Ancient mechanical devices are examined: A jar that appears to be an electric battery, a flour mill in France that is run by waterwheels, and Archimedes use of solar power to defeat the Romans.

This episode investigates the Antikythera Mechanism, a computer-like device that may have been used to calculate the movements of stars and planets. It also highlights ancient inventors Archimedes and Ctesibius.

Exploring Ancient Skies brings together the methods of archaeology and the insights of modern astronomy to explore the science of astronomy as it was practiced in various cultures prior to the invention of the telescope. The book reviews an enormous and growing body of literature on the cultures of the ancient Mediterranean, the Far East, and the New World (particularly Mesoamerica), putting the ancient astronomical materials into their archaeological and cultural contexts.

The Pyramids of Giza. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon. The Colossus of Rhodes. Magnificent and mysterious, the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World have captivated explorers for centuries. Narrated by Leonard Nimoy, ANCIENT MYSTERIES® ventures into the world of vanished empires, uncovering the secrets surrounding the legendary list. Spectacular monuments from antiquity are still found on five of the earth's continents, yet these seven rise above the rest. Why were these particular structures chosen? And why seven-what magic lies hidden within this number? Learn about the register's probable origins and the three features it seemed to promote and discover the legends and mythical powers that evolved around each of the fabled monuments. Through period accounts and artwork, stunning reenactments, and interviews with modern scholars, ANCIENT MYSTERIES® presents a riveting tour of THE SEVEN WONDERS OF THE ANCIENT WORLD.

They were fearsome rulers of the ancient world for over a thousand years. Some say their armies were the strongest the world has ever seen. Wherever they went, they conquered. And, wherever they conquered, there sprang another city. As we marvel at the sophistication and beauty of some of our modern cities, we are celebrating a legacy that was literally etched in stone over two thousand years ago by the Romans. ANCIENT ROME AND ITS MYSTERIOUS CITIES explores the hidden treasures of our ancestors as we uncover the secrets of these mysterious ancient cities. In a world of frequent invasions and competition among warring tribes, the cities of the Romans were a stamp of solidity, unifying a multitude of cultures. Across the empire, they provided a secure structure wherein these diverse traditions could flourish, as long as they honored Roman law. Archaeology shows that advanced cultures such as those of the Greeks and the Etruscans preceded the Romans. But they did not survive. Why not? How did the Romans use the wealth of knowledge of these societies and expand upon them? What did they do differently? And, how were they able to keep control of the far reaches of the empire? Explore the answers to these questions. Hear and feel the rhythm of the outrageous and exotic societies of the past...and journey to the heart of civilization in ANCIENT ROME AND ITS MYSTERIOUS CITIES.

This Companion provides the very latest accounts of the major and current aspects of Egyptology by leading scholars. It is delivered in a highly readable style and extensively illustrated; published in two volumes, it offers unprecedented breadth and depth of coverage, giving full scope to the discussion of this incredible civilization.

Provides the very latest and, where relevant, well-illustrated accounts of the major aspects of Egypt’s ancient history and culture

Covers a broad scope of topics including physical context, history, economic and social mechanisms, language, literature, and the visual arts

Delivered in a highly readable style with students and scholars of both Egyptology and Graeco-Roman studies in mind

Provides a chronological table at the start of each volume to help readers orient chapters within the wider historical context

Western democracies often trace their political roots back to Ancient Greece. While politics today may seem the dusty domain of lawmakers and pundits, in the classical era virtually no aspect of life was beyond its reach. "Political life" was not limited to acts of a legislature, magistrates, and the courts but routinely included the activities of social clubs, the patronage system, and expression through literature, art, and architecture. Through these varied means, even non-enfranchised groups (such as women and non-citizens) gained entry into a wider democratic process. Beyond the citizen world of "traditional" politics, there existed multiple layers of Greek political life-reflecting many aspects of our own modern political landscape. Religious cults served as venues for female office-holders; private clubs and drinking parties served significant social functions. Popular athletes capitalized on their fame to run for elected office. Military veterans struggled to bring back the "good old days" much to the dismay of the forward-thinking ambitions of naive twenty-somethings. Liberals and conservatives of all classes battled over important issues of the day. Scandal and intrigue made or ended many a political career. Taken collectively, these aspects of political life serve as a lens for viewing the whole of Greek civilization in some of its characteristic and distinctive dimensions.

The history of the elephant as the ancient tank, right up to the addition by the Indian emperors of a fully rotational cannon. The ancient battering ram - the king of siege machines - how did it work, and could the ancients have really discovered the secrets of chemical fire-proofing? The amazing flexibility of the medieval fully armoured cavalry knight. An investigation into English civil war bullet-proof armour. Anti elephant rockets - how the rocket ended the elephants 2000 year domination of the battlefield.

In a time of frequent invasions and competition among warring tribes, the ancient cities of the Roman Empire stood as pillars of strength, beauty, and sophistication.

Throughout history man has gone to great lengths to develop the technology of torture. Learn about a new discovery that proves victim's bones were snapped apart on the rack--not the joints being pulled apart as previously believed. Investigate the actual cause of death for those who were burned at the stake. Watch as a stuntman is set on fire to reveal the truth behind roman emperor Nero's burning tunic of death. Discover how Vlad the Impaler impaled his victims from top to bottom with 3-inch wide stakes--while still keeping them alive for up to three days. Historians, doctors, model makers and virtual reality artists will help to reveal the startling torture technologies of the ancient world.

Ancient Discoveries is a documentary television series that premiered on December 21, 2003 on The History Channel. The program focuses on ancient technologies. The show's theme is that many inventions which are thought to be modern have ancient roots or in some cases may have been lost and then reinvented. The program is a follow up to a special originally broadcast in 2005 which focused on technologies from the Ancient Roman era such as the Antikythera mechanism and inventors such as Heron of Alexandria. Episodes of the regular series have expanded to cover other areas such as Egypt, China and East Asia, and the Islamic world.

The history of the elephant as the ancient tank, right up to the addition by the Indian emperors of a fully rotational cannon. The ancient battering ram – the king of siege machines – how did it work, and could the ancients have really discovered the secrets of chemical fire-proofing? The amazing flexibility of the medieval fully armoured cavalry knight. An investigation into English civil war bullet-proof armour. Anti elephant rockets – how the rocket ended the elephants 2000 year domination of the battlefield.

Historian Bettany Hughes continues her history of the Ancient World with this documentary, which explores how Egypt's two greatest pharaohs built their way to immortality. Through their superlative buildings, the legacy of the Egyptian empire continues to enthrall people to this day. Yet these incredible structures were made over 4,000 years ago.

Warfare technology is examined, including the Helepolis, a square fortified tower on wheels; and “Greek Fire,” an incendiary liquid that stuck to people and objects and couldn't be extinguished with water.

Bettany Hughes traces the story of the mysterious and misunderstood Moors, the Islamic society that ruled in Spain for 700 years, but whose legacy was virtually erased from Western history.
In 711 AD, a tribe of newly converted Muslims from North Africa crossed the straits of Gibraltar and invaded Spain. Known as The Moors, they went on to build a rich and powerful society.
Its capital, Cordoba, was the largest and most civilized city in Europe, with hospitals, libraries and a public infrastructure light years ahead of anything in England at the time.

The lake Nemi ships, large Roman vessels that were salvaged from the lake in the 1930s and burned in 1944, are discussed, including technological discoveries from the ships.

Is it possible that intelligent life forms visited Earth thousands of years ago, bringing with them technology that drastically affected the course of history and man’s own development? Presented in the 1968 bestselling book Chariots of the Gods, by Erich von Daniken, the theory of “ancient aliens” rocked people’s beliefs in mankind’s progress. Ancient cave drawings of strange creatures, remains of landing strips in Peru, and Indian texts that describe the “flying machines of the gods” were just a few of the odd archaeological artifacts cited by von Daniken as proof that ancient astronauts were well known to our ancestors. Produced with the exclusive cooperation of von Daniken himself, ANCIENT ALIENS launches all-new expeditions to seek out and evaluate this evidence, with a concentration on discoveries of the last 30 years, including unusual DNA findings on man’s evolution and newly decoded artifacts from Egypt to Syria to South America. It is a balanced investigation into a theory some believe cannot be true, but many agree cannot be ignored.

Is it possible that intelligent life forms visited Earth thousands of years ago, bringing with them technology that drastically affected the course of history and man’s own development? Presented in the 1968 bestselling book Chariots of the Gods, by Erich von Daniken, the theory of “ancient aliens” rocked people’s beliefs in mankind’s progress. Ancient cave drawings of strange creatures, remains of landing strips in Peru, and Indian texts that describe the “flying machines of the gods” were just a few of the odd archaeological artifacts cited by von Daniken as proof that ancient astronauts were well known to our ancestors. Produced with the exclusive cooperation of von Daniken himself, ANCIENT ALIENS launches all-new expeditions to seek out and evaluate this evidence, with a concentration on discoveries of the last 30 years, including unusual DNA findings on man’s evolution and newly decoded artifacts from Egypt to Syria to South America. It is a balanced investigation into a theory some believe cannot be true, but many agree cannot be ignored.

Is it possible that intelligent life forms visited Earth thousands of years ago, bringing with them technology that drastically affected the course of history and man’s own development? Presented in the 1968 bestselling book Chariots of the Gods, by Erich von Daniken, the theory of “ancient aliens” rocked people’s beliefs in mankind’s progress. Ancient cave drawings of strange creatures, remains of landing strips in Peru, and Indian texts that describe the “flying machines of the gods” were just a few of the odd archaeological artifacts cited by von Daniken as proof that ancient astronauts were well known to our ancestors. Produced with the exclusive cooperation of von Daniken himself, ANCIENT ALIENS launches all-new expeditions to seek out and evaluate this evidence, with a concentration on discoveries of the last 30 years, including unusual DNA findings on man’s evolution and newly decoded artifacts from Egypt to Syria to South America. It is a balanced investigation into a theory some believe cannot be true, but many agree cannot be ignored.