Empire Games

Empire Games

Report this video

Empire Games

The Greeks

Episode 2 | The History Channel | June 12, 2018

Ancient history

History

Classification: Mature

When Alexander the Great lay on his deathbed his companions asked to whom he wished to leave his kingdom. "To the strongest," was his reply. The passing of the great conqueror plunged the Greek Empire into 40 years of war as kings, generals and henchmen vied for ultimate power.

Overview

When Alexander the Great lay on his deathbed his companions asked to whom he wished to leave his kingdom. "To the strongest," was his reply. The passing of the great conqueror plunged the Greek Empire into 40 years of war as kings, generals and henchmen vied for ultimate power.

Report this video

Latest Ancient history programs

View All

Historian Bettany Hughes, archaeologist Raksha Dave, and John Sergeant describe what happened when Vesuvius, which had lain dormant for 700 years, finally erupted, unleashing its full horror on Pompeii and killing everyone who remained. Bettany tries to understand why so many stayed behind, John retraces the route of Pliny the Elder as he tried in vain to get his fleet to Pompeii to pick up survivors, and Raksha uses scientific analysis to solve the mystery of some of the city's most famous skeletons.

Pompeii's Final Hours: New Evidence

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

Historian Bettany Hughes, archaeologist Raksha Dave, and John Sergeant describe what happened when Vesuvius, which had lain dormant for 700 years, finally erupted, unleashing its full horror on Pompeii and killing everyone who remained. Bettany tries to understand why so many stayed behind, John retraces the route of Pliny the Elder as he tried in vain to get his fleet to Pompeii to pick up survivors, and Raksha uses scientific analysis to solve the mystery of some of the city's most famous skeletons.

This program presents new insights into ancient Mesopotamia and the birth of civilisation. Archaeologists on the ground, backed by the world's leading research institutes, are at the forefront in this race against time to save and reveal our common heritage. Northern Iraq has become their new Eldorado, and these findings will broaden our understanding of Assyrian history when the great cities of the Empire thrived 3000 years ago.

The Untold Story of Mesopotamia

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

This program presents new insights into ancient Mesopotamia and the birth of civilisation. Archaeologists on the ground, backed by the world's leading research institutes, are at the forefront in this race against time to save and reveal our common heritage. Northern Iraq has become their new Eldorado, and these findings will broaden our understanding of Assyrian history when the great cities of the Empire thrived 3000 years ago.

Historian Bettany Hughes, archaeologist Raksha Dave, and John Sergeant investigate what happened on the eve of the eruption, with John diving under the streets of Naples to find the extraordinary remains of one of the wonders of the ancient world: the Aqua Augusta. Raksha also climbs into the crater of Vesuvius to uncover what could have been happening inside the volcano in the fateful moments before the eruption.

Pompeii's Final Hours: New Evidence

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

Historian Bettany Hughes, archaeologist Raksha Dave, and John Sergeant investigate what happened on the eve of the eruption, with John diving under the streets of Naples to find the extraordinary remains of one of the wonders of the ancient world: the Aqua Augusta. Raksha also climbs into the crater of Vesuvius to uncover what could have been happening inside the volcano in the fateful moments before the eruption.

Historian Bettany Hughes, archaeologist Raksha Dave and John Sergeant reveal fresh evidence surrounding the volcano's eruption. They begin on October 22, 79 AD, two days before Pompeii is destroyed, and piece together the final hours of the doomed city. Raksha joins a live dig, and John visits nearby Naples to find out how the Roman way of life has survived for 2000 years.

Pompeii's Final Hours: New Evidence

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

Historian Bettany Hughes, archaeologist Raksha Dave and John Sergeant reveal fresh evidence surrounding the volcano's eruption. They begin on October 22, 79 AD, two days before Pompeii is destroyed, and piece together the final hours of the doomed city. Raksha joins a live dig, and John visits nearby Naples to find out how the Roman way of life has survived for 2000 years.

Dr Michael Scott takes us on an extraordinary journey through the often invisible treasures of one of the greatest ancient cities in the world, Istanbul. But with many of the secrets of its cathedrals, aqueducts, and the Roman chariot-racing track out of sight or underground, he turns to the latest 3D-imaging technology. The scanning team helps us to see the city as no human eye ever could, peeling back the layers of history, showing how the city has had to reinvent itself over and over through its turbulent past.

Ancient Invisible Cities

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

Dr Michael Scott takes us on an extraordinary journey through the often invisible treasures of one of the greatest ancient cities in the world, Istanbul. But with many of the secrets of its cathedrals, aqueducts, and the Roman chariot-racing track out of sight or underground, he turns to the latest 3D-imaging technology. The scanning team helps us to see the city as no human eye ever could, peeling back the layers of history, showing how the city has had to reinvent itself over and over through its turbulent past.

A guide to human history through its most audacious power grabs. From Julius Caesar to Napoleon; from Mussolini to the strongmen of the present day, we see how the world we know has been shaped by those who dream big.

How to Stage a Coup

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

A guide to human history through its most audacious power grabs. From Julius Caesar to Napoleon; from Mussolini to the strongmen of the present day, we see how the world we know has been shaped by those who dream big.

The Arabs have been bringing knowledge of the ancient world to Europe since the 8th century. In the fields of medicine, mathematics or philosophy, their scholars were far beyond their time and still affect our world. For a long time, the Arabs were estranged, not united by one nation or leader. They had little in common but a shared language. This didn't change until Mohammed ended polytheism, founded a new religion and united all of the Arabic tribes in their faith in one god: Allah.

The Ascent of Civilization: The Arabs

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

The Arabs have been bringing knowledge of the ancient world to Europe since the 8th century. In the fields of medicine, mathematics or philosophy, their scholars were far beyond their time and still affect our world. For a long time, the Arabs were estranged, not united by one nation or leader. They had little in common but a shared language. This didn't change until Mohammed ended polytheism, founded a new religion and united all of the Arabic tribes in their faith in one god: Allah.

Dr Michael Scott uses the latest 3D-scanning technology to reveal the historical secrets of ancient Athens. He tells the story of how it created the world's first democracy. He begins his journey on the Acropolis where, in the late 6th century BC, the people of Athens overthrew a tyrant and set up the world's first democracy. There, he investigates a mysterious, asymmetrical temple called the Erechtheion that sits in the shadow of the world-famous Parthenon, and reveals it to be one of the most important buildings of Ancient Athens.

Ancient Invisible Cities

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

Dr Michael Scott uses the latest 3D-scanning technology to reveal the historical secrets of ancient Athens. He tells the story of how it created the world's first democracy. He begins his journey on the Acropolis where, in the late 6th century BC, the people of Athens overthrew a tyrant and set up the world's first democracy. There, he investigates a mysterious, asymmetrical temple called the Erechtheion that sits in the shadow of the world-famous Parthenon, and reveals it to be one of the most important buildings of Ancient Athens.

Two of Britain's leading archaeologists and world-renowned experts on Stonehenge, Professor Tim Darvill and Professor Geoff Wainwright, believe they have finally unlocked the mystery of the monument. They are convinced that Stonehenge was a place of healing. An ancient Lourdes. A place where people came on a pilgrimage to get cured. And in world without modern medicine the stones had magical powers.

Stonehenge

Years 9-10, 11-12 Ancient history, History, Health and PE

Two of Britain's leading archaeologists and world-renowned experts on Stonehenge, Professor Tim Darvill and Professor Geoff Wainwright, believe they have finally unlocked the mystery of the monument. They are convinced that Stonehenge was a place of healing. An ancient Lourdes. A place where people came on a pilgrimage to get cured. And in world without modern medicine the stones had magical powers.

There is barely a country in Europe that cannot look back on Germanic roots, though there has never been one unified people. The term 'Germanic' actually refers to a number of tribes and clans that lived in Central and Northern Europe from the 6th century BC. Gaius Julius Caesar is said to have used it when talking about the Gallic war. However, the Romans were full of contempt for the Germanic peoples, Tacitus calling their home a hideous blood-curdling place full of dark woods and swamplands.

The Ascent of Civilization: The Germanic People

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

There is barely a country in Europe that cannot look back on Germanic roots, though there has never been one unified people. The term 'Germanic' actually refers to a number of tribes and clans that lived in Central and Northern Europe from the 6th century BC. Gaius Julius Caesar is said to have used it when talking about the Gallic war. However, the Romans were full of contempt for the Germanic peoples, Tacitus calling their home a hideous blood-curdling place full of dark woods and swamplands.

For the first time in 90 years, the incredible treasures buried with King Tut are brought back together in the Grand Egyptian Museum, an impressive display that allows for a more in-depth analysis than ever before.

Tut's Treasures: Hidden Secrets

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

For the first time in 90 years, the incredible treasures buried with King Tut are brought back together in the Grand Egyptian Museum, an impressive display that allows for a more in-depth analysis than ever before.

Dr Michael Scott uses the latest 3D-scanning technology to reveal the historical secrets of Cairo and Ancient Egypt. He explores the first pyramid ever built at Saqqara, and finds out how it helped inspire the Great Pyramid of Giza. The 3D scans confirm just how accurately the Great Pyramid was designed and constructed. Michael also investigates the sphinx to try to determine which pharaoh it represents.

Ancient Invisible Cities

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

Dr Michael Scott uses the latest 3D-scanning technology to reveal the historical secrets of Cairo and Ancient Egypt. He explores the first pyramid ever built at Saqqara, and finds out how it helped inspire the Great Pyramid of Giza. The 3D scans confirm just how accurately the Great Pyramid was designed and constructed. Michael also investigates the sphinx to try to determine which pharaoh it represents.

The Carthaginians were sly merchants and cruel child killers - at least according to the Ancient Romans and Greeks. But research shows that they weren't as bad as their reputation. The Carthaginians' story began around 3000 years ago, when settlers left their homes in what is now Lebanon to set up new colonies around the Mediterranean. The most splendid and powerful of these settlements was Carthage, a bustling Metropolis in what is now Tunisia with a port that was the envy of the entire world.

The Ascent of Civilization: The Carthaginians

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

The Carthaginians were sly merchants and cruel child killers - at least according to the Ancient Romans and Greeks. But research shows that they weren't as bad as their reputation. The Carthaginians' story began around 3000 years ago, when settlers left their homes in what is now Lebanon to set up new colonies around the Mediterranean. The most splendid and powerful of these settlements was Carthage, a bustling Metropolis in what is now Tunisia with a port that was the envy of the entire world.

A nation of seafarers and merchants, the Vikings revolutionised exploration and trading in the Middle Ages and discovered America 500 years before Columbus. Their bad reputation as wild, murdering and pillaging norsemen will be unveiled as misguided and a strikingly tolerant people with an elaborate trading network that stretched right through Europe will be revealed. For 900 years, their light, manoeuvrable sailing-ships could not be matched. As the best seafarers of their time, daring, tolerant explorers and expert merchants, they set new benchmarks and left their mark everywhere.

The Ascent of Civilization: The Vikings

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

A nation of seafarers and merchants, the Vikings revolutionised exploration and trading in the Middle Ages and discovered America 500 years before Columbus. Their bad reputation as wild, murdering and pillaging norsemen will be unveiled as misguided and a strikingly tolerant people with an elaborate trading network that stretched right through Europe will be revealed. For 900 years, their light, manoeuvrable sailing-ships could not be matched. As the best seafarers of their time, daring, tolerant explorers and expert merchants, they set new benchmarks and left their mark everywhere.

Professor Alice Roberts tells the story of the iconic Irish artefacts that have helped to shape and create modern Ireland, both North and South. The programme reveals the surprising tales behind treasures such as the Tara Broach, the Broighter Hoard, the Waterford Charter Roll and others, revealing new stories behind the artefacts that we thought we knew. It also reveals the most recent astounding finds, that are adding to the list of Ireland's Treasures. Using key access to Ireland's two largest museums, in Belfast and Dublin, the programme brings together archaeologists and curators who have spent their lives working to understand the true context for these emblematic treasures. Alternative title: Digging for Britain's Secrets.

Digging for Britain: Special: Ireland's Treasures Uncovered

Years 9-10, 11-12 Ancient History, History, Science

Professor Alice Roberts tells the story of the iconic Irish artefacts that have helped to shape and create modern Ireland, both North and South. The programme reveals the surprising tales behind treasures such as the Tara Broach, the Broighter Hoard, the Waterford Charter Roll and others, revealing new stories behind the artefacts that we thought we knew. It also reveals the most recent astounding finds, that are adding to the list of Ireland's Treasures. Using key access to Ireland's two largest museums, in Belfast and Dublin, the programme brings together archaeologists and curators who have spent their lives working to understand the true context for these emblematic treasures. Alternative title: Digging for Britain's Secrets.

What kind of a place was Britain before the Romans invaded? With no written history, only archaeology can provide the clues. Alice uncovers a world that is complex, sophisticated and pretty strange. She examines the two Hebridean Bronze Age skeletons known as the Cladh Hallan mummies. Not only do they appear to have been mummified, new analysis has revealed they are made up of a jigsaw of different people. What did our ancestors use the mummies for? And are there more British mummies out there? In Norfolk, Alice gets her hands dirty helping to pull up timber from a huge prehistoric monument that has been hidden in mud for at least 2000 years. And she visits the famous Roman town of Silchester, near Reading, where archaeologists are digging below the Roman layers to reveal the Iron Age settlement that lies beneath, uncovering evidence for a sophisticated pre-Roman lifestyle. Alternative title: Digging for Britain's Secrets.

Digging for Britain: Age Of Bronze And Iron

Years 9-10, 11-12 Ancient History, History, Science

What kind of a place was Britain before the Romans invaded? With no written history, only archaeology can provide the clues. Alice uncovers a world that is complex, sophisticated and pretty strange. She examines the two Hebridean Bronze Age skeletons known as the Cladh Hallan mummies. Not only do they appear to have been mummified, new analysis has revealed they are made up of a jigsaw of different people. What did our ancestors use the mummies for? And are there more British mummies out there? In Norfolk, Alice gets her hands dirty helping to pull up timber from a huge prehistoric monument that has been hidden in mud for at least 2000 years. And she visits the famous Roman town of Silchester, near Reading, where archaeologists are digging below the Roman layers to reveal the Iron Age settlement that lies beneath, uncovering evidence for a sophisticated pre-Roman lifestyle. Alternative title: Digging for Britain's Secrets.

Orkney - seven miles off the coast of Scotland, and cut off by the tumultuous Pentland Firth, the fastest-flowing tidal race in Europe - is often viewed as being remote. However it is one of the treasure troves of archaeology in Britain, and recent discoveries there are turning the Stone Age map of Britain upside down. Rather than an outpost at the edge of the world, recent finds suggest an extraordinary theory - that Orkney was the cultural capital of our ancient world and the origin of the stone circle cult which culminated in Stonehenge. In this episode, Andy dives below the waves in search of the inspiration for the first stone circle, Chris and Neil spend the night on an abandoned island as they hunt for clues as to why cultures change, Shini tests the technology behind a Bronze Age sauna, and the archaeologists uncover a remarkable find.

Britain's Ancient Capital: Part 3

Years 9-10, 11-12 Ancient history, Geography

Orkney - seven miles off the coast of Scotland, and cut off by the tumultuous Pentland Firth, the fastest-flowing tidal race in Europe - is often viewed as being remote. However it is one of the treasure troves of archaeology in Britain, and recent discoveries there are turning the Stone Age map of Britain upside down. Rather than an outpost at the edge of the world, recent finds suggest an extraordinary theory - that Orkney was the cultural capital of our ancient world and the origin of the stone circle cult which culminated in Stonehenge. In this episode, Andy dives below the waves in search of the inspiration for the first stone circle, Chris and Neil spend the night on an abandoned island as they hunt for clues as to why cultures change, Shini tests the technology behind a Bronze Age sauna, and the archaeologists uncover a remarkable find.

This program decodes mysteries and combines scientific investigations with CGI animation to reveal the secrets of structures and monuments from around the globe.

Blowing Up History: Inca Apocalypse: The Dark Evidence

Years 5-6 History, Ancient history

This program decodes mysteries and combines scientific investigations with CGI animation to reveal the secrets of structures and monuments from around the globe.

Dr Alice Roberts travels back to the Viking Age and visits excavations that are revealing a different side to these seafaring pirates from Scandinavia. She looks for signs of the earliest Viking settlers in the Outer Hebrides, and in Orkney - where Viking dominance outlasted anywhere else in Britain - she visits the excavation of a Viking chief's citadel and finds evidence of their way of life. There's an extraordinary collection of silver and gold that demonstrates the furthest reaches of the Vikings' trading empire, and excavations in York - famously the capital of Viking England. This episode also includes a fresh look at some of Britain's most celebrated Viking finds, such as the fantastic Lewis Chessmen, which are currently the subject of major new research. Alternative title: Digging for Britain's Secrets.

Digging for Britain: Invaders

Years 9-10, 11-12 Ancient History, History, Science

Dr Alice Roberts travels back to the Viking Age and visits excavations that are revealing a different side to these seafaring pirates from Scandinavia. She looks for signs of the earliest Viking settlers in the Outer Hebrides, and in Orkney - where Viking dominance outlasted anywhere else in Britain - she visits the excavation of a Viking chief's citadel and finds evidence of their way of life. There's an extraordinary collection of silver and gold that demonstrates the furthest reaches of the Vikings' trading empire, and excavations in York - famously the capital of Viking England. This episode also includes a fresh look at some of Britain's most celebrated Viking finds, such as the fantastic Lewis Chessmen, which are currently the subject of major new research. Alternative title: Digging for Britain's Secrets.

The first episode concentrates on Roman Britannia, where finds include the thickening mystery of 97 baby skeletons found by the Thames, a newly discovered town in rural Devon that turns history on its head, and a Roman cult figure buried for 1700 years beneath a fort. Alternative title: Digging for Britain's Secrets.

Digging for Britain: Britannia

Years 9-10, 11-12 Ancient History, History, Science

The first episode concentrates on Roman Britannia, where finds include the thickening mystery of 97 baby skeletons found by the Thames, a newly discovered town in rural Devon that turns history on its head, and a Roman cult figure buried for 1700 years beneath a fort. Alternative title: Digging for Britain's Secrets.

The Romans created one of the greatest empires in history, built with the help of an incredible army of professional legionnaires and a well-oiled political machinery. At its height, a few hundred men ruled over a fifth of mankind and an area stretching from Britain to Syria and from Gibraltar to the Euphrates. They undertook some of the most ambitious building-projects of their time: endless roads, gigantic bridges and imposing aqueducts formed a complex infrastructure and left a lasting legacy.

The Ascent of Civilization: The Romans

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

The Romans created one of the greatest empires in history, built with the help of an incredible army of professional legionnaires and a well-oiled political machinery. At its height, a few hundred men ruled over a fifth of mankind and an area stretching from Britain to Syria and from Gibraltar to the Euphrates. They undertook some of the most ambitious building-projects of their time: endless roads, gigantic bridges and imposing aqueducts formed a complex infrastructure and left a lasting legacy.

Dr Alice Roberts goes in search of the Tudor age, a time that saw momentous changes across all aspects of British life. She visits excavations at Shakespeare's first theatre in London's Shoreditch and also joins a team sifting through Shakespeare's rubbish at his last home in Stratford-Upon-Avon. In a remote corner of Wales, Alice meets a team of archaeologists uncovering the brutal realities of Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries, a conflict that would change the very fabric of Britain. On the muddy banks of the Thames, she discovers the rich history of a forgotten royal palace, which was home to the Tudor kings and queens. And she learns about a mysterious Tudor shipwreck which dates from this age of exploration and trade. Alternative title: Digging for Britain's Secrets.

Digging for Britain: The Tudors

Years 9-10, 11-12 Ancient History, History, Science

Dr Alice Roberts goes in search of the Tudor age, a time that saw momentous changes across all aspects of British life. She visits excavations at Shakespeare's first theatre in London's Shoreditch and also joins a team sifting through Shakespeare's rubbish at his last home in Stratford-Upon-Avon. In a remote corner of Wales, Alice meets a team of archaeologists uncovering the brutal realities of Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries, a conflict that would change the very fabric of Britain. On the muddy banks of the Thames, she discovers the rich history of a forgotten royal palace, which was home to the Tudor kings and queens. And she learns about a mysterious Tudor shipwreck which dates from this age of exploration and trade. Alternative title: Digging for Britain's Secrets.

Experience the epic ancient Battle of Thermopylae; the titanic clash in which King Leonidas and 300 Spartan warriors fought to the death against Xerxes and his massive Persian army.

300

Years 11-12 Ancient history, History

Experience the epic ancient Battle of Thermopylae; the titanic clash in which King Leonidas and 300 Spartan warriors fought to the death against Xerxes and his massive Persian army.

Professor Alice Roberts explores the year's most exciting archaeological finds in the north of Britain. A team discovers clues to Scotland's first kingdoms, metal detectorists unearth a hoard of Viking treasure, and a new housing development reveals a graveyard of Iron Age warriors. Alternative title: Digging for Britain's Secrets.

Digging for Britain: North

Years 9-10, 11-12 Ancient History, History, Science

Professor Alice Roberts explores the year's most exciting archaeological finds in the north of Britain. A team discovers clues to Scotland's first kingdoms, metal detectorists unearth a hoard of Viking treasure, and a new housing development reveals a graveyard of Iron Age warriors. Alternative title: Digging for Britain's Secrets.

The Anglo-Saxons - they divided our land and heralded the arrival of the Dark Ages. But were they really just barbarians? Dr Alice Roberts visits the royal seat of power at Bamburgh, Northumbria and sees how the skeletons tell tales of violent death, but also of tenderness. There's a remarkable community project in a shopping centre in Sittingbourne where people are curating the grave goods of their own ancestors. And there are treasures that make her wonder just how dark the Dark Ages really were. Alternative title: Digging for Britain's Secrets.

Digging for Britain: The Anglo-Saxons

Years 9-10, 11-12 Ancient History, History, Science

The Anglo-Saxons - they divided our land and heralded the arrival of the Dark Ages. But were they really just barbarians? Dr Alice Roberts visits the royal seat of power at Bamburgh, Northumbria and sees how the skeletons tell tales of violent death, but also of tenderness. There's a remarkable community project in a shopping centre in Sittingbourne where people are curating the grave goods of their own ancestors. And there are treasures that make her wonder just how dark the Dark Ages really were. Alternative title: Digging for Britain's Secrets.

Teaching resources for the Australian Curriculum

help@enhancetv.com.au

Screenrights

Loading...