Ancient History Episodes

The 1453 Siege heats up as Constantine XI struggles to hold back the Ottoman Turks.

We trace the final days of the Byzantine Empire through the eyes of its last emperor.

Emperor Manuel II Palaiologos secures an unexpected alliance in his fight against the Ottomans.

Emperor John VI struggles to reform the faltering Roman Empire during its final century.

Emperor Romanos IV meets Alp Arslan at the battle of Manzikert altering the course of history.

As Byzantium spirals we follow the rise of The Seljuks as they become an existential threat.

Through the reign of Emperor Constantine IX, we uncover the background and reasons for the 1071 Battle of Manzikert.

In part two of our series, we delve into the downfall of Akhenaten, The Heretic King.

Part one of the story of Akhenaten featuring his rediscovery, childhood and first years as Pharoah.

Professor Almut Hintze sheds light on the rituals, beliefs and history of Zoroastrianism.

"Go tell the Spartans passerby, that here, obedient to our laws, we lie...."

"Eat well Spartans for tonight we dine with Hades!" - King Leonidas I

Author James Waterson provides an in-depth look into the history of the Mamluk Sultanate, with a special focus on the reign of Sultan Baybars.

“Could the fall of the Roman Empire have been avoided?”

"A great and heroic character in a degenerate age"