The first episode focuses on Greece, including a visit to the archaeological dig at the site of Alexander the Great's birthplace in Aegae. Her journey also takes her to Athens, Nafplio, Sparta and Olympia, and to a dig at Epidaurus, where an underground snake pit used for healing has been discovered and an ancient theatre turns out to still be acoustically perfect.
The historian travels to Malta in search of ancient artefacts, and leads the first TV crew to be allowed to film in the Hypogeum, a recently discovered underground temple that provided a burial place for up to 7000 individuals. Before a major restoration project starts, Bettany is invited to film in the Queen and Prince Philip's romantic hideaway, the Villa Guardamangia, and explores in a series of underground tunnels from the Second World War.
The historian explores Gibraltar, encountering the world's first evidence of Neanderthal art, and handles the first report of Admiral Nelson's death in the Gibraltar Chronicle. She also explores the colourful natural formations of the underground pleasure gardens, and discovers where Victorian officers left messages carved into cave walls.
Bettany embarks on a Mediterranean voyage, beginning at its mouth with a recently discovered mask of Medusa, identified from fragments in Gorham's Cave on Gibraltar. Charting a course east, Bettany journeys to the strategic Island of Malta, where a Punic tomb has just been discovered. She reveals contents that prove these Phoenicians originated from North Africa. In the countryside, Bettany discovers how farmers grow three citrus crops a year with a special tour of an ancient Arabic underground irrigation system called The Invention of Summer".
The historian visits a dig in Istanbul containing artefacts from multiple eras, and follows in the footsteps of one of her heroes, Byzantine empress Theodora. She visits the restoration of the 6th-century Basilica Cistern, a marble-columned water reservoir under the city's streets, Topkapi Palace, and Europe's largest wooden building, Prinkipo Orphanage, which was once home to more than 1000 children.
The host travels to Saudi Arabia and Jordan, and visits the iconic sites and undiscovered jewels that are only just becoming accessible to tourists. From the natural beauty of the Red Sea, with its outstanding corals and marine life, to the ancient rock art and desert camps of local Bedouin tribes, testament to humanity's connection to this awe-inspiring landscape over millennia.
In Jordan, Bettany discovers the well-preserved Roman city of Jerash, and journeys to three biblical sites: Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the Dead Sea, and Machaerus, where John the Baptist was imprisoned and killed.
Bettany explores Aphrodite's cult, and visits her sanctuary at Palaepaphos. And in the stunning Troodos Mountains, she also discovers Byzantine churches linked to the Crusaders.
In Bodrum, Bettany gains unprecedented access to the tomb of a 4th century BCE dynasty leader, and investigates exciting new developments at the world-famous site of Troy
In Turkey, Bettany visits the underground cave cities of Cappadocia and the 10,000-year-old temple and settlement at Göbeklitepe. In the east of the country, she visits Urfa, one of the most significant pilgrimage cities of the Middle East, believed by some to be the birthplace of the Biblical figure Abraham, and hikes up to Mount Nemrut, the highest open-air museum in the world.
In mountainous Albania, Bettany visits epic fortress towns and breath-taking archaeological sites and finds a richly diverse history and culture
Bettany uncovers a society which grew rich by selling copper, and visits the crowning glory of Bronze Age Oman: mysterious 5000-year-old beehive-shaped tombs
In Gobustan, Bettany uncovers 40,000-year-old rock art. Then she heads to Shaki, an important stop for merchants travelling on the ancient Silk Road.
Bettany Hughes visits the ancient Roman ports of Oricum and Apollonia before traveling to the mountains bordering North Macedonia. She joins a team of archaeologists who uncover treasures beneath the waters of Lake Ohrid. Her journey continues to the Ottoman city of Berat, where she explores a diverse history of honor and religious tolerance. Finally she goes into the medieval world of Albania's castles.
Bettany Hughes travels to Estonia. On board a ferry, Bettany travels to Saaremaa - Estonia's "Viking Island" - and discovers a sacred burial site with traces of human sacrifice. Back in Tallinn, she explores the history of a huge medieval shipwreck and visits the Niguliste Church Museum. To the west, Bettany explores the island of Kihnu, considered the last matriarchy in Europe.
In Georgia, Bettany explores the mythical quest of Jason and the Argonauts, and learns the story of Tamar: the queen who became a king.
In this episode, Bettany Hughes travels to Bulgaria. In Varna on the Black Sea she sees a 6,000-year-old gold treasure and presents the life of people in one of Europe's earliest civilizations. In the Valley of the Thracian Kings, she marvels at exceptionally lively paintings in a 2,300-year-old tomb. She also witnesses a fire ritual in the village of Kosti and sees how the Pomaks paint their brides.
In Azerbaijan, Bettany visits Europe's highest settlement, encounters a language unlike any other, and visits what might be the tomb of the famed Amazon warriors.
Bettany lifts the lid on historical artefacts from the eastern Mediterranean, from the oldest sword on record to the earliest evidence of human government. She is granted expert access to the birthplace of Alexander the Great, investigating the tomb of the emperor's sister and going behind the scenes to see the restoration of hundreds of precious artefacts discovered at the site
