Channel logo

Ancient Mysteries

Ancient Mysteries is a series of one-hour documentaries exploring archaeological, historical, and cultural mysteries of the ancient past.
199618 episodes16+
Join Prime

Episodes

  1. S2 E1 - Secrets Of The Aztec Empire
    February 13, 1997
    46min
    TV-PG
    In the 1970s, workers digging a ditch in Mexico City unearthed a stone decorated in relief--that discovery led to bigger finds including the Great Temple of Tenochtitlan.
    Join Prime
  2. S2 E2 - The Secret Life Of King Ramses II
    February 20, 1997
    46min
    TV-PG
    The story of the ancient king who led Egypt to unprecedented power and splendor. Ramses II left such ancient marvels as the temple at Karnak and the great rock temple at Abu Simbel.
    Join Prime
  3. S2 E3 - Curse Of The Hope Diamond
    March 6, 1997
    46min
    TV-PG
    A look at the fabulous 45-1/2 carat blue diamond that has brought beauty to its owners--and perhaps misery as well. Some believe the diamond carries a curse that has destroyed careers, lives, marriages, and even empires.
    Join Prime
  4. S2 E4 - The Fate Of Neandertals
    April 27, 1997
    47min
    TV-PG
    More than 70,000 years ago, a clan of cave dwellers roamed the cliffs of Southwestern France. They were the Neandertals, distant cousins to modern man. Explore the caves that reveal some of the mysteries of their life.
    Join Prime
  5. S2 E5 - Human Sacrifice
    May 1, 1997
    43min
    TV-PG
    Explores societies that have glorified human sacrifice. Includes a look at Mexico's ancient Aztecs, and travels to India, where victims were sacrificed to Kali, the goddess of darkness and death.
    Join Prime
  6. S2 E6 - Samurai!
    May 22, 1997
    45min
    13+
    A look at the world of old Japan and the fighting code of the ruthless Samurai warrior. Discover how their code of honor was born.
    Join Prime
  7. S2 E7 - The Black Death
    July 10, 1997
    44min
    TV-PG
    Story of the deadly plague that mysteriously arrived in medieval Europe, moving from country to country killing millions.
    Join Prime
  8. S2 E8 - Ancient Rome And It's Mysterious Cities
    July 17, 1997
    45min
    TV-PG
    Explores the great cities built by the Romans as they conquered the world. How did Romans use the wealth and knowledge of the Greeks and Etruscans to build their cities?
    Join Prime
  9. S2 E9 - Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World
    July 24, 1997
    1 h 28 min
    13+
    The Great Pyramid of Giza, Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, Statue of Zeus at Olympia, Colossus of Rhodes, Temple of Artemis, Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Pharos of Alexandria. Of the seven wonders, only the Great Pyramid remains.
    Join Prime
  10. S2 E10 - Tattooing
    August 7, 1997
    46min
    TV-PG
    Examination of the centuries-old history and current popularity of tattoos. Looks at the practice of tattooing in ancient times when slaves, warriors, and even potential marriage partners were marked for life.
    Join Prime
  11. S2 E11 - The Magic of Alchemy
    August 17, 1997
    46min
    TV-PG
    In ancient times, alchemists practiced the speculative art of transmuting the baser metals into gold. Though they never achieved the goal, they often made a lot of silver off gullible patrons.
    Join Prime
  12. S2 E12 - Search For The Abominable Snowman
    August 21, 1997
    45min
    TV-PG
    Host Leonard Nimoy travels to the peaks of the Himalayas and the valleys of China to hunt for the fabled creature that many say really exists. Includes a startling video that may have captured the beast on tape for the first time.
    Join Prime
  13. S2 E13 - Quest For The Holy Grail
    August 28, 1997
    45min
    TV-PG
    A staple in medieval legend, it sometimes appeared as a cup, a chalice, or a dish. Some say it was taken to England, where it became a part of the Arthurian legend. Was it the vessel from which Christ shared wine at the Last Supper?
    Join Prime
  14. S2 E14 - Knights Templar
    September 7, 1997
    45min
    TV-PG
    900 years ago in the holy land of Muslims who fought the Crusaders suddenly were attacked by an unusual nightmare inspiring legions of armed force blades monks entitled Knights Templar. Who were these mysterious war cross.
    Join Prime
  15. S2 E15 - Secret Life King Ramses
    September 24, 1997
    44min
    TV-PG
    Renowned as one of Egypt's greatest rulers, his 67-year reign gave rise to the Ramses myth. Yet, his legend includes responsibility for the "Exodus". Benevolent or brutal? We'll examine his possible political motives.
    Join Prime
  16. S2 E16 - Lost Mummies Of The Inca
    October 2, 1997
    46min
    TV-PG
    Story of the ancient Incas' bizarre death cult. The Incas worshipped their mummified ancestors, held lavish banquets for them, and even dressed them in fine clothes and exquisite jewelry.
    Join Prime
  17. S2 E17 - Reincarnation
    November 2, 1997
    45min
    16+
    A probe into the most fascinating mystery of all--do we live more than once? Looks at a Colorado housewife who says she lived centuries ago, and at evidence that the Dalai Lama has been reincarnated.
    Join Prime
  18. S2 E18 - The Lost Ark
    June 2, 1996
    47min
    TV-PG
    An intriguing documentary that explores the mystery of the Ark of the Covenant, in which Moses is said to have placed the two tablets of the Ten Commandments.
    Join Prime

Details

More info

Content advisory
Violencesubstance usesmokingsexual content
Audio languages
English
Subtitles
English [CC]
Producers
Craig HaffnerDonna Lusitana
Cast
Leonard Nimoy
Studio
A+E Networks
By clicking play, you agree to our Terms of Use.