Secrets of Ancient Structures

Archaeological finds and new technologies reveal clues to long-enduring mysteries. How did the Celts build Newgrange to last, even through cataclysmic flooding? And how do Mayan pyramids like those found at El Castillo hold clues to an ancient civilization’s advanced understanding of the cosmos?

As ancient edifices reveal design almost beyond comprehension, does captivating geometry like that found at the Chand Baori stepwell hint at otherworldly interference? From the iconic arches of Rome’s Colosseum, to a fortress perched atop a remote volcano in Sri Lanka; from the colossal stone sculptures that dot an island in the Pacific, to an iconic wall that spans a whole continent, and the glimmering pools of Angkor Wat, what ancient secrets can be revealed about the structures that have shaped our world?

Episodic Breakdown

Episode 1: Secrets of the Shrines — From the Pantheon to Mont Saint-Michel and a Roman gate-turned-church, ancient builders transformed faith and ingenuity into architectural marvels.
Episode 2: Cosmic Alignment — Angkor Wat, El Castillo and Ireland’s Newgrange reveal how ancient builders aligned architectural marvels with the cosmos and harnessed the solstice sun.
Episode 3: Battling Giants — The Colosseum, Great Wall of China and Malbork Castle showcase immense ambition, human labour and revolutionary engineering that challenge the boundaries of architecture.
Episode 4: Volcanic Origins — From a Sri Lankan fortress to mysterious Pacific stone heads and an intricate Indian temple, ancient builders transformed volcanic landscapes and rock into extraordinary monuments.
Episode 5: Dealing With the Devil — Sacsayhuamán, Chand Baori and Notre Dame push architectural boundaries, inspiring enduring legends of supernatural intervention and diabolical bargains.
Episode 6: Beyond the Tomb — From the Taj Mahal and Speyer Cathedral to Lycian tombs, monumental architecture reveals humanity’s quest for immortality and how ancient civilizations faced death.