When the perfectly preserved corpse of a dinosaur that died 110 million years ago is unearthed, excitement ignites across the world. Follow paleontologist as they use the latest technology to solve the mystery of this newly discovered species.
Discover what happened between the German and British navy in WW1 of the coast of Denmark.
A journey through some of the most beautiful gardens in the world, revealing the secrets of both classical and contemporary Japanese gardens. Experiencing a Japanese garden is a journey towards better understanding of the Japanese people. Filmed on location in Japan, the program reveals the secrets of both traditional and contemporary Japanese gardens including those of the legendary Moss Temple of Saiho-ji, Katsura Imperial Villa, Tenryu-ji, the Ken Domon Museum of Photography, and Sogetsu Hall. For the film's producers, an intimate look at the gardens provided an unusual opportunity to shed new light on Japanese culture. To truly experience the Japanese garden, the production team decided to organize the film much like the gardens themselves--natural in appearance and flow, yet completely controlled.
"Peace, Land, Bread" was the slogan of the Russian Revolution, but the idealistic social experiment was doomed from the start. In its first three years under Lenin's Bolshevik rule, millions were killed, and within a generation, nearly a third of the world's population lived under of the shadow of Communism. This two-part series examines this tumultuous political event, detailing its growth from a peaceful bread protest to full-blown social upheaval.
It takes a special person to sit on six million pounds of fuel and blast into space at 17,000 MPH. Join the crew of the Space Shuttle Endeavour, six highly trained astronauts on a mission to produce the most detailed 3D images of Earth, using a specially modified radar system. Witness what it's like to fly over Australian deserts, Caribbean islands, and African jungles in a matter of minutes, and see how this unique vantage point details not only Earth's beauty, but its frailty as well.
Children love the gross and the icky – and who knew that the Smithsonian was a repository for so much that is not only gross and icky, but also weird? In this show, we take a fun and informative look at ten wondrous and unusual artefacts drawn from the Smithsonian’s collections. Includes: Soap Man (a man from Philadelphia mummified in soap), the world’s longest tapeworm (18ft), a giant squid and a million year old sample of Giant Sloth dung.
On December 4, 1872, the unmanned Mary Celeste was found adrift in the Atlantic with its cargo fully intact. The mystery of this "ghost ship" remained unanswered for over 135 years. What happened to the Mary Celeste is widely regarded as the most famous mystery of the sea. Watch it unfold to its stunning conclusion, at last.
The famous aircrafts of the first century of flight can only be seen at the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum, housed in Washington, DC, and in the Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia. The Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum (established in 1946), also known as America's Hangar, houses over 300,000-square-feet of aircraft and is the world's most-visited museum. It has preserved and displays many of the world's most- renowned historic aircraft. From the first airplane, commercial aircraft and spacecraft to take an American into orbit, Smithsonian Channel takes you on a personal tour of the collections of the National Air and Space Museum, chronicling the first century of flight.
They are studied in school and visited by millions. They are world-renowned symbols of our nation. But they are also shrouded in misinformation, mystery, and mythology. How much do we really know about America's greatest monuments? From war memorials, to monuments honoring America's founding fathers, to Arlington's eternal flame, these soaring tributes in stone, steel, soil, and sky have amazing stories to tell. They are a permanent record of our nation's history and our evolution into the world's greatest democracy-a country of the people.
If you've ever used the phrase "when pigs fly" to describe something that'll never happen, you may want to reach back into your bag of idioms. A team of flying experts has tackled the challenge of designing a pig that can actually take to the skies. To them, nothing is impossible. See the unique aerodynamics needed to get things in the air and unusual flying machines that look like doghouses, lawn mowers, and pigs.
The Postal Inspections Unit is one of the oldest, least known and most dangerous areas of law enforcement in the country. These agents are no ordinary government workers; they carry badges and high-powered guns and deal with serial killers, bootleggers and con artists. They solved America's last stagecoach robbery, guard the transfer of the nation's gold reserve to Fort Knox, and captured the Unabomber. From snail mail to email, these agents literally put their lives on the line to protect us.
Suicide attacks have become a frightening modern day reality. An unprecedented military strategy, conceived by the Japanese in a frantic effort to avoid defeat during the final months of World War II, suicide attacks resulted in over 150 allied ships damaged and more than 4,000 U.S. soldiers killed. Although ultimately unsuccessful, this strategy was an effective and demoralizing campaign that left American troops uneasy and filled with dread. Smithsonian Networks reveals film footage of Japanese kamikaze training, shares U.S. military footage, interviews veterans from both sides of the conflict, stages historic reenactments and shows you one of the world's only intact Kamikaze planes on display at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Day of the Kamikaze documents the origins of kamikaze battle and shares true, eyewitness accounts of the biggest and bloodiest suicide attack in history over two days in 1945 when the Japanese launched Operation Heaven against the allied fleet in the Pacific. Produced by Darlow Smithson Productions for Smithsonian Networks International in association with Channel 4
It was a strange affair, full of love, lust and despair... That of Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun, his mistress from 1932 to their double suicide in Hitler's Berlin bunker, that fateful day in April 1945. For the first time, this extraordinary film shows Hitler in his private life, as seen through the eyes - and the camera lens - of Eva Braun, who with her own 16mm camera recorded a "making-of" (in color!) about Hitler and his regime.
Enter the brilliant eccentric world of one of Japan's best-known artists. Only episode of the four-part series "Portrait of Artistic Genius" that the Smithsonian Channel aired. English narration by Don Kobiela.
Their mission was to destroy two cities in Japan, and that is what they did. Fifty years after the atomic bomb missions over Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, surviving crewmen of the Enola Gay and Bockscar speak out about those fateful days at the end of a terrible war and how the weight of their task changed them-and the world-forever. Hear the airmen's stories as only they can tell them, with interviews from the 50th reunion of the mission crews, rare archival footage, and invaluable personal recollections.
Puggles, Schnoodles, Labradoodles-they're not newfangled snack treats, they're actually newfangled dogs. Join us as we chronicle the never-ending search for the perfect canine and look at the world of hybrid, purebred, and rescue dogs.
Deep in the jungles of Southeast Asia is an elusive and endangered member of the panther family that is threatened by poachers, development, and natural habitat changes. The fate of this exotic, python-patterned, clouded leopard may rest in the hands of a small cadre of scientists, activists, and veterinarians determined to help it stave off extinction. Three daring women comb the forests of Thailand for evidence of the elusive "ghost cat." They infiltrate a notorious smuggler's paradise and black market of exotic animals, determined to save the stunning creature.
For years, fishermen have known of a unique spot in the ocean off southern Australia, a place of amazing catches and a huge luminescent blue creature of the deep. As much as one hundred feet long, weighing up to 180-tons, with a heart the size of a Volkswagen, and a tongue that weighs more than an elephant, the blue whale is a sight to behold. Join Smithsonian Networks as HD cameras capture the planet's largest living creature having a feeding frenzy.
An up-close look at Brazilian monkeys, the golden lion tamarins, at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C.
The annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance car show is where the world's millionaires and billionaires show off some of the most exotic cars on the planet. Winning this competition can add hundreds of thousands to a car's value, but any of these collectors will tell you that it's not about the money-it's about bragging rights.
Peek at the first hours of three tiger cubs to their first swim at the National Zoo.
Wings of Honor tells the stories of three men who fought in World War II and follows them as they fly to Washington DC to visit a monument built in their honor. They return to a celebration - and that long awaited welcome home.
Explore NASA's development from its founding in 1958 to its preparation for a moon landing. The beginning of space exploration was full of questions and unknowns; until they started sending living organisms into orbit, no one knew if the vacuum of outer space would be deadly. This film provides a 10-year history of National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) role in the exploration of space. It describes major accomplishments in aeronautics, atmospheric research, the use of scientific and applications satellites, studies of the moon and planets, and manned space flight. Originally released in 1968, this film is more than an account of hardware evolution. Tracing back to the birth of American space exploration, it recounts the unshakable optimism of a time when space seemed to offer unlimited opportunities.
Imagine a day when dog lovers unleash their creativity, and their obsession, on the world. This is California's Big Dog Parade. UNLEASHED takes us behind-the-scenes at this zany showdown where dog-owners dream up theatrical floats and costumes. Contenders compete for prizes ranging from luxurious getaways to free dog food-- but mostly it's about bizarre bragging rights, boundless creativity, and the extraordinary kinship between people and their dogs. Through the stories of a few devoted competitors, the film reveals a commitment that extends far beyond the time and money poured into this event. For many, the dedication began when they rescued their pup from a shelter or an abusive owner. There are others who nurse disabled dogs, caring for them as they would a relative. Each relationship is unique, intense, and full of surprises. These are the stories that take us beyond the parade and into the heart of a nation that has clearly gone to the dogs.
Going from 0 to 150 mph in three seconds, withstanding three Gs of force, and taking off from what's often called "the most dangerous place on the planet" are just parts of everyday life for an aircraft carrier pilot-and it's no different for the crew aboard the USS Enterprise. After being stationed in the Middle East for a year, these pilots have seen heavy action in Afghanistan and Iraq. Now, finally, they're returning home. With amazing personal stories and real-time footage from missions, this is an exciting insider's peek at life onboard a wartime aircraft carrier
"D-Day - The True Story of Omaha" evaluates evidence, old and new, to reveal that the pivotal battle at Omaha Beach was nearly a total disaster. Although an accidental breakdown in communications could have led to complete loss, the opportunity for victory was seized by a small group of men who were in the wrong place at the right time. New evidence shown in the film reveals that the German defenses were far stronger than anticipated. The recent discovery of a captured German map and the re-emergence of an entire German bunker, hidden under the Normandy soil for over sixty years, bring new insights into how the strength of the German defenses had increased significantly between the planning for D-Day and the invasion itself.
Her dream job happens to be one of the most dangerous pursuits on earth. Meet Nan Hauser: whale expert, conservationist, and champion to the giants of the deep. From grueling days on the ocean, to taking on the U.S. Navy, to swimming with the graceful but highly unpredictable ten-ton cetaceans, she's made it her life's work to understand and preserve the whales and dolphins of Oceania. Her groundbreaking work and dedication prove that one person can make a difference.
The president isn't the only one who works in the White House. From devoted doormen to enthusiastic chefs, the country's most famous home depends on a staff of dedicated individuals who serve president after president.
He was a shining light, a beacon of hope, in the German resistance movement. The bomb he placed at Hitler’s headquarters could have put an end to war and genocide. But like most German army officers, Claus Schenk, Count von Stauffenberg, was at first a fascinated observer of Hitler’s rise and his early military successes. He, too, was carried away by the triumph of the French campaign. It was a long road for this loyal follower of his commander-in-chief to become the man who tried to kill the Fuhrer on 20 July 1944. How did it happen? What turned an ambitious officer from an old aristocratic family into the mastermind of a coup d’etat? What did he know about the crimes committed under the Nazi regime?
A 600-acre patch of forest in Panama where 72 species of bats co-exist - more than in the whole of Europe or the USA. German scientist Elisabeth Kalko spent over 10 years working in the dark on Barro Colorado Island, gathering a group of the world's most adventurous and daring women scientists - the batwomen of Panama.
The history of America's most hallowed ground, Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
A look at the rise and fall of the Monkees, pop's first manufactured sensation. Two child actors, a folk singer, and a country guitarist answered a newspaper advertisement casting "4 insane boys, age 17–21," and quickly found themselves TV and music superstars in the late 1960s, before it all came to a screeching halt.
We go behind the scenes and into the minds of artists as they capture, commemorate, and, at times, condemn our presidents.
Discover the hidden symbolism of the Landsdowne, a familiar full-length portrait of George Washington that hangs in the National Gallery. Examine Gilbert Stuart's unforgettable portrait, which captures the spirit of this victorious general, stalwart leader, and pioneering president of the United States of America. The story of the painting reverberates to present times.
September 11th 2001 is the most terrifying and enduring tragedy of our time. The images of that day stay with us for all of us, but for many, the most powerful legacy of that fateful day is the voices calling from inside the towers, whether telling loved onesthey were safe, saying goodbyewhen all hope was lost, or even seeking confort from strangers in a desperate call for help.
Picture a spectacular vampire attack at the tomb of an Austrian princess. A scene from Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" series? No. It's the deleted opening to Bram Stoker's "Dracula," a horror classic that many experts believe was actually based on a woman. Archaeologists, historians, and forensic scientists revisit the days of vampire hysteria in the eighteenth century Czech Republic and re-open the unholy grave of dark princess Eleonore von Schwarzenberg. They uncover her story, once buried and long forgotten, now raised from the dead.
This is the definitive story of the world's first and last supersonic passenger jet, exploring the defining moments in Concorde's history and revealing the untold story behind the devastating crash of Flight AF4590 in 2000. Ten years on arguments still rage about what caused the crash that helped seal Concorde's fate, but could Concorde still be flying today? What really destroyed the most ambitious dream in aviation history?
A vacation along Panama's Pearl Islands led archaeologist James Delgado to an astounding discovery, the world's first working submarine, rusting on a remote beach, forgotten for over 135 years. We follow Delgado as he uncovers the mystery surrounding this maritime treasure. How did the vessel work, what killed its inventor and crew, and why did it end up here in this deserted archipelago? We also trace the amazing life of German engineer Julius Kroehl and how he invented a diving craft that was half a century ahead of its time.
Watch "pilots of the puny" use their extraordinary ingenuity to create remarkable one-man flying machines. What motivates these seemingly average men, and why do they risk their lives? Soar upwards of ten thousand feet in these impressive machines, and enter the minds of these daredevil designers, builders, and pilots who create and fly the tiniest aircrafts in the world.
Chris Rainier is a photographer with a passion for tattoo culture. He has traveled across the world to document was tattoos mean to different people. He has discovered that tattoos are used for an expression of identity. He now visits the Indonesian island of the Mentawai people, where the ancient ritual of tattooing fading away.
The deadly chytrid fungus is ravaging amphibian populations worldwide, leaving behind a destructive path of incurable disease. Frog species that have survived on our planet for more than 200 million years are facing mass extinction at an alarming rate. But an ambitious new plan involving a modern day Noah's Ark, and Smithsonian biologist Brian Gratwicke, just might be a last hope for these species. Venture deep into the Panamanian jungle as scientists search for these endangered frogs and fight to bring them back from the brink of extinction.
In March 1999, during the Kosovo War, as Lieutenant Colonel Dale Zelko piloted his F-117, he saw two missiles punch through the bottom of the clouds. The unbelievable had happened: A Serbian surface-to-air missile had locked on to his aircraft. Zelko was able to eject, and was rescued shortly after, but Serbian television immediately began broadcasting shots of the wreckage of the F-117 around the world. The U.S. military was stunned. How had the seemingly invulnerable stealth aircraft been targeted and brought down? A recent Smithsonian Channel special, titled Stealth: Flying Invisible, recounts the history of stealth from the advent of radar to the Lockheed Martin F-35, and beyond. Covered are the World War II origins of stealth; the cold war's stealthy U-2 reconnaissance aircraft; and the development of Lockheed's SR-71. (During the Vietnam War, the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing at Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa was said to have a sign about the SR-71 that read: "Yea, though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death I shall fear no evil, because I'm at 80,000 feet and Mach 3.") After the success of the SR-71, the goal became to build a fighter that was undetectable: hence the F-117. And stealth would ultimately change the battlefield. As Colonel David A. Moore, vice commander of the 49th Fighter Wing says in the episode, "There are some things that the F-117 does that are very unique. I like to describe it as going in to find the needle in the haystack...and then kill it. That is our job."
What's it like to be at the bottom of the food chain, where the odds of survival are 1 in 20,000? Immerse yourself in a world of mud dwellers, bottom foragers, algae-eaters and expert predators all fighting for survival in Florida's Indian River Lagoon. Host Peter Schriemer takes you on a journey through this 156-mile inland waterway where Smithsonian biologists are working to unlock the secrets of a hidden world. What they learn will help us better understand how to protect and preserve this aquatic wonder.
Health-Medical Documentary hosted by Roberta Solomon. It was 1952, and polio had reached outbreak levels in America. There was no known cause, no cure, and no help in sight for parents desperate to protect their children. Our nation's hope was placed in a 33-year-old scientist, working from a basement lab in Pittsburgh. His name was Jonas Salk, and in just a few years, he would bring infantile paralysis to its knees and change the course of medical history. Travel back to a world gripped in fear and see how Dr. Salk, with his dedicated staff, a young charity, and a faithful nation, came together to conquer polio.
Embark on an epic journey of Hope. The legend is as massive and multifaceted as the gem itself, spanning one billion years, three continents and leaving a trail of intrigue, envy and death.We uncover the science and secrets of history's most famous jewel by visiting different countries and getting expert opinions from forensic scientists and history scholars. Learn why the Hope Diamond has inspired superstition, passion and interest since its discovery, and witness the unveiling of Hope in its new limited-edition setting, designed by Harry Winston and chosen by the American public.
In February of 1960, a simple coffee order at America's favorite five-and-dime store sparked a series of events that would help put an end to segregation in the United States. Join us as we detail the extraordinary story of otherwise ordinary young men, four African-American college students whose nonviolent sit-in at a Woolworth's lun
Imprisoned 27 years for standing up for what he believed, Nelson Mandela persevered and was miraculously able to galvanize the world around his struggle to end apartheid ... even from behind bars at South Africa's brutal and remote Robben Island prison. Released in 1990, Mandela entered a world profoundly shaped by his dream, his homeland now one of multi-racial democracy. Against a backdrop of historical footage, this Nobel Peace Prize winner's own story is told through the eyes of 10 people who were there, who were inspired by his vision, who are a legacy of his epic quest.
A vacation along Panama's Pearl Islands led archaeologist James Delgado to an astounding discovery, the world's first working submarine, rusting on a remote beach, forgotten for over 135 years. We follow Delgado as he uncovers the mystery surrounding this maritime treasure. How did the vessel work, what killed its inventor and crew, and why did it end up here in this deserted archipelago? We also trace the amazing life of German engineer Julius Kroehl and how he invented a diving craft that was half a century ahead of its time.
Asia is home to the world's most lethal serpents, but which of its scores of slithering predators is the deadliest? Join venom expert Bryan Fry on his cross-continental quest to find the perfect serpentine killer.
Ten years later, the events of September 11, 2001, still resonate - especially for the people who were in critical leadership positions on that fateful day. Hear intimate accounts from New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and the chiefs of the NYPD and FDNY, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, Vice President Dick Cheney and many others who found themselves at the center of the action. Unprecedented decisions. Unimaginable tragedy. This is the definitive story, from 6 am to midnight, of a day that changed the world.
How do you grasp an event as enormous as September 11? At the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, you start small: A briefcase, a Blackberry, a victim's sweatshirt, and a hero's nametag. Simple objects that tell personal stories, recounted in the donors' own words. Stories from New York, the Pentagon and Shanksville, PA remind us that the legacy of 9/11 is not fear - it's friendship, courage, and ordinary people pushed by extraordinary circumstances. Their stories deserve to be remembered across decades and generations. By telling them, we triumph over tragedy.
On June 30, 1908, one of the biggest explosions in history rocked a forested region in Siberia. The theories of what happened are as widespread as the damage the fireball caused. Some speculate asteroids, space aliens and black holes were the culprit. Others focus on the earth, pinning the blame on everything from subterranean volcanoes to acclaimed physicist Nikola Tesla. Join the ongoing investigation over what caused one of the biggest explosions in history.
Follow the yellow brick road as we take a journey into the life of the man who created the first genuinely American fairy tale. L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” has been read by millions. The film adaptation has been seen by more people more times than any other film in the history of cinema. But little is known about the man behind it all, and how the people, places and circumstances in his life influenced this timeless tale. Discover a new perspective on this much-loved classic as we pull the curtain back on this wonderful writer. No other American children’s story has been as enthusiastically embraced by young and old alike as L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” The “Harry Potter” of its day, it has been adapted and re-invented by every generation since the book was first published in 1899. But how did this classic tale come to be? Visit the locations that inspired Baum’s Land of Oz, witness his family’s archival collection, and hear interviews with fans, historians, and the author’s family as we share this heart-warming story of the man behind the classic.
Angkor Wat is the largest temple on the face of the Earth and is a symbol of one of the greatest empires in the history of Southeast Asia. And yet, for centuries, the sacred structure remained lost within the tropical forests of Cambodia, along with the history of the young king who built the temple. Discover the story of Suryavarman II and how he ushered in the golden age of the Khmer Empire. See how Angkor Wat was constructed over four backbreaking decades, and witness the monument in its true glory and splendor, as it appeared 900 years ago.
The most spectacular architectural wonders in Cambodia's ancient city of Angkor were built after its darkest days. Journey with us as we trace the rise of Jayavarman VII who, after being exiled, became king of the Khmer Empire following his defeat of the Champa kingdom. See how the sprawling city complex of Angkor Thom grew under his rule to support the vibrant and thriving Khmer civilization. Witness the palaces and temples he built, as they first appeared hundreds of years ago, before time and nature took its toll on this once great city.
Mark Logue researches the life of his grandfather Lionel, who provided speech therapy to King George VI.
Ultimate predators of the Amazon rainforest, black caiman grow over twenty feet long and weigh in at one ton. Seeing these massive reptiles in the wild would send most people running in the other direction, but filmmaker and biologist Rainer Bergomaz and forest ranger Yung Sandy are on a mission that will bring them closer to these behemoths than anyone has ever dared before. Take a thrilling journey up Guyana's Essequibo River as these wildlife experts leave civilization in their wake and enter the lair of the Amazon Basin's most feared predator. (Source: The Smithsonian Channel)
In 1959, a new record label changed the sound of pop music forever. Berry Gordy's Motown label brought the world the Jackson Five, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and more. The legendary artists' unique blend of soul and pop influenced future musical idols from all over the world, including a young Phil Collins, who 50 years later, is still a fan. Join him as he teams up with Detroit session guitarists the Funk Brothers to record a tribute to Motown and prepare for the accompanying tour.
Millions of American Bison once roamed the Great Plains of North America. Now protected, their very existence relies on their instinct and ability to weather the ravages of the prairie's extreme seasonal shifts.
Australian scientist Michael Alpers dedicated over 50 years to researching Kuru, an obscure and incurable brain disease unique to the Fore people of New Guinea. Kuru was once thought to be a psychosomatic illness, an infection, a genetic disorder, even a sorcerer's curse, but Alpers' findings pointed to cannibalism as the culprit. Yet a recent discovery has proven to be even more disturbing: the malady is linked to mad cow disease and its human equivalent, variant CJD. With a decades-long incubation period, could a larger outbreak be on its way?
It is considered a wonder of the world, and one of the most popular tourist attractions on Earth, but few realize that the Taj Mahal was built as a monument to eternal love. This is the story of Shah Jahan, ruler of India's mighty Mogul Empire, and his queen, Mumtaz Mahal, and of a love too perfect to survive. The Queen's tragic death moved Jahan to construct a shrine worthy of her name, but with this iconic structure, he would ultimately pay a terrible price to complete his life's work.
Saint Nick, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, Santa Claus - From Armenia (Gaghant Baba) to China (Dun Che Lao Ren), India (Ganesha) and Yugoslavia (Deda Mraz), this beloved and iconic symbol of holiday cheer is known by dozens of names. But who was he? Was he the 4th-century miracle worker Bishop Nicholas of Myra in modern day Turkey? Or the 6th-century Abbot Nicholas of Zion? Did these Middle Eastern holy men become the jolly old Saint Nick of popular lore? Is our modern-day image of Santa the brain child of Civil War-era cartoonist Thomas Nast, looking to comfort weary soldiers during the holidays - and of savvy Coca Cola ad men who adopted the image 50 years later?
Eyewitnesses tel firsthand stories of the conquest of Italy by Allied forces and the capture and murder of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini during the last days of World War II as troops began the final, unstoppable push toward berlin
Eyewitnesses give firsthand accounts of the Allies' final march though Germany and the lingering resistance they encountered, the horrifying discovery of the death camps and the fall of Berlin in the last months of World War II
The 1933 Double Eagle is more than just a rare coin. It's a lightening rod for history, greed and corruption. Never officially issued, the coin was slated for destruction after being minted, but some Double Eagles escaped the meltdown and immediately became the obsession of billionaires, kings and criminal investigators. Join us as we recreate the story of the world's most valuable coin, a journey that takes us to an Egyptian King's palace, a Secret Service sting operation and the most extraordinary auction of the century.
The cheetah excels at acceleration, gathering speeds of over 60 MPH in just a few strides. It runs down high-speed prey faster than any mammal on Earth, but its quickness comes at a cost. For one mother raising three cubs, the stakes are especially high. Her lack of stamina results in many failed attempts to capture prey, and as a single parent, hunting means leaving her cubs unattended and vulnerable to other predators of the Serengeti. The race for survival is on. The cheetah has the speed, but does she have the endurance to make it?
It's a discovery for the ages...or at least the aging process. Meet the woman behind this amazing breakthrough.
The business of the birds and the bees gets more complicated when it comes to the endangered species of the world. Female giant pandas are only fertile once a year, for 48 hours. Male clouded leopards often try to kill their mates. But when nature fails, science steps in. Join us as we follow Dr. JoGayle Howard, matchmaker, surgeon, and reproductive sleuth on her mission to stave off extinction one litter at a time.
The story of how the world is threatened by rising sea levels due to carbon dioxide emissions and rising global temperatures. If Antarctica and Greenland melted, the world's oceans would rise by 230ft. Using current climate models, scientists predict a maximum six-foot sea-level rise this century - enough to flood Miami and displace millions of people everywhere from New Orleans to Bangladesh. The efforts to use engineering to save cities like London and New Orleans are revealed.
The grasslands of Africa are a banquet for feline predators. The unique grasses attract herbivores by the millions including herds of wildebeests and zebras who come to graze in spite of the danger of being eaten themselves. Take a closer look at the African savannah as we explore the hunting and nurturing habits of lions, leopards and cheetahs inside one of the most unique ecosystems on Earth.
Embark on an epic journey of Hope. The legend is as massive and multifaceted as the gem itself, spanning one billion years, three continents and leaving a trail of intrigue, envy and death.We uncover the science and secrets of history's most famous jewel by visiting different countries and getting expert opinions from forensic scientists and history scholars. Learn why the Hope Diamond has inspired superstition, passion and interest since its discovery, and witness the unveiling of Hope in its new limited-edition setting, designed by Harry Winston and chosen by the American public.
Hacienda Nápoles in rural Colombia was once the haunt of billionaire psychopath Pablo Escobar, who just so happened to have a soft spot for exotic animals – particularly Hippopotami! During the excesses of his reign of terror, extorting billions of dollars from the illicit trafficking of cocaine to the USA, he ordered his henchmen to organise four of these gigantic beasts to be captured in Africa and delivered by plane to his notorious playboy ranch. The hippos were to be shown off as a 'novelty act' to impress and entertain his drug cartel cronies. In so doing, Pablo Escobar unwittingly spawned a Colombian alien animal invasion; a real life Jurassic Park-story (all complete with concrete dinosaur statues!) - with potentially terrifying consequences. Having broken down the fences and escaped the notorious drug baron's exotic zoo, one of the most deadly animals on Earth is now running riot on the streets and infiltrating the wilderness of Colombia. Today, rumours circulate that as many as 100 hippos occupy the country; creatures that kill more people in Africa than any other megafauna including elephants, rhinos and lions! Having broken down the fences and escaped the notorious drug baron's exotic zoo, one of the most deadly animals on Earth is now running riot on the streets and infiltrating the wilderness of Colombia. Today, rumours circulate that as many as 100 hippos occupy the country; creatures that kill more people in Africa than any other megafauna including elephants, rhinos and lions! Compounding the problem, Colombia is proving to be a paradise for African hippos as there are no natural predators and a year-round abundance of water and luscious grass to feed on. In fact, the conditions are proving so favourable that Pablo's so-called "Cocaine Hippos" are believed to be breeding at twice the underlying rate of their African cousins! The Colombian hippo situation is a ticking ecological time bomb in urgent need of defusing. As the largest alie
In the pantheon of predators, it's one of the greatest discoveries since the T-Rex: a snake 48 feet long, weighing in at 2,500 pounds. Uncovered from a treasure trove of fossils in a Colombian coal mine, this serpent is revealing a lost world of giant creatures. Travel back to the period following the extinction of dinosaurs and encounter this monster predator.
April 4, 1968. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is gunned down on the balcony of a hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. It was all caught on film, tape and audio. So why have we seen so little of it? The well-known photograph of Dr. King's aides pointing toward the direction of the gunfire is iconic, but tells only part of the story. For the first time, a remarkable collection of recently rediscovered footage has been chronologically reassembled. The resulting documentary allows us to revisit the tumultuous events surrounding one of the most shocking assassinations in America and relive history through the voices of the era.
Relatively few people know that along with authoring the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson also compiled his own text, drawn carefully from passages extracted out of the New Testament, that he titled "The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth." The book, which focused on the ethical teachings of Jesus, was a private undertaking for Jefferson and never made public in his lifetime. Now, experts at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History are meticulously conserving this fragile volume, page by brittle page. Along the way, they discover subtle hidden clues to Jefferson himself.
Lucian Freud, the controversial grandson of Sigmund Freud, has been called one of the greatest painters of the 20th century. His extraordinary portraits - of children, lovers, gangsters, supermodels, even the Queen of England - pushed the boundaries of art and broke world records at auction. They also enraged sitters and ended friendships. The royal photographer for The Times of London was so incensed by Freud's picture of the Queen that he said Freud should be thrown from the Tower of London. Freud, who died last summer, was notoriously elusive. Shortly before his death, however, he gave his full backing to this documentary. The film includes the only known footage of him painting on what turned out to be the last day he ever worked. Written by Smithsonian Channel
Author Tim Maltin presents evidence that the seed for the Titanic accident was sown by a bizarre weather condition.
On May 2, 2011 Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the 9/11 bombings, was killed by American special forces, marking an end to the longest, most expensive manhunt in American history. Witness the 20-year search for the most wanted man on Earth, as counter-terrorism experts in the White House, the CIA, and the FBI divulge their firsthand accounts. This inside story reveals the presidential frustrations, missed opportunities, and vicious turf wars that tainted the operation right up until the night Navy SEALs ended Bin Laden's reign of terror.
It's an incredible story of treasures saved, and hope restored. In the aftermath of the devastating 2010 earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, a cultural recovery project is born. The Smithsonian Institution, in collaboration with the Haitian government, embark on a mission to restore thousands of damaged artworks gathered from the ruins of public museums, private galleries, and toppled cathedrals. Follow the volunteer art conservators as they work tirelessly, and carefully, not only to salvage these tarnished historic relics, but to save Haiti's identity as well.
Before Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, there was the "Fairchild Eight," a team of young geniuses who discovered an everlasting treasure in the sands of Palo Alto. Travel back to the 1950s and witness the dawn of the electronics revolution, as told by the forefathers who built Silicon Valley from the ground up. This innovative film, by the writer of the Oscar-winning documentary The Cove, reveals how determination, jealousy, and the sheer joy of making the impossible possible drove these men to build the future and reinvent the American Dream.
In the untamed and uncompromising wilds of southwestern Africa, a remarkable and resourceful array of life exists. Here, animals, insects, birds, plants, and reptiles not only survive but thrive in one of our planet's toughest environments. How do they do it? That question sends naturalist Nick Baker on a thousand-mile trek across Namibia, from the arid Salt Pan of Etosha to the 55-million-year-old Namib Desert to the inhospitable Skeleton Coast. Join him on his journey and discover an extraordinary world crafted by millions of years of evolution.
Rainforests cover just six percent of Earth's surface yet contain almost half of the world's plants and animals. With a diversity of mammals, birds, and bugs unrivaled almost anywhere in the world, Panama's Barro Colorado Island is the perfect microcosm of nature. Every year, passionate and dedicated scientists gather to this oasis of life, scaling the treetops, from canopy to forest floor, in an attempt to unlock the secrets of the rainforest. Follow them as they explore how life thrives in one of the most complex habitats on Earth.
July 21, 2011 marked the end of the space shuttle program, and with it, the end of an era. Over the last 30 years, the shuttles Atlantis, Columbia, Challenger, Discovery and Endeavour have had an enormous impact on humanity, evoking tears of wonder and sorrow, and transforming our understanding of our universe and our planet. Prepare for liftoff as we explore the shuttle program's extraordinary legacy, featuring rare, archival footage and compelling testimonies from the astronauts, NASA scientists, and designers who made it all possible.
See how Africa's top predators, from lions to sharks to crocs, all bow to one king, the coast's ever-changing climate.
In 1914, the world's first trans-Antarctic expedition came to a cold stop. Trapped in ice just 60 miles from their destination, explorer Ernest Shackleton and his crew found themselves in a dire situation that would play out as a two-year battle against starvation, sub-zero conditions, and the threat of being swallowed by the unforgiving Southern Ocean. Witness this incredible story of courage and survival, fueled by ship captain Frank Worsley's exceptional navigational skills, the crew's resiliency, and Shackleton's cool-headed leadership
Washington, D.C. in 1861. The Civil War is at the doorstep and the city is bracing for disaster. America is a country torn in two. An untested President Lincoln strives to make the nation's capital the political center of the Union, but finds he is surrounded by Southern sympathies and under constant threat of attack. See how this once sleepy small town grew into the metropolis we know today. A city cast in marble, a symbol of American liberty and a memorial to those who fought tooth and nail to preserve it.
On a string of Southern Indonesian islands, poisonous predators lurk, each with its own toxic cocktail suited to its hunting style. Some bite. Some sting. Some strike quickly, while others deliver their own slow brand of death. Venom expert Dr. Bryan Fry is on a mission to uncover these creatures' poisonous secrets. Join him on a journey fraught with danger as he risks it all to get up close and personal with vipers, stonefish, and more. The ultimate encounter is with the beast sitting on top of the island food chain, the Komodo dragon.
There's a killer stalking the caves of North America, from New York, to Vermont and into Canada. Seemingly overnight, a disease known as white-nose syndrome is wiping out bats by the millions. In a race against time, bat expert Dr. DeeAnn Reeder and wildlife biologist Greg Turner search for the cause of and a cure for this mysterious fungus. Scientific ingenuity and groundbreaking technology may be the only hope to crack the case before an entire species is driven to extinction.
A 23-pound, solid-gold cauldron was found at the bottom of a Bavarian lake in 2001. Thought to be a 2,000-year-old Celtic treasure, one expert valued it at 1.4 billion dollars...until it was proven to be a fake. Yet the origins of this forgery prove to be just as historically significant. Discover the astonishing secrets behind this recently found artifact. Our investigation uncovers a story of intrigue, shady deals, and a plot by Nazi leader Heinrich Himmler to create a sinister Camelot inside "The Nazi Temple of Doom," Germany's Wewelsburg Castle.
Every graveyard tells a story, but few can talk to the living like Arlington National Cemetery. Visit the final home of war heroes from the Revolutionary War to 9/11 to the current struggle in Iraq. The American flag flies at half-staff more often than not as more than twenty-seven burials take place daily. Each section of the cemetery reflects a time in history, and each stone signifies a hero.
The most expensive and specialized airplane ever built, the B2 Stealth bomber carries a price tag of more than two billion dollars. Highly effective and extremely technically advanced, it has been an integral part of the Air Force arsenal for the past 20 years. From a Cold War scrap heap candidate, to the go-to bomber in the 2011 strike against Qaddafi's army in Libya, "Spirit" has seen its share of trials and triumphs. Join us as we detail how this secret weapon evolved to overcome critics, espionage, and even tragedy, to change the shape of aviation forever.
“Never, ever, publish them!” What was it Jackie Kennedy wanted to keep secret? Acclaimed director Patrick Jeudy has access to a series of conversations recorded a few months after her husband’s assassination in Dallas on November 22, 1963. The young widow was then 34, and she recounts the past like a novel about her dream life with her husband John Kennedy. They are conversations about history, and about her own story – including some very intimate secrets and controversial opinions. The Lady in Pink was continually driven by a dual purpose: that of molding her own image, whilst managing that of the president. She cannot change the past, so she may as well rewrite it and start to build the legend of JFK.
Across America, the morning of September 11, 2001 began routinely, with news and radio broadcasts sharing local human interest stories and traffic reports. But by 9 a.m., the day's narrative had taken a tragic turn. Most of us are familiar with the national news coverage of 9/11, but the local reporting from TV and radio affiliates across the nation was no less important and no less compelling. This is an account of the tragedy as it unfolded, and as it aired in American cities large and small, told without narration or interviews.
Since the eighth century, the Samurai have held a special place in Japanese history and culture. But over the years, legend has obscured the truth about how these elite knights actually lived, loved, fought, and died. Using rare 16th century war documents, we tell the story of a Samurai coming of age during that time. Witness his rise from peasant boy to foot soldier to ruthless warrior, all brought to life through stunning re-enactments and expert testimony from Japanese and martial arts historians.
Meet the Bionic Man: a talking, breathing, walking man, made of the best prosthetic body parts and robotic technology available
1934. Berlin. The Nazi party is on the rise, and so are violent acts against Jews. Anti-Semitism has become a state doctrine and racism has replaced education, profoundly affecting the most vulnerable members of the Jewish community: the children. But one woman dared to stand up to hatred and to Adolf Hitler's totalitarian regime. Witness the story of Leonore Goldschmidt, a fired teacher who found a loophole in Nazi law and opened the Goldschmidt School, a sanctuary for hundreds of Jewish youths, an oasis in the heart of hell.
Before Lee Harvey Oswald gunned down a president and stunned the world, another lone assassin had plans of his own to kill JFK. His weapon of choice was not a rifle, but a Buick 8, packed with dynamite and primed for detonation. Discover the story of Richard Pavlick as we go inside the mind of a madman. See what happens when we conduct a test to see if the car bomb would have worked, and the impact it might have had on history if President Kennedy had died three years before November 22, 1963
The doctor who tried to save him. The Secret Service agent who was seconds too late. The man wrongly accused of his murder. And the woman who unwittingly sheltered an assassin. The death of JFK has inspired thousands of books and debates over the last 50 years, but the stories of the people there on that day have gone largely untold...until now. Experience November 22, 1963 as it has never been presented before, in this minute-by-minute account of that day, narrated by Academy Award-winner Kevin Spacey, and brought to life through rarely seen footage and rarely heard testimonies.
To combat the devastating toll of malaria - which leads to 250 million cases and nearly one million deaths per year - scientists all over the world have been working for over 50 years to develop a vaccine. But the malarial parasite is of a formidable and elusive complexity. Today however, three main candidate vaccines are competing to be the world’s first malaria vaccine. Among them, the vaccine developed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in partnership with the global company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is nearing approval for widespread use. Its code name: RTS,S. The clinical trials are immense: more than 15 000 children tested in 7 African countries. But the RTS,S is also at the heart of a fierce political and scientific debate, fueled by researchers from rival teams who are critical of the molecule selected. They predict it will be inefficient in the short- or mediumterm and suspect that GSK and Bill Gates, who invested USD 500 million, are lobbying for their vaccine to be the first on the market regardless of its efficacy. From the plateaux of the Dogon country to the bush of Burkina Faso and laboratories in Europe, like in a scientific thriller, we will follow the fascinating chronicles of the development of this first vaccine and the polemics it will provoke in the months to come.
120 metres down off the wild coast of South Africa lives an animal once thought to have been extinct for 65 million years - the Coelacanth, locally known as Gombessa. A dinosaur fish, a living fossil, that remains the only link connecting fish to terrestrial tetrapods: its fins contain the beginning of reptile and mammal leg bones! Join a team of underwater explorers who film these legendary fish like never before.
On a December night in 1988, just days before Christmas, one of the worst air disasters in history occurred over Scotland. Pan Am Flight 103, carrying 259 passengers and crew, exploded at 31,000 feet. It fell to Earth in large, fiery sections across the sleepy, hillside town of Lockerbie. Witness the aftermath of a tragedy that shocked the world and changed a small town forever. Watch rare footage, much of which has never been broadcast before, and hear stories from those who were there and those whose lives were forever torn apart.
Discover why and how the chinese constructed this massive edifice.
Celebrate the remarkablepast of discovery space shuttle before it embarks on its last flight.
America's rich history of invention and innovation - often against the odds.
National air and space museum and it's crew
The bite of the black mamba is known by South African locals as the "kiss of death." A single strike can deliver enough neurotoxic venom to kill 15 grown men. It has one of Africa's worst reputations, but does it deserve its bad rap? Behind the bad press lies a mercurial reptile that is quite shy. Follow a female mamba looking for a home to incubate her eggs while avoiding her main enemy: humans. Then join snake bounty hunter Simon Keys, whose black mamba sanctuary offers a unique look at the secret behavior of this much-maligned snake.
For early aviators, conquering the forces of gravity was a daunting challenge. But black aviators had an additional challenge - conquering the forces of racism. Meet the men and women who took to the skies throughout the 20th century, proving to a segregated nation that skin color doesn't determine skill level. From biplanes to commercial jets, and from barnstormers to war fighters, meet the path-breaking pilots who opened the skies for all -- and contributed in countless ways to the development of aviation.
In the span of just a few years, Blondie went from a band fighting for punk cred at CBGB to international superstardom, thanks in large part to one album: Parallel Lines. What was the secret behind its success? How did it all come together...and nearly fall apart? Enter the recording studio with Blondie's frontwoman and namesake, Debbie Harry, the rest of the band, and producer Mike Chapman. Their conversations reveal the real stories behind iconic hits like "Heart of Glass" and "One Way or Another" and how they launched punk music into the mainstream.
Damaged and fragile, a fragment of ancient papyrus has unleashed a new interpretation of a religious story we thought we knew. In one of the most startling discoveries in recent memory, scholars confirm that a codex written in the ancient Coptic language refers to the wife of Jesus. Dr. Karen King, a Harvard professor, reveals that the papyrus bears the line "Jesus said to them, my wife..." It doesn't prove Jesus was married, but it raises questions about that possibility--and how some early Christians viewed the role of women in the church.
For the first time in 70 years, forensic archaeologists have been granted access to the Treblinka death camp, which suddenly disappeared in 1943, along with some 900,000 victims.
They were a family of seven Jewish dwarfs living under Nazi rule. What happened when they were discovered reaches beyond the imaginings of even the darkest fairy tale. Join actor Warwick Davis as he tells the story of the Ovitz family, a troupe of seven performers who became prisoners and, eventually, guinea pigs to the Nazi's "Angel of Death" Dr. Josef Mengele. Warwick's expedition takes us to Eastern Europe and explores their remarkable, inspirational story of human endurance.
It took more than 500 years to find the remains of King Richard III, and for those who discovered him, the months spent proving his identity felt just as long. This is the inside story of the 2012 unearthing of Britain's much-maligned monarch. Follow the remarkable story from the history-making excavation of a city parking lot, to the battery of tests that followed. From skeletal analysis, to CT scans, to DNA profiling, join scientists as they unlock the skeleton's secrets and confirm the true identity. The clues they discover may reveal what really happened in the King's final, grisly moments
Six weeks before D-Day, British, American, and Canadian soldiers took part in a vigorous and dangerous dress rehearsal for their Normandy invasion. Shockingly, the exercise would ultimately claim more American lives than the attack on Utah Beach. So what happened, exactly? How many Americans actually died? And who is to blame? Join us as we investigate the Exercise Tiger disaster, uncover the veil of secrecy surrounding it, examine the conspiracy theories it has inspired, and for the first time, tell the full story of the catastrophe.
Turn out the lights, hide in the shadows, and enter the secretive realm of the infamous ninja. We explore the untold history of these shadow soldiers; from their formation in the 14th Century to their battles against Samurai forces, led by ninja master Tanba, one of the most feared warriors in ancient Japan. Uncover guarded ninja techniques in spying, sabotage and ruthless undercover warfare, tactics that have earned them a reputation in their homeland as both heroic fighters and cunning, cold-hearted killers.
How America's national anthem came to be. Included: the flag and the battle that inspired it.
For 20-year-old Madison Stewart, nothing feels safer or more natural than diving straight into shark-infested waters. Since childhood, growing up by the Great Barrier Reef, she's treated these predators as family. But they're vanishing from existence, and because of their bad reputation, few people seem to care. Follow Madison on her mission to protect our sharks, a battle that began when she put her studies on hold, grabbed a camera, and set out to save these incredible, misunderstood creatures.
At any given moment hundreds of people are soaring above us in a 747. From the moment the very first jumbo jet took off in 1969, it has been the aircraft against which all others are judged. But its 45-year journey has been anything but smooth. This is the definitive story of the Boeing 747, from its milestones and triumphs to its turning points and disasters. Witness its history through rare archival footage and tales from pilots, engineers, designers, and passengers who were there when it all began.
There's a mysterious predator lurking in the depths of Australia's wild Southern Ocean, a beast that savagely devoured a great white shark in front of cinematographer David Riggs 11 years ago. Riggs's obsession to find the killer leads him to an aquatic battle zone that's remained hidden until now. Here, killer whales, colossal squid and great white sharks face off in an underwater coliseum where only the fiercest creatures of the marine world survive.
They've been rammed, beaten, dropped, run over, and even decapitated, all in the name of automotive safety. Join us as we track the evolution of the crash test dummy, one spectacular car wreck at a time. We examine each member of the dummy family tree, from 1948's Thin Man, the grandfather of them all, to 1976's industry standard Hybrid III, to today's THOR, the $750,000 god of safety. We also sit in on recent crash test experiments to show how, even decades later, these heroes of the highway show no signs of slowing down.
It's a condition known as "hypertrichosis" or "Ambras Syndrome," but in the 1500s it would transform one man into a national sensation and iconic fairy-tale character. His name: Petrus Gonsalvus, more commonly known today as the hairy hero of Beauty and the Beast. Discover the facts behind the fable as we follow Petrus's remarkable life with a very rare and hairy genetic condition. Then learn about this medical phenomenon, which continues to fascinate and perplex scientists to this day.
The dry season in northern Zimbabwe's Mana Pools National Park is as deadly as any predator. The rains stop, the temperatures rise, and the water sources evaporate, pushing herbivores past the normal boundaries of caution and into dangerous territory. Two lion families patiently await their arrival, one, a team of rookies, the other, seasoned pros, each with one shared goal: to hunt the thirsty herds. Get a remarkable look at their daily battles for survival as we take you on an action-packed journey into one of the wildest springs in Africa.
In the 1960s, jetliners changed passenger travel forever. They also changed the lives of a few fortunate women. Go back to this golden age of commercial flight, when pilots looked like movie stars, passengers ate seven-course meals, and young, charming stewardesses became the glamorous faces of the industry. Through interviews and anecdotes, we detail the evolution of the "air hostess," how they became icons for a generation and why the jet set era opened new career horizons that many women could only dream of.
Months after World War II, an extraordinary discovery was made inside a captured Nazi official's coat lining: the last will and testament of Adolf Hitler. Discover the untold story of the notorious dictator's controversial final document, written just hours before he took his life, and learn the secrets he tried to take to his grave.
In November 19, 1946, a U.S. military transport plane goes out of control while flying over the Swiss Alps and crashes high in the mountains. Miraculously, all 12 passengers and crew survive the accident, but their safety is anything but assured. The aircraft has flown miles off course, and its position is unknown. Food supplies are low, the temperature is dropping, and their radio battery is running out of juice. Time is quickly running out. The fate of the survivors will depend on one man, one plane, and one inspired idea.
The 1960s were a turbulent decade full of civil unrest and political backlash. The Apollo Moon landing galvanized most of the polarized American nation, but to some, the Vietnam War and Watergate scandal created suspicion of the government's motives. These mounting suspicions led some to doubt that America's moon landings were even real. Apollo astronauts and scientific experts reflect on NASA's glorious achievement, and the shock of having their accomplishments questioned 40 years later.
Ireland's history is steeped in religion and mystery. Why did its people stop worshipping the earth 5,000 years ago? Did St. Patrick really act alone in converting the Irish to Christianity in the 5th century? Historians, astronomers, and other scientists believe answers to these and other questions lie in the stars. Discover the role that celestial occurrences have played in Irish religious beliefs and practices as we explore ancient hallowed sites and even the heavens above.
Witness a remarkable coming-of-age story as we track a young leopard's journey from rookie to royalty in South Africa's lethal Big Five landscape. When we first meet Jack, he's clumsy, fearful, and weak, but he's a fast learner... and he'll need to be. He's destined for a showdown with the area's current leopard monarch, an alpha male with a real mean streak. We follow Jack as he hones his skills and builds up muscle for the ultimate catfight. It's a battle where only the winner will walk out alive.
After the devastating attacks of 9/11, New York City needed to rebuild itself, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. The site where the Twin Towers once stood was now a gaping pit, and the entire world watched to see what, if anything, could fill the void. Witness the story of One World Trade Center, one of the most significant, and dangerous, construction jobs ever launched. From brazen designs and heated debates to dangerous tasks at dizzying heights, we detail every step of this towering, poignant achievement.
Stonehenge is one of the world's most iconic monuments, yet despite centuries of intense scrutiny many of the biggest questions about its inspiration, origins and evolution remain unanswered. Now, Stonehenge Empire reveals the results of a five-year project that utilized revolutionary new technology to map the whole area around the site and reveal what lies beneath the surface. Drawing on this new data, alongside state-of-the art CGI and dramatic reconstructions, Stonehenge Empire provides the most complete picture ever of Stonehenge and the prehistoric culture that flourished around it.
Meet Gunner, a Cheetah born into the grassland killing fields of Botswana, home to Africa's fiercest predators. He's also the runt of the litter, more interested in playing tag than hunting. Gunner's two brothers often protect him, but when they're tragically killed, he's forced to grow up. But he better learn quickly—another coalition of cheetahs has plans to take over Gunner’s territory at all costs. If this runt has any hopes of surviving, he’s going to have to do it alone.
The Okavango Delta in southern Africa can be as merciless as the predators who call it home. In the span of a season, the successful Xakanaxa lion pride sees its fortunes reversed as the Okavango deals out one of its harshest seasons ever. The cape buffalo have left for the winter, leaving the pride with 13 cubs to feed and no source of food. The pressure is on as the lionesses scour the delta, often entering enemy territory, bound by one common purpose, to save their pride
The circle of life is broken in Zambia's Liuwa Plains National Park. Settlers, poachers, and professional hunters have almost wiped out the lion population, leaving just one lioness in the vast wilderness... but not for long. This is the story of "Lady Liuwa," a lion queen without a kingdom, and Herbert Brauer, a wildlife cinematographer on a six-year journey to find her a mate in hopes of forming a new pride. It's a mission full of setbacks and disappointments, chaos and danger, and the magic of unexpected relationships.
Forced from their homes and separated from their family forever, two juvenile lions are required to grow up quickly on the Okavango Delta in Africa.. Strangers in their own land, both brothers must lean on each other to survive. Witness their remarkable rite of passage into adulthood as they learn to hunt, fight, and mate, never giving up hope to one day become protectors and providers of their own dynasty.
Every one of us teems with trillions of microorganisms: Streptococcus, Flavobacterium, and thousands of other kinds of bacteria and fungi. Some of these microbes are what we call "germs," but many more of them are actually good for us. Discover the health benefits of having aliens inside us, and see how those benefits are being threatened by our modern, sterile lifestyles. Then follow Dr. Dominguez-Bello on her expedition to the Amazon, where DNA samples of a remote group show how drastic the microbial imbalance in the Western world has become.
Dig deep into the often misunderstood world of spiders and discover how fascinating they really are. With more than 40,000 species recorded, they’re an indispensable part of any ecosystem. Watch spiders that fly, spiders that jump more than 40 times their own height, others that spit to hunt and even ones that live underwater. Plus, see why spiders eat their own webs when they’re done with them and find out why the scariest-looking spiders are often the least harmful.
They were out-gunned and out-armored by superior German tanks, but what the American M4 Sherman tank crews lacked in firepower, they made up for in courage. Discover the stories of the heroic GIs who rolled into Nazi territory in the final weeks of WWII and faced off against an enemy that refused to surrender. Then, go behind the scenes of the film "Fury" and inside the tankers' world, as we hear accounts from veterans who survived the intense tank battles firsthand.
What a civilization imbibes can reveal a lot about who they are and the world that they live in. Those who built the pyramids preferred beer, and ancient Rome loved its wine, but what's the preferred alcoholic beverage in the US and what does it say about America? Join food writer Josh Ozersky on an illuminating journey as he makes moonshine, meets a microbrewery's chemist, visits an award-winning vineyard and samples the infinite possibilities of the cocktail bar, all in the name of science.
It's death on an unimaginable scale, when a majority of Earth's species quickly die out. It's called "mass extinction," and it's happened at least five times before. Cataclysms, such as supervolcanoes or asteroids, are thought to cause these events, but some experts believe a manmade mass extinction could be next. Is our planet in trouble? And if so, is there anything we can do to stop the next catastrophic annihilation? Experts are traveling the world, performing groundbreaking scientific detective work to answer these very questions.
There may never be a virus as deadly or as misunderstood as AIDS. Responsible for 36 million deaths since its discovery in 1981, it remains shrouded in myths, misconceptions, and mistruths... until now. Scientists deep in the African Congo have discovered forgotten clues that are rewriting the story of the global pandemic and revealing shocking facts about its origins. Now the race is on to see if these new findings are the key to developing a vaccine that could finally win the epic battle against HIV.
When American troops joined the epic battle against the Japanese in World War II, a British journalist followed along, equipped with a movie camera, some rolls of color film, and a powerful friendship with General Douglas MacArthur. Follow the travels of war correspondent William Courtenay and his unrivaled reporting on the Pacific campaign and its great commander. Then witness his remarkable archival recordings, from multiple island attacks to the aftermath of the bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima.
How England’s greatest spy pioneered covert espionage techniques to foil a terror plot to murder Elizabeth I, and to engineer the execution of Mary Queen of Scots. In a gripping day-by-day account of the action, using dramatized scenes and location interviews with top historians, we unfold the remarkable events across eight weeks in 1586, when the danger was at its height.
On January 13, 2012, the largest passenger shipwreck in history occurred when the Costa Concordia struck a submerged rock off Italy's Tuscan coast. Once a floating pleasure palace for more than 4,200 passengers and crew, the half-sunken ship spent the next two years as a grisly tourist attraction...and an ecological time bomb. Relive the night of her crash, captured on video by those aboard the liner. Then witness the monumental engineering challenge that followed as 500 experts from 24 nations teamed up to pry this 114,000-ton ship from her rocky grave.
The Siberian discovery of the best-preserved woolly mammoth on record has teams of experts working around the globe, and around the clock, on some of the most ambitious projects in science. In Russia, paleontologists are conducting a historic autopsy on the 40,000-year-old beast to find out how it lived, and how it died. Meanwhile labs in South Korea and at Harvard University are using the latest advances in DNA manipulation in hopes of cloning the furry giant and introducing it to the modern world.
The plains of Africa have always been a hotbed of predator action, but lurking in its rivers is perhaps its most elusive killer: the Goliath tigerfish. Legends say they are man-eaters, that even crocodiles fear them. Locals call them "demon fish" but angling legend Andy Coetzee calls them something else: an obsession. He dives into the predator-infested Okavango Delta and the treacherous Congo River on a mission to finally land what is considered to be the hardest fish in the world to catch.
They are potent symbols of sex, fertility, and nurturing. They are also changing. Human breasts are growing bigger and appearing earlier, with higher rates of cancer than ever before. Why? Is it a product of evolution? Obesity? The chemicals around us? Follow doctors and scientists, who are using new ways of analyzing breast tissue, and revealing startling and disturbing truths. Then witness the surprising discoveries made when modern science puts breast tissue and breast milk under the microscope.
Last Emperor of Mexico In Austria, he was known as an art collector and idealist. In Mexico, he was a colonialist aggressor responsible for thousands of deaths. And in France, he lost an empire. But who was the real Archduke Maximilian? Join us as we examine the brief and contentious reign of the last emperor of Mexico, a complex and conflicted member of the powerful Habsburg family, from his royal childhood in Vienna to his alliance with Napoleon III, who wanted to expand his empire to the Western Hemisphere.
On the surface, they appear to be ordinary dogs, but these canines have a secret identity. They are the Pentagon's stealth warriors, with specialties in explosives detection, tracking, laser target acquisition and bite work. Meet the U.S. Navy SEALs' latest recruits, four-footed soldiers called to duty to save soldiers' lives. SEAL Dog is an intimate look at one of these astonishing animals, Chopper, his partner, American war hero Trevor Maroshek, and the unbreakable bond they formed, on and off the battlefield.
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum holds more than 70,000 objects, including the 1903 Wright Flyer, the Spirit of St. Louis, and the Apollo 11 capsule. Meet the people who keep it running, and see how they tackle their biggest challenge to date. They must move all of the contents from the crumbling Paul E. Garber Facility in Maryland to the Steven Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia. And everything, from a massive F100 supersonic fighter jet to small toys and games, must arrive without a scratch.
It's the deadliest tsunami on record, causing 230,000 deaths and $15 billion in damages. Triggered by a massive undersea quake off the coast of Indonesia, the 2004 Asian tsunami pounded Indian Ocean coastlines with waves up to 100 feet high, catching victims and the world's leading scientists by storm. Are we better prepared for the next big one? Where will the next one hit? See how early warning systems are currently being developed and meet the lucky few who survived this epic disaster.
Infidelity. Is it a salacious act driven by uncontrollable passions or are there genetic and evolutionary forces driving us to seek sex on the side? Witness the surprising findings as we conduct the world's first specially designed paternity poll, and follow three people who put fatherhood to the test to find peace.
Some claim that by studying the features in our hands, we can diagnose attributes or conditions such as cancer, schizophrenia, and even bad teeth. We put palmistry -- as well as an array of experts in science and medicine -- to the test.
We all know the main story of Abraham Lincoln's death, how he was killed, where it took place, and who pulled the trigger. But what exactly happened during the last day of his life? Relive April 14, 1865, as we track the hours of the day that shocked the world, following both assassin and victim on separate paths that would ultimately converge at the Presidential Box at Ford's Theatre. We'll also look at the objects, like Lincoln's hat and John Wilkes Booth's gun, that witnessed the crime that changed the course of American history forever.
In 1973, 591 American POWs returned home from the Vietnam War, bringing with them harrowing tales of survival. But there was an even more remarkable -- and secret -- story to tell: a feat of incredible spycraft that remained classified for decades...until now. This is the unbelievable story of James Stockdale and his fellow prisoners at the notorious "Hanoi Hilton." Their clandestine communications with U.S. intelligence alerted the CIA and Pentagon to the horrors of the Vietnamese POW camps and prompted a daring, top-secret rescue mission.
Before there was the CIA, there was the OSS, a top-secret spy agency hatched by Roosevelt and Churchill in the darkest hours of World War II. The goal: help Britain get back into occupied territory by building an army of highly trained super spies. Discover the origins of modern espionage at Camp X, the first secret agent training school in North America, and pore over the manual that served as its bible. Through declassified items and firsthand accounts, we reveal the untold stories behind the covert war in history's largest conflict.
The remarkable true stories of life, death, courage, and perseverance during the last voyage of the Lusitania.
A massive earthquake rocks Nepal on April 25, 2015. In Kathmandu, centuries of culture are destroyed. In Langtang, an entire village is wiped out of existence. On Mount Everest, base camps and climbers are buried in a tsunami of ice. Thousands are dead, untold numbers are injured, and half a million homes are lost. Witness it firsthand, through personal footage and accounts of the survivors. Then discover the science behind this deadly force, and what, if anything can be done to prevent such a disaster from happening again.
In the jungles of a remote archipelago in the South Pacific, a biologist is attempting to do something Charles Darwin and Ernst Mayr never accomplished: catch evolution in the act of creating new species. Albert Uy is on the verge of an amazing discovery in the Solomon Islands, but there's a threat looming on the horizon. The islands' resources are being exploited, putting all local wildlife at risk. It's a race against time to gather the evidence necessary to prove the existence of a new species before it's lost forever.
First told at the dawn of Christianity and at a moment of crisis for the Jews, the story of Masada has long fired the imagination of believers and non-believers alike. Yet, for most of recorded history, it’s been little more than a legend. Then, in the middle of the 20th century, everything changed. A mounting body of archeological evidence emerged – a ruined mountain fortress, a siege ramp threatening its walls, a series of ancient Roman camps. Taken together, they pinpoint Masada on the map. This is the indisputable site of an epic fight between the Roman army and a besieged community of Jews. But as the siege wall rose and their enemies prepared a final attack, did they really choose mass suicide and martyrdom over surrender?
The jet pack’s 50-year history and the advances being made to reach new heights.
Elephants live a privileged life in the wild, surrounded by a strong family unit and threatened by very few predators. However, in areas where they live side by side with humans, it's a much different story. We track land's biggest mammal around the globe to see how they cope in our modern world, and how man impacts their lives in both negative and positive ways. From the giant bulls of the African bushveld to the timber elephants of Asia, we follow these gentle giants and the dedicated men and women helping them to change with the times.
Mayhem is about to break out in Namibia's Etosha National Park. This sprawling, arid land plays host to the highest concentration of elephants on Earth, and they've recently lost their leader. The quest to become the new elephant king is on, and the candidates are all six-ton giants, willing to throw their weight around. Join ecologist Caitlin O'Connell as she documents the pachyderm politics and unlocks the secrets of this elephant society. From her hidden bunker, mere feet from the turbulent battle, O'Connell will decipher the meaning of their actions as the fight for the crown unfolds.
King Tut's death at the age of 19 has been debated ever since his tomb was discovered. Why did he die so young? Was he murdered? To solve this ancient mystery, a team of scientists will perform a virtual autopsy on the king, using modern technology.
It's a race against time by an international team as they re-invent mine rescue. Explore never-before-seen footage, exclusive interviews and 3D graphics that explain the unique rescue and what may have happened when the mine collapsed.
Welcome to Yellowstone, America's oldest and largest national park. Lose yourself in the majestic landscapes that serve as a giant natural laboratory, with over three million geysers, fifty species of mammals, and three hundred species of birds.
In the African wilderness, there's no such thing as a free lunch. It's a world where predator and prey are equally matched. And a worthwhile meal means going up against gut-gouging horns, venomous fangs, stampeding hooves, and sharp canines. Take a front row seat and witness the bouts of lion vs. Cape buffalo, mongoose vs. mamba snake, leopard vs. baboon, and other wild clashes. Here, the odds of success are just 50/50, but in the age-old contest between hunter and hunted, the reward is well worth the risk.
Shark specialist Dr. Geremy Cliff and sensory biologist Dr. Craig O'Connell have joined forces to unlock the hunting secrets of the ocean's perfect predator, the great white shark. To do so, they'll go beneath its skin, dissecting the giant to reveal the six incredible senses that drive this powerful creature to the ultimate attack. Enter the operating room and see how the great white is not a cold-blooded killer to fear, but an evolutionary marvel that should be respected and revered.
There's a gang war happening in the Luangwa Valley in Zambia, a battle among hippos for territory, dominance, mating rights, and survival. The reason? Dry season: a seven-month drought that forces over 30,000 hippos to the deepest part of the river to stay wet and cool. Follow these three-ton beasts as they fight lions, crocodiles, and other hippo gangs, struggling to stay alive until the next rainfall. Only then can they return to the lush paradise they once called home.
In the grip of the Great Depression, WPA writers searched for America and discovered the Soul of a People. This show explores one of the most controversial public assistance programs of its time and shows nothing less than the creation of America's first ever self-portrait.
In ancient Japan, honor and glory were reserved for male soldiers only, which makes the story of Takeko Nakano so remarkable. Not only was she a female Japanese warrior, but she was joined by several hundred other samurai warrior women, whose complete dedication and extensive suffering remains one of the world’s great untold stories. Discover Nakano’s rise to become a martial arts master, her epic battle for her clans’ independence, and how in today’s martial arts schools, the spirit of Japan’s female warriors continues to thrive.
Honeybees are in a crisis. Every year we lose about a third of these endangered creatures, which we rely on to pollinate most of the world's daily food. But as farmers face devastating losses, scientists are finding hope in the huge and barely tapped world of the 20,000 species of wild bees. These are the innovative methods and unusual experiments biologists are working on in their race to end this global calamity.
As Russian and Allied forces surrounded Berlin in 1945, Hitler took refuge in a bunker beneath the crumbling city. What exactly happened in that claustrophobic labyrinth has long been a mystery, until now. Relive Hitler's final days, detailed through never-before-seen interviews with the men and women who were with him during those last desperate moments. These recordings, lost for decades, but recently found in an archive in Pittsburgh, tell the untold story of the Fuhrer's final days, in the words of the people who were there.
Meet Gordon Welchman, a key member of the British team that took on the Nazis, decoded the Enigma machine, and changed the course of World War II. An outcast in the very world he helped to build, the true legacy of his contributions to military intelligence are only now emerging. Discover his story told through recently released interviews from coworkers and letters from "The Forgotten Genius of Bletchley Park" himself.
Herman Melville’s epic ocean adventure “Moby Dick” is an American masterpiece. But was this stirring tale of violence and revenge simply an allegory, or were there real giants of the deep deliberately attacking whaling ships? With the help of centuries old witness accounts and modern day science, we explain how the legend of the great white whale came to be. Then we determine if the multiple sperm whale assaults on ships in the 19th century were indeed premeditated and coordinated.
The key scientists of the Manhattan Project. The pilot who navigated Enola Gay over its target. The man who broke the news to Truman that the bomb had been dropped. And the citizens of Hiroshima who somehow survived to see their city obliterated. These are the stories of August 6, 1945, the day that launched the atomic age, told by the people who were there. Through their heroic, harrowing, and heartbreaking accounts, we relive the tragic day that hastened the end of a war and changed the world forever.
Huddie Ledbetter was born into poverty, battled racism, and did time, but in spite of his early hardships, or perhaps because of them, he became one of the great musicians of the 20th century. We trace the life and career of Lead Belly, a man praised by critics and revered by artists, whose unique music crossed a host of genres and influenced countless industry legends, from The Beatles to Led Zeppelin to Nirvana and beyond. See how his talent, humanity, and determination defeated all that stood in his way to make his voice heard, then and now.
It lasted only one day on a small piece of land, but the impact the Battle of Waterloo had on history is massive and far-reaching. This is the definitive account of the fight that ended Napoleon's rule as emperor and altered the destinies of France, Europe, and the world. Based on testimonies of those involved, we reveal the tactical decisions and human dramas that transpired on both sides of the battle to give you an unprecedented look of one of history's most epic conflicts.
The Revillagigedo Islands, about 200 miles off the coast of Mexico, may not look like much on the surface, but beneath is one of nature's best-kept secrets: a home to some of the greatest concentrations of fish in the world. This is the only natural juncture for miles in an otherwise empty Pacific Ocean, and a crucial area for migrating sharks and other apex predators. Enter a world where whitetip sharks, giant lobsters, and moray eels share living quarters, humpback whales breed, and mantas and tuna feast on bait in this land of plenty.
Cuba's enforced isolation has resulted in the unlikeliest of marine reserves: a huge, rambling archipelago known as Jardines de la Reina, or "Gardens of the Queen." Stretching around 140 miles along the southern coast of Cuba, it's one of the longest barrier reef systems in the world. Get an up-close look at Fidel Castro's diving playground, a forgotten ocean paradise unseen for half a century, and witness exotic species rarely seen elsewhere in the region. It's the lost jewel of the Caribbean, but how long can this pristine wilderness survive?
The Nazis knew it was their last chance. The British knew it was the deadliest threat they'd ever face. And the Americans knew it could fall into the wrong hands. The V2 rocket quickly became Hitler's greatest deadly weapon and beacon of hope to turn the course of World War II in his favor. Watch Nazi Germany's desperate attempt at victory as the Allies race to stop them and see how the V2 miraculously went from deadly weapon to amazing feat of space technology.
Deep in the jungles of Peru, a silky anteater is fighting to stay awake and a mother hummingbird is struggling to raise her chick. As this documentary reveals, life in his incredible part of the planet faces changing conditions.
The Amazon is one of the wildest and least explored parts of the planet. Encompassing 6 countries and 2 million square miles of forest, river and floodplain, it has the highest diversity of life on the planet, but what lies below it is truly shocking. In its deep muddy rivers, clear streams and expansive floodplains a freak-show of fish life has exploded, with some of the strangest shapes and weirdest adaptations on Earth. Hiding in the vast rivers and streams is an electric grid, a bizarre community of fish with a highly sophisticated electric sixth sense. Using electricity, these "Super" fish can communicate wirelessly, control each other remotely and emit shocks that can stop a human heart. This cryptic world has mystified scientists throughout the ages. Now an intrepid scientist, Will Crampton ventures back into the dark jungles where the inspiration for our technology driven world first emerged, in an attempt to unravel their secrets and unlock the electric code.
A bird as big as a fighter plane. A snake the size of a school bus. A shark 100 times heavier than an average great white. Before the time of humans, our planet was ruled by a land of giants, with fish that could swallow you whole and land predators tall enough to peek into the top floor of the White House. But which of these mega-monsters was the largest of them all? Join us as we reveal the Top 10 biggest beasts to walk the Earth, swim the seas, and soar the skies.
Get up close and personal with a hippo who's the king of his territory: mighty leader by day, defender of his clan by night. After the sun goes down, the greatest threat to his hippo family is a ruthless pride of 12 lions. These magnificent animals share the same territory in the cool of the night, and it can become dangerous for this hippo clan to feed. Using thermal and infrared imaging, witness the age-old battle for survival and dominance play out between huge hippos and their predators.
The uncommon sight of polar bears wandering a colorful landscape during an iceless summer in Hudson Bay, Canada.
In a cave by the Dead Sea, a copper scroll treasure map from the time of Jesus was found, promising riches estimated to be worth billions by today's standards. Over half a century later, mystery still surrounds this ancient manuscript. Could these fragments of corroded metal really hold the clues to a massive buried fortune? If so, where did these vast treasures come from? Why were they buried? And are they still out there? Join the investigation as we reveal the secrets behind this very unique and valuable Dead Sea Scroll.
Around 360 B.C., the Greek philosopher Plato recorded the legend of Atlantis, the great civilization swallowed by the sea. For centuries, adventurers and archaeologists have searched in vain for the lost city. But now, an international team of experts has uncovered evidence of an epic catastrophe that wiped out a technically advanced and wealthy Mediterranean civilization 3,500 years ago. Join us as we detail a devastating natural disaster and the cataclysmic events that changed history and inspired a myth.
Snakes live in forests and deserts, underground and underwater, and in every continent but Antarctica. Over the course of 150 million years, they have relentlessly adapted, changing to fit the circumstances of their climate, habitat, and access to food. Take an up-close look at cobras, black mambas, vipers, flying snakes, and some of the other 3,000 species alive today. From evil incarnate to one of evolution's great success stories, we show how the snake continues slithering forward on the path to survival.
In February 1945, Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal captured the image of five U.S. Marines and one U.S. Navy Corpsman hoisting the American flag atop a mountain in Iwo Jima. The identities of these men have been accepted for 70 years, but new evidence shows that one Marine was never identified. We finally reveal an unnamed hero using modern science to examine the iconic photo in ways that we have never seen before. Then we look at the battle and the stories of the men who risked it all for their country and their brothers in arms.
From the deserts of the American Southwest to the jungles and villages of Africa, vipers are notorious for their bad attitudes, diamond-shaped heads, and the longest snake fangs on Earth. But these snakes are not simply cold-blooded killers. The females have a softer side when it comes to family. Travel around the globe as we examine their maternal instincts. Then enter the lab as we dissect specimens in hopes of better understanding these viper queens.
Deep in the forests of Japan, a territorial war is playing out, featuring killer hornet armies, yellow jacket battalions, and honeybee squadrons. All are fighting for the resources of their kingdoms, all are on constant alert, and all are prepared to battle to the death. Witness the conflicts and the carnage up-close as we follow these winged warriors into enemy territory, armed with potent venom, large numbers, and a simple battle plan: win or die. To us, it's a story of clans at war, but to these insects, it's a race for survival.
A great metropolis has been discovered, buried beneath the pastures of the Danube. Archaeologists claim that the lost city of Carnuntum was a place where men trained, fought, and died as gladiators. Through excavations and high-tech research using ultra-high resolution cameras and scanners, we reconstruct this ancient civilization from the Roman Empire. See what life was like 2,000 years ago, in this megacity and in the arenas, where slaves, prisoners, and volunteers fought to the death before roaring crowds.
Yellowstone National Park is home to a vast array of landscapes and a huge diversity of animals, united in a fascinating ecosystem, one that is currently in severe trouble. The area once contained over 19,000 elk, but its numbers have plummeted by 80% in the last two decades. The mysterious decline has sparked many questions, and researchers are in a race to provide answers. Join them as they investigate a series of theories and suspects, from wolves to bears to trees to trout, in an attempt to solve this alarming puzzle.
Americas National Parks at 100 The National Park Service has been active for over a century preserving and protecting over 400 units across America, from the wild and natural to the man-made and historic. Take a tour through iconic Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon and discover smaller, hidden treasures throughout the country as we explore the agency's evolution over the last century. Through rarely seen footage and stunning aerial views, we celebrate the sites and stories of the national landmarks that reflect our country's past, present, and future.
When "Star Trek" first aired in 1966, it expanded the viewers' imaginations about what was possible in their lifetimes. Today, many of the space-age technologies displayed on the show, like space shuttles, cell phones, and desktop computers, have already gone from science fiction to science fact. Other innovations, like warp drive, teleportation, and medical tricorders are actively in development. Join us as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of "Star Trek" - a show that continues to inform, enrich, and inspire.
China, as we know it today, would not exist without the Han Dynasty. About two millenniums ago, its emperors ruled for over 400 years, and yet, few visible remains of this period exist above ground. Underground, however, it's a different story. Join a team of archaeologists as they enter the royal tombs of three emperors spanning the reign of the Han Dynasty. By excavating these sites, they hope to further our knowledge of their wealth, their beliefs, their quest for immortality, and how their culture and philosophy shaped modern China.
They provide shade in blistering heat, shelter to animals in desperate need, and feasts when the rest of the region has dried up. They are the miracle trees of the African savannas, giving predators and herbivores the tools to stay alive in some of the harshest environments on Earth. Join us as we take a look at the sausage tree of Zambia, the marula of the Manyeleti, and the camel thorn of the Kalahari, each tree uniquely evolved to adapt to Africa's extremes, and each one an integral part of the lives of the inhabitants.
Deep in the remote basin of the Pacific Ocean is an island where dragons still roam, a Jurassic-type underworld, where every day is a fight for supremacy and survival. Welcome to Komodo Island, home to the world's largest living lizard on the planet, the Komodo dragon. Witness the start of a new era as we follow the island's current monarch, Drogo. He has just overthrown the old king and must now defend his title against a group of young dragons, here on one of the harshest and hottest habitats on the planet.
The great hammerhead is one of the most advanced predators of the ocean, equipped with incredible senses that drive it to detect, locate, and devour its prey. But what triggers each of its hunting mechanisms? How does it lock onto prey with eyes that are so far apart? And why is its head shaped like a hammer? Follow shark experts as they dive into dangerous waters and use a series of modern experiments. Then join conservation biologist Dr. Craig O'Connell to go beneath the skin of this giant in a unique dissection of this mysterious creature.
The great hammerhead is one of the most advanced predators of the ocean, equipped with incredible senses that drive it to detect, locate, and devour its prey. But what triggers each of its hunting mechanisms? How does it lock onto prey with eyes that are so far apart? And why is its head shaped like a hammer? Follow shark experts as they dive into dangerous waters and use a series of modern experiments. Then join conservation biologist Dr. Craig O'Connell to go beneath the skin of this giant in a unique dissection of this mysterious creature.
Investigative journalist Senan Molony examines how an overlooked aspect of the Titanic disaster may have played the largest role.
From the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944, to the surrender of the Third Reich on May 8, 1945, it took 353 days to bring down the Nazi regime. HITLER’S LAST YEAR returns to the eleven months that preceded Hitler’s defeat and unveils entire chapters of the war that are largely unknown. Retrace the war’s final events through rarely seen, remastered and recoloured archival footage.
On a high plateau in a remote desert in northern Chile lies the largest observatory on Earth, ALMA, or Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array. The name refers to a network of 66 massive radio telescopes, working in unison to observe the birth and death of stars and planets, and answer centuries-old questions about the origins of our universe. Witness the history of ALMA, the remarkable product of a 20-year global effort, and see how it is already changing our basic understanding of the cosmos, and astronomy itself.
Right up until 15,000 years ago our planet was inhabited by millions of mammoths. Their ancestors headed north from the savannas of Africa in a much earlier epoch and spread out over large portions of the globe. This migratory movement began in a warmer climatic phase, so when the Ice Age began the creatures were forced to perform one of the greatest feats of adaptation in the history of the earth. In this film Dick Mol, the world-famous expert on mammoths, traces the original mammoths back to Namibia, trawls the bottom of the North Sea for mammoth fossils and, with the help of gold-diggers in northern Canada, digs up perfectly preserved mammoth bones from the permafrost. Supported by a whole range of other experts, he traces the lives of these extraordinary animals and reconstructs the reasons why they finally became extinct 3700 years ago.
The RMS Queen Mary is the last survivor of the golden age of ocean liners. She was bigger and faster than any ship ever built before. Her presence was a symbol of new hope and a better future during the Great Depression and through the darkest days of World War II. Decades after her maiden transatlantic voyage, we celebrate the amazing story of this queen of the seas, told through rarely seen footage and interviews with some of the many millions of people whose lives she touched and changed forever.
When Mount Vesuvius obliterated the city of Pompeii in 79 A.D., it preserved the bodies of about 2,000 victims, freezing them in their final moments. But who were these fated ancient Romans? To find out, forensic scientists will take CT scans and digital X-rays to reveal who these people were and how they lived before the eruption 1,700 years ago. Meanwhile, a team of architects and archaeologists will conduct traditional digs and use modern 3D mapping to reveal new evidence and dispel old myths about this doomed city.
The Last Buffalo For thousands of years, the Great Plains were home to countless numbers of American bison, but in the late 1800s, the number of bison dropped from nearly 30 million to just a few hundred in less than 100 years. What happened to place this national icon on the brink of extinction? Join us as we detail the events that led to this mass extermination. Then follow the story of William Temple Hornaday, a chief taxidermist at the Smithsonian Institution who headed west to hunt bison for the museum, but ended up saving the species instead.
The wildlife and environments of this Latin American wonder are the most diverse and inspiring that anyone could wish to explore. Up until now its glories have been often overlooked… whilst trouble made the headlines. For the first time this cinematic series will reveal Colombia's wild lands, wild life and the people who, everyday, are a part of it. Like the amazing creatures of Colombia the humans have battled, overcome, adapted and embraced the environments around them. Many people have become an integral part of the ecosystem others work selflessly to safeguard it. This film celebrates nature's diversity and will also be a timely wake up call for all people to protect the creatures and respect the habitats that are Colombia's wondrous wild treasures. Through artful photography and exceptional access, the film will explore the nature of Colombia at it most extreme and spectacular and at its most delightful and uplifting. A film of natural stories, striking splendour and surprising charm that will unveil a wild Colombia you wont forget.
It's a city that transformed itself from a sprawl of wooden dwellings into a huge modern metropolis. Over 150 years, Tokyo has risen from the ashes twice--from an epic earthquake and a devastating series of bombings--rebuilding itself into the world's largest city. Examine the evolution and modernization of Tokyo through digitally remastered and rarely seen colorized archival footage.
The January 2015 terror attack in Paris began as an assault on free speech but soon spread into a three day siege that would horrify a city, traumatize a nation, and send shockwaves around the world. Follow the attacks against the famous satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, the police, and a local grocery store and the countrywide manhunt that followed. It's a story told through the powerful testimonies of those who were there and lived to tell about it.
Narrated by actor and ocean conservationist Ted Danson, this film reveals a frightening truth about our oceans. An Ocean Mystery: The Missing Catch follows the work of the world's premier fisheries scientist, Dr. Daniel Pauly, as he investigates how close we are to a global crash in fish populations. It's a detective story that ranges from the Atlantic coastline to the reefs of the Bahamas and the shores of Senegal. Along the way Dr. Pauly and his team make startling discoveries about the impact of black market fisheries, the recreational fishing industry and more. And with 3 billion people around the world dependent on fish for protein it's one of the most important stories of our time. As government and industry regulators track the quantity of fish we catch, and claim the oceans can handle the huge catches, fish numbers keep dropping. Dr. Pauly's research shows that we have drastically underestimated the amount fish we catch globally and that we are running out of fish much faster ...
Two treasure hunters in southwest Poland say they have found a hidden tunnel containing a train that may hold rare Nazi gold. It's a claim the local government seems ready to accept, as this is a region where the Nazis were known to hide treasures, from a secret underground super project to a fairy tale castle redesigned as a headquarters for Hitler himself. Witness their attempt to excavate this potential buried treasure, on a mission that will take us into the dark heart of World War II.
In China's Valley of the Kings, there stands a tall, carved stone. It honors the resting place of a woman named Wu Zetian, who rose from concubine to become China's only female emperor. For more than a millennia, history claimed she killed her own children, held power through a ruthless rule of terror, and brought China to the edge of ruin. But are any of these claims true? Join the investigation as we revisit old evidence and reveal new truths, using artifacts and forensic tools to tell the true story of China's Emperor of Evil.
Enter the remains of Petra and Hegra, cities whose old inscriptions and new discoveries suggest were once ruled by women.
Barack Obama launched into our national consciousness at the 2004 Democratic National Convention and ever since, he's delivered messages of patriotism, unity, and hope through the power of words. But of all the speeches he's given, six in particular may define his legacy as, in historian Doris Kearns Goodwin's words, "one of the best writers and orators in the presidency." Interviews with eminent historians and key figures in his writing process give rare insights into these iconic speeches, as well as the Obama presidency and the man himself.
See a part of World War I that few knew even existed, in an underground city hidden below the battlefields.
The island of Barro Colorado in the Panama Canal is full of mysteries, some involving the wide diversity of wildlife, and some involving the island itself. Every year, hundreds of scientists and students come here to uncover the rainforest's secrets, but this year is very different. The island is running dry and no one knows why. Follow several research teams as they observe, experiment, and conduct research in this pristine habitat, and most pressing of all, try to find out what happened to the rain and when it will come again.
The story of Pocahontas has been passed down through the centuries. Her relationship with John Smith has been characterized as a romance that united two cultures and created lasting peace. However, the life of this American Indian princess was anything but a fairytale. Join us as we look beyond the fiction and reveal the real story of Pocahontas, a tale of kidnapping, conflict, starvation, ocean journeys, and the future of an entire civilization.
The sinking of the Titanic sent shockwaves around the world and started debates that continue to this day. But new, explosive evidence from the most unlikely of sources may finally lay all arguments to rest and reveal, for the first time, the full story of what possibly doomed the "unsinkable" liner. Join us as we unveil recently discovered and never-before-seen photographs of the super ship that exposes shocking clues that investigators and historians once dismissed but can no longer ignore.
There are few ceremonies in the world that are as lavish or as vibrant as Indian weddings. And for Indian-Americans, the unions are just as extravagant here in the States, with an average cost of half a million dollars. Witness the big Bollywood marriages of three couples as they attempt to balance millennia-old traditions and modern American sensibilities. Then see how they celebrate their love and honor their families, without breaking their budgets.
By mid-1945, Hitler is dead and the war has ended in Europe. Halfway around the world, however, the fighting is still going strong on a small island in the Pacific. Okinawa was the site of the last battle of the last great war of the 20th century, with a casualty rate in the tens of thousands. Through it all, military cameramen risked their lives to film the conflict, from brutal land combat to fierce kamikaze attacks at sea. See the footage they captured and experience this intense battle the way the soldiers saw it -- in color.
On the harsh and unforgiving plains of central Namibia, Africa, a young honey badger named Grit has just left home to venture out in the great, wide world, but it won't be easy. Fewer than half of all young honey badgers survive their first few weeks on their own, as they deal with intense heat, starvation, and round-the-clock threats from the many predators of the savannah. In a world where every day is as relentless as the last, Grit will need resourcefulness, resilience, and a little bit of luck in order to survive.
Two miles from the bustling towns of southern India, the lush Western Ghats rainforest harbors a sacred but deadly deity, the king cobra. Reaching lengths of up to 18 feet and packing enough venom to kill an elephant with a single strike, this apex predator is both revered and feared by its human neighbors. But right now, the imposing beast isn't looking for a fight. He's looking for love. It's mating season in the Western Ghats, a period when most human-snake conflicts occur, and it's up to an expert wrangler, Gowri Shankar, to keep the peace.
Take a cross-country flight over Ireland's natural wonders and ancient ruins. In this spectacular overview of the historically significant Emerald Isle, we explore the sites, the people, and the milestones of this unique gem of Western Europe.
Take an epic voyage over the remote island nation of New Zealand, the last habitable landmass to be discovered on the planet. No bigger than the state of Colorado, this small country offers an incredibly diverse landscape view that changes dramatically with each mile. From snow-capped mountains to sandy beaches, and from the glacier-carved Fiordland National Park to the crater lake of Mount Ruapehu, New Zealand is a land of extremes. It's a place where fire clashes with ice and people are always pushing the limits.
In Africa's Simien Mountains, Braveheart is the undisputed king of his gelada family. For four years, he has fought off predators, kept the peace, and in return, has had his pick of potential mates. But now, his reign is under siege by a pack of marauding males, led by Braveheart's younger brother, Tiko, who has a score to settle. Witness this royal battle up close as we enter the most complex social structure of any animal except humans, one where women rule the roost and have final say on who sits on the throne and for how long.
In Rwanda, Africa, a new era is dawning after a brutal civil war ripped through the country, killing close to two million people and wiping out its most iconic wildlife: the regal lion. Now, 25 years later, the big cats are being reintroduced to the region to reclaim their throne. Follow this magnificent seven, a collection of five females and two males, as they travel thousands of miles from South Africa to Akagera National Park and attempt to figure out their new land, form relationships, and restore the pride of a nation.
In the heart of India, young tiger Kumal has been banished from his home. Hungry and alone, he must develop his skills as a predator and a fighter if he has any hope of surviving. But his journey will prove to be long and dangerous, fraught with challenges from a variety of foes, including a fierce rogue male tiger and nearby villagers on an aggressive campaign to hunt him down and kill him. Follow Kumal as he runs for his life, searching to find a territory of his own as well as a mate to continue his legacy.
It's fall in Panama. Across the U.S., birds fly south for the winter, jaguars and coyotes navigate the jungle corridors, and sea turtles take over the beaches. This narrow isthmus is a vital pit stop for millions of migrating animals, but it's currently in danger. Development, pollution, and climate change threaten to disrupt this fragile throughway. Researchers are scrambling to address these challenges, using modern tracking devices to follow the animals and protect the millions that journey along this unique cross-continental passageway.
The Badlands of America: a geological phenomenon that provides a 75-million-year history lesson, presented layer by colorful layer. By all appearances, it's a hostile place to live. But half a million years ago, the elements began carving out a stretch of rich grassland that brims with life every spring and summer. Join us as we meet the unique cast of characters that inhabit this boomtown, such as American bison, cliff swallows, and the bustling prairie dog.
It remains one of the grisliest finds in ancient archaeology: the skeletons of over 80 battle-scarred men many of them ritualistically decapitated and then buried nearly 2,000 years ago in York, England. Who were these people? Now, after more than a decade, a team of archaeologists and scientists believe they've finally solved the mystery. Could this site actually be the largest gladiatorial cemetery ever found? Join us as we apply modern day technology to reveal the secrets hidden in these ancient bones and remains of the Roman Empire.
In the 1800s, southern newspapers ran ads seeking runaway slaves suspected of taking refuge in a vast wetland called the Great Dismal Swamp. See how archaeologists are using new discoveries to piece together this lost part of American history.
See how a Victorian lady’s botanical curiosity drove her to conquer the globe and create over 800 paintings.
Witness the definitive story of Princess Diana's funeral as we relive the day through the eyes of those who were there.
She needed them and they needed her, but then by feeding them she created a monster. A monster that ultimately killed her.
In the 1800s, southern newspapers ran ads seeking runaway slaves suspected of taking refuge in a vast wetland called the Great Dismal Swamp. For decades, scholars have sought proof that the reports were true, and now they finally have it. See how a team of archaeologists is using new discoveries and modern dating methods to piece together this lost part of American history. Then discover what life was like for these brave men and women, who chose to suffer in the swamp and keep their freedom rather than live under the conditions of slavery.
In just half a century, the human population has doubled to 7.4 billion, and during that time, astronaut and satellite photos have been capturing the startling changes on our planet. See how humans have made their mark reshaping the planet in our quest for new sources of food, power, and shelter. From glimmering new megacities like Shenzhen, China to areas affected by climate change like Mt. Kilimanjaro and Florida, witness Earth's changing look--the spectacular and the shocking--from 250 miles up.
On the outskirts of Yellowstone National Park is Paradise Valley, Montana, an animal so secretive few people ever get to see it. Wildlife filmmaker Casey Anderson became one of those lucky few after following the tracks of the elusive cat from his backyard into the world of a mother and her three cubs.
A documentary that explores the origins of life on Earth and the evolution of the cosmos from the Big Bang onwards; travels to extreme locations such as hydrothermal pools in Chile's Atacama Desert and the world's northernmost science facility, high in the Arctic Circle, to learn how life survives in seemingly inhospitable conditions, and discusses how this may help us find life on other planets. Learn how the Earth's magnetic field protects life from harmful solar radiation, resulting in the fantastical aurora borealis. This is part of a set of back-to-back space documentaries.
It began as a raid, turned into a 51-day standoff, and ended with the destruction of a five-story building and 75 people dead. The 1993 Waco siege of the compound belonging to the Branch Davidians riveted the nation and drew swarms of media from around the globe. Now, a quarter century later, we revisit the American tragedy through rarely seen footage and interviews with local journalists, federal agents, and former and current members of the sect.
Is it possible that Ice Age people succeeded in crossing the frozen Atlantic Ocean to North America, thousands of years before the Vikings and Columbus? Two archaeologists believe so after discovering artifacts in Chesapeake Bay that bear an inexplicable resemblance to those from prehistoric Europe. Follow them as they combine old-fashioned excavations with exciting new DNA testing to prove their theory, answer their critics, and rewrite the history books.
It's a city that transformed itself from a sprawl of wooden dwellings into a huge modern metropolis. Over 150 years, Tokyo has risen from the ashes twice--from an epic earthquake and a devastating series of bombings--rebuilding itself into the world's largest city. Examine the evolution and modernization of Tokyo through digitally remastered and colorized archival footage.
Meet the "Five Musketeers," five inseparable lion brothers raised in the ancient Namib Desert. When they eventually become independent from their mothers, they venture into the desert in search of their own kingdom--a journey fraught with treacherous terrain and conflict. Follow a remarkable desert coalition and see how one lion, despite hardship and loss, attempts to keep the legacy of the musketeers alive.
In the Kalahari Desert, lions grow to be the size of grizzly bears--and they have appetites to match. These big cats need big prey to survive, but hunting giants isn't easy, even for the king of beasts. Follow the unique pride that rules over this desert empire during the worst drought in decades and see how they strategize and use their might to dominate their prey. Dry season is usually a windfall for lions, but this year, it will push these apex predators to the brink.
From M16 rifles to Huey helicopters, the Vietnam War launched weapons that went on to become legendary. This is the untold story of one such weapon built not by the Pentagon, but by teenage soldiers trying to keep themselves alive: the gun truck. Through interviews and home movies, meet the U.S. Army's unsung heroes: the self-made, five-ton, moving monsters that defended convoys from enemy attack and went on to influence today's combat tactics.
Biologists and wildlife filmmakers Nate Dappen and Neil Losin launch a year-long adventure in search of the secrets of an unassuming reptile. They travel to remote forests and tiny islands across the Caribbean and Latin America to uncover how a tiny reptile can reveal the fundamental rules of nature. Along with Washington University professor and godfather of modern anole research Jonathan Losos, Dappen and Losin investigate the astonishing evolution of this tiny creature - how anoles have followed the same evolutionary paths in different ecosystems, the sheer speed at which anoles can evolve to thrive on fast-changing islands and the surprising adaptations they have used to conquer new environments - including one species' never-before-filmed ability to breathe underwater. They also capture the first footage ever taken of a bizarre new species of anole discovered in the Dominican Republic.
A caving expedition recently discovered a community of dwarf crocodiles living in the Abanda Caves, Gabon. The crocs are living in pitch darkness, hunt bats and some have bright-orange skin. Part of the original team returns to find out more about this bizarre phenomenon. It's mission impossible to access the crocs world and there's no way of knowing what they might find.
Spring has arrived in Finland's vast forests, and the brown bears have awakened from hibernation to a grand feast of carcasses left over from the brutal winter. From now until late fall, these thousand-pound beasts will rule the land, but they're not alone. A mother gray wolf and her mate have seven pups to feed, and the only source of food is in the heart of bear country. The stage is set for an epic battle of speed, agility, and wit versus size, strength, and very bad tempers.
In 2018, two volcanoes unleashed terror on their communities, but in very different ways. Fuego, the Volcano of Fire in Guatemala, sent boiling clouds of gas, ash, and rock down the volcano's slopes and into villages, killing hundreds. In Hawaii, Kilauea spewed out over four billion cubic feet of lava, razing estates, destroying roads, and changing the landscape. Using the latest scientific evidence, we explore what made the eruptions unique, why they were so hard to predict, and whether or not these two catastrophes were somehow connected.
Forget what you think you know about pigs. These remarkable animals have talents we’re only beginning to understand. See how pigs have conquered nearly every habitat on Earth, thanks to their remarkable senses, intelligence, and adaptability. From the islands of Indonesia to the beaches of the Bahamas to the frozen tundra of Siberia, meet eight-inch pygmy hogs, cheetah-avoiding warthogs, domesticated pigs with super senses, and more.
With more than 16,000 built, the DC-3 became the worlds most successful aircraft and legend in several wars. During both World Wars, the military version of the DC-3 became a crucial factor for success. But by now the Basler factory in Oshkosh near Chicago seems to be an airplane boneyard. Several DC-3 aircrafts seem to be lying about in disrepair. But through 45,000 hours of work, 80 employees hammer, screw, and drill a wreck into a modern aircraft. The DC3 is the only aircraft in the world that can be fully rejuvenated after 80 years of service and then continue to fly for another 50 years or more.
Marking the 65th anniversary of the Queen's Coronation, Queen Elizabeth II herself shares her memories of the ceremony for the first time, and showcases the Crown Jewels like never before.
The documentary “The Leopard Rocks” accompanies Neelam, a female leopard, as she fights for the lives of her offspring, and provides a fascinating insight into the lives and adventures of one of the world's most interesting big cat species in a unique, unusual environment.
In life, Marilyn Monroe captivated millions across the globe. In death, her mesmerizing spell only grew in size and scope. More than half a century after her passing, her private life goes public in the world's largest auction of Marilyn memorabilia. Examine some of the 1,000 items up for sale, from the gowns worn in her most famous performances to candid photos to private diaries, and see how these objects tell the story of a complex woman whose life was cut tragically short.
In just half a century, the human population has doubled to 7.4 billion, and during that time, astronaut and satellite photos have been capturing the startling changes on our planet. See how humans have made their mark reshaping the planet in our quest for new sources of food, power, and shelter. From glimmering new megacities like Shenzhen, China to areas affected by climate change like Mt. Kilimanjaro and Florida, witness Earth's changing look--the spectacular and the shocking--from 250 miles up.
The fiercest, strangest, and wildest creatures in the animal kingdom face off in a countdown of the most incredible animal moments ever recorded. Across arid deserts, through dense rainforests, and into the deepest of oceans, witness remarkable scenes of animal activity, from deadly showdowns to wild romances.
US Airways Flight 1549 is about two minutes into its journey from LaGuardia Airport to Charlotte, North Carolina in 2009 when bird strikes to both engines cripple the plane. What results is an emergency landing on the Hudson River that astonishes the world and shines a light on a growing problem affecting our increasingly busy skies. Follow a team of forensic ornithologists and discover the remarkable research being conducted to solve the bird strike problem.
Forget what you think you know about pigs. These remarkable animals have talents we're only beginning to understand. See how pigs have conquered nearly every habitat on Earth, thanks to their remarkable senses, intelligence, and adaptability. From the islands of Indonesia to the beaches of the Bahamas to the frozen tundra of Siberia, meet eight-inch pygmy hogs, cheetah-avoiding warthogs, domesticated pigs with super senses, and more.
Looks aren’t everything. Despite its appearance, the naked mole rat should be envied. It lives to a very old age, never gets sick, and is practically impervious to pain. Scientists want to know why. In the quest to combat age-related illness – and even ageing itself – researchers around the world are searching for the Methuselah gene in this remarkable rodent to find cures for humans.
In the 1930s, a black postal carrier from Harlem named Victor Green published a book that was part travel guide and part survival guide. It was called The Negro Motorist Green Book, and it helped African-Americans navigate safe passage across America well into the 1960s. Explore some of the segregated nation's safe havens and notorious "sundown towns" and witness stories of struggle and indignity as well as opportunity and triumph.
For four years, Asgeir Helgestad, a Norwegian wildlife filmmaker, has followed a beautiful polar bear mother named Frost in her home on Svalbard, a group of islands in the Arctic Ocean. Rising temperatures are causing dramatic changes in her ecosystem, leading to desperate struggles to find food for herself and her young cubs. Follow this tale of man and beast, hope and despair, and life and death in a land disappearing before their eyes.
On the evening of June 23, 2016, Prime Minister David Cameron and his inner circle gathered at 10 Downing Street to witness a turning point in British history. Nearly 52% of the people of the U.K. voted to leave the European Union. This is the inside account of Brexit, from the British conservatives demanding a referendum to the team of European presidents and prime ministers scrambling to prevent the E.U. from being torn apart.
A boat overcrowded with men, women, and children fleeing Africa sinks near Italy, killing over 800 people in April 2015. The tragedy is the flashpoint of a long-running problem. The number of migrants and asylum seekers coming to European shores had been growing, and the figures were about to skyrocket, fueled by the civil war in Syria. This is the inside story of Europe's migration explosion and its impact across the globe.
Part 1: Slave to Star Before Flavius Scorpus became a superstar charioteer in ancient Rome's most popular sport, he was a young slave who dreamed of freedom. Explore the early years of Scorpus' life to see how he escaped his circumstances to become history's most talented and successful charioteer. We rebuild and test the chariots he rode, investigate how the races really worked, and then hit the track for a white-knuckled look at the violent and hugely competitive races.
Part 2: Circus Maximus Chariot racer Flavius Scorpus has won hundreds of races while watching his friends and rivals die on the track. Now, the stakes, and the risks, are about to escalate as the charioteer performs on the greatest racetrack in the Roman Empire: Circus Maximus. Follow Scorpus as he out-muscles vicious competition, earns a fortune, and becomes a hero to hundreds of thousands of adoring fans. Recent excavations and exhilarating recreations bring the races, and the era, vividly back to life.
The jungles of the sacred city of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka are home to 33 identified troops of toque macaques and one man. This is the extraordinary story of Dr. Wolfgang Dittus, a scientist from the Smithsonian Institution who, over decades, has tracked and documented the lives of thousands of monkeys, revealing a complex society that is in many ways like our own. His journey is captured through his own words, footage he's taken over the course of 50 years, and his interactions with the scrappy, cheeky monkeys he's dedicated his life to.
An astonishing range of wildlife is attracted to the Pantanal's Rebel Lake - including 600-pound tapirs, jaguars, graceful spoonbills and hundreds of caimans.
On the morning of June 6, 1944, thousands of ships reached the French coast of Normandy as part of an Allied operation to take back France from the Germans. For the next 85 days, U.S., British, and Canadian soldiers engaged in conflicts of unimaginable violence, conquering and liberating the region's cities, but at the cost of hundreds of thousands of lives. From the D-Day invasion to the final Nazi surrender in Argentan, this is the definitive story of the three-month Battle of Normandy as it's never been seen before.
Caroline Sturdy Colls, a world leader in the forensic investigation of Nazi crime scenes, is chasing clues to an unsolved case: a concentration camp that existed on the British island of Alderney. Witnesses and survivors claimed that thousands died there, but only 389 bodies have ever been found. Under heavy restrictions imposed by the local government, which may not want its buried secrets revealed, Colls must uncover the truth using revolutionary techniques and technologies
The dropping of "Fat Man" and "Little Boy" on Japan marked the end of World War II and the dawn of the Atomic Age. The race against the Soviet Union to build a bigger, better bomb was on. The U.S. put their new nukes to the test on a desolate stretch of desert just 65 miles away from Las Vegas, and people traveled from all over the country to witness the detonations. This is the story of the nation's grand atomic experiment and the bizarre atomic subculture that spawned beauty queens, new hairdos, and radioactive superheroes.
The Day We Walked on the Moon is the inside story of the first moon landing, told from the unique, first-hand perspective of the astronauts and other key figures on the Apollo 11 Mission and those left behind—watching, waiting, and witnessing what remains, 50 years later, one of humanity’s greatest achievements. Watched live by 600 million people around the world, NASA officials reveal how close the Apollo 11 came to failure while family members recall nervously listening to the radio feed, wondering if their loved ones would make it home. The film also explores the importance of the first Moon Mission to America in an era dominated by an unpopular war and nuclear rivalry with Russia.
This one-hour documentary examines the deadly African rock python by showing a 13-foot, 70-pound female snake’s daily life in a sub-tropical valley in South Africa.
Some of them move. Others make noise. One weighs in at 700 pounds. Collectively, they represent the future of contemporary craft. Go behind the scenes of the "40 under 40: Craft Futures" exhibition, featuring traditional and non-traditional works of decorative art created by the top 40 American craft artists under the age of 40. Observe this wildly creative and diverse exhibition, assembled for the 40th anniversary of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Renwick Gallery, and witness the challenges and rewards of bringing together 40 unique artists at the top of their craft.
An intimate and classic journey through Chile with magical moments of nature, from a cougar mother playing tenderly with her cubs to the rare desert flowering, where different animals take advantage of the opportunity the flowers give them.
In 2018, two volcanoes unleashed terror on their communities, but in very different ways. Fuego, the Volcano of Fire in Guatemala, sent boiling clouds of gas, ash, and rock down the volcano's slopes and into villages, killing hundreds. In Hawaii, Kilauea spewed out over four billion cubic feet of lava, razing estates, destroying roads, and changing the landscape. Using the latest scientific evidence, we explore what made the eruptions unique, why they were so hard to predict, and whether or not these two catastrophes were somehow connected.
Few places on Earth remain largely untouched and uninhabited by humans, but such spots exist in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Welcome to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a vast chain of volcanic mountains that have surfaced as tiny, isolated islands thousands of miles from any mainland. These worlds serve as both playgrounds and sanctuaries, where some species struggle and others thrive. Discover the secrets of these little-known oases as we explore eight islands, from the Arctic to the Antarctic.
A race is on to save Gabon's Moukalaba-Doudou National Park and the silverback gorillas that call it home. This area was once protected by a thriving oil industry, but now the logging industry is poised to move in. Ecotourism could be the only way to prevent the trees from coming down, but a team of conservationists needs to make the gorillas tolerant of humans first. Follow them as they get up-close with the gorillas, study their moves, and journey to war-torn Central African Republic to learn the secrets of successful gorilla habituation.
Discover how Earth evolved from a ball of fire to a ball of ice to a blue-green planet teeming with life.
Using clues from space, see how humans have evolved over the course of 300,000 years.
Before he wrote the book that revolutionized the way people understood evolution, a young Charles Darwin found himself, by chance, on a strange sea voyage. This is the story of the HMS Beagle, which traveled from Great Britain to survey South America's coastline, but also became part of its Captain Fitzroy's flawed social experiment. It's a tale of bold exploration, tragic miscalculation, the death of a civilization, and the birth of Darwinism.
In January 1942, the U.S. military created a new bomber command, the Eighth Air Force, and sent a small contingent of men overseas to loosen the Nazis' grip on Europe. The command's star player was the B-17, a fast, heavily armed aircraft that changed the course of World War II. Witness them take on the mighty German Luftwaffe over enemy skies. Discover the story of how one B-17--the Memphis Belle--and its crew lifted the spirits of a nation and became a symbol of American prowess in defense of freedom.
It's June 1942 and the world's fate is about to be decided by a handful of pilots and their untested aircraft. Experience an inside look at the Battle of Midway, captured through rarely seen battle footage and firsthand accounts from its hero dive-bombing pilot, "Dusty" Kleiss. This is an hour-by-hour recount of one of the most pivotal conflicts of the 20th century. Take a closer look at how this desperately needed victory came about through the design of U.S. airplanes, the skill of the pilots, the element of surprise, and a stroke of luck.
It was a 16th century floating behemoth commissioned by Erik XIV of Sweden to help seize control of the profitable trade routes in the Baltic Sea. The legendary warship, Mars the Magnificent, met its match in what is considered history's first modern naval battle. After centuries of searching, a team of scientists and researchers have found the wooden ship 250 feet below the surface of the chilly Baltic waters, revealing the discovery of a lifetime.
America's experiences during the Civil Rights Movement and the Space Race are well documented. However, few know about the moment these two worlds collided, when the White House and NASA scrambled to put the first black astronaut into orbit. This is the untold story of the decades-long battle between the U.S. and the Soviet Union to be the first superpower to bring diversity to the skies, told by the black astronauts and their families, who were part of this little known chapter of the Cold War.
Astronomer Shep Doeleman and his team are on a mission that will challenge the theories of Albert Einstein and could pave the way to a revolution in physics: to capture the first-ever image of a black hole. To do this, they must link eight multimillion-dollar observatories around the world to a spot 26,000 light years away. It's the equivalent of spotting an orange on the moon, but after 10 years of planning and the combined brainpower of over 200 international scientists, the team feels they're ready to make scientific history.
Crowned has a boy 2000 years ago, China's first emperor created uniform laws and writting system still used.
Notorious Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar's regime ended in a hail of bullets. Somewhat bizarelly, he left behind a private zoo with African hippos. They escaped and are multiplying, wreaking havoc in Colombia.
The Battle of Little Bighorn lasted nearly 24 hours on June 25, 1876, but the stage had been set decades earlier as settlers, prospectors, and business people began encroaching on Native Americans' sacred land. From the Lakota Sioux facing broken treaties to the attacks that ultimately led up to Bighorn, follow these events unfold. Then, see how this pivotal moment in history marked the beginning of the end of freedom on the Great Plains, the birth of an American cliche, and an ongoing fight for identity against the tyranny of progress.
Filmed in the largest contiguous wetland in the world, this area of the Pantanal contains numerous jaguars who hunt caiman and capybara and are up to twice the weight of jaguars elsewhere.
An astonishing range of wildlife is attracted to the Pantanal's Rebel Lake - including 600-pound tapirs, jaguars, graceful spoonbills, and hundreds of caimans.
Even 2,000 years after his death, General Hannibal's battle strategies are still studied today. But of all his military feats, perhaps his greatest was leading his massive Carthaginian army of men and three-dozen elephants across the Alps and into the heartland of Rome in 218 B.C. Until now, the route they took has been a matter of dispute, but thanks to modern-day technology, geomorphologist Bill Mahaney and microbiologist Chris Allen believe they've accurately traced this ancient journey.
Fifteen miles south of Cairo lies the site of a royal graveyard...and an ancient crime scene. When archaeologists discovered a 4,000-year-old burial chamber there, still sealed with a 10-ton capstone, they hoped to uncover a preserved body and perhaps even treasure.
Mexico is home to over 20,000 species - about 12 per cent of the planet's life-forms, the fifth most biodiverse country in the world. With unprecedented access to its most spectacular wildlife events, this documentary uncovers the spectacular natural history through the animals that migrate there, featuring gray whales, olive ridley turtles, American flamingos and monarch butterflies.
For years, wildlife filmmaker Casey Anderson has tracked mountain lions by his home in Montana, but always from a distance. That all changes when he's invited by a Chilean filmmaker to join a film crew in Chile's Torres del Paine National Park, home to what may be the densest population of pumas on Earth. Follow his once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get an up-close look at these normally reclusive creatures. See how, in this protected environment known as the Puma Triangle, these big cats behave in ways unlike anywhere else on the planet.
More than 200 years ago, a scientist named Alexander von Humboldt embarked on a perilous five-year journey through the Venezuelan jungles and Andean Mountains of South America. At the time, it was believed that the world was less than 6,000 years old. Humboldt's groundbreaking observations and theories would not only inspire Charles Darwin, but change our understanding of nature--and the role humans plays in it--forever. Follow historian and best-selling author Andrea Wulf as she recounts his footsteps and discoveries.
During the rainy season in Africa, a herd of buffalo can create thousands of pounds of waste in a day, which would be an environmental disaster if not for the dung beetle. These extraordinary insects depend on waste to survive. They eat it, attract mates with it, and raise families in it. Although dung beetles are critical to the ecosystem, they don't have it easy. Every day, they must avoid being trampled, evade predators like bullfrogs, honey badgers, and rock monitor lizards, and rival dung beetle families desperate for the same fecal prize.
For six years, Hitler had an iron grip on Europe. At its peak, Nazi Germany controlled more territory than the Roman Empire, but in 1945, the Third Reich found itself headed for a chaotic collapse. Through rarely seen color footage and firsthand accounts, we document the end of World War II in Europe. From the Battle of the Bulge to the crossing of the Rhine to the Soviet's epic blitz into German territory, this is a comprehensive account of the Nazi's final 100 days.
On June 6, 1944, British, American and Canadian troops landed on the beaches of Normandy as part of largest amphibious assault in military history: D-Day. Lesser known is the role played by the elite squadron of British bombers known as the Dambusters, whose elaborate diversion convinced German high command that the assault was happening somewhere else. Relive the legacy of this legendary bomber outfit, thanks to recently declassified material, rare and restored footage, as well as modern-day interviews with the surviving members.
The Battle of the Falklands, between a Royal Navy task force and five German cruisers, was one of the most dramatic and bloodiest sea conflicts of World War I. When the smoke cleared, four of the German ships had sunk, including the flagship and pride of the German fleet, the SMS Scharnhorst. For decades, none of the downed vessels were ever found. Now, more than 100 years later, maritime archaeologist Mensun Bound and his team are searching for the ships and the secrets they hold. It's a race against time and the raging South Atlantic Ocean.
Oceanic whitetips are best known as the shark responsible for the carnage that followed the 1945 sinking of the USS Indianapolis. Today, humans have all but wiped them out and the survivors struggle to find enough to eat. But in an astounding feat of adaptation, this fearsome predator appears to have completely overhauled its hunting strategies and teamed up with another species to find food. Follow a team of brave researchers as they dive unprotected into the realm of this fearsome predator to gather never-before-seen footage.
Ascension Island, a remote Mid-Atlantic outpost famous for its big game fishing, is under siege. Tiger sharks, hammerheads, even great whites, lured here every year by the bountiful reefs, are displaying aggressive behavior, culminating in the island's first shark attacks in its history. Join us as we dive into the mystery behind the altered behavior of these hungry predators, and explore whether efforts to bring this delicate ecosystem back into balance is a case of too little, too late.
On May 9, 1836, Charles Darwin sailed past the island of Madagascar, on his way to the Galapagos islands. If he'd decided to stop, he would have been astonished by the natural wonders on offer--from the predatory cat-like fossa to the eerie and majestic lemurs, of which there are over 100 individual species. Today, the mysteries of Madagascar continue to unfold before our eyes, with more than 600 new species of wildlife discovered there in just the past 20 years. Step into a world of dazzling biodiversity, unlike any other.
Roughly 20 miles off the coast of west Africa, sits a volcanic relic now completely blanketed in equatorial rainforest: the island of Bioko. It's home to some very rare species, including the drill -- one of the most endangered primates in the world. Join us on a jungle expedition as we uncover the secret life of these reclusive primates and track down the seasonal migration of the goby -- a plucky fish battling its way upriver past strong currents, deadly predators, and even a 100-foot waterfall, to reach the spawning grounds of its youth.
Iceland is an island on fire, with 30 active volcanoes generating a third of the world's land-based lava. Across the small country, steam hisses, water erupts, and magma spews. But there is one force powerful enough to challenge Iceland's fiery heart: ice. Join us on a spectacular tour over a land of spellbinding contrasts, where fierce volcanoes and powerful glaciers coexist, and new ground is borne every day from deep inside the Earth's blazing core. It's a unique view of a one-of-a-kind world and you have a first-class seat.
Today, it seems incredible that just a century ago, American women had no voice in democracy. Just as remarkable is that it took over 70 years of campaigns, marches, hunger strikes, and arrests to pass the constitutional amendment guaranteeing them the right to vote. Witness the decades-long fight for suffrage by heroic women who fought to claim their rights as citizens, told through rarely seen footage, expert opinions, and dozens of historic objects from the Smithsonian Institution. The legacy of their quest continues to shape our democracy.
What would happen if all of the world’s volcanoes erupted on a single day? Today, some 40 volcanoes are currently erupting, and more than a thousand sleeping giants could awake anytime. We join scientists around the globe as they deploy the latest technology to understand and predict volcanic behavior.
The Tibetan Plateau is known as `the roof of the world'. Its terrain and weather are unforgiving. As this documentary reveals, outsiders seldom see this area of Qinghai - inhabited by Tibetan wolves, blue sheep, and snow leopards.
America’s northern border with Canada encompasses a remarkable range of habitats and weather extremes, from desert to tundra, grassland to rainforest, ocean to lake. They are home to epic migrations and a diversity of wildlife, where, for much of the route, nature’s inhabitants are only constrained by the challenges of the terrain and the changing seasons. But as we follow a year in the northern borderlands, we discover that even in the absence of a physical border, the political boundary poses many problems for wild residents.
James Meredith was a civil rights hero unlike any other. He took on the University of Mississippi and the state's governor to desegregate the school, a fight that triggered the largest mobilization of federal troops on U.S. soil since the Civil War. He began a one-man "Walk Against Fear" to encourage Black Mississippians to register to vote, which became a national event after he was shot. Despite his monumental achievements, few people know who he is. Now, this icon, who forged his own path for change, shares his story, in his own words.
Air Force One is a marvel of military engineering. For more than half a century, the presidential fleet of armed jumbo jets has served as a flying fortress for America's commanders-in-chief, carrying them in victory, in shame, and even death. Join us as we take an unprecedented look at the world's most famous aircraft: how it was born, how it has developed over the decades, and the role it has played in historic events, from the death of Kennedy to the 9/11 attacks to a morale-building, surprise Thanksgiving visit to Iraq, and more.
On October 14, 1947, Captain Chuck Yeager accomplished what many thought was impossible: he broke the sound barrier and in doing so, changed aviation history forever. Behind this remarkable achievement was a dedicated team of rocket scientists and engineers, and one incredible plane, a Bell X-1 named "Glamorous Glennis." This is the story of the plane and the people who dared to travel faster than the speed of sound, pushing flight science forward and proving that no matter the barrier, humanity can find a way to break through.
It typically takes 10 years for a new vaccine to go through animal and human trials to test whether it's safe and effective, and then bring it to market. COVID-19 afforded no such luxury--it was spreading and killing at an unprecedented rate. The response: a collaborative effort by the global scientific community, where pharma companies banded together to take on a common foe. Filmed as the pandemic unfolded, we track the first stages of the fight, told by the virologists, modelers, immunologists, and other scientists who led the charge.
The Blitz--Germany's incessant, aerial onslaught on London and surrounding cities--was designed to eliminate the English motherland. Instead, it served as a defining moment for Britain and a turning point for America's attitude about the war. This is the definitive story of the Nazi's unprecedented all-out assault on a nation's cities and morale, composed almost entirely of rarely seen archival footage and told through discovered civilian diary entries, military leaders' speeches, and war correspondents' dramatic accounts.
In the central mountains of the Tibetan Plateau lies a secret valley that's hidden from the outside world. It is home to more snow leopards than anywhere else on the planet, including a devoted mother trying to raise her two young cubs and an aging leopard king trying to retain his crown.
Reveals the challenges, tensions and sometimes life-affirming moments among the residents. Scenes of handling stress and developing coping mechanisms turn to surprising moments of affirmation and joy. From the first moments of lockdown to the relief several weeks later, viewers will witness the journey to life after lockdown as they begin to regain a semblance of normality and reunite with loved ones.
During the Vietnam War, US Air Force pilots who flew 100 combat missions could go home. The tension built relentlessly as they survived each sortie. This is the story of the survivors and the fallen.
Archeological findings in a 1000 year old grave in Sweden have revealed evidence of female Viking warriors.
Discover the story of a fast, heavily-armed plane that changed the course of World War II.
Learn the history of Mars the Maginificent, a behemoth warship.
Learn the surprising backstory of Charles Darwin's famous 1831 expedition on the HMS Beagle.
A documentary about a colony of eastern quolls which live in a hidden valley in the Tasmanian wilderness dubbed Quoll Farm. Simon Plowright lives with the quolls for a year, observing the unique creatures which are under threat from human encroachment.
When the Ice Age ended 12,000 years ago, it also marked the end for many species of large mammals across the globe, such as mammoths, cave bears, and giant sloths. The common theory has been that climate change wiped out most of these animals, but recent discoveries are pointing to another culprit: our distant ancestors. Follow paleontologist Dick Mol and his colleagues on their hunt for clues to the extinction of the Ice Age giants, and to determine whether they were truly the victims of the environment, or of humankind.
Masterful traps set by humpback whales in the straits of Alaska. An ingenious partnership between dolphins and gannets by Bird Island, South Africa. A killing school where orcas teach their young to hunt sea lions on the shores of Punta Norte. For ages, the oceans have hidden the true depth and breadth of their hunters' inventiveness. But now, wildlife photographers below and above the water's surface are capturing images that show off their remarkable prowess. Discover their secrets as we travel the world to see the ocean's predators at work.
A visually stunning portrait of one of nature’s most agile and fearsome predators, the Goshawk. This secretive bird of prey can be hard to see in the UK, but reigns supreme in Korea’s mountains.
Trace the history of Martian rovers, and get inside the design and drama of the new rover's launch and landing. Was there ever life on the Red Planet?
One year ago today, COVID-19 was declared a national emergency in the U.S. As the world continues to battle this deadly pandemic, a global team of experts is taking a close look at one animal that may provide clues to preventing future pandemics.
Deep in Canada's remote Yukon, a dramatic coming of age story unfolds involving an adolescent grizzly named Sophie. Wildlife filmmaker Phil Timpany has chronicled her all her life. Now he's capturing her first steps into adulthood--and motherhood--and the many challenges threatening both her and her rambunctious cubs. Witness Sophie's journey as she learns the ropes, trying to balance her own needs with feeding and protecting her young. More than half of all grizzly cubs die in their first year, so Sophie has little room for error.
California is the most populous state in America, but in between the skyscrapers and highways, patches of wilderness remain, where nature not only survives, but thrives! See how the Golden State balances the needs of its wildlife and its people, designating nearly half its land and one-sixth of its coastal waters as protected areas. Then follow the stories of the creatures that call it home, from the sidewinder rattlesnake of the Algodones Dunes to the mustangs of the Sierra Nevada mountains to the humpback whales off the coast of Monterey.
Explore a surprisingly wild and little-known part of America's heartland, and witness the efforts to restore it. In northern Montana is a massive wildlife sanctuary on track to become one of the largest, protected ecosystems in the United States: the American Prairie Reserve. Here, scientists and ranchers are working in partnership to restore these grasslands to their natural state. To do that, they must bring back the animals, starting with the keystone species: Bison. Enter America's heartland and witness surprising landscapes and never-before-filmed animal behavior,
It was one of the world's earliest, fastest, and most successful rollouts of the COVID-19 vaccine, giving other nations an inoculation game plan and an optimistic glimpse of the future. So how did Israel do it? This is the inside story of a dramatic yearlong stretch in the county's history--from the first wave of the pandemic and the lockdowns and restrictions that followed to the aggressive vaccination campaign that re-opened the economy to the outbreak of violence between Palestinians and Israeli forces--told through the eyes of its citizens.
The most expensive and specialized airplane ever built, the B2 Stealth bomber carries a price tag of more than two billion dollars. Highly effective and extremely technically advanced, it has been an integral part of the Air Force arsenal for the past 20 years. From a Cold War scrap heap candidate, to the go-to bomber in the 2011 strike against Qaddafi's army in Libya, "Spirit" has seen its share of trials and triumphs. Join us as we detail how this secret weapon evolved to overcome critics, espionage, and even tragedy, to change the shape of aviation forever.
Follow the WWII campaign against Japan through the lens of British war correspondent William Courtenay.
Dig into the secrets of a royal graveyard near Cairo that turned out to be an ancient crime scene.
Uncover one of the most influential year in American history through a wide range of artifacts.
Watch the final days of the Pacific War unfold.
Enter the mysterious crypts of ancient Chinese emperors to uncover new truths about the Han Dynasty, which ruled 2000 years ago. Discover their wealth, beliefs and quest for imortality, as well as how their culture and philosophy shaped modern China.
4 musicians tell the history of people of color through songs. In a music of their own
Using cutting-edge technologies, a team of scientists explore the amazing life cycle of olive ridley sea turtles as thousands gather to nest on Costa Rica's Ostional Beach.
Trek through the Gorgona tropical jungle for an up-close-and-personal look at the Colombian island's inhabitants: boas, capuchin monkeys, brown-throated sloths, millipedes and more.
A look at the wide variety of creatures, both native and invasive, that currently occupy the city of Miami, from peacocks to pythons to parrots.
Join Montana wildlife filmmaker Casey Anderson as he rescues grizzly bears and gives them a better quality of life in his sanctuary, plus follow the journey of a roadside cub and its mother.
Though the Hudson River is synonymous with Manhattan urbanism, this documentary traces its 315-mile path from the peaks of the Adirondacks, focusing on the wildlife of upstate New York.
Decades after humans first landed on the moon, NASA is sending a team of engineers, astronauts and brilliant minds back to space on a bold new mission.
Enter the colorful world of glass sculptor Dale Chihuly as we explore the heart and mind of one of today's greatest artists.
We revisit the July 2000 crash of a Concorde jet, and follow the race to discover why it caught fire on takeoff.
Over 3,500 years ago, the powerful Shang Dynasty emerged from the Central Chinese plains. Their armies were led by a fierce and brilliant young general - her name was Fu Hao.
Learn about the collapse of the Mayan empire from the Maya themselves.
Egyptologist investigate rumors that the discovery of King Tutankhamun's tomb unleashed a deadly curse
Probe the US military's failed attempt to build a flying aircraft carrier.
Feel the need for speed? Look inside the US Navy's Figther Weapons School to get the story behindthe hollywood movie.
On October 14, 1947, Captain Chuck Yeager accomplished what many thought impossible.
The CIA Museum opens its doors and vaults to reveal the top secret stories behind agency documents, “Argo” artifacts, a Soviet helicopter used in the hunt for Osama bin Laden and more.
Following one of the greatest female explorers from an era that didn't encourage such things from the weaker sex.
The Last 747 captures the emotion around the build of Boeing’s last 747 jumbo jet and also tells the story of how this one airplane completely transformed the economics of air travel – with huge implications for globalization, trade and geopolitics.
Elephants live a privileged life in the wild, surrounded by a strong family unit and threatened by very few predators. However, in areas where they live side by side with humans, it's a much different story. We track land's biggest mammal around the globe to see how they cope in our modern world, and how man impacts their lives in both negative and positive ways. From the giant bulls of the African bushveld to the timber elephants of Asia, we follow these gentle giants and the dedicated men and women helping them to change with the times.
Do you talk to your plants? Think of the stories they could tell if only they could talk back. The seemingly peaceful world of plants is actually a battlefield and a constant struggle for survival. See how some predatory plants use trapdoors and enticing, beautiful flowers to trap their prey, while others shrivel up or emit odors to fend off their enemy. Experts uncover the most fascinating secrets of the world of plants-roots and all.
From the desk on which Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence to Dorothy's ruby slippers, the National Museum of American History houses many of America's greatest treasures and icons. Learn the stories of how they came to be a part of the museum's collection, and meet the people who have restored some of these treasures.
The torch has been lit, and the battle for Winter Games supremacy is on. Join us as we determine who the world's greatest winter athletes truly are, pitting gold medal champions against animals from all icy corners of the earth. May the best man or reindeer or emperor penguin or sockeye salmon win.
From the first passenger-carrying balloon to the space race, animals have been aviation pioneers. Discover their incredible war stories, barnstorming adventures, and out-of-this-world experiences, told through restored archival footage and rare photographs.
The cheetah excels at acceleration, gathering speeds of over 60 MPH in just a few strides. It runs down high-speed prey faster than any mammal on Earth, but its quickness comes at a cost. For one mother raising three cubs, the stakes are especially high. Her lack of stamina results in many failed attempts to capture prey, and as a single parent, hunting means leaving her cubs unattended and vulnerable to other predators of the Serengeti. The race for survival is on. The cheetah has the speed, but does she have the endurance to make
Meet Gunner, a Cheetah born into the grassland killing fields of Botswana, home to Africa's fiercest predators. He's also the runt of the litter, more interested in playing tag than hunting. Gunner's two brothers often protect him, but when they're tragically killed, he's forced to grow up. But he better learn quickly—another coalition of cheetahs has plans to take over Gunner’s territory at all costs. If this runt has any hopes of surviving, he’s going to have to do it alone.
Attila the Hun wore its image on his helmet. The South Korean Air Force has adopted its brazen hatchlings as its mascot. The Goshawk is a national treasure that reigns over the mountains of Korea. Speeding through woodlands, its four-foot wingspan, long tail, razor-sharp talons and extraordinary eyesight allows it to ambush its prey with precision. But the Goshawk will be tested as a hunter, struggling to survive a harsh winter, and as a parent watching over its vulnerable hatchlings, which will live or die by their ability to hunt.
With talons bigger than a grizzly bear's and the sharpest eye and beak in nature, the harpy eagle rules the canopy of the unspoiled South American rainforest. But little is known about this powerful raptor, specifically its mating and rearing habits. That's because finding them in the dense and often treacherous Amazon requires great experience, endurance, patience and courage. Join wildlife experts Rainer Bergomaz and Yung Sandy as they leave civilization behind and brave perilous rapids and poisonous reptiles on their hunt for the harpy.
Along the Chitose River in Hokkaido, Japan, lives a bird that the world knows little about. The kingfisher, a small, mysterious bird, is a high-precision hunter that plucks tiny fish out of the river at breakneck speeds. Photographing them requires great equipment, great patience, and often, great luck. Wildlife photographer Tadashi Shimada observes three species of kingfishers over the course of a year, tracking their hunting, courting and rearing skills. He takes us underwater and into their cave-like nests to show these flying jewels as they've never been seen before.
Millions of American Bison once roamed the Great Plains of North America. The imposing mammal reigned supreme over the grassland before they were hunted to the edge of extinction. Now protected, their very existence relies on their instinct and ability to weather the ravages of the prairie's extreme seasonal shifts. Spend a year where the buffalo roam. Witness their seasonal battle for survival alongside the Great Plain's neighboring residents: prairie dogs, burrowing owls, camel crickets and many other grassland dwellers.
April 4, 1968. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is gunned down on the balcony of a hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. It was all caught on film, tape and audio. So why have we seen so little of it? The well-known photograph of Dr. King's aides pointing toward the direction of the gunfire is iconic, but tells only part of the story. For the first time, a remarkable collection of recently rediscovered footage has been chronologically reassembled. The resulting documentary allows us to revisit the tumultuous events surrounding one of the most shocking assassinations in America and relive history through the voices of the era.
Embark on a remarkable journey from the drought-ravaged farms of Australia, to the heart of the Middle East, to the mountains of Tajikistan, as charismatic Australian scientist Dr. Ken Street-a real life version of Indiana Jones-and his team of "gene detectives" hunt for plant genes that will help our food withstand the impact of twenty-first century global warming.
Skin color both unites and divides us. For centuries, it has been used as a marker of race, but groundbreaking research is changing the way we see ourselves, and each other. Join anthropologist Nina Jablonski and scientists around the world as they uncover the intricate relationship between our pigment and our environment. We reveal how the world's sepia rainbow of skin color is an adaptation to the sun's UV rays and our diet. Exposing the fact, that in a time of mass migration, we must address the mismatches between our color and our new surroundings.
Look beyond the Hope Diamond and Lincoln's stove top hat, and you'll discover that, along with beautiful and celebrated treasures, the Smithsonian Institution also houses items that are bizarre, revolting, and downright weird. Take a fun and informative look at ten wondrous and unusual artifacts, from the Soap Man (a man mummified in soap) to a million-year-old sample of giant sloth dung!
Deep beneath the surface of the South Seas, divers risk their lives each year to pursue a miraculous gem. The industry of pearl farming in Northern Australia is as miraculous as it is mysterious. We explore the well-guarded and delicate process of harvesting and cultivating the giant oyster, as divers, scientists, and technicians work tirelessly to produce nature's gift to humankind.
In the history of aviation, there were some ideas that didn't quite...fly. From the bizarre vertical "Pogo" plane to the disastrous Goblin, nicknamed the "Flying Egg," we take an in-depth probe of some magnificent men and their not so magnificent flying machines.
Raging rapids, unforgiving sandbanks, and marauding hippos are just a few of the challenges an international team of philanthropists face as they travel the entire length of Africa's Zambezi River. Riding fast, inflatable boats, the team meets communities devastated by malaria, and health workers struggling to cope. The team's mission was to change lives, but by the end of the two-month expedition, team members discover their own lives have been profoundly affected.
Smithsonian Channel explores one of the great aviation mysteries of our time MALAYSIA 370: THE PLANE THAT VANISHED. At a time when speculation is rife, the special dives deep into the detail of the Boeing 777, the technologies involved in the search, and aviation procedures that may be transformed in The Aftermath of this disaster.
