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Birth of a Brotherhood
At the beginning of the 12th century, a few knights decide to create a new brotherhood called "The order of the Temple".
Upcoming
A business empire
In the middle of the 12th century, the order of the Temple becomes increasingly popular among the kings and peoples of Western Europe.
The fall of the order
At the end of the 13th century, as Christian holdings in the holy land have disappeared, the Templars continue to push for a new crusade.
In the Footsteps of Jesus
For the past 2000 years, he has remained the most famous character of History. Described as a leader, as a feminist, an anarchist, a healer. But today, what do we really know about Jesus?
The Miracles of Jesus
For more than 2000 years, he has been the most discussed character in History. What do we really know about Jesus today?
The Quest for the Ark of the Covenant
In Judaism, it’s the most sacred object. A chest carved in acacia wood, gilded with gold leaf, and topped by two cherubs. The Ark of the Covenant strikes down the Mortal who touches it.
The Quest for the Grail
It’s the most desired and sacred relic in Christianity. However, this artefact is shrouded in mystery. No one can say what it looks like. Today, dozens of churches claim to hold the Grail.
The Power of King Solomon
Solomon is a mythical figure of the Old Testament. Third king of Israel, he reigned from 970 to 931 BC. But did he really exist?
The Mystery of Fátima
The Shrine of Fatima in Portugal is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world. More than 6 million visitors come every year to take a moment in this place.
Camp Century
In 1959 the USA decided to build a military town under the ice sheet of North Greenland. The superpower wanted to use all its might to gain a strategic advantage over the Soviet Union.
Life behind the Walls of Europe's Castles
What was life like behind a castle walls? The documentary follows their development from simple wooden fortifications to the most elaborate strongholds and residences.
Enemy at the Gate
Castles were bastions of power. Yet, what if the enemy was at the gates? Our documentary examines the military function of castles from the 11th to the 16th century.
Tinderbox Yugoslavia
Under the influence of changing rulers and empires, the country’s structure is formed over centuries as home to five nationalities with three languages and four different religions.
A State Falls Apart
We are in the fateful year of Yugoslavia’s first free elections since World War II: 1990. It is the hour of the nationalists.
Yugoslavia in Ruins
The Srebrenica massacre is a wake-up call for the international community, which decides to intervene after four years of war. That same year, the warring parties sign a peace treaty.
The Balkans in Flames
The documentary THE BALKANS IN FLAMES examines the disintegration of the former Socialist Federation of Yugoslavia.
The Fall of Judea
The Fatal Conflict Episode 2 explores the events that shaped the great Jewish revolt against Rome, as recorded by Jewish General, historian and perceived traitor, Flavius Josephus.
Birth of a Brotherhood
At the beginning of the 12th century, a few knights decide to create a new brotherhood called "The order of the Temple".
A business empire
In the middle of the 12th century, the order of the Temple becomes increasingly popular among the kings and peoples of Western Europe.
The fall of the order
At the end of the 13th century, as Christian holdings in the holy land have disappeared, the Templars continue to push for a new crusade.
In the Footsteps of Jesus
For the past 2000 years, he has remained the most famous character of History. Described as a leader, as a feminist, an anarchist, a healer. But today, what do we really know about Jesus?
The Seeds of Violence 1918-1922
Hatred and the desire for revenge smoldered in the minds of many Germans after the First World War. Many Germans believe that the Jews are the cause of all kinds of problems.
Deceit and Delusion 1923-1928
Hitler and his movement seem to be eliminated after his failed putsch on November 9, 1923, the movement is banned, the self-proclaimed leaders are imprisoned.
Democracy without Democrats 1929-1933
In the late 1920s, Germany was seething. Social protest turns into a racist and anti-Jewish movement, Hitler and his NSDAP using their anger against the “system” for their own benefits.
The Racial State 1933-1934
After the 1933 parliament fire, President Hindenburg signs a decree that suspends freedom of speech. In mock elections, Hitler secures approval; with terror, he intimi-dates his adversaries.
Hidden in Plain Sight 1935-1938
In October 1934, Hitler's government is firmly in the saddle. The majority of Germans support Hitler's offensive anti-Jewish policy.
Up in Flames 1936-1940
At the end of 1939, the German Army has invaded Poland. They are followed closely by the SS (Schutzstaffel) task forces, which have only one mission: To murder the Polish intelligence.
Auschwitz One Day
Harrowing testimonials from victims show how in 1944 the SS stepped up the “efficiency” of the death factory at Auschwitz and how the perpetrators documented their “work”.
The Royals, the British Aristocracy and the Nazis
"The Royals, the British Aristocracy and the Nazis" presents documents and footage proving the royal family’s and leading British aristocrats’ sympathy for National Socialism.
The Moon Landing and the Nazis
The film "The Moon Landing and the Nazis" documents the involvement of German NASA employees with the Third Reich.
Concrete Against Bombs
The first programme features four bunkers built before World War Two. We begin with the legendary Franzensfeste in today’s northern Italy, a fortress that was never besieged.
Facing Nuclear Annihilation
The second programme features shelters in the nuclear era in Lithuania, Germany and Albania.
What if Hitler Had Won the War
The documentary addresses the counterfactual question of a Nazi victory in the Second World War and is asking at the same time how history would have evolved without Hitler.
The Moon Landing and the Nazis
The film "The Moon Landing and the Nazis" documents the involvement of German NASA employees with the Third Reich.
Concrete Against Bombs
The first programme features four bunkers built before World War Two. We begin with the legendary Franzensfeste in today’s northern Italy, a fortress that was never besieged.
Facing Nuclear Annihilation
The second programme features shelters in the nuclear era in Lithuania, Germany and Albania.
What if Hitler Had Won the War
The documentary addresses the counterfactual question of a Nazi victory in the Second World War and is asking at the same time how history would have evolved without Hitler.
Wild Dolphins
In the waters surrounding New Zealand live a number of dolphin species - each of which has evolved unique strategies in their family pods to survive and thrive in the different habitats around these islands in the Pacific Ocean. On the east coast of the south island off the iconic Kaikoura peninsula, an underwater canyon pushes water seething with nutrients to the surface which provides a year round banquet for huge pods of dusky dolphins. These athletic and highly social dolphins spend their nights feeding out in the canyon, and in early morning they return closer to shore where they rest socialize and play. One of their favourite activities is the “seaweed game” where individuals pass pieces of seaweed to each other practicing fancy maneuvers where they’ll catch it on their tail, dorsal or pectoral fins. Down in the south west corner of New Zealand in the majestic landscape of Fiordland live the southern-most bottlenose dolphins. At almost 4 metres long these dolphins have adapted physically to the extreme winter conditions down here by growing bigger and fatter with extra insulating blubber and evolving stubbier beaks and shorter fins and tail flukes to reduce heat loss through their extremities. These fiords are different to the coastal environment in that freshwater sits on top of the denser seawater in a distinct layer, and is much colder than the saltwater and can prove lethal to the pods’ calves in winter, so every year the bottlenose dolphins make a short migration to the outer fiords where there is less freshwater to enable their calves to survive. Off New Zealand’s north island, in the middle of the Bay of Plenty, the country’s most active volcano erupts from the sea, sending plumes of toxic gases rising skywards. In the water surrounding this volcano roam common dolphins - the nomads of the dolphin world. They are pelagic predators which mean they roam the open ocean searching for prey.
Eagle Queen of the Skies
Eagles are top predators who battle fiercely for survival and work hard to raise their young. There are 60 members of the eagle clan, all united by their acute eyesight, powerful wings, sharp talons and hooked beaks. To explore the world of the eagle we follow one individual from hatching to leaving the nest and setting up a home. Her fight for survival reveals what it takes to become a queen of the sky.
Eagle Lakes
The Lauenburg Lake District is located between Lübeck and Lauenburg on the River Elbe. With more than 470 square kilometres, it is the third largest natural reserve in Schleswig-Holstein. Due to its extensive forest areas, 40 lakes and its proximity to Mecklenburg’s biosphere reserve Lake Schalsee, it forms the largest protectoral area alongside the former inner-German border.
Anaconda Wanted
Anacondas have fired people's imagination since time immemorial. Hardly any other animal is so feared and yet at the same time so revered as the biggest snake in the world.
Sudden Death
The gallery forests of the Serengeti are the realm of a phantom. The shadowy thickets are the domain of a Leopardess.
Haunted Huntress
A brook in the Serengeti is the home of a leopardess. The secret queen of the shadows took care of her son and has done a good job so far but the adventure continues.
Animals That Changed History - Season 1
Human life today would be very different if our ancestors had not stopped hunting animal protein. In the Fertile Crescent - known today as the Middle East - humans travelled in nomadic groups of hunter-gatherers and ate what they killed.
Animals That Changed History - Season 1
When our ancestors saw how other animals kept warm in sub-freezing temperatures, they started hunting them for their hides and fur. As hominid evolution was diverging from other primates, they lost their thick covering of fur when the mercury dropped.
Animals That Changed History - Season 1
About twelve thousand years ago, before the Neolithic Revolution, humans were mainly hunter-gatherers. Among the animals we hunted were the wild aurochs, the ancestor of all domestic cattle. The domestication of cows led to the use of oxen as draught animals that could help farmers plough fields.
Animals That Changed History - Season 1
Throughout history, humans have surrounded themselves with animals. But there are two species that are our undeniable favourites. Every dog today was once a wolf - genetically speaking. Wolves and hominids met as early as 400,000 years ago. Ancient hunter-gatherers and wolves competed for the same prey, and used the same tracking techniques.
Big is beautiful
The world is full of giants, huge creatures that fill us with awe and wonder. Some are gentle giants. Others are deadly hunters. There are different ways of defining ‘big’ - biggest in volume, or the biggest of their kind. But one thing is for sure, the huge animals of this world are fascinating, diverse and beautiful.
Sharks of the Icy North
We mostly know the nimble predators from the depths of tropical seas. At the same time very little is known about the sharks of the icy North.
Animals That Changed History - Season 1
For most of our history, people have fallen victim to crippling disease, and not had a clue where it came from. Despite our best efforts, we are vulnerable - not, perhaps, to lions, tigers, and bears - but more to the killers we can’t even see. In America during the early 1980s, a mysterious new disease claims the lives of 159 people, most of them gay men.
Animals That Changed History - Season 1
As a species, we believe we are more than just animals. We are inspired to express ourselves through words, art, music, and scientific endeavours. Our ancestors painted animals on cave walls - usually large mammals, like bison and deer. Animals were out first artistic subject, our first inspiration.
The Story of Europe
Europe's history has many dark sides, but its culture is more than a small gleam of hope, it radiates in many areas far out into the world. The old continent sets standards in art, literature and science. Starting with the ancient Greeks, Europe produces a number of smart and creative minds: from Aristotle to Michelangelo and Einstein, from Beethoven to the Beatles.
The Story of Europe
Europe has been a battle concept for centuries: it often takes foreign enemies to weld the Europeans together. But for centuries, they are primarily fighting against themselves. It was not until the Enlightenment and the French Revolution of 1789 that a new idea of Europe emerged based on common values: freedom, equality and fraternalism.
The Story of Europe
Europe has never experienced such a long period of peace and prosperity as after the Second World War. When the Iron Curtain falls in 1989, the dream of a Europe united in peace and freedom seems finally to become reality. But whether financial or refugee crisis - the European euphoria has disappeared, nationalists are on the rise again.
Wild Sex
Sex is at the heart of everything. It’s the only real way of leaving a legacy - in the genes of the future. But there’s more than just the act - it’s the build up to it when wildlife shows its incredible diversity. It drives touching courtships and fierce battles. Hormones and sex drive are forces that shape behaviour and can change an animal’s purpose and persona. This is the story of how wild things get sexy.
Eagle Lakes
The Lauenburg Lake District is located between Lübeck and Lauenburg on the River Elbe. With more than 470 square kilometres, it is the third largest natural reserve in Schleswig-Holstein. Due to its extensive forest areas, 40 lakes and its proximity to Mecklenburg’s biosphere reserve Lake Schalsee, it forms the largest protectoral area alongside the former inner-German border.
Anaconda Wanted
Anacondas have fired people's imagination since time immemorial. Hardly any other animal is so feared and yet at the same time so revered as the biggest snake in the world.
Sudden Death
The gallery forests of the Serengeti are the realm of a phantom. The shadowy thickets are the domain of a Leopardess.
Haunted Huntress
A brook in the Serengeti is the home of a leopardess. The secret queen of the shadows took care of her son and has done a good job so far but the adventure continues.
The War continues
Having previously been dominated by the Empires of Russia, Germany and Austro-Hungary, many peoples of Eastern Europe had cherished hopes of gaining freedom after World War I.
The End of the Ottomanns
At the end of WWI, the Treaty of Versailles and the Treaty of Sèvres stood for a new world order. This is where the victorious powers decided the Ottoman Empire was to be broken up.
Gold for Kim - A Life for North Korea's Leader
North Korea is a country of stark contrasts. On the one hand, it presents real socialist stereotypes like cryptic messages from a frozen time loop, combined with shocking reports on shortages. On the other hand, polished Pyongyang lures with a futuristic skyline, flashy amusement parks and department stores with a range of goods equal to those in western consumer meccas.
Signs of Evil - The Runes of the SS
The symbol of the SS, Hitler’s Schutzstaffel, stands for terror and the murder of millions. The penniless graphic artist Walter Heck was given the job of designing the jagged, rune-like characters in 1929. The “sig” rune was rooted deep in the ideological cosmos of the Nazis and their supporters. They saw themselves as the descendants of the Teutons and declared the runes to be humanity’s original Germanic script. The symbol was meant to unite Heinrich Himmler’s “Black Order.” But did it escape their notice that it was originally of Semitic origin? In October 1945, the Allies passed a law banning the Nazi Party and all associated organizations, including the SS. The young Federal Republic even forbade all Nazi symbols. This documentary tells the gripping story of the SS symbol, from the Middle Ages to the present day.
Mata Hari - The Beautiful Spy
In February 1917 World War I is raging when Mata Hari is arrested in Paris and taken to the examining magistrate. Her very life is at stake: she is accused of high treason. The famous exotic dancer has come to represent beauty and the power of feminine seduction. The documentary Mata Hari - the Beautiful Spy tracks down the true story of this fascinating woman.
The Child Crusades - Barefoot to the Promised Land
In Cologne in 1212 a boy named Nicholas captivated thousands of children between the ages of eight and fifteen with his fanatical speeches. They had been chosen, he said, to liberate Jerusalem. Likewise, in the French town of Cloyes a young shepherd gathered numerous children around him with the same proclamation.
Forest of Heroes
From Lower Saxony and North Rhine Westphalia, from Osnabrück to Paderborn, one of Germany’s most beautiful forests extends for some 150 kilometers - the Teutoburg Forest. The low mountain range became famous due to the Varus Battle that took place in 9 AD. It was here that Hermann, or Arminius, the Cherusci Prince vanquished the Roman occupation army.
The Battle for the Baltic Sea
It’s in spring 2008, when the telephone of the Archaeological State Office Schleswig-Holstein suddenly rings. The message archeologist Martin Segschneider receives makes him curious.
Operation Peter Pan - The Secret War against Cuba
In 2016, a historic moment arrived when Barack Obama spoke in Cuba to the inhabitants of the island nation and promised a future together. For the first time in more than 50 years, an American president had entered the communist country and turned towards an erstwhile enemy. However, the US economic embargo against Cuba continues. It sanctions the socialist state – although the UN General Assembly recently again called it a violation of international law. Many Cubans are therefore sceptical about a new political future, despite the friendly words of the American President. Their distrust is deep. It is based on over fifty years of history and the policies of the United States towards their country. For years, the Cuban government has raised serious allegations against their big neighbour. The film "Operation Peter Pan" tracks these allegations.
Monsters and Myths
Monsters have always been part of our nightmares and fairy tales. But where do they actually come from? How much of them is truth, how much is myth? Going to great lengths in this documentary, the filmmakers join scientists to explore a number of the best known sagas and legends in the world.
World War A - When Aliens Attack
Scientists are already looking feverishly for evidence of extraterrestrial life. With the ExoMars mission, ESA will soon find life on Mars. If there are only tiny microbes, there could also be life in other places in the universe. But can life in space exist at all? The exobiologist Jean-Pierre de Vera collects microorganisms around the world and tests them in his Mars simulation laboratory. Can they survive under the deadly conditions of Mars? Researchers believe there are planets on which alien life can exist. In 1991 the Swiss astrophysicist Michel Mayor discovered the world's first exoplanet. Since then, about 3,000 planets have been detected outside our solar system. Heike Rauer from the German Aerospace Center is looking for habitable planets. Will she find a second earth? The European Southern Observatory is also searching for life in space, building the largest telescope in the world. In the next 20 years the E-ELT should be able to prove the existence of life on distant planets. How would extraterrestrials look? Some scientists suspect that they may well resemble us humans. Under other environmental conditions, alien life could also arise completely differently. It could be formed from methane and silicon. Different gravity would form alien bodies completely differently. Could extraterrestrials send us messages? At the SETI Institute in California, alien hunters like Seth Shostak are listening to signals from alien civilizations. But mere listening is no longer enough. Some SETI researchers now want to send messages to the aliens themselves. They hope to finally get an answer. But would that be a bad idea? Many scientists warn of the dangers of establishing contact. The former SETI researcher and science fiction author David Brin also fears that it could be a devastating mistake. With well-meant news we could end up attracting attention from hostile civilizations. Should we really tell them that we exist and where they can find us?
UFOs and the Cold War
Pop culture is unthinkable without them, and so is the Cold War: UFO’s, those flying saucers allegedly bringing aliens to dominate the world.
The Balkans in Flames
The documentary THE BALKANS IN FLAMES examines the disintegration of the former Socialist Federation of Yugoslavia.
Hannibal: A March on Rome
Hannibal’s crossing of the Alps, one of the greatest military feats ever.
Crime Scene Eulau - The Mystery of the 13 Skeletons
This documentary focuses on a spectacular discovery made in a quarry near the village of Eulau, not far from the central German town of Naumburg. Neolithic graves contained the skeletons of three women, two men and eight children, buried tenderly 4500 years ago, some affectionately entwined. In 2008, for the first time anywhere in the world, it was possible to perform a DNA analysis on the earliest evidence of the existence of a nuclear family. This was a sensation - but why did these people all die at the same time? Were they the victims of a violent crime? Who were they, and how did this terrible drama unfold? Archaeologists insist that these victims will not be forgotten, since these days it is possible to do far more than simply date and record such finds. Modern scientific methods have revolutionised archaeology, enabling us to discover how and why the family from Eulau in the German state of Sachsen-Anhalt died 4500 years ago. By enlisting the help of a CID profiler, archaeologists and anthropologists employ state-of-the-art analytical methods to investigate this Stone Age crime. In the process we discover key information about an era before recorded history which has previously been shrouded in mystery - and astonishing information about the composition of the population here also comes to light. It seems that the third millennium before Christ saw two major waves of migration, from Eastern and Western Europe, which determine the composition of the population here. In the middle of what is now Germany these two migratory movements met. Could this be the background to the mysterious murders of Eulau?
Chasing the Undead
For our ancestors, the fear of the undead was very real. If you look beneath the earth you`ll find: bodies that have been weighted down with stones, tied up or even decapitated in their...
Myths: The Seven Greatest Riddles
In this documentary, we get to the bottom of history’s most popular myths. Archaeologists unearth ancient tombs and embark on underwater expeditions.
The Moon Landing and the Nazis
The film "The Moon Landing and the Nazis" documents the involvement of German NASA employees with the Third Reich.
The End of the Ottomanns
At the end of WWI, the Treaty of Versailles and the Treaty of Sèvres stood for a new world order. This is where the victorious powers decided the Ottoman Empire was to be broken up.