Top-rated
Sun, Oct 8, 1995
The structure of Machu Picchu, originally built by the Incas, is one of the most archaeologically stunning mysteries of the past. However, even today we are still unsure what its purpose was. Was it an observatory? A pleasure retreat? Or a Fortress? This program attempts to uncover the historical and spiritual mysteries of this magical place.
Fri, Nov 17, 1995
It was a myth first told by Plato in the late 4th century B.C. - a dramatic tale of a powerful civilization living on an island that one day mysteriously disappeared underneath the rolling waves of the Atlantic. In the many thousands of years that have passed since Plato's time, questions about the fabled city under the sea have continued to captivate millions across the globe. Did the island of Atlantis really exist, and, if so, where? Throughout the ages, Atlantis has been linked to the island of Bimini, the Canary Islands, Santorini, and Troy, among other places. In this fascinating program, join renowned historians as they examine the many theories surrounding this timeless legend.
Sun, Dec 24, 1995
A Roman soldier takes his spear and pierces the side of Christ as he hangs on a crucifix. Thus, the legend of the Holy Lance is born. Relics associated with the life of Christ have inspired awe and obsession throughout the ages. Giants of history ranging from Attila the Hun, Charlamagne and Adolf Hitler desired possession of this artifact that supposedly contains the power of God. What is the true story of the Holy Lance, and does it exist today?
Thu, Feb 1, 1996
A grave robbery in 1987 leads to the discovery of the Royal Tombs of Sipan, Peru, and the richest burial site ever found in the Western Hemisphere. Soon afterwards, the art market was flooded with ancient artifacts made of solid gold and silver. Art historians identified the treasure as belonging to the Moche, a pre-Columbian civilization in Peru, but were unable to locate its source. Where were these riches found? Soon the looters themselves provided the answer. One thief, unhappy with his share of the take, confessed to the police in Peru and implicated his partners. Investigators captured the looters and many remaining artifacts, but most importantly, they convinced the thieves to reveal the location of their treasure chest, hidden in eroded pyramids along the outskirts of the small village of Sipan, Peru.
Fri, Feb 2, 1996
Two-thousand years ago, Rome was an all-powerful empire and Pompeii was one of its prosperous provincial towns - until Mount Vesuvius exploded in the largest eruption ever recorded. In a matter of hours the thriving city was entombed under a thick layer of ash and debris, undiscovered for 1600 years. This tale recreates the events leading up to the explosion and shows how the ash kept the city and its inhabitants - the only significant discovery of Roman bodies ever - in a unique state of preservation. Wander through the ancient streets of this sophisticated society and witness current excavations.
Top-rated
Thu, Mar 28, 1996
Since the dawn of time, humankind has looked to the heavens for answers to earthly problems. Do the movements of the stars and planets hold the secrets of human destiny? Can the stars and planets determine one's hidden character? Over 4,000 years ago, astrology was born in the fertile crescent known as modern day Iraq and Iran. The Babylonians created the first zodiac, which basically remains unchanged today. Who were these first sky-watchers? Why did they develop astrology? Today, science denies any validity to astrology. Yet for 4,000 years, millions of people have believed in it. They point to tantalizing evidence from history: Did astrologers predict Hitler's rise to power or foretell the rise of Queen Elizabeth I? Were the three Wise Men astrologers and did they use astrology to follow the Star of Bethlehem? Has the planet-based Mayan calendar predicted the end of the world? Is belief in the power of stars merely a baseless superstition, or one of humankind's oldest truths? Scientists and scholars may be on the verge of answering these age-old questions, as they explore ASTROLOGY: SECRETS IN THE STARS.
Thu, Apr 11, 1996
No other religion is as misunderstood, vilified, or viewed with as much hatred and racism. The common impression is that Voodoo is a garbled mix of black magic, witchcraft and zombies! But the truth is that Voodoo is one of the greatest achievements of people of African descent. Travel to Africa to uncover the origins of this vibrant, enigmatic practice. Voodoo roots are in the ancient religions of Yorubaland, Dahomey and Kongo. Infused with a major dose of Roman Catholicism, and tempered by the arduous experiences of the slaves, it is widely practiced in Haiti, Cuba, the West Indies, Brazil, and the U.S. Get an intimate look at its colorful celebrations, deep-rooted beliefs and modern practice at the Le Peristyle Haitian Sanctuary, one of the world centers of Voodoo. And explore the misconceptions and reality of Voodoo with Wade Davis, author of The Serpent and The Rainbow.