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The Ancient World on Television               November 1-7, 2004
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All times Eastern

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n.b. official descriptions are provided by the respective
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Monday, November 1
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8.00 p.m. |HISTU| Genghis Khan
Genghis Khan conquered half the world and his barbarism influenced generation after generation. A brilliant and charismatic leader and military strategist, he united the nomadic Mongol tribes and left behind sons and grandsons to maintain the dynasty long after his death. And he left behind one of history's great mysteries--what happened to all the booty taken from conquered cities? Nothing has ever been found--not a goblet, coin, or statue, though gold, silver, and jewels flowed back to Mongolia like shining rivers. Legend suggests it was buried with the Great Khan and the gravedigger-soldiers killed to keep the gravesite secret. Our investigation follows clues uncovered by a Chicago attorney and passed on to an expeditionary team. There's no treasure map, but the path these scholars take provides insight into the Asian warlord and the continuing mystery of his burial place.
 
10.00 p.m. |HISTU| The Kings: From Babylon to Baghdad 
The history of the hotspot now known as Iraq was written in blood. Ancient kings leading the world's first armies fought for total control of the fertile lands of Mesopotamia. Their cities and empires, the earliest on earth, rose and fell through warfare, invasion, and conquest. In the modern age, Iraq provided a stage for European imperialism and more recently, a focal point in U.S. foreign policy. Our 2-hour look at this historical ground zero recounts its story through its leaders, from Sargon the Great to Saddam Hussein, and brings its history to life with compelling dramatic recreations, captivating location photography, and archaeological artifacts. Notable historians, scholars, experts, and policy makers draw connections and relevance between ancient and modern Iraq through its government, culture, and religion.
 
10.00 p.m. |HINT| The Fire of London 
This 90-minute special looks at the 1666 blaze that reduced the world's most majestic city to utter ruin, and brings to life the sparks of the fire and its progress with full-scale recreation of the disastrous event. Over 13,000 houses, 87 churches, and principle landmarks of the city were destroyed. Using modern forensic techniques and new historical evidence, we piece together the true story of the Great Fire of London.
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Tuesday, November 2
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7.00 p.m. |HINT| Samson and Delilah
Explores the theory that the Philistines kept Samson, not as a laborer, but as a sex slave in order to breed a race of giants.

10.00 p.m. |HINT| Greece: Journeys to the Gods
After creating the pantheon of pagan gods, Greece converted to the Christian god. The monks built imposing monasteries nestled in the most remote nooks, coastal cliffs, and volcanic islands. Join us as our travels take us from the splendors of ancient Greek religious sites to the glories of the mighty Byzantine Empire and its heritage as traced through the awesome Meteora at Mount Athos, and Patmos Island, where St. John, the Evangelist, is said to have written the Apocalypse.

11.00 p.m. |HINT|The Hidden City of Petra
Story of the Nabataeans, a desert people who carved the city of Petra out of the Jordanian mountains some 2,000 years ago. Their culture flourished, then disappeared. We visit the site of the amazing sculpted city, which included temples and colonnaded market streets. 
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Wednesday, November 3
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7.00 p.m. |HINT| Jacob's Ladder
Story of Jacob's magnificent stairway to heaven. Includes a trip to the Middle East to explore 4,000-year-old ruins that some believe were the palaces of Jacob and his son. 
 
8.00 p.m. |DCIVC| Ancient Egyptians - The Priests of Amun
dna

8.00 p.m. |HISTU| Spartacus, Part 1  
Movie. By 72 BC, the Roman Empire had swept across the European continent, conquering countries and selling the people into slavery. But one slave dared to take a stand. This is the story of Spartacus (Goran Visnjic), from the country of Thrace, who, after witnessing his father's brutal death and enduring being sold into slavery, swears to one day live again as a free man. Based on Howard Fast's acclaimed novel, the miniseries was filmed in Bulgaria and directed by Robert Dornhelm. The cast includes Alan Bates, Assen Blatechki, Ben Cross, Henry Simmons, Angus MacFadyen, and Rhona Mitra.
 
8.00 p.m. |HINT| Sailing with the Phoenicians
Sail with a Phoenician captain along the trade routes of the Mediterranean to the ancient ports of Byblos, Rhodes, Tharros, Motya, and the famous Roman naval base at Carthage. Phoenicians, the ancient inhabitants of modern-day Lebanon, were known to be expert sailors. State-of-the-art technology and 3-D graphics allow viewers to see through the eyes of one these seaworthy Phoenicians, and insights from leading archaeology experts enhance the reality. 
 
8.30 p.m. |HINT| The Roman Empire in Africa
During the 2nd century AD, Roman war veterans were granted land in Northern Africa as a sign of gratitude from the politicians. This arid climate proved beneficial in the planting of vast olive groves and wheat fields. The area was prosperous and began to take on many aspects of Roman culture. We'll take a virtual tour through some of the numerous wealthy provinces, including the amphitheatre at El-Djem and the ingenious villa built to escape the hot African climate, and aided by state-of-the-art technology and 3-D graphics, see them as only the original inhabitants could have.

9.00 p.m. |HINT|
 
9.00 p.m. |DCIVC|Ancient Evidence: David and Goliath
dna

10.00 p.m. |HINT| Time Team: Coventry, West Midlands
Time Team's visit to Coventry, in search of the city's first cathedral, saw a break with its usual 3-day rule. The reason for the breach in routine was the discovery of a stone-lined grave cut into a floor--the site of the chapter house of the Benedictine priory associated with the original cathedral. Since a building was to be erected on the site after Time Team's excavations were finished, it was decided that the tomb couldn't be covered up again and left--it had to be investigated!

10.00 p.m. |HISTU| Spartacus, Part 2 
Movie. The gladiator Spartacus leads the largest uprising of escaped gladiators and slaves in Roman history and nearly leads to the downfall of Rome. During the battles against the Romans during the Third Servile War, Spartacus became a legend. Based on Howard Fast's acclaimed novel and directed by Robert Dornhelm. The cast includes Alan Bates, Assen Blatechki, Ben Cross, Henry Simmons, Angus MacFadyen, and Rhona Mitra. (2004) 

10.00 p.m. |NGU| Who Built Stonehenge?
dna
 
10.00 p.m. |DCIVC| Egypt Uncovered: Age of Gold
dna
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Thursday, November 4
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4.00 p.m. |DCIVC| Ancient Evidence: David and Goliath
dna

5.00 p.m. |DCIVC| Egypt Uncovered: Age of Gold
dna

7.00 p.m. |HINT| The Rise of Christianity: The First 1000 Years
Covers the years between 312 AD, when the Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity, and 461 AD, when Rome "fell" to the barbarian Goths. They were heady days that saw the birth of the monastic movement, the codification of the faith, and creation of the New Testament canon as we recognize it today.

8.00 p.m. |DCIVC| Lost Treasures of the Ancient World: China
dna

9.00 p.m. |HINT| A History of Britain: Conquest!
Without William the Conqueror's 1066 victory, Britain might well have been a province of Scandinavia. But after the Norman Conquest, Britain ceased to look north and turned its face to the south, becoming part of an Anglo-Norman empire that in time, overshadowed even the kings of France.
 
9.00 p.m. |DCIVC| King Arthur
dna

11.00 p.m. |HINT|The Great Pharaoh and His Lost Children
Join us on an historical mystery tour back to Egypt's New Kingdom and the era of Ramesses the Great to solve the puzzle of his missing children. We learn of his dedication to his family at his funerary temple, the magnificent Ramesseum, where we see how he depicted his children on various temple walls and reliefs. Then, Dr. Kent Weeks takes us through the mysterious and long-forgotten KV5, the tomb of several of Ramesses' sons, which proves to be ancient Egypt's greatest family mausoleum. 
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Friday, November 5
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3.00 p.m. |DISCC|

5.00 p.m. |DTC|New York Slaves
A long-forgotten burial ground in a remote corner of Manhattan tells the story of the African slaves whose labor built the foundations of the city and whose rebellion set it ablaze. Find out where these people came from and what their lives were like.

6.00 p.m. |DCIVC| The Land of Genghis Khan
dna

7.00 p.m. |HINT| Ramses the Great: Pharaoh for All Time
A fascinating portrait of the charismatic Pharaoh who conquered nations, built legendary temples and fathered more than 100 children in his 67-year reign.

8.00 p.m. |HISTU| Julius Caesar  
Profile of one of the world's greatest military minds, ancient Rome's Julius Caesar, who romanced Cleopatra, invented the 12-month calendar, and expanded the boundaries of the empire, before being assassinated by senators fearful of his growing power.

8.00 p.m. |DTC| Journey Through the Valley of the Kings
Travel through the 3,500-year history of Egypt's ancient resting place of the most powerful rulers the world has ever known. Computer graphics and 3-D reconstructions reveal a subterranean labyrinth of tombs housing untold wealth.

9.00 p.m. |DTC| The Lost Mummy of Imhotep
The Egyptian high priest in the movie, The Mummy, is considered by historians to be the first genius. The first to build pyramids, this physician and ruler was a god to his people. Archaeologists may have discovered his tomb in the sands of Saqqara.

9.00 p.m. |HISTU| Caligula: Reign of Madness
Caligula ruled the Roman Empire fewer than four years, and was only 28 when assassinated by officers of his guard in 41 AD. His reign was a legendary frenzy of lunacy, murder, and lust. Between executions, he staged spectacular orgies, made love to his sister, and declared himself a living god. Join us for a look at this devoted son, murderer, pervert, and loving father whose anguished life was far more bizarre than the myth that surrounds him.

10.00 p.m. |DTC| Custer's Last Stand
On June 25, 1876, George Armstrong Custer stumbled on one of the largest Indian camps the Plains had seen. Vastly outnumbered, Custer and his troops fell to the Indians at Little Big Horn. Scientists examine artifacts to recreate this famous battle.

10.00 p.m. |HISTU| Ivan the Terrible: Might and Madness 
The life of the bloodthirsty first Tsar of Russia. Ivan killed his own son and had several of his wives murdered.
 
11.00 p.m. |HISTU| The Real Attila the Hun
No ruler in history represents the unbridled rage and brutality of the barbarian as much as Attila the Hun. In the 5th century, Attila swept through Europe, effectively extinguishing the classical Roman Empire. And for a time, he held the destiny of all of Western Europe firmly in his grasp. But in the end, it was Attila who unwittingly secured the future of the civilized world and Christian Europe. After his death, the Hun Empire began to break up, and the marauding Huns "scattered to the winds."  
 
11.00 p.m. |DCIVC| Ancient Civilizations
dna
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Saturday, November 6
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4.00 p.m. |DCIVC|

6.00 p.m. |DTC| The Alamo
The diary of a Mexican officer who fought at the Alamo has spurred controversy and outrage regarding Davy Crockett and the Texas revolutionaries. These startling revelations challenge the traditional history and heroism of these Alamo defenders.

6.00 p.m. |HINT| The Great Pharaoh and His Lost Children
Join us on an historical mystery tour back to Egypt's New Kingdom and the era of Ramesses the Great to solve the puzzle of his missing children. We learn of his dedication to his family at his funerary temple, the magnificent Ramesseum, where we see how he depicted his children on various temple walls and reliefs. Then, Dr. Kent Weeks takes us through the mysterious and long-forgotten KV5, the tomb of several of Ramesses' sons, which proves to be ancient Egypt's greatest family mausoleum.

11.00 p.m. |HINT| Foot Soldier: The Vikings
A look at the sea-going warriors who attacked Europe with savage fury and violence. These raiders and traders, explorers and settlers set sail from Denmark, Norway, and, Sweden during the Scandinavian expansion (800-1050 AD). Goes beyond the myths to find out if the Vikings really wore horned helmets and took drugs before going into battle. Richard Karn hosts.
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Sunday, November 7
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4.00 p.m. |DISCU| L.A. 10,000 B.C.
When humans first arrived in the Americas, they came face to face with a terrifying variety of bloodthirsty beasts. Find out how these early people battled with such malevolent Mega fauna.

6.00 p.m. |HINT| The Hidden City of Petra
Story of the Nabataeans, a desert people who carved the city of Petra out of the Jordanian mountains some 2,000 years ago. Their culture flourished, then disappeared. We visit the site of the amazing sculpted city, which included temples and colonnaded market streets.

7.00 p.m. |HINT|   Time Team: Coventry, West Midlands
Time Team's visit to Coventry, in search of the city's first cathedral, saw a break with its usual 3-day rule. The reason for the breach in routine was the discovery of a stone-lined grave cut into a floor--the site of the chapter house of the Benedictine priory associated with the original cathedral. Since a building was to be erected on the site after Time Team's excavations were finished, it was decided that the tomb couldn't be covered up again and left--it had to be investigated!
 
8.00 p.m. |HISTU| The True Story of Alexander the Great
334 BC--a 20-year-old military commander from Northern Greece set out to conquer the known world. During the next 12 years, King Alexander of Macedon led 40,000 troops more than 20,000 miles, defeated the world's most powerful ruler, King Darius of Persia, and conquered West Asia before dying at age 32. In a 3-hour special, host Peter Woodward explores the true story of Alexander the Great--a tale of conquest, love, hate, revenge, and ultimately tragedy. He visits locations of Alexander's youth, temples dedicated to Greek gods where Alexander sought divine counsel, and actual battlefields, as well as demonstrating his signature battle plans and weaponry. How could one man accomplish so much at such a young age? What led to his demise? These questions drive our analysis of Alexander's complex character, delicately balanced between genius and insanity.
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                        Channel Guide

A&E     The Arts and Entertainment Channel (cable)
DTC     Discovery Times Channel (U.S. Cable)*
DCIVC   Discovery Civilization (Canadian Cable)
DISCC   Discovery Channel (Canadian Cable)
DISCU   Discovery Channel (U.S. Cable)
HINT    History International (U.S. Cable)
HISTU   The History Channel (U.S. Cable)
HISTC   History Television (Canadian Cable)
NGU     National Geographic Channel (U.S. Cable)*
PBS     Public Broadcasting System (U.S. National Schedule)
TLC     The Learning Channel (cable)

*n.b. Canadian versions of these two channels have recently
been made available although the Canadian versions don't seem
to be making their schedules available yet. For what it's worth,
the Canadian version does seem to 'match up' in regards to
ancient programming most of the time.
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Copyright (c) 2004 David Meadows. Feel free to distribute these
listings via email to your pals, students, teachers, etc., but
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Thanks!
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::Sunday, October 31, 2004 8:51:15 AM::