Greek Island Odyssey With Bettany Hughes

In this series Bettany Hughes embarks on an epic journey to unpack the myths and legends of the Greek islands. Bettany follows the trail of Odysseus, with exclusive unique access to live archaeological digs uncovering bronze age warriors and virgin sacrifices. A gripping adventure amidst a stunning landscape.

Lost Worlds: Dawn of Civilisations

World-class historian Bettany Hughes journeys across modern-day Türkiye to uncover the origins of civilisation itself. With exclusive access to newly discovered sites and artifacts - including the world’s first square room, the oldest known swords, and the first life-sized human sculptures - she explores the birth of agriculture, religion, trade, urban life, myths, and empire. From Göbeklitepe and Karahantepe to Ephesus, Cappadocia, Istanbul, and the snowy Caucasus mountains, this cinematic journey reveals how ancient Anatolia became a crossroads of human history - and helped shape the world we know today.

Bettany Hughes' Lost Worlds: The Nabataeans

For decades, historian Bettany Hughes has been fascinated by the enigmatic kingdom of Nabataea. Petra, their iconic capital, was part of a vast empire that is only now revealing its secrets. Seemingly lost to history, it's time to tell their story and show they were as important as Ancient Greece, Rome, or Egypt. Bettany traces their incense trade routes from the Arabian Peninsula to the Mediterranean, accessing newly revealed research across Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Greece, Italy and Oman. From towering tombs to underwater temples, Bettany unveils the Nabataeans' spectacular story from the periphery of their world to its very centre.

8 Days That Made Rome

Award-winning historian and host, Bettany Hughes, travels across the Roman world in this eight-part landmark history of ancient Rome. Across the series we explore eight key days that define the Roman Empire's remarkable success, and the series of events which would ultimately culminate in the end of Rome’s republic.

Emperor: The Rise & Fall of a Dynasty

Delve in to the most tumultuous era in Roman history with the stories of the cuthroat and turbulent years of the first five Emperors and the powerful women behind them. EMPEROR: THE RISE & FALL OF A DYNASTY charts the chaos that followed the assassination of Julius Caesar and the rise of one of history’s most notorious and scandal-ridden dynasties. Told through the eyes of Livia, the matriarch of the Caesar clan, this series unveils the saga of five power-hungry rulers - Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero - each embroiled in a brutal struggle for supremacy, driven by the hunt for power, sex and violence.

Caesar

This is the story of a Roman youth at the end of the republic, Gaius Julius, who, with guts and good fortune reaches the heights of triumph. His story leads us to travel through six countries around the Mediterranean and retell the story of his military, political and love life unravelling. Told in the present tense, CAESAR creates a young hero that viewers can relate to - showing his humanity, struggles, doubts, hopes and flaws - in a way that today’s young audience can identify with. It is the man behind the statue that interests us. The orphan, the civil war outcast, the young impoverished conscript on the frontline, the hostage of pirates in the Aegean Sea, the bisexual lover of a Turkish king, the conqueror of Gaul and of Great-Britain, Cleopatra’s companion in Egypt, etc. This series follows Caesar’s footsteps along the shores of “mare nostrum.” From the Carthage ruins in Tunisia to the Lutece arena in Paris and Antakya’s victory arches in Turkey, we will explore the common history of three continents where the Roman heritage lives on.

The Colosseum with Dan Snow

THE COLOSSEUM is a captivating two-part special that delves into the history of one of the world's most iconic landmarks. Built nearly 2,000 years ago, the Colosseum continues to capture our imagination. Historian Dan Snow uncovers the real story behind this ancient wonder, exploring its groundbreaking design and the methods used to construct it. He also reveals the fascinating tale of the emperor who commissioned its creation and the workers who built it. Finally, the special unearths the truth behind the Colosseum's infamous connection to the brutal gladiatorial games. Join Dan Snow as he brings the Colosseum's epic past to life in stunning detail.

Pompeii: Life In A Roman Town

POMPEII: LIFE IN A ROMAN TOWN takes viewers on a fascinating journey into the daily lives of ancient Romans, exploring the preserved town of Pompeii like never before. In this four-part series, historians Dan Snow and Kate Lister reveal what it was really like to live in this extraordinary time capsule - from what people ate, how they worked and entertained themselves, to the weird punishments for lawbreakers. With special access to both the streets and underground ruins, Dan and Kate immerse themselves in Roman life, bathing, feasting, and dressing like the elite. They also uncover the struggles of the poor and enslaved, revealing a side of Pompeii often hidden from view. POMPEII: LIFE IN A ROMAN TOWN is a compelling exploration of ancient life in all its gritty glory.

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.

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.