Clip from The Time Compass: A brief history of Constantinople

More from this series

View All

Latest History programs

View All

The Medici family suffers a great loss with the death of its patriarch Giovanni. When the designated heir Cosimo discovers that his father was poisoned, he decides to keep the news to himself and to put Marco Bello, his right-hand man, on the assassin's trail. Cosimo, who has long abandoned his dream of becoming an artist, then takes his father's place as head of the bank and of the Signoria, where he needs to defend himself against the hostility of the noble families, headed by Rinaldo Degli Albizzi. When the Duke of Milan annexes the city of Lucca away from Florentine dominion, Cosimo must decide whether to side with the nobility, as Giovanni would have done, or to free himself from his father's shadow.

Medici: Masters of Florence: Original Sin

Years 11-12 Media arts, History, Civics and citizenship

56:42

The Medici family suffers a great loss with the death of its patriarch Giovanni. When the designated heir Cosimo discovers that his father was poisoned, he decides to keep the news to himself and to put Marco Bello, his right-hand man, on the assassin's trail. Cosimo, who has long abandoned his dream of becoming an artist, then takes his father's place as head of the bank and of the Signoria, where he needs to defend himself against the hostility of the noble families, headed by Rinaldo Degli Albizzi. When the Duke of Milan annexes the city of Lucca away from Florentine dominion, Cosimo must decide whether to side with the nobility, as Giovanni would have done, or to free himself from his father's shadow.

The war is throwing Florence into chaos. Piero, Cosimo's only son, is eager to fight, but his wife lucrezia tries to restrain him. Meanwhile, Marco Bello continues his investigation into Giovanni's murder, and tracks down a pharmacist who may know something.

Medici: Masters of Florence: The Dome and the Domicile

Years 11-12 Media arts, History, Civics and citizenship

55:58

The war is throwing Florence into chaos. Piero, Cosimo's only son, is eager to fight, but his wife lucrezia tries to restrain him. Meanwhile, Marco Bello continues his investigation into Giovanni's murder, and tracks down a pharmacist who may know something.

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

51:54

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.

This engrossing series presents seminal events in a radical new way: not looking back with hindsight, but as they were covered by national and local news broadcasts at the time. This footage, much of which has not been seen for decades, gives an intimacy and immediacy to stories we thought we knew. Six new episodes cover events from the 1960s and 1970s, including the assassination of Malcom X, the Tet Offensive, the Apollo 13 mission and the Tornado Super Outbreak of 1974. We also rediscover the Impeachment of Bill Clinton from 1994 and the DC Sniper attacks from October 2002.

The Lost Tapes: Assassination of Malcolm X

Years 11-12 Modern history, History

51:05

This engrossing series presents seminal events in a radical new way: not looking back with hindsight, but as they were covered by national and local news broadcasts at the time. This footage, much of which has not been seen for decades, gives an intimacy and immediacy to stories we thought we knew. Six new episodes cover events from the 1960s and 1970s, including the assassination of Malcom X, the Tet Offensive, the Apollo 13 mission and the Tornado Super Outbreak of 1974. We also rediscover the Impeachment of Bill Clinton from 1994 and the DC Sniper attacks from October 2002.

Since being uncovered, the objects found with the body of King Tutankhamun have perplexed Egyptologists. Now, with new technology, their secrets are revealed and a new vision of the boy king's rule comes to light.

Tut's Treasures: Hidden Secrets

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

44:07

Since being uncovered, the objects found with the body of King Tutankhamun have perplexed Egyptologists. Now, with new technology, their secrets are revealed and a new vision of the boy king's rule comes to light.

The Luftwaffe was a revolutionary German air force, created from nothing and fast-tracked by Hitler to annihilate the enemy from the skies.

Nazi Megastructures: Hitler's Luftwaffe

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

44:10

The Luftwaffe was a revolutionary German air force, created from nothing and fast-tracked by Hitler to annihilate the enemy from the skies.

Four kings from the House of Stuart sat on the English throne from 1603 to 1688. It was a time of great religious struggle and political instability. The Gunpowder Plot nearly wiped out King James I. The Thirty Years War broke out on the continent. London was ravaged by the plague and the Great Fire of London. A civil war erupted which led to the public beheading of King Charles I and the birth of a commonwealth headed by Oliver Cromwell. Throughout this series we look at the reign of the Stuarts through the powerful Wynn family at Gwydir Castle in North Wales; one of the best preserved time capsules from that era. The story of the Wynn family reflects the turbulent history of this Stuart era. They had close connections with this new royal house and their status would rise and fall with the successes and failures of Stuart rule.

The Stuarts: A Bloody Reign: Part 4

Years 11-12 History

1:00:27

Four kings from the House of Stuart sat on the English throne from 1603 to 1688. It was a time of great religious struggle and political instability. The Gunpowder Plot nearly wiped out King James I. The Thirty Years War broke out on the continent. London was ravaged by the plague and the Great Fire of London. A civil war erupted which led to the public beheading of King Charles I and the birth of a commonwealth headed by Oliver Cromwell. Throughout this series we look at the reign of the Stuarts through the powerful Wynn family at Gwydir Castle in North Wales; one of the best preserved time capsules from that era. The story of the Wynn family reflects the turbulent history of this Stuart era. They had close connections with this new royal house and their status would rise and fall with the successes and failures of Stuart rule.

USS Silversides battles depth charges, a jammed torpedo and an emergency appendectomy deep in enemy waters while intercepting Japanese ships to Guadalcanal.

WW2 Hell Under the Sea: Wounded Warrior

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

44:13

USS Silversides battles depth charges, a jammed torpedo and an emergency appendectomy deep in enemy waters while intercepting Japanese ships to Guadalcanal.

'The Great Strategic Shift' - the name that Mao Zedong gave to the march from Jiangxi to Shaanxi in 1934 - 1935 - begins when 80,000 members of the Red Army and their followers march out of the encirclement trap set by the Nationalist forces. The first episode sets up the political situation that made such a trek necessary, and follows the march through the devastating battle at Xiangjiang River and the vital conference at Zunyi which confirmed the emergence of Mao, to the point where what remains of the marchers confront the crossing of the Dadu River.

The Long March

Years 11-12 Modern history, Asia and Australia, History

50:15

'The Great Strategic Shift' - the name that Mao Zedong gave to the march from Jiangxi to Shaanxi in 1934 - 1935 - begins when 80,000 members of the Red Army and their followers march out of the encirclement trap set by the Nationalist forces. The first episode sets up the political situation that made such a trek necessary, and follows the march through the devastating battle at Xiangjiang River and the vital conference at Zunyi which confirmed the emergence of Mao, to the point where what remains of the marchers confront the crossing of the Dadu River.

Professor Alice Roberts tells the story of Norman England by studying the history of Winchester, Britain's most Norman town. To get to grips with the Normans, Alice attempts to storm a castle in chain mail, investigates the origins of modern surgery, and tucks into an appetising eel pie.

Britain's Most Historic Towns: Norman Winchester

Years 9-10, 11-12 History

46:53

Professor Alice Roberts tells the story of Norman England by studying the history of Winchester, Britain's most Norman town. To get to grips with the Normans, Alice attempts to storm a castle in chain mail, investigates the origins of modern surgery, and tucks into an appetising eel pie.

An economic crisis and the fear of communism drive voters into Hitler's arms and he is named Chancellor. As democracy begins to disappear from Germany, Hitler prepares for war.

Apocalypse: The Rise of Hitler: Marching to War

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

45:12

An economic crisis and the fear of communism drive voters into Hitler's arms and he is named Chancellor. As democracy begins to disappear from Germany, Hitler prepares for war.

What happened at the start of Hitler's life to provoke his relentless rise to power? From his early life as a mediocre student and failed artist, follow the events that led to Hitler's dictatorship.

Apocalypse: The Rise of Hitler: Becoming Hitler

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

45:12

What happened at the start of Hitler's life to provoke his relentless rise to power? From his early life as a mediocre student and failed artist, follow the events that led to Hitler's dictatorship.

Award-winning actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson thought he came from a "nice, boring family" until he digs into his ancestry and follows the life of his great-grandfather; a gilded age hustler that trouble seemed to follow at every turn.

Who Do You Think You Are?: Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Years 7-8, 9-10 History, Media Arts, Personal and Social Capability

41:02

Award-winning actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson thought he came from a "nice, boring family" until he digs into his ancestry and follows the life of his great-grandfather; a gilded age hustler that trouble seemed to follow at every turn.

In prison, Jamie discovers that an old foe has become the warden - and has the power to make his life hell. Claire and Frank both put their best foot forward in marriage, but an uninvited guest shatters the illusion.

Outlander: All Debts Paid

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

56:02

In prison, Jamie discovers that an old foe has become the warden - and has the power to make his life hell. Claire and Frank both put their best foot forward in marriage, but an uninvited guest shatters the illusion.

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

50:20

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.

Prying into the territory of the other side was fraught with danger. During the Cold War the super powers mobilised thousands of spies and spotters to lift the enemy's secrets. Even the allied military missions in Germany doubled as covert observers in the spying game.

The Spying Game

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

52:53

Prying into the territory of the other side was fraught with danger. During the Cold War the super powers mobilised thousands of spies and spotters to lift the enemy's secrets. Even the allied military missions in Germany doubled as covert observers in the spying game.

Once Hitler seizes power, he transforms his Alpine retreat in Bavaria into a vast mansion called the Berghof. The area becomes a magnet for the most powerful Nazis and Hitler's Berghof a show piece for the Reich.

Nazi Megastructures: The Eagle's Nest

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

44:12

Once Hitler seizes power, he transforms his Alpine retreat in Bavaria into a vast mansion called the Berghof. The area becomes a magnet for the most powerful Nazis and Hitler's Berghof a show piece for the Reich.

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

58:50

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.

The Stuarts: A Bloody Reign: Part 3

Years 9-10, 11-12 History

44:23

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

1:00:34

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.

Professor Alice Roberts tells the story of Viking England by studying the history of York, Britain's most Viking town. To get to the bottom of the story, Alice takes part in her own Viking battle, meets the metal detectorists behind one of the UK's greatest archaeological finds, and gets her hands on a near thousand-year-old Viking poo.

Britain's Most Historic Towns: Viking York

Years 9-10, 11-12 History

47:10

Professor Alice Roberts tells the story of Viking England by studying the history of York, Britain's most Viking town. To get to the bottom of the story, Alice takes part in her own Viking battle, meets the metal detectorists behind one of the UK's greatest archaeological finds, and gets her hands on a near thousand-year-old Viking poo.

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

43:47

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

Joanna's Persian odyssey begins in Iran's capital, Tehran, then south to Kashan, where she explores a famed paradise garden. She visits Shiraz, where her grandparents came in the 1920s, then ends her journey in Persepolis.

Joanna Lumley's Silk Road Adventure: Iran

Years 9-10, 11-12 Geography, History

45:39

Joanna's Persian odyssey begins in Iran's capital, Tehran, then south to Kashan, where she explores a famed paradise garden. She visits Shiraz, where her grandparents came in the 1920s, then ends her journey in Persepolis.

Pompeii: one of the most famous volcanic eruptions in history. We know how its victims died, but this film sets out to answer another question - how did they live? Gleaning evidence from an extraordinary find, Cambridge professor and Pompeii expert Mary Beard provides new insight into the lives of the people who lived in the shadow of Mt Vesuvius before its cataclysmic eruption. Using the latest forensic techniques it is now possible to determine what those who perished in the disaster ate and drank, where they came from, what diseases they suffered, how rich they were and, perhaps even more astonishingly, the details of their sex lives. Mary takes us on journey from the cellar to a small ancient town which nevertheless boasted more than 50 fast food joints, dozens of rowdy bars, a 200-foot-long swimming pool and even its own brothel. The film opens the lid on this most famous of ancient towns to reveal Pompeii as it's never been seen before.

Pompeii: New Secrets Revealed

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

54:59

Pompeii: one of the most famous volcanic eruptions in history. We know how its victims died, but this film sets out to answer another question - how did they live? Gleaning evidence from an extraordinary find, Cambridge professor and Pompeii expert Mary Beard provides new insight into the lives of the people who lived in the shadow of Mt Vesuvius before its cataclysmic eruption. Using the latest forensic techniques it is now possible to determine what those who perished in the disaster ate and drank, where they came from, what diseases they suffered, how rich they were and, perhaps even more astonishingly, the details of their sex lives. Mary takes us on journey from the cellar to a small ancient town which nevertheless boasted more than 50 fast food joints, dozens of rowdy bars, a 200-foot-long swimming pool and even its own brothel. The film opens the lid on this most famous of ancient towns to reveal Pompeii as it's never been seen before.

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

51:45

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.

A brief history of Constantinople

A brief history of Constantinople

History

More from this series

The Time Compass: Japan (Part 1)

History

The Time Compass: Japan (Part 2)

History

The Time Compass: The Mayas (Part 1)

History

The Time Compass: The Mayas (Part 2)

History

The Time Compass: The Persian Empire (Part 1)

History

The Time Compass: The Persian Empire (Part 2)

History

The Time Compass: Islam (Part 1)

History

The Time Compass: Islam (Part 2)

History

The Time Compass: Mesopotamia (Part 1)

History

The Time Compass: Mesopotamia (Part 2)

History

The Time Compass: The Aztec Empire (Part 1)

History

The Time Compass: The Aztec Empire (Part 2)

History

The Time Compass: The Inca Empire (Part 2)

History

The Time Compass: The Inca Empire (Part 1)

History

The Time Compass: The Ancient Israelites (Part 1)

History

The Time Compass: The Ancient Israelites (Part 2)

History

The Time Compass: The Byzantine Empire (Part 2)

History

The Time Compass: The Byzantine Empire (Part 1)

History

The Time Compass: India (Part 2)

History

The Time Compass: India (Part 1)

History

The Time Compass: The Celts

History

The Time Compass: The Vikings

History

The Time Compass: The Carolingian Empire (Part 1)

History

The Time Compass: The Carolingian Empire (Part 2)

History

The Time Compass: Imperial Rome (Part 1)

History

Latest History programs

Medici: Masters of Florence: Original Sin

Media arts, History, Civics and citizenship

Medici: Masters of Florence: The Dome and the Domicile

Media arts, History, Civics and citizenship

The Ascent of Civilization: The Carthaginians

Ancient history, History

The Lost Tapes: Assassination of Malcolm X

Modern history, History

Tut's Treasures: Hidden Secrets

Ancient history, History

Nazi Megastructures: Hitler's Luftwaffe

Design and technologies, Modern history, History

The Stuarts: A Bloody Reign: Part 4

History

WW2 Hell Under the Sea: Wounded Warrior

Modern history, History

The Long March

Modern history, Asia and Australia, History

Britain's Most Historic Towns: Norman Winchester

History

Apocalypse: The Rise of Hitler: Marching to War

History, Modern History

Apocalypse: The Rise of Hitler: Becoming Hitler

History, Modern History

Who Do You Think You Are?: Jesse Tyler Ferguson