sail for England by Philip of Spain. Once Elizabeth's brother-in-law and suitor, now intent on destroying her and taking England as his own. At Tilbury, Elizabeth rallied her troops with a speech that has gone down in history, and the Armada was repelled. But there was one enemy Elizabeth was powerless to defy: old age. Nearing 60, Elizabeth faced her final foe: the dashing Earl of Essex. Winning her favour with his flattery, he became a highly prized courtier - but after a catastrophic falling out, he turned on Elizabeth and led a rebellion against her. Her revenge was swift and merciless, executing him as a message to the kingdom that she was as strong as ever. But that wasn't quite true. A lifetime of fighting to keep her crown finally took its toll, and in 1603, having quashed every enemy that came her way, Queen Elizabeth I peacefully passed away. With her death, the Tudor line came to an end.

Elizabeth I and Her Enemies

Years 9-10, 11-12 History

44:49

She may have been the greatest monarch that ever ruled England, but from her very first breath to the day she died, Elizabeth was surrounded by enemies who threatened her crown and her life. A year after the execution of Mary Queen of Scots, Elizabeth faced the Spanish Armada who set sail for England by Philip of Spain. Once Elizabeth's brother-in-law and suitor, now intent on destroying her and taking England as his own. At Tilbury, Elizabeth rallied her troops with a speech that has gone down in history, and the Armada was repelled. But there was one enemy Elizabeth was powerless to defy: old age. Nearing 60, Elizabeth faced her final foe: the dashing Earl of Essex. Winning her favour with his flattery, he became a highly prized courtier - but after a catastrophic falling out, he turned on Elizabeth and led a rebellion against her. Her revenge was swift and merciless, executing him as a message to the kingdom that she was as strong as ever. But that wasn't quite true. A lifetime of fighting to keep her crown finally took its toll, and in 1603, having quashed every enemy that came her way, Queen Elizabeth I peacefully passed away. With her death, the Tudor line came to an end.

From its origins as a nomadic Turkoman tribe from central Asia, the Ottoman Empire became one of the world's most impressive super powers, dominating swathes of the Middle East, Northern Africa and South Eastern Europe for some 500 years. As a leader of the Islamic world, it's incursions into Europe were often seen as a religious offensive, sparking a titanic power struggle between the forces of Christianity and Islam. The reality, we discover, was much more complex. In this timely series, Presenter Julian Davison, takes us on a swashbuckling journey across Turkey, the Balkans and Russia, charting the Ottoman Empire's extraordinary military campaigns into Europe and witnessing, first hand, many of its legacies. In this first episode we follow the Ottomans rise from obscure beginnings as a nomadic tribe in Anatolia to their game changing conquest of the famed Byzantine capitol of Orthodox Christianity, Constantinople. Julian's journey begins in Bursa, the Ottomans first capitol city and one of Turkey's historical gems, where he explores the wealth of early Ottoman architecture and examines the legends, cultural traditions and unique circumstances that helped give birth to an empire.

Ottomans v Christians: Battle for Europe

Years 9-10, 11-12 History, Religious studies

55:04

From its origins as a nomadic Turkoman tribe from central Asia, the Ottoman Empire became one of the world's most impressive super powers, dominating swathes of the Middle East, Northern Africa and South Eastern Europe for some 500 years. As a leader of the Islamic world, it's incursions into Europe were often seen as a religious offensive, sparking a titanic power struggle between the forces of Christianity and Islam. The reality, we discover, was much more complex. In this timely series, Presenter Julian Davison, takes us on a swashbuckling journey across Turkey, the Balkans and Russia, charting the Ottoman Empire's extraordinary military campaigns into Europe and witnessing, first hand, many of its legacies. In this first episode we follow the Ottomans rise from obscure beginnings as a nomadic tribe in Anatolia to their game changing conquest of the famed Byzantine capitol of Orthodox Christianity, Constantinople. Julian's journey begins in Bursa, the Ottomans first capitol city and one of Turkey's historical gems, where he explores the wealth of early Ottoman architecture and examines the legends, cultural traditions and unique circumstances that helped give birth to an empire.

Mary was a little-favoured Catholic and Elizabeth a long-reigning, all-admired Protestant. However, Henry VIII's daughters have more in common than meets the eye.

Queen Elizabeth I and Mary Tudor

Years 9-10, 11-12 History

43:49

Mary was a little-favoured Catholic and Elizabeth a long-reigning, all-admired Protestant. However, Henry VIII's daughters have more in common than meets the eye.

After the collapse of the USSR, SAS faces a challenge from within - it has lost much of its vital unconventionality. But as it rallies to become truly postmodern, disaster intervenes when two CT Black Hawk helicopters collide and crash in flames.

The Australian SAS: The Untold History: The Post Modern Regiment

Years 9-10, 11-12 Modern history, History

52:38

After the collapse of the USSR, SAS faces a challenge from within - it has lost much of its vital unconventionality. But as it rallies to become truly postmodern, disaster intervenes when two CT Black Hawk helicopters collide and crash in flames.

In the 15th and 16th centuries, distant and disparate cultures met, often for the first time. These encounters provoked wonder, awe, bafflement, and fear. And, as historian of empire David Olusoga shows, art was always on the frontline. Each cultural contact at this time left a mark on both sides - the magnificent Benin bronzes record the meeting of an ancient West African kingdom and Portuguese voyagers in a spirit of mutual respect and exchange.

Civilisations: Encounters

Years 9-10, 11-12 History

58:40

In the 15th and 16th centuries, distant and disparate cultures met, often for the first time. These encounters provoked wonder, awe, bafflement, and fear. And, as historian of empire David Olusoga shows, art was always on the frontline. Each cultural contact at this time left a mark on both sides - the magnificent Benin bronzes record the meeting of an ancient West African kingdom and Portuguese voyagers in a spirit of mutual respect and exchange.

The Robshaws discover how the race for a Christmas No.1 single was born, meet an EastEnders star who reminisces about the soap's fine tradition of Christmas misery, and discover how, as consumerism reached fever pitch in the 90s, Christmas gluttony started with breakfast and didn't stop there.

Back in Time for Christmas

Years 9-10, 11-12 Design and technologies, History

46:47

The Robshaws discover how the race for a Christmas No.1 single was born, meet an EastEnders star who reminisces about the soap's fine tradition of Christmas misery, and discover how, as consumerism reached fever pitch in the 90s, Christmas gluttony started with breakfast and didn't stop there.

Until 1914, Europe dominated the world through its industries and colonies. After 1945, everything lay in ruins. The USA in the west and the USSR in the east were the new global superpowers vying for pre-eminence. Between them, the Iron Curtain slowly descended across Europe. Under American protection from the Communist 'Red Menace', France and Germany revive and patch relations, together becoming the driving force to unite Europe. But financial and refugee crises now pose new challenges to unity.

The Story of Europe: State of Play

Years 11-12 History

49:38

Until 1914, Europe dominated the world through its industries and colonies. After 1945, everything lay in ruins. The USA in the west and the USSR in the east were the new global superpowers vying for pre-eminence. Between them, the Iron Curtain slowly descended across Europe. Under American protection from the Communist 'Red Menace', France and Germany revive and patch relations, together becoming the driving force to unite Europe. But financial and refugee crises now pose new challenges to unity.

Think Renaissance and you think Italy. But in the 15th and 16th centuries, the great Islamic empires experienced their own extraordinary cultural flowering. The two phenomena did not unfold in separate artistic universes; they were acutely conscious of, and in competition with, each other and mutually open to influences flowing both ways.

Civilisations: Renaissances

Years 9-10, 11-12 History

52:59

Think Renaissance and you think Italy. But in the 15th and 16th centuries, the great Islamic empires experienced their own extraordinary cultural flowering. The two phenomena did not unfold in separate artistic universes; they were acutely conscious of, and in competition with, each other and mutually open to influences flowing both ways.

Europe has been a battle concept for centuries: it often takes foreign enemies to weld the Europeans together. But for centuries, they were primarily fighting against themselves. It was not until the Enlightenment and the French Revolution of 1789 that a new idea of Europe emerged based on common values: freedom, equality, and fraternalism. But before these ideas prevail, exaggerated nationalism drove Europeans into two devastating world wars.

The Story of Europe: Commonalities and Divisions

Years 11-12 History

50:45

Europe has been a battle concept for centuries: it often takes foreign enemies to weld the Europeans together. But for centuries, they were primarily fighting against themselves. It was not until the Enlightenment and the French Revolution of 1789 that a new idea of Europe emerged based on common values: freedom, equality, and fraternalism. But before these ideas prevail, exaggerated nationalism drove Europeans into two devastating world wars.

The golden age of the British monastery was during the medieval period, when monks transformed British society and rose to a position of immense power. Fighting back after centuries of defeat and neglect, a wave of new monasteries spread across the nation, with over 500 British monastic houses established by the 14th century. Far from the inward-looking recluses of legend, monks were exceptionally creative, and became pioneers in the fields of medicine, science, scholarship, industry, farming, art and music. They didn't turn their back on the medieval world, but helped transform it. Yet as the monasteries mingled with the world outside their cloisters they began to take on its corruption. They had begun with a vow of poverty, but eventually came to own a third of the nation's land. This wealth, combined with the sins of individual monks, sealed their fate, and as the medieval period ended, the monks were on the brink of a catastrophic and total collapse. From Viking-ravaged Lindisfarne to the astonishing achievements of Durham and Peterborough cathedrals (both built for monks), from cutting-edge hospitals to the rediscovery of the oldest collection of two-part music in the world, this is a story of astonishing success and spectacular artistic achievement that proved too good to last.

Saints and Sinners

Years 9-10, 11-12 History, Religious studies

59:14

The golden age of the British monastery was during the medieval period, when monks transformed British society and rose to a position of immense power. Fighting back after centuries of defeat and neglect, a wave of new monasteries spread across the nation, with over 500 British monastic houses established by the 14th century. Far from the inward-looking recluses of legend, monks were exceptionally creative, and became pioneers in the fields of medicine, science, scholarship, industry, farming, art and music. They didn't turn their back on the medieval world, but helped transform it. Yet as the monasteries mingled with the world outside their cloisters they began to take on its corruption. They had begun with a vow of poverty, but eventually came to own a third of the nation's land. This wealth, combined with the sins of individual monks, sealed their fate, and as the medieval period ended, the monks were on the brink of a catastrophic and total collapse. From Viking-ravaged Lindisfarne to the astonishing achievements of Durham and Peterborough cathedrals (both built for monks), from cutting-edge hospitals to the rediscovery of the oldest collection of two-part music in the world, this is a story of astonishing success and spectacular artistic achievement that proved too good to last.

We celebrate the lives of those who soared the highest. From Doris Day to Errol Flynn, we uncover what drove them and why the world loved them. Contributions from contemporary commentators and current Hollywood glitterati will bring each icon's legacy up to date as we relive their most magical motion picture moments and explore the personalities behind the names.

Stars of the Silver Screen: Barbara Stanwyck

Years 9-10, 11-12 Media arts, History

33:30

We celebrate the lives of those who soared the highest. From Doris Day to Errol Flynn, we uncover what drove them and why the world loved them. Contributions from contemporary commentators and current Hollywood glitterati will bring each icon's legacy up to date as we relive their most magical motion picture moments and explore the personalities behind the names.

With apps for shooting and sharing video on our smart-phones, and more than 300 hours' worth of video content being uploaded every minute on YouTube, the 21st century may indeed be called "A Century on Film". This episode focuses on the impact of moving images, so compelling that it could either divide the world into dispute, or unite it.

A Century of Film: 21st Century Images that Shook the World

Years 11-12 Media arts, Modern history, History

52:25

With apps for shooting and sharing video on our smart-phones, and more than 300 hours' worth of video content being uploaded every minute on YouTube, the 21st century may indeed be called "A Century on Film". This episode focuses on the impact of moving images, so compelling that it could either divide the world into dispute, or unite it.

Frances De La Tour's family tree holds a tantalising clue that hints at aristocratic ancestors. Hot on the trail of her three-time great-grandmother, Frances uncovers a story of a secret lover, an illegitimate child and a landmark divorce case. But the scandal doesn't stop there. Tracing back another generation, Frances uncovers the tragic story of Sophia Delaval and traces her roots back to Seaton Delaval, the historic family residence.

Who Do You Think You Are?: Frances De La Tour

Years 7-8, 9-10 History, Personal and social capability

1:16:47

Frances De La Tour's family tree holds a tantalising clue that hints at aristocratic ancestors. Hot on the trail of her three-time great-grandmother, Frances uncovers a story of a secret lover, an illegitimate child and a landmark divorce case. But the scandal doesn't stop there. Tracing back another generation, Frances uncovers the tragic story of Sophia Delaval and traces her roots back to Seaton Delaval, the historic family residence.

Stars of the Silver Screen: Olivia De Haviland

Years 9-10, 11-12 Media arts, History

44:39

Anne has been celebrated and damned, seen as either schemer or a victim. Her sister, Mary, is less remembered and often dismissed as a fool. But what was the truth?

Anne and Mary Boleyn

Years 9-10, 11-12 History

43:41

Anne has been celebrated and damned, seen as either schemer or a victim. Her sister, Mary, is less remembered and often dismissed as a fool. But what was the truth?

Stars of the Silver Screen: Buster Keaton

Years 9-10, 11-12 Media arts, History

44:45

Ottomans v Christians: Battle for Europe

Years 11-12 History, Religious studies

54:25

Elizabeth I and Her Enemies

Years 9-10, 11-12 History

44:58

She may have been the greatest monarch that ever ruled England but from her very first breath to the day she died, Elizabeth was surrounded by enemies who threatened her crown and her life. In this episode, we see Elizabeth I crowned and battling to keep her crown and country together through 25 turbulent years. Although Elizabeth I would become one of Britain's most remarkable monarchs, her reign was never secure. From the moment she was anointed queen her enemies at home and abroad began to move against her. To foreign rivals she was a heretic and a bastard. At home her government was desperate to marry her off, to a man who could rule and provide the nation with an heir. Up in Scotland, her Catholic cousin Mary Queen of Scots had married and given birth to a boy - and rumour swirled that she was set to steal Elizabeth's crown. Soon, shocking scandals of adultery and murder swamped Mary, her marriage crumbled, and she fled to England desperate for her cousin's protection. But her claim to the English throne made her a threat to Elizabeth who had no choice but to imprison her. For 18 years Mary languished in jail while Elizabeth's enemies wanted her dead. It wasn't until Elizabeth's spymaster Sir Francis Walsingham had concrete proof that her life and her throne were at risk, that Elizabeth reluctantly put her cousin to death. But, just as she feared, Mary's execution inflamed her enemies and triggered the greatest threat of all: invasion.

Professor Mary Beard broaches the controversial, sometimes dangerous, topic of religion and art. For millennia, art has inspired religion as much as religion has inspired art. Yet there are fundamental problems, which all religions share, in making god or gods visible in the human world. How, and at what cost, do you make the unseen, seen?

Civilisations: God and Art

Years 9-10, 11-12 History

58:32

Professor Mary Beard broaches the controversial, sometimes dangerous, topic of religion and art. For millennia, art has inspired religion as much as religion has inspired art. Yet there are fundamental problems, which all religions share, in making god or gods visible in the human world. How, and at what cost, do you make the unseen, seen?

As the novelty of CT wears off, the SAS finds other outlets for its talents in training foreign forces in the Philippines, and in small peacekeeping in Somalia, Rwanda, Bougainville, Cambodia, and the Solomon Islands.

The Australian SAS: The Untold History: The Search for Meaning

Years 9-10, 11-12 Modern history, History

56:42

As the novelty of CT wears off, the SAS finds other outlets for its talents in training foreign forces in the Philippines, and in small peacekeeping in Somalia, Rwanda, Bougainville, Cambodia, and the Solomon Islands.

This program explores the life and art of a uniquely gifted entertainer whose trajectory blazed across the major flash points of American society, from the Depression to the 1980s.

Sammy Davis Jr: I've Gotta Be Me

Years 11-12 Music, History

1:40:14

This program explores the life and art of a uniquely gifted entertainer whose trajectory blazed across the major flash points of American society, from the Depression to the 1980s.

A wartime Christmas has the Robshaws embracing the 'make do and mend' spirit for presents (carrot fudge anyone?) and they sit down to unrationed ox heart and a Christmas pudding made primarily of grated potato. The '50s brings ham with tinned peaches, canapes, cocktails and the first televised Queen's speech, while Fred's '60s gift of a chocolate smoking set would hardly raise an eyebrow back in the day.

Back in Time for Christmas

Years 9-10, 11-12 Design and technologies, History

50:35

A wartime Christmas has the Robshaws embracing the 'make do and mend' spirit for presents (carrot fudge anyone?) and they sit down to unrationed ox heart and a Christmas pudding made primarily of grated potato. The '50s brings ham with tinned peaches, canapes, cocktails and the first televised Queen's speech, while Fred's '60s gift of a chocolate smoking set would hardly raise an eyebrow back in the day.

Europe's history has many dark sides, but its culture is more than a small gleam of hope, it radiates in many areas far out into the world. The old continent sets standards in art, literature and science. Starting with the ancient Greeks, Europe produces a number of smart and creative minds - from Aristotle to Michelangelo and Einstein, from Beethoven to the Beatles. We owe countless masterpieces, discoveries and inventions to them - from the steam engine to the World Wide Web.

The Story of Europe: Achievements and Rewards

Years 11-12 History

50:20

Europe's history has many dark sides, but its culture is more than a small gleam of hope, it radiates in many areas far out into the world. The old continent sets standards in art, literature and science. Starting with the ancient Greeks, Europe produces a number of smart and creative minds - from Aristotle to Michelangelo and Einstein, from Beethoven to the Beatles. We owe countless masterpieces, discoveries and inventions to them - from the steam engine to the World Wide Web.

From the 15th century, well into the 20th century, Europeans conquered and dominated the world. On behalf of the Spaniards, Christopher Columbus seeks a new sea route to India and finds a 'new world' - America. His discovery is the starting signal for the Europeanisation of the Earth. The Europeans are given a golden age and, in their colonies, millions of indigenous people and slaves fall victim to it. Europe's mission for a place in the sun finally leads into the tragedy of World War I.

The Story of Europe: Ambitions and Conquests

Years 11-12 History

51:00

From the 15th century, well into the 20th century, Europeans conquered and dominated the world. On behalf of the Spaniards, Christopher Columbus seeks a new sea route to India and finds a 'new world' - America. His discovery is the starting signal for the Europeanisation of the Earth. The Europeans are given a golden age and, in their colonies, millions of indigenous people and slaves fall victim to it. Europe's mission for a place in the sun finally leads into the tragedy of World War I.

Simon Schama explores one of our deepest artistic urges: the depiction of nature. Simon discovers that landscape painting is seldom a straightforward description of observed nature, rather it is a projection of dreams and idylls, as well as of escapes and refuges from human turmoil, the elusive paradise on earth.

Civilisations: Paradise on Earth

Years 9-10, 11-12 History

58:40

Simon Schama explores one of our deepest artistic urges: the depiction of nature. Simon discovers that landscape painting is seldom a straightforward description of observed nature, rather it is a projection of dreams and idylls, as well as of escapes and refuges from human turmoil, the elusive paradise on earth.

Cities of the Underworld

Cities of the Underworld

Secret Sin City - Las Vegas

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