The Profile History of The Ancient World

So much of our historical knowledge is rooted in Western civilization, from the stories of ancient Greece and Rome to the intellectual developments of the Renaissance. But this history tells only part of the story of our global world. Eastern civilization has its own fascinating story, with consequences that matter deeply to our lives today.

Mecca, the city that welcomes close to a quarter of a million pilgrims every fortnight, and the birthplace of Islam's founder. The Seven Wonders of the Muslim World meets the man who massages the weary feet of the faithful, the muezzin who makes the call to prayer and the head of the religious police. The programme also talks to the pilgrims as they arrive in Mecca, to help understand the thinking of modern Muslims and their deep connections with this holiest of Muslim shrines.

Historian Bettany Hughes travels to India, Greece and China on the trail of three giants of ancient philosophy - Buddha, Socrates and Confucius.

What really went on at the ancient Greek oracle at Delphi, how did it get its awesome reputation and why is it still influential today? Michael Scott of Cambridge University uncovers the secrets of the most famous oracle in the ancient world. A vital force in ancient history for a thousand years it is now one of Greece's most beautiful tourist sites, but in its time it has been a gateway into the supernatural, a cockpit of political conflict, and a beacon for internationalism. And at its heart was the famous inscription which still inspires visitors today - 'Know Thyself'.

The unique Lost Treasures series enables the ancient wonders of the world to be seen as never before… magically ‘restored’ to their former glory by 3D graphics and presented in a superb animated format. Our camera teams have traveled the world to gather spectacular new footage of ancient history’s greatest monuments and their surroundings, providing a fascinating link between the past and the present day.

Historian Bettany Hughes travels to India, Greece and China on the trail of three giants of ancient philosophy - Buddha, Socrates and Confucius.

Historian Bettany Hughes travels to India, Greece and China on the trail of three giants of ancient philosophy.

Andrew Marr sets off on an epic journey through 70,000 years of human history. Using dramatic reconstructions, documentary filming around the world and cutting-edge computer graphics, he reveals the decisive moments that shaped the world we live in today, telling stories we thought we knew and others we were never told.

Throughout human history, architecture has served to showcase power, express meaning and keep secrets. Now, thousands of years later, modern scientists are working to uncover the truth behind these mysterious structures.