History Meets Science
This section features documentaries where history and science come together to re-examine history and perhaps rewrite history. You can use these videos in a history class or a science class. Students will be able to see the scientific method demonstrated through these documentaries.
How One Village Survived the Plague: YouTube (49:10)
Aired as Secrets of the dead on PBS, scientists and historians come together to figure out how one village survived the Black Death. They look at the family stories and genetics of those families. The historians look at the actions of the villagers to stop the plague from spreading in England. What are the implications of surviving the Black Death today? Could genetics prove that people could survive AIDS? *Highly recommended for a history and science classroom.*
*Face of Britain: Episode 1 (46:59) Episode 2 (46:54) Episode 3 (47:35)
Neil Oliver explores the genetic doomsday book geneticists in Britain are creating of Britain to determine where the genetic ancestry of the British come from. Do the British people come from Celts, Vikings, Anglo Saxons, or the Normans? Oliver travels around Britain to talk to the participants of the study. At the end of each episode, they go over the results with the participants of the study. *Highly recommended for a history classroom and a science classroom.*
Lost World of Pompeii - YouTube (48:03)
Scientists, archeologists, and other experts are scanning Pompeii to help unlock its secrets and to help preserve it for the future. Pompeii is falling apart due to the tourists and another eruption from Vesuvius could bury the city again. It is a look at what technology the experts are using to help preserve Pompeii in the future. They talk about what could happen to Pompeii in the future. *Highly recommended for earth science, history, and technology classroom.*
Pompeii's Pyroclastic Flow - YouTube (49:52)
This documentary explores why the Pompeii was buried. What made the Vesuvius eruption so unique? Why were there bodies preserved in the ash? What made Vesuvius ash so different? Why did not people escape? Could the Pompeiians escape? How did the people die? This documentary explains the “why’s” of Vesuvius. *Highly recommended for an earth science and history classroom. This is an excellent look at a Pyroclastic flow.*
George Washington Carver Tech - VIDEO MADE PRIVATE
George Washington Carver is known worldwide for his research into peanuts. He saw infinite uses for the peanut plant and inspired generations on researching the peanut plant. He worked at the Tuskegee institution and worked in agricultural research. His research would revitalize the southern region. Carver was born into slavery and was kidnapped by bushwalkers. He was taken in by a family and raised as their own. He worked in the house and was able to explore nature. Nature would inspire his research. *Highly recommended for history and agricultural classrooms and biography projects.*
Syphilis Enigma - YouTube (47:14)
When Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas in 1492, he brought back diseases that wiped out the native population. In revenge, the legend goes, they sent back syphilis. However, a skeleton in Hull may show that the story is not true. An archeological group surveyed the site for a court. What was found may have been the remains of a medieval church. Many skeletons and artifacts were recovered. However, it was one skeleton that puzzled archeologists. This particular skeleton would rewrite history. *Highly recommended for a science class and recommended for a history class.*
Archeology 2:0: Exploring the Past with Technology - YouTube (42:25)
In this age, archaeology works hand in hand with digital technology. Geophysics offers a range of techniques to further explore the past. Geomagnetism used to have military applications but now has an application in archeology. Digital technology is often employed on shipwreck sites to help create virtual models of shipwrecks. Other forms of digital technology are used to scan ancient sites with the idea to recreate them. *Highly recommended for a science class and recommended for a history class.*
1755: The Lisbon Earthquake - YouTube (49:15)
In 1755 an earthquake struck Lisbon and it would become known as the Great Lisbon Earthquake. It was the first natural disaster to strike the heart of a large European city. The earthquake began on November 1, 1755, at 9:40 AM. It was an estimated 8.5 on the Richter scale and caused widespread destruction throughout Lisbon. It also triggered a tsunami. About 60,000-100,000 people died as a result of the earthquake and tsunami which would impact Portugal as a whole. How does this earthquake continue to resonate with people today? *Highly recommended for a science class and recommended for a history class.*
The Secrets History of the Mummies - YouTube (56:25)
Ancient Egypt continues to inspire historians, scholars, and laypeople alike. It is a civilization still surrounded by mystery with its origins, intricate religious beliefs, and architectural feats. From towering pyramids to magnificent temples, the grandeur of Egypt continues to fascinate and bewilder. One team of archeologists continues to work to find out what lies beneath the bandages. This documentary explores the secret lives of mummies with a team from the National Museum in Madrid, Spain. Who are these mummies? What can the latest in technology tell us about these mummies? *HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for a STEM and History Class.*
Petra: City in Stone - YouTube (49:50)
Petra is nestled in the Jordanian desert. It was built over 2,000 years ago by nomads. It had been forgotten for centuries but was rediscovered by a Swiss explorer. Today, scientists are coming together to study Petra and discover its secrets. Using the latest in technology scientists and archeologists are putting Petra under a microscope. How was it built? What tools were used? The scientists and archeologists are bound and determined to find out. *Highly recommended for a science class.*
The Secret Mummies of Lisbon - YouTube (49:23)
The Catholic Church requested that members of the Royal Archeological and Historical Association excavate 78 mummies. These mummies were found in the crypt beneath the altar of the Sacramento Church in Lisbon, Portugal. While the mummies are being excavated, a handwritten book was discovered and this book seems to have hint that there may be a horde of treasure buried nearby. The documentary also talks about the history of many of the mummies including one known as “The King of the Congo.” *Not recommended for a history classroom or a science classroom.*
Manchu Pichu: City in the Clouds - YouTube (53:01)
This was a city 2430 meters high in the heart of the Peruvian Andes. It is called Machu Pichu and it continues to be one of history’s most breathtaking and enigmatic urban creations. It is surrounded by cliffs and towering mountains. Over 800,000 people visit a year. It was part of the Incan Empire. How did they manage to build it? Why was it built? Now experts are descending on the site, using the latest in technology to help understand the site. *Highly recommended for a science, technology, and history class.*
Medieval Dead
1352 The Mystery of the Black Death Woman - YouTube (46:00)
During the 14th Century, the Black Death ripped through Europe. It was a pivotal time during the Middle Ages. The town of Tadcaster, England was hit especially hard. It is here where multiple graves were found. There were no grave goods found. Who were these people? How did they die? Who was this person? What can this skeleton tell us about the Black Death in England? *Highly recommended for a science class, recommended for a history class. Highly recommended for independent study students.*
Mummy Forensics
Mystery of the Misfit Mummy - YouTube (48:35)
A mummy housed in the Bolton Museum is found in a coffin too small for the body. The coffin was for a woman who was a temple dancer. Over the years, people commented on the beauty of the coffin. However, who was the body inside? What were the circumstances of the mummy’s burial? Could this mummy be a royal mummy? What happened to the original body that was in the coffin? The Mummy Forensics Team Will have their work cut out to solve this mystery! *Highly recommended for a science class and recommended for a history class.*
The Fisherman Mummy - YouTube (42:29)
This time the Mummy Forensics team will be investigating a Peruvian mummy. The mummy has been hidden for one hundred years and is highly unusual for a mummy from Peru. It was found in a crossed-legged position and with a fishing net. Was this mummy a fisherman? Did this mummy come from the Chinchurro culture? How did this mummy end up in London? What can this mummy tell us about the culture of the people of Peru? *Highly recommended for a science class and recommended for an American history class.*
The Sealed Coffin - YouTube (46:33)
Joann Fletcher and her team will examine a mummy that died under mysterious circumstances. This mummy is part of the collection at Segedunum Museum and the mummy’s coffin is beautifully preserved. However, the body inside remains a mystery. The casket was top of the range, hinting that the mummy inside would be from a higher class. The challenge for the team will be to examine the mummy without opening the coffin. Who was this mummy? Why was this mummy sealed into this coffin? The Mummy Forensics Team will have challenges on their hands learning about this mummy. *Highly recommended for a science class and recommended for a history class.*
The Pierced Skull - YouTube (46:55)
Egyptians were not the only ones who mummified their dead. There are many examples of mummies found in South America. Joann Fletcher goes to a museum in Northwest England to learn more about her new case: a mummy with a pierced skull. This mummy was from Peru and may have been linked to one of the early cultures of South America. Where did this mummy come from? Why did it have a pierced skull? What will the Mummy Forensics team learn about this mummy? *Highly recommended for a science class and recommended for a history class.*
The Missing Mummy - YouTube (46:17)
In Ancient Egypt, the Pharaoh could punish crimes in grisly and painful ways. The harshest punishment of all could rob you of your place in the afterlife. Is this mummy that was beheaded? Or was he punished in another way? Who was the mummy? What happened to this mummy’s body? The Mummy forensics team will have a challenge on their hands. Have they bitten off more than they could chew? *Highly recommended for a science class and recommended for a history class.*
Experimental History
A Stitch in Time
Charles II - YouTube (28:55)
Amber Butchart explores the life of King Charles II and his impact on Royal Fashion. The fashion she is having recreated is the three-piece suit in a portrait of him and his gardener. King Charles II was the Restoration King and used fashion to consolidate his power. King Charles had a rival in his cousin King Louis of France and he wanted to use fashion to one-up his cousin as well. *Highly recommended for a history class and a home economics class.*
Arnolfini - YouTube (28:51)
The Arnolfini portrait had a complicated interpretation for decades after it was painted. However, Amber Butchart shows the portrait in a new light: a middle-class couple showing off their wealth. It was considered one of the most complex paintings in Western Art. Capitalism was emerging during this period. Trade was having an impact on what was worn. A merchant class was growing showing social mobility. Amber focuses on the green dress in the portrait. It is a bonus that she loves the color green. *Highly recommended for a history class, Art History, and a home economics class.*
Hedge Cutter - YouTube (29:00)
Amber Butchart explores the world of the Hedgie Cutter recreated in this episode of a Stitch in Time. Amber is taking inspiration from a portrait of a gardener. This is a highly unusual painting because of the low-class birth of the man in the portrait. So why was this portrait painted? Who was he? Who painted the portrait? What will Amber learn about the clothing of everyday people? Ninya prepares to take the challenge of recreating the Hedge Cutter’s coat. *Highly recommended for a history class, Art History, and a home economics class.*
The Black Prince - YouTube (28:56)
The Black Prince was the hero to the English and he died young. He was a warrior. He lies in Canterbury Amber Buchart is going to have his cloth armor remade. This cloth armor identified who he was and was worn over metal armor. What will this cloth armor tell us about the Black Prince? Will Ninya be able to come up with a way to recreate this garment? *Highly recommended for a history class and a home economics class. Highly recommended for independent study students.*
Marie Antoinette - YouTube (28:54)
Amber Buchart examines the wardrobe of Marie Antoinette and she is examining a portrait of Queen Marie Antoinette dressed in a chemise gown. She was painted wearing the dress. It caused a scandal in the French Court. The portrait shows the Queen wearing her underwear! Fashion had played a role in the French Revolution and Amber explores the role that it played in the fall of the French monarchy. What can the recreation of the Chemise tell us about Marie Antoinette? What does Amber learn about the Queen? *Highly recommended for a history class and a home economics class. Highly recommended for independent study students.*
Dido Belle - YouTube (28:55)
Amber Butchart explores the life of Dido Belle and recreates a dress that she wore in a portrait. For 200 years the portrait was described as Lady Elizabeth Murray. The other girl was described as a servant. Later it was discovered that the woman was her cousin Dido Elizabeth Belle. Dido’s story begins in the slave ships of the Mediterranean and ends in the English countryside. Amber has been fascinated by the portrait and wants to explore more about Dido’s life and the portrait. *Highly recommended for a history class and a home economics class. Highly recommended for independent study students.*
How One Village Survived the Plague: YouTube (49:10)
Aired as Secrets of the dead on PBS, scientists and historians come together to figure out how one village survived the Black Death. They look at the family stories and genetics of those families. The historians look at the actions of the villagers to stop the plague from spreading in England. What are the implications of surviving the Black Death today? Could genetics prove that people could survive AIDS? *Highly recommended for a history and science classroom.*
*Face of Britain: Episode 1 (46:59) Episode 2 (46:54) Episode 3 (47:35)
Neil Oliver explores the genetic doomsday book geneticists in Britain are creating of Britain to determine where the genetic ancestry of the British come from. Do the British people come from Celts, Vikings, Anglo Saxons, or the Normans? Oliver travels around Britain to talk to the participants of the study. At the end of each episode, they go over the results with the participants of the study. *Highly recommended for a history classroom and a science classroom.*
Lost World of Pompeii - YouTube (48:03)
Scientists, archeologists, and other experts are scanning Pompeii to help unlock its secrets and to help preserve it for the future. Pompeii is falling apart due to the tourists and another eruption from Vesuvius could bury the city again. It is a look at what technology the experts are using to help preserve Pompeii in the future. They talk about what could happen to Pompeii in the future. *Highly recommended for earth science, history, and technology classroom.*
Pompeii's Pyroclastic Flow - YouTube (49:52)
This documentary explores why the Pompeii was buried. What made the Vesuvius eruption so unique? Why were there bodies preserved in the ash? What made Vesuvius ash so different? Why did not people escape? Could the Pompeiians escape? How did the people die? This documentary explains the “why’s” of Vesuvius. *Highly recommended for an earth science and history classroom. This is an excellent look at a Pyroclastic flow.*
George Washington Carver Tech - VIDEO MADE PRIVATE
George Washington Carver is known worldwide for his research into peanuts. He saw infinite uses for the peanut plant and inspired generations on researching the peanut plant. He worked at the Tuskegee institution and worked in agricultural research. His research would revitalize the southern region. Carver was born into slavery and was kidnapped by bushwalkers. He was taken in by a family and raised as their own. He worked in the house and was able to explore nature. Nature would inspire his research. *Highly recommended for history and agricultural classrooms and biography projects.*
Syphilis Enigma - YouTube (47:14)
When Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas in 1492, he brought back diseases that wiped out the native population. In revenge, the legend goes, they sent back syphilis. However, a skeleton in Hull may show that the story is not true. An archeological group surveyed the site for a court. What was found may have been the remains of a medieval church. Many skeletons and artifacts were recovered. However, it was one skeleton that puzzled archeologists. This particular skeleton would rewrite history. *Highly recommended for a science class and recommended for a history class.*
Archeology 2:0: Exploring the Past with Technology - YouTube (42:25)
In this age, archaeology works hand in hand with digital technology. Geophysics offers a range of techniques to further explore the past. Geomagnetism used to have military applications but now has an application in archeology. Digital technology is often employed on shipwreck sites to help create virtual models of shipwrecks. Other forms of digital technology are used to scan ancient sites with the idea to recreate them. *Highly recommended for a science class and recommended for a history class.*
1755: The Lisbon Earthquake - YouTube (49:15)
In 1755 an earthquake struck Lisbon and it would become known as the Great Lisbon Earthquake. It was the first natural disaster to strike the heart of a large European city. The earthquake began on November 1, 1755, at 9:40 AM. It was an estimated 8.5 on the Richter scale and caused widespread destruction throughout Lisbon. It also triggered a tsunami. About 60,000-100,000 people died as a result of the earthquake and tsunami which would impact Portugal as a whole. How does this earthquake continue to resonate with people today? *Highly recommended for a science class and recommended for a history class.*
The Secrets History of the Mummies - YouTube (56:25)
Ancient Egypt continues to inspire historians, scholars, and laypeople alike. It is a civilization still surrounded by mystery with its origins, intricate religious beliefs, and architectural feats. From towering pyramids to magnificent temples, the grandeur of Egypt continues to fascinate and bewilder. One team of archeologists continues to work to find out what lies beneath the bandages. This documentary explores the secret lives of mummies with a team from the National Museum in Madrid, Spain. Who are these mummies? What can the latest in technology tell us about these mummies? *HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for a STEM and History Class.*
Petra: City in Stone - YouTube (49:50)
Petra is nestled in the Jordanian desert. It was built over 2,000 years ago by nomads. It had been forgotten for centuries but was rediscovered by a Swiss explorer. Today, scientists are coming together to study Petra and discover its secrets. Using the latest in technology scientists and archeologists are putting Petra under a microscope. How was it built? What tools were used? The scientists and archeologists are bound and determined to find out. *Highly recommended for a science class.*
The Secret Mummies of Lisbon - YouTube (49:23)
The Catholic Church requested that members of the Royal Archeological and Historical Association excavate 78 mummies. These mummies were found in the crypt beneath the altar of the Sacramento Church in Lisbon, Portugal. While the mummies are being excavated, a handwritten book was discovered and this book seems to have hint that there may be a horde of treasure buried nearby. The documentary also talks about the history of many of the mummies including one known as “The King of the Congo.” *Not recommended for a history classroom or a science classroom.*
Manchu Pichu: City in the Clouds - YouTube (53:01)
This was a city 2430 meters high in the heart of the Peruvian Andes. It is called Machu Pichu and it continues to be one of history’s most breathtaking and enigmatic urban creations. It is surrounded by cliffs and towering mountains. Over 800,000 people visit a year. It was part of the Incan Empire. How did they manage to build it? Why was it built? Now experts are descending on the site, using the latest in technology to help understand the site. *Highly recommended for a science, technology, and history class.*
Medieval Dead
1352 The Mystery of the Black Death Woman - YouTube (46:00)
During the 14th Century, the Black Death ripped through Europe. It was a pivotal time during the Middle Ages. The town of Tadcaster, England was hit especially hard. It is here where multiple graves were found. There were no grave goods found. Who were these people? How did they die? Who was this person? What can this skeleton tell us about the Black Death in England? *Highly recommended for a science class, recommended for a history class. Highly recommended for independent study students.*
Mummy Forensics
Mystery of the Misfit Mummy - YouTube (48:35)
A mummy housed in the Bolton Museum is found in a coffin too small for the body. The coffin was for a woman who was a temple dancer. Over the years, people commented on the beauty of the coffin. However, who was the body inside? What were the circumstances of the mummy’s burial? Could this mummy be a royal mummy? What happened to the original body that was in the coffin? The Mummy Forensics Team Will have their work cut out to solve this mystery! *Highly recommended for a science class and recommended for a history class.*
The Fisherman Mummy - YouTube (42:29)
This time the Mummy Forensics team will be investigating a Peruvian mummy. The mummy has been hidden for one hundred years and is highly unusual for a mummy from Peru. It was found in a crossed-legged position and with a fishing net. Was this mummy a fisherman? Did this mummy come from the Chinchurro culture? How did this mummy end up in London? What can this mummy tell us about the culture of the people of Peru? *Highly recommended for a science class and recommended for an American history class.*
The Sealed Coffin - YouTube (46:33)
Joann Fletcher and her team will examine a mummy that died under mysterious circumstances. This mummy is part of the collection at Segedunum Museum and the mummy’s coffin is beautifully preserved. However, the body inside remains a mystery. The casket was top of the range, hinting that the mummy inside would be from a higher class. The challenge for the team will be to examine the mummy without opening the coffin. Who was this mummy? Why was this mummy sealed into this coffin? The Mummy Forensics Team will have challenges on their hands learning about this mummy. *Highly recommended for a science class and recommended for a history class.*
The Pierced Skull - YouTube (46:55)
Egyptians were not the only ones who mummified their dead. There are many examples of mummies found in South America. Joann Fletcher goes to a museum in Northwest England to learn more about her new case: a mummy with a pierced skull. This mummy was from Peru and may have been linked to one of the early cultures of South America. Where did this mummy come from? Why did it have a pierced skull? What will the Mummy Forensics team learn about this mummy? *Highly recommended for a science class and recommended for a history class.*
The Missing Mummy - YouTube (46:17)
In Ancient Egypt, the Pharaoh could punish crimes in grisly and painful ways. The harshest punishment of all could rob you of your place in the afterlife. Is this mummy that was beheaded? Or was he punished in another way? Who was the mummy? What happened to this mummy’s body? The Mummy forensics team will have a challenge on their hands. Have they bitten off more than they could chew? *Highly recommended for a science class and recommended for a history class.*
Experimental History
A Stitch in Time
Charles II - YouTube (28:55)
Amber Butchart explores the life of King Charles II and his impact on Royal Fashion. The fashion she is having recreated is the three-piece suit in a portrait of him and his gardener. King Charles II was the Restoration King and used fashion to consolidate his power. King Charles had a rival in his cousin King Louis of France and he wanted to use fashion to one-up his cousin as well. *Highly recommended for a history class and a home economics class.*
Arnolfini - YouTube (28:51)
The Arnolfini portrait had a complicated interpretation for decades after it was painted. However, Amber Butchart shows the portrait in a new light: a middle-class couple showing off their wealth. It was considered one of the most complex paintings in Western Art. Capitalism was emerging during this period. Trade was having an impact on what was worn. A merchant class was growing showing social mobility. Amber focuses on the green dress in the portrait. It is a bonus that she loves the color green. *Highly recommended for a history class, Art History, and a home economics class.*
Hedge Cutter - YouTube (29:00)
Amber Butchart explores the world of the Hedgie Cutter recreated in this episode of a Stitch in Time. Amber is taking inspiration from a portrait of a gardener. This is a highly unusual painting because of the low-class birth of the man in the portrait. So why was this portrait painted? Who was he? Who painted the portrait? What will Amber learn about the clothing of everyday people? Ninya prepares to take the challenge of recreating the Hedge Cutter’s coat. *Highly recommended for a history class, Art History, and a home economics class.*
The Black Prince - YouTube (28:56)
The Black Prince was the hero to the English and he died young. He was a warrior. He lies in Canterbury Amber Buchart is going to have his cloth armor remade. This cloth armor identified who he was and was worn over metal armor. What will this cloth armor tell us about the Black Prince? Will Ninya be able to come up with a way to recreate this garment? *Highly recommended for a history class and a home economics class. Highly recommended for independent study students.*
Marie Antoinette - YouTube (28:54)
Amber Buchart examines the wardrobe of Marie Antoinette and she is examining a portrait of Queen Marie Antoinette dressed in a chemise gown. She was painted wearing the dress. It caused a scandal in the French Court. The portrait shows the Queen wearing her underwear! Fashion had played a role in the French Revolution and Amber explores the role that it played in the fall of the French monarchy. What can the recreation of the Chemise tell us about Marie Antoinette? What does Amber learn about the Queen? *Highly recommended for a history class and a home economics class. Highly recommended for independent study students.*
Dido Belle - YouTube (28:55)
Amber Butchart explores the life of Dido Belle and recreates a dress that she wore in a portrait. For 200 years the portrait was described as Lady Elizabeth Murray. The other girl was described as a servant. Later it was discovered that the woman was her cousin Dido Elizabeth Belle. Dido’s story begins in the slave ships of the Mediterranean and ends in the English countryside. Amber has been fascinated by the portrait and wants to explore more about Dido’s life and the portrait. *Highly recommended for a history class and a home economics class. Highly recommended for independent study students.*
List Updated on October 2, 2023
