Hello and welcome! This section contains a summary of what I've watched and where to find it on YouTube or Amazon. Some documentaries may be available on Netflix too. Everything is divided out into sections with bold headings to make things easier to find. Both American and World History documentaries are featured on this list. If there is 15+ documentaries on a single topic or time period or by a single historian, they may be pulled out and given it's own page that way readers do not have to do too much scrolling. You can find extra topics in the drop down menu under the YouTube. These videos are in no particular order. * means that there is a worksheet for the documentary. ** means they have my recommendation and what purpose.
Ancient World
World of Stonehenge - VIDEOS HAVE BEEN MADE PRIVATE ON YOUTUBE, NO LONGER CAN ACCESS
Neil Oliver explores Ancient British History in this series. He starts with the impact of the Ice Age, how tools shaped the culture of early Britons, and concludes with the impact of bronze on society. He discusses how Britain was attached to Europe and how rising water levels turned it into an island. Britain has many ancient sites hidden in its landscape and Neil explains what they know about the sites well. *Recommend for a middle school and high school classroom.*
The Persian Army that Vanished - YouTube (48:41)
The Persian army lead by King Cambyses vanished in the desert sands. In an oasis, Egyptians looked out to see an army coming. However, this army never made it. They were buried by a sandstorm. Now one archeological team is determined to find what remains of the army. Was this a true story? Or was it a legend? In the 1930s there were attempts to look for Cambyses' army however nothing was found. In 1996 arrowheads were discovered which reignited the search. Will the mystery be solved? *Recommended for middle and high school classrooms.*
The Lost African Metropolis of Mapungubwe - YouTube (50:44)
The Lost African Metropolis of Mapungubwe is about the ancient African Kingdom that was on the northern border of South Africa. It was in the Limpopop Valley, and this valley divides Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Many clues are still buried in the ground, and these clues can tell the story of the Mapungubwe Metropolis. It was the largest known settlement in Africa. *Recommended for college history and archeology classrooms.*
The Mysteries of the Chinchorro Mummies - YouTube (49:45)
The Chinchorro Mummies mummies are the oldest in the world and they are found in Chile. They came from a people who believed they could conquer death. The first settlers lived on fishing. In 1993, there was a sensational find in Chile: the bodies of the earliest people. These bodies were well preserved and were the oldest mummies in the world. What can these bodies tell us about the Chinchorro people? How do these mummies compare with the Ancient Egyptians? *This documentary is highly recommended for a South American history class as well as an anthropology class.*
The Lost City of Gold - YouTube (50:15)
The Inca ruled South America for years. They were the people of the sun. They built grand cities. Eventually, they would be destroyed by the Spanish in their quest for gold. David Adams is on a search for a lost city of gold. These were cities that were never sacked by the Spanish. Perhaps hidden in these jungles is the legendary “Great Sun Disk of the Incas.” Will David Adams find this lost city, tune into this episode to find out. *Recommended for a high school and middle school history classroom.*
Ancient Athens - YouTube (51:47)
Athens rose 500 years before the birth of Christ. Its impact on history was large. Fine arts and sciences blossomed. The most famous philosophers taught in Athens. The people gave the world a new type of government: democracy. This documentary follows the story of a woman who lived in Athens. She was a woman of wealth and beauty, however, her pride led her to danger. What was life like for this woman in Athens? *Recommended for a history classroom, show clips in a STEM classroom.*
Ancient Carthage - YouTube (52:08)
Carthage was Rome’s greatest rival. It was a Phoenician trading base in the Mediterranean Sea and was a city of seafarers. Carthage was the greatest trading base in the Mediterranean Sea. It was a city that inspired envy and hatred around the world. It was a city built on trade and fishing. It is where Africa meets Europe, where the past and present collide. In 180 BC Marco is going to go on a voyage that will have an impact on his life. *HIGHLY recommended for a history classroom.*
Ascent of Civilization - Phoenicians - YouTube (51:16)
Carthage was famous for its purple dye. They were traders who controlled the Mediterranean Coast for thousands of years. They left behind an alphabet. They were known as master shipbuilders. However, they had a reputation for child sacrifice. They were known as the Phoenicians by Homer. Their greatest enemy was the Romans. So who were the Phoenicians? Why did they become so powerful? *HIGHLY recommended for a history classroom. Recommended for an English Classroom.*
For Athens -Episode 1 (50:59) Episode 2 (52:54)
In this two part documentary, Athens and its fight against the Persian Empire is explored. The Persians lead by King Darius the Great has dominated the Middle East. He ruthlessly puts down rebellions through his empire. Rebels appeal to the Greeks for help and the Athenians obliged. This starts off a long fight between the Persians and the Greeks which ends in the ultimate defeat of the Persian Empire at the hands of the Greeks. How did Athens do it? Why did the Persian Empire Fall? *Highly recommended for a history classroom.*
Maya History
Quest for the Lost City - YouTube (48:23)
A set of panels turned up in a private collection. They were created by the Mayans. These panels are a clue to a mystery. The city from where these panels came is lost in the Central American jungles. The quality of the panels hints that the city was huge. They call the site of this missing city Site Q. It is the most lost Mayan city. This is a documentary about the search for this lost city. *Recommended as a bonus documentary for middle school and high school classrooms.*
Breaking the Maya Code - YouTube (21:58)
In 1965, Russian linguist Yuri Knorosov cracked the Maya Code. It is about Copan, a Mayan site. It had been abandoned before the Spanish explorers came to Central America. When they stumbled onto the remains of Copan, they stumbled upon a mystery. What did the pictures on the ruins mean? What stories were hidden in these pictures? Cracking the Maya Code is an older documentary. *Recommended for a high school and middle school history classroom.*
Decoding the Baqtun - YouTube (1:21:20)
Elisabeth Thieriot embarks on a journey to dispel the myths of the Mayan Calendar in Decoding the Baqtun. On December 21, 2012, everyone believed that the end of the world was going to happen. This was the result of the belief in the Mayan calendar that predicted the end of the World. The Mayan prophecy stated that there was going to be an apocalypse. The events in the world at the time seemed to lean toward that prophecy. However, December 21, 2012, passed and life went on as normal. So, what is the story of the Mayan Calendar? *Not recommended for the history classroom.*
Lost Worlds Series
The Forgotten Empire - VIDEO NO LONGER AVAILABLE
Lost Worlds explores the ruins of Persepolis. It was the richest city in the Ancient World. It was the capital of the Persian Empire, until it was destroyed by Alexander the Great. Lost Worlds recreates Persepolis using computer graphics and the archeological records. The Persian Empire was a largely forgotten empire until Iran opened up. Now archeologists have been welcomed and they are learning new things about the Persian Empire. Now they are getting a better picture of what the Persian Empire was like. *Recommended for middle and high school classrooms.*
City of the God Kings - VIDEO NO LONGER AVAILABLE
Lost Worlds explores Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat was first discovered by a French naturalist on a search for bugs. What he found surprised him. He believed that it rivaled anything Rome and Greece gave to the world. He had discovered the 900-year-old remains of Angkor Wat, the "Holy Temple." Why was it built? Why was it in the middle of a jungle? Who built it? What is its purpose? It is an enigma. There are many theories about its construction. *Highly recommended for both a middle school and history classroom.*
Lost Kingdoms of South America
People of the Clouds - YouTube (54:03)
Dr. Jago Cooper explores the ancient kingdoms of South America. For the most part, the Inca dominate the history textbooks. Cooper explores other kingdoms that had an impact on South America. The first kingdom is the “People of the Clouds.” They are a mysterious civilization. He starts off his exploration in Lima to learn more about the People of the Clouds. He goes into the Andes to explore the remnants of the civilization. *Highly recommended for a history class and independent study students.*
The Stone at the Center - YouTube (54:01)
Dr. Jago Cooper is exploring a second lost civilization of South America in the Stone at the Center. They are from Bolivia and live in the Andes. They left behind a spectacular temple. This temple was the heart of this civilization. The temple stands at the height of 13,000 feet. This civilization lasted over 500 years even though the Andes provided a challenging environment. They should not have thrived, but they did. *Highly recommended for a history class.*
Lands of Gold - YouTube (53:09)
In the Land of Gold, Jago Cooper explores another lost kingdom of South America. Cooper explores both the Muisca and Tairona. Their gold carvings drew the Spanish conquistadors into their lands. Was the land of El Dorado hidden in Columbia? Both cultures were skilled in gold making. Cooper explores this myth and teaches about the Muisca and Tairona cultures. Columbia was on the way to the Inca Homeland. *Highly recommended for a history class.*
Kingdom of the Desert - YouTube (54:00)
The Lost Kingdoms of South America concludes with the Chimor of Peru. They came from the sea. The Chimor built one of the largest pre-Columbia cities in North America. Once they accomplished that, they seemed to have disappeared into the desert from which they emerged. Cooper examines one last culture to help put them in their place among the Incas. *Highly recommended for a history classroom and independent study students.*
Lost Kingdoms of Central America
Kingdom of the Jaguar - YouTube (59:02)
Dr. Jago Cooper explores the Lost Kingdoms of Central America. The first episode in this series is called Kingdom of the Jaguar. Cooper starts off his journey exploring a cave that the people believed was a tunnel to the underworld. This civilization rose out of the marshes of Southern Mexico. They built the first pyramids. They are known as the Olmec. They came before the Mayan People. *Highly recommended for a history class.*
The People Who Greeted Columbus - YouTube (59:02)
In Lost Kingdoms of Central America episode 2 “The People who Greeted Columbus,” Jago Cooper explores the Taino civilization. He explores their origins, their myths, and the people. This civilization was the one that greeted Columbus. It was where primitive life met progress. This episode is a reexamination of the cultures Columbus encountered. Please forgive the sound quality and issues throughout this video. *Recommended for use in the classroom.*
Between Oceans and Empires - VIDEO NO LONGER AVAILABLE
The Lost Kingdoms of Central America continues in Between Empires and Oceans. Dr. Jago Cooper starts off his journey in Costa Rica. Archeologists ignored the country for decades, unaware of a hidden civilization so close. They built cities and carved a living out of the landscape. When Columbus found this civilization the people were covered head to toe in gold. So why was this civilization ignored? *Highly recommended for a history class.*
The Land Where Time Began - YouTube (59:02)
The Lost Kingdoms of Central America concludes with the “Place Where Time Began.” Dr. Jago Cooper explores the Teotihuacan civilization. For hundreds of years, it was the biggest state in the world. They built huge pyramids. However, nobody knows the identity of this civilization. Dr. Cooper tries to find out more about this final mysterious civilization. *Highly recommended for a history class. Also recommended for independent study students.*
Lost Kingdoms of Africa
Nubia - YouTube (58:36)
Gus Casely-Hayford explores the Lost Kingdoms of Africa. His first lost kingdom is Nubia. The history of Africa was not written down all the time. However, the people of Africa preserved their culture through objects. Nubia was the traditional name of Northern Sudan. The civilization dominated the area in the Sahara. For the Egyptians, they were a source of slaves and treasures. For the Romans, the Nubians were barbarian people. The Nubians were ultimately defeated by their environment. *Highly recommended for a history class. Also recommended for independent study students.*
Ethiopia - YouTube (58:50)
Gus Casely-Hayford explores the lost kingdom of Ethiopia. In 1974, the Ethiopian military rose against the king and deposed him. It brought to an end one of the world’s longest dynasties. The Ethiopians remember their empire proudly. King Menelik II fought back against any attempts to invade it and make it a colony. Gus wants to go back to ancient times to try to find the secrets of the Ethiopian empire. What will he find? What made the Ethiopians so independent? *Highly recommended for a history class. Also recommended for independent study students.*
Great Zimbabwe - YouTube (51:10)
Great Zimbabwe was discovered in 1871. A German geologist stumbled upon some splendid ruins. He had no idea who built the stone structure. He assumed that they were not built by Africans. However, that myth has been dispelled. Could Great Zimbabwe be the equivalent of El Dorado? Gus Casely-Hayford travels the length of Africa to discover the secrets of Great Zimbabwe. *Highly recommended for a history class. Also recommended for independent study students.*
West Africa - YouTube (48:88)
Gus Casely-Hayford begins at the British Museum. He is exploring the Kingdom of Benin. When the British discovered the artifacts they did not believe they were carved by Africans. However, they are not carvings, they were copper cast. Copper casting is a difficult skill to masters and the fact that Africans mastered it baffled Europeans for ages. Where did the Benin people learn these skills? How did they manufacture these artifacts? Gus goes to Nigeria to find out. *Highly recommended for a history class. Also recommended for independent study students.*
Zulu - YouTube (58:33)
In Eastern South Africa, there was a battle. It was where the British army was humiliated. The British had the latest in war-making technology and they were defeated by an army armed with spears and old muskets. They were brought down by the Zulu empire. Gus Casely-Hayford explores the people beyond that story. The Zulu were a peaceful people, more interested in raising cattle than war. How did the Zulu rise to power? *Highly recommended for a history class. Also recommended for independent study students.*
Berbers of Morocco - YouTube (58:54)
The Berbers turned the northwest corner of Africa into a kingdom. The Sahara Desert has one of the harshest climates in the world. It is an unlikely location for an empire. However, the Berbers did it. This empire stretched from the Sahara to Spain. This kingdom lasted for centuries. The Berbers left their mark on this stretch of desert. How did the Berber nomads create an empire in the desert? *Not recommended for a history or independent study students.*
Neil Oliver explores Ancient British History in this series. He starts with the impact of the Ice Age, how tools shaped the culture of early Britons, and concludes with the impact of bronze on society. He discusses how Britain was attached to Europe and how rising water levels turned it into an island. Britain has many ancient sites hidden in its landscape and Neil explains what they know about the sites well. *Recommend for a middle school and high school classroom.*
The Persian Army that Vanished - YouTube (48:41)
The Persian army lead by King Cambyses vanished in the desert sands. In an oasis, Egyptians looked out to see an army coming. However, this army never made it. They were buried by a sandstorm. Now one archeological team is determined to find what remains of the army. Was this a true story? Or was it a legend? In the 1930s there were attempts to look for Cambyses' army however nothing was found. In 1996 arrowheads were discovered which reignited the search. Will the mystery be solved? *Recommended for middle and high school classrooms.*
The Lost African Metropolis of Mapungubwe - YouTube (50:44)
The Lost African Metropolis of Mapungubwe is about the ancient African Kingdom that was on the northern border of South Africa. It was in the Limpopop Valley, and this valley divides Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Many clues are still buried in the ground, and these clues can tell the story of the Mapungubwe Metropolis. It was the largest known settlement in Africa. *Recommended for college history and archeology classrooms.*
The Mysteries of the Chinchorro Mummies - YouTube (49:45)
The Chinchorro Mummies mummies are the oldest in the world and they are found in Chile. They came from a people who believed they could conquer death. The first settlers lived on fishing. In 1993, there was a sensational find in Chile: the bodies of the earliest people. These bodies were well preserved and were the oldest mummies in the world. What can these bodies tell us about the Chinchorro people? How do these mummies compare with the Ancient Egyptians? *This documentary is highly recommended for a South American history class as well as an anthropology class.*
The Lost City of Gold - YouTube (50:15)
The Inca ruled South America for years. They were the people of the sun. They built grand cities. Eventually, they would be destroyed by the Spanish in their quest for gold. David Adams is on a search for a lost city of gold. These were cities that were never sacked by the Spanish. Perhaps hidden in these jungles is the legendary “Great Sun Disk of the Incas.” Will David Adams find this lost city, tune into this episode to find out. *Recommended for a high school and middle school history classroom.*
Ancient Athens - YouTube (51:47)
Athens rose 500 years before the birth of Christ. Its impact on history was large. Fine arts and sciences blossomed. The most famous philosophers taught in Athens. The people gave the world a new type of government: democracy. This documentary follows the story of a woman who lived in Athens. She was a woman of wealth and beauty, however, her pride led her to danger. What was life like for this woman in Athens? *Recommended for a history classroom, show clips in a STEM classroom.*
Ancient Carthage - YouTube (52:08)
Carthage was Rome’s greatest rival. It was a Phoenician trading base in the Mediterranean Sea and was a city of seafarers. Carthage was the greatest trading base in the Mediterranean Sea. It was a city that inspired envy and hatred around the world. It was a city built on trade and fishing. It is where Africa meets Europe, where the past and present collide. In 180 BC Marco is going to go on a voyage that will have an impact on his life. *HIGHLY recommended for a history classroom.*
Ascent of Civilization - Phoenicians - YouTube (51:16)
Carthage was famous for its purple dye. They were traders who controlled the Mediterranean Coast for thousands of years. They left behind an alphabet. They were known as master shipbuilders. However, they had a reputation for child sacrifice. They were known as the Phoenicians by Homer. Their greatest enemy was the Romans. So who were the Phoenicians? Why did they become so powerful? *HIGHLY recommended for a history classroom. Recommended for an English Classroom.*
For Athens -Episode 1 (50:59) Episode 2 (52:54)
In this two part documentary, Athens and its fight against the Persian Empire is explored. The Persians lead by King Darius the Great has dominated the Middle East. He ruthlessly puts down rebellions through his empire. Rebels appeal to the Greeks for help and the Athenians obliged. This starts off a long fight between the Persians and the Greeks which ends in the ultimate defeat of the Persian Empire at the hands of the Greeks. How did Athens do it? Why did the Persian Empire Fall? *Highly recommended for a history classroom.*
Maya History
Quest for the Lost City - YouTube (48:23)
A set of panels turned up in a private collection. They were created by the Mayans. These panels are a clue to a mystery. The city from where these panels came is lost in the Central American jungles. The quality of the panels hints that the city was huge. They call the site of this missing city Site Q. It is the most lost Mayan city. This is a documentary about the search for this lost city. *Recommended as a bonus documentary for middle school and high school classrooms.*
Breaking the Maya Code - YouTube (21:58)
In 1965, Russian linguist Yuri Knorosov cracked the Maya Code. It is about Copan, a Mayan site. It had been abandoned before the Spanish explorers came to Central America. When they stumbled onto the remains of Copan, they stumbled upon a mystery. What did the pictures on the ruins mean? What stories were hidden in these pictures? Cracking the Maya Code is an older documentary. *Recommended for a high school and middle school history classroom.*
Decoding the Baqtun - YouTube (1:21:20)
Elisabeth Thieriot embarks on a journey to dispel the myths of the Mayan Calendar in Decoding the Baqtun. On December 21, 2012, everyone believed that the end of the world was going to happen. This was the result of the belief in the Mayan calendar that predicted the end of the World. The Mayan prophecy stated that there was going to be an apocalypse. The events in the world at the time seemed to lean toward that prophecy. However, December 21, 2012, passed and life went on as normal. So, what is the story of the Mayan Calendar? *Not recommended for the history classroom.*
Lost Worlds Series
The Forgotten Empire - VIDEO NO LONGER AVAILABLE
Lost Worlds explores the ruins of Persepolis. It was the richest city in the Ancient World. It was the capital of the Persian Empire, until it was destroyed by Alexander the Great. Lost Worlds recreates Persepolis using computer graphics and the archeological records. The Persian Empire was a largely forgotten empire until Iran opened up. Now archeologists have been welcomed and they are learning new things about the Persian Empire. Now they are getting a better picture of what the Persian Empire was like. *Recommended for middle and high school classrooms.*
City of the God Kings - VIDEO NO LONGER AVAILABLE
Lost Worlds explores Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat was first discovered by a French naturalist on a search for bugs. What he found surprised him. He believed that it rivaled anything Rome and Greece gave to the world. He had discovered the 900-year-old remains of Angkor Wat, the "Holy Temple." Why was it built? Why was it in the middle of a jungle? Who built it? What is its purpose? It is an enigma. There are many theories about its construction. *Highly recommended for both a middle school and history classroom.*
Lost Kingdoms of South America
People of the Clouds - YouTube (54:03)
Dr. Jago Cooper explores the ancient kingdoms of South America. For the most part, the Inca dominate the history textbooks. Cooper explores other kingdoms that had an impact on South America. The first kingdom is the “People of the Clouds.” They are a mysterious civilization. He starts off his exploration in Lima to learn more about the People of the Clouds. He goes into the Andes to explore the remnants of the civilization. *Highly recommended for a history class and independent study students.*
The Stone at the Center - YouTube (54:01)
Dr. Jago Cooper is exploring a second lost civilization of South America in the Stone at the Center. They are from Bolivia and live in the Andes. They left behind a spectacular temple. This temple was the heart of this civilization. The temple stands at the height of 13,000 feet. This civilization lasted over 500 years even though the Andes provided a challenging environment. They should not have thrived, but they did. *Highly recommended for a history class.*
Lands of Gold - YouTube (53:09)
In the Land of Gold, Jago Cooper explores another lost kingdom of South America. Cooper explores both the Muisca and Tairona. Their gold carvings drew the Spanish conquistadors into their lands. Was the land of El Dorado hidden in Columbia? Both cultures were skilled in gold making. Cooper explores this myth and teaches about the Muisca and Tairona cultures. Columbia was on the way to the Inca Homeland. *Highly recommended for a history class.*
Kingdom of the Desert - YouTube (54:00)
The Lost Kingdoms of South America concludes with the Chimor of Peru. They came from the sea. The Chimor built one of the largest pre-Columbia cities in North America. Once they accomplished that, they seemed to have disappeared into the desert from which they emerged. Cooper examines one last culture to help put them in their place among the Incas. *Highly recommended for a history classroom and independent study students.*
Lost Kingdoms of Central America
Kingdom of the Jaguar - YouTube (59:02)
Dr. Jago Cooper explores the Lost Kingdoms of Central America. The first episode in this series is called Kingdom of the Jaguar. Cooper starts off his journey exploring a cave that the people believed was a tunnel to the underworld. This civilization rose out of the marshes of Southern Mexico. They built the first pyramids. They are known as the Olmec. They came before the Mayan People. *Highly recommended for a history class.*
The People Who Greeted Columbus - YouTube (59:02)
In Lost Kingdoms of Central America episode 2 “The People who Greeted Columbus,” Jago Cooper explores the Taino civilization. He explores their origins, their myths, and the people. This civilization was the one that greeted Columbus. It was where primitive life met progress. This episode is a reexamination of the cultures Columbus encountered. Please forgive the sound quality and issues throughout this video. *Recommended for use in the classroom.*
Between Oceans and Empires - VIDEO NO LONGER AVAILABLE
The Lost Kingdoms of Central America continues in Between Empires and Oceans. Dr. Jago Cooper starts off his journey in Costa Rica. Archeologists ignored the country for decades, unaware of a hidden civilization so close. They built cities and carved a living out of the landscape. When Columbus found this civilization the people were covered head to toe in gold. So why was this civilization ignored? *Highly recommended for a history class.*
The Land Where Time Began - YouTube (59:02)
The Lost Kingdoms of Central America concludes with the “Place Where Time Began.” Dr. Jago Cooper explores the Teotihuacan civilization. For hundreds of years, it was the biggest state in the world. They built huge pyramids. However, nobody knows the identity of this civilization. Dr. Cooper tries to find out more about this final mysterious civilization. *Highly recommended for a history class. Also recommended for independent study students.*
Lost Kingdoms of Africa
Nubia - YouTube (58:36)
Gus Casely-Hayford explores the Lost Kingdoms of Africa. His first lost kingdom is Nubia. The history of Africa was not written down all the time. However, the people of Africa preserved their culture through objects. Nubia was the traditional name of Northern Sudan. The civilization dominated the area in the Sahara. For the Egyptians, they were a source of slaves and treasures. For the Romans, the Nubians were barbarian people. The Nubians were ultimately defeated by their environment. *Highly recommended for a history class. Also recommended for independent study students.*
Ethiopia - YouTube (58:50)
Gus Casely-Hayford explores the lost kingdom of Ethiopia. In 1974, the Ethiopian military rose against the king and deposed him. It brought to an end one of the world’s longest dynasties. The Ethiopians remember their empire proudly. King Menelik II fought back against any attempts to invade it and make it a colony. Gus wants to go back to ancient times to try to find the secrets of the Ethiopian empire. What will he find? What made the Ethiopians so independent? *Highly recommended for a history class. Also recommended for independent study students.*
Great Zimbabwe - YouTube (51:10)
Great Zimbabwe was discovered in 1871. A German geologist stumbled upon some splendid ruins. He had no idea who built the stone structure. He assumed that they were not built by Africans. However, that myth has been dispelled. Could Great Zimbabwe be the equivalent of El Dorado? Gus Casely-Hayford travels the length of Africa to discover the secrets of Great Zimbabwe. *Highly recommended for a history class. Also recommended for independent study students.*
West Africa - YouTube (48:88)
Gus Casely-Hayford begins at the British Museum. He is exploring the Kingdom of Benin. When the British discovered the artifacts they did not believe they were carved by Africans. However, they are not carvings, they were copper cast. Copper casting is a difficult skill to masters and the fact that Africans mastered it baffled Europeans for ages. Where did the Benin people learn these skills? How did they manufacture these artifacts? Gus goes to Nigeria to find out. *Highly recommended for a history class. Also recommended for independent study students.*
Zulu - YouTube (58:33)
In Eastern South Africa, there was a battle. It was where the British army was humiliated. The British had the latest in war-making technology and they were defeated by an army armed with spears and old muskets. They were brought down by the Zulu empire. Gus Casely-Hayford explores the people beyond that story. The Zulu were a peaceful people, more interested in raising cattle than war. How did the Zulu rise to power? *Highly recommended for a history class. Also recommended for independent study students.*
Berbers of Morocco - YouTube (58:54)
The Berbers turned the northwest corner of Africa into a kingdom. The Sahara Desert has one of the harshest climates in the world. It is an unlikely location for an empire. However, the Berbers did it. This empire stretched from the Sahara to Spain. This kingdom lasted for centuries. The Berbers left their mark on this stretch of desert. How did the Berber nomads create an empire in the desert? *Not recommended for a history or independent study students.*
Ancient Rome
Lost Legion's of Varus - YouTube (48:38)
Centuries of European conflict can be traced to one event: the Massacre of 3 Roman Legions in the Teutoburg Forest. The Germanic tribes had massacred the world's most advanced military. This event shocked Romans and allowed a rift to fester for centuries. This documentary explores the factors that lead to this massacre. It is an in-depth look at how Romanization had its flaws. *Recommended for use in a history classroom or research purposes.*
Caligula: Rome's Cruelest Emperor? - YouTube (58:56)
Mary Beard explores the story of Emperor Caligula. She starts with his origins and how he had a difficult childhood. Then she talks about how he became emperor. The common Roman saw him as a good emperor. However, there was an event that changed him and he would become the cruel Emperor that the people would remember. Was he cruel from birth or did his world make him cruel? *Recommended for a high school history classroom.*
Rome without Limits with Mary Beard - Episode 1 (58:34) Episode 2 (59:00) Episode 3 (58:59) Episode 4 (59:00)
Mary Beard explores the history of the Roman Empire beginning with the origin myths, the period of the republic, and the Empire. She explores the Roman Empire beyond Rome and travels to a variety of places that were a part of the Empire. She concludes the series with the question why did Rome fall? It is a fascinating dive into the Roman Empire. This documentary is a needed update to what available documentaries. *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school classroom. If you do not have space for all the documentaries, then show clips.*
Meet the Romans with Mary Beard - VIDEO UNAVAILABLE
Mary Beard is back and this time she is introducing the world to the Romans. She explores the lives of everyday Romans. Both the living and the dead are explored, from the poorest to the richest. Beard seeks out the ordinary voices. They were determined that they would be remembered. Their tombstones did not just leave behind the birth and dates of the Roman, but their thoughts and feelings. How did ordinary Romans think? Tune into this documentary to find out. *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school classroom. If you do not have space for all the documentaries, then show clips.*
Storm over Europe - Episode 1 (51:17) Episode 2 (50:35) Episode 3 (50:08) Episode 4 (50:19)
Barbarians were heading to Rome. What made these barbarians leave their homelands? They left behind beautiful objects in their wake. They were in the search of a new homeland because another tribe was threatening their lives and livelihoods. Eventually, Rome was sacked. These barbarians would be left to pick up the pieces Rome left behind. Who were these invaders? Why were they called barbarians? How did they shape European history? What did they leave behind? *Recommended for a middle school history classroom. Appropriate for independent study students.*
Ancient Rome - YouTube (52:29)
Ancient Rome held one million inhabitants at one point. No one city was richer, more powerful, or more ruthless than Roman. It was the center of the ancient world and had the buildings to prove it. Like modern Rome, the city was noisy back then, so ox carts could not drive through the city during the day. When the Roman Coliseum opened, a one-hundred-day celebration was held in honor of its opening. What was it about Rome that made it the glory of the ancient world? *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school history classroom.*
The Germanic Tribes - YouTube (49:33)
The Germanic peoples terrified Rome and the stories of these tribes were passed down from generation to generation. They offered their gods’ human sacrifices. The women priestess could determine the fates of their tribes. They built small settlements in the wild. Eventually, these settlements grew up into kingdoms. They would lay the foundation of modern Europe. Who were the Germanic tribes? *Recommended as an alternative documentary for the section on Roman History.*
Boadicea: The Woman Who Humiliated Rome -YouTube (1:06:01)
Queen Boudicca was the queen of King Prasutagus. Together they were the leaders of the Iceni Tribe. When the Romans invaded Britain, King Prasutagus negotiated peace with Rome and became an ally of the Romans. It was after the King died, that trouble began. The Romans humiliated her, so Boudicca and the Iceni rose against them. She was the one woman who humiliated the Romans. So who was the historical Boudicca? *Only recommended to learn more about the Roman invasion of Britain.*
Pompeii
Pompeii: Life and Death - YouTube (58:42)
Pompeii: one of the most famous volcanic eruptions in history. Mary Beard explores the story of Pompeii through the bones of its residents. The bones provide an interesting story of Pompeii’s residents. She uses the bones to shatter myths about Pompeii and tell Pompeii's story in a new way. She explores grand houses and the cisterns. This documentary is an update of the previous documentaries done on Pompeii. *Recommended for a high school classroom and independent study students.*
Vesuvius - YouTube (53:34)
The day Vesuvius erupted was an ordinary day for the citizens of Herculaneum and Pompeii. This documentary focuses on Herculaneum, the other city that was buried when Vesuvius erupted. For decades archeologists and scientists thought the people escaped. However, new evidence is emerging that demonstrates that is not the case. This is another fantastic updated documentary on Vesuvius. *Highly recommended for middle school and high school classrooms.*
Centuries of European conflict can be traced to one event: the Massacre of 3 Roman Legions in the Teutoburg Forest. The Germanic tribes had massacred the world's most advanced military. This event shocked Romans and allowed a rift to fester for centuries. This documentary explores the factors that lead to this massacre. It is an in-depth look at how Romanization had its flaws. *Recommended for use in a history classroom or research purposes.*
Caligula: Rome's Cruelest Emperor? - YouTube (58:56)
Mary Beard explores the story of Emperor Caligula. She starts with his origins and how he had a difficult childhood. Then she talks about how he became emperor. The common Roman saw him as a good emperor. However, there was an event that changed him and he would become the cruel Emperor that the people would remember. Was he cruel from birth or did his world make him cruel? *Recommended for a high school history classroom.*
Rome without Limits with Mary Beard - Episode 1 (58:34) Episode 2 (59:00) Episode 3 (58:59) Episode 4 (59:00)
Mary Beard explores the history of the Roman Empire beginning with the origin myths, the period of the republic, and the Empire. She explores the Roman Empire beyond Rome and travels to a variety of places that were a part of the Empire. She concludes the series with the question why did Rome fall? It is a fascinating dive into the Roman Empire. This documentary is a needed update to what available documentaries. *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school classroom. If you do not have space for all the documentaries, then show clips.*
Meet the Romans with Mary Beard - VIDEO UNAVAILABLE
Mary Beard is back and this time she is introducing the world to the Romans. She explores the lives of everyday Romans. Both the living and the dead are explored, from the poorest to the richest. Beard seeks out the ordinary voices. They were determined that they would be remembered. Their tombstones did not just leave behind the birth and dates of the Roman, but their thoughts and feelings. How did ordinary Romans think? Tune into this documentary to find out. *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school classroom. If you do not have space for all the documentaries, then show clips.*
Storm over Europe - Episode 1 (51:17) Episode 2 (50:35) Episode 3 (50:08) Episode 4 (50:19)
Barbarians were heading to Rome. What made these barbarians leave their homelands? They left behind beautiful objects in their wake. They were in the search of a new homeland because another tribe was threatening their lives and livelihoods. Eventually, Rome was sacked. These barbarians would be left to pick up the pieces Rome left behind. Who were these invaders? Why were they called barbarians? How did they shape European history? What did they leave behind? *Recommended for a middle school history classroom. Appropriate for independent study students.*
Ancient Rome - YouTube (52:29)
Ancient Rome held one million inhabitants at one point. No one city was richer, more powerful, or more ruthless than Roman. It was the center of the ancient world and had the buildings to prove it. Like modern Rome, the city was noisy back then, so ox carts could not drive through the city during the day. When the Roman Coliseum opened, a one-hundred-day celebration was held in honor of its opening. What was it about Rome that made it the glory of the ancient world? *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school history classroom.*
The Germanic Tribes - YouTube (49:33)
The Germanic peoples terrified Rome and the stories of these tribes were passed down from generation to generation. They offered their gods’ human sacrifices. The women priestess could determine the fates of their tribes. They built small settlements in the wild. Eventually, these settlements grew up into kingdoms. They would lay the foundation of modern Europe. Who were the Germanic tribes? *Recommended as an alternative documentary for the section on Roman History.*
Boadicea: The Woman Who Humiliated Rome -YouTube (1:06:01)
Queen Boudicca was the queen of King Prasutagus. Together they were the leaders of the Iceni Tribe. When the Romans invaded Britain, King Prasutagus negotiated peace with Rome and became an ally of the Romans. It was after the King died, that trouble began. The Romans humiliated her, so Boudicca and the Iceni rose against them. She was the one woman who humiliated the Romans. So who was the historical Boudicca? *Only recommended to learn more about the Roman invasion of Britain.*
Pompeii
Pompeii: Life and Death - YouTube (58:42)
Pompeii: one of the most famous volcanic eruptions in history. Mary Beard explores the story of Pompeii through the bones of its residents. The bones provide an interesting story of Pompeii’s residents. She uses the bones to shatter myths about Pompeii and tell Pompeii's story in a new way. She explores grand houses and the cisterns. This documentary is an update of the previous documentaries done on Pompeii. *Recommended for a high school classroom and independent study students.*
Vesuvius - YouTube (53:34)
The day Vesuvius erupted was an ordinary day for the citizens of Herculaneum and Pompeii. This documentary focuses on Herculaneum, the other city that was buried when Vesuvius erupted. For decades archeologists and scientists thought the people escaped. However, new evidence is emerging that demonstrates that is not the case. This is another fantastic updated documentary on Vesuvius. *Highly recommended for middle school and high school classrooms.*
Ancient China
Diva Mummy - YouTube (49:47)
While ordinary people fought in battles, the aristocrats celebrated and grew wealthy. There was a Han aristocrat named Lady Dai. Lady Dai would not ordinarily make history. However, when her tomb was opened the discovery sent shockwaves through the archeological community. Her mummy was the best-preserved mummy in the world. She was known as the perfect mummy. Her lifelike mummy leaves the Egyptian efforts in the dust. *Recommend for teacher and student research purposes. Highly recommended for a history and science classroom.*
Mysterious Hanging Coffins - YouTube (52:44)
China's Sichuan Province is home to ancient coffins hanging from the mountains. How did they get there? Who put them there? Why did they bury their dead vertically? Do any of their descendants remain? This mystery has baffled historians for centuries. This documentary documents the efforts to learn about them as well as preserve them for the future. It also attempts to learn more about the descendants of the people who built them. *Recommended for research purposes for independent study students and to use in a lecture.*
The Only Empress of China - YouTube (48:02)
Wu Zetian is one of the most controversial rulers of China. She was a concubine who rose to become Empress of China. She was the only woman who ruled China. She led China for 50 years. The Chinese officials under her were scathing in their criticism. However, historians and archeologists are uncovering evidence that challenges that assertion. *Recommend for middle school and high school classrooms. Highly recommend for independent study students or use for clips.*
The Legendary First Emperor of China - YouTube (1:39:33)
Qin Shi Huangdi was the first Emperor of China. He unified the Chinese people. He built an empire that lasted thousands of years. He left behind a legendary tomb. This documentary explores the man and the legend. It will be a challenge to separate fact from fiction but Professor Jeffrey Reigel takes on that challenge. How did Qin create an empire? How could such a person exist? Why is he such a legendary man? *Recommend for high school classrooms. Highly recommend for independent study students or use for clips.*
Confucius - YouTube (1:28:27)
This docu-drama tells the story of Confucius. His ideas were radical and only adopted after his death by the Emperors. His teachings were the foundation of Chinese education for 2,000 years. He taught obedience, meritocracy, and morality. Rituals and etiquette were tools to unite the people. His ideas still govern everything in China. This documentary is the story of Confucius and his legacy. *Highly recommended for a high school history class or class projects.*
While ordinary people fought in battles, the aristocrats celebrated and grew wealthy. There was a Han aristocrat named Lady Dai. Lady Dai would not ordinarily make history. However, when her tomb was opened the discovery sent shockwaves through the archeological community. Her mummy was the best-preserved mummy in the world. She was known as the perfect mummy. Her lifelike mummy leaves the Egyptian efforts in the dust. *Recommend for teacher and student research purposes. Highly recommended for a history and science classroom.*
Mysterious Hanging Coffins - YouTube (52:44)
China's Sichuan Province is home to ancient coffins hanging from the mountains. How did they get there? Who put them there? Why did they bury their dead vertically? Do any of their descendants remain? This mystery has baffled historians for centuries. This documentary documents the efforts to learn about them as well as preserve them for the future. It also attempts to learn more about the descendants of the people who built them. *Recommended for research purposes for independent study students and to use in a lecture.*
The Only Empress of China - YouTube (48:02)
Wu Zetian is one of the most controversial rulers of China. She was a concubine who rose to become Empress of China. She was the only woman who ruled China. She led China for 50 years. The Chinese officials under her were scathing in their criticism. However, historians and archeologists are uncovering evidence that challenges that assertion. *Recommend for middle school and high school classrooms. Highly recommend for independent study students or use for clips.*
The Legendary First Emperor of China - YouTube (1:39:33)
Qin Shi Huangdi was the first Emperor of China. He unified the Chinese people. He built an empire that lasted thousands of years. He left behind a legendary tomb. This documentary explores the man and the legend. It will be a challenge to separate fact from fiction but Professor Jeffrey Reigel takes on that challenge. How did Qin create an empire? How could such a person exist? Why is he such a legendary man? *Recommend for high school classrooms. Highly recommend for independent study students or use for clips.*
Confucius - YouTube (1:28:27)
This docu-drama tells the story of Confucius. His ideas were radical and only adopted after his death by the Emperors. His teachings were the foundation of Chinese education for 2,000 years. He taught obedience, meritocracy, and morality. Rituals and etiquette were tools to unite the people. His ideas still govern everything in China. This documentary is the story of Confucius and his legacy. *Highly recommended for a high school history class or class projects.*
Dark and Middle Ages
The Emperor's Lost Harbor - YouTube (41:48)9
Istanbul is a city of 17 million people, spread over two peninsulas. Only two bridges and several ferries serve those 17 million people who cross the Bosporus straight. The Turkish Government is looking to build a train under the Bosporus to help with people crossing the straights. The tunnel will have to be put fifty meters under the surface. This would be the deepest tunnel in the world. However, as the tunnel was put into place there have been amazing finds that tell us about the history of the harbor in Istanbul. *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school history classroom.*
536 AD: The Year The Sun Disappeared Episode 1 (49:15) Episode 2 (49:28)
The year 536 AD was the year dubbed the “year without something.” This was an event that terrified the people. The sun went dark and the rain the color of blood poured from the skies. Winter gripped the land for two years. Drought, famine, and plague followed. Whole cities were whipped out and civilization crumbled. What happened? What was going on? This catastrophe affected the people around the world and nobody knew the answers until now. *Highly recommended for a history and a science class.*
Dark Ages: An Age of Light - Episode 1 (59:11) Episode 2 (59:29) Episode 3 (59:14) Episode 4 (59:53)
Was the Dark Ages an Age of Light? What happened when the Roman Empire collapsed? This shocking question is one that historian Waldemar Januszczak will answer. He travels around Europe, Africa, and Asia to discover the hidden secrets of the Dark Ages. Waldemar makes the argument that the Dark Ages were an age of light and artistry. The art never lies, the Dark Ages were not an age of darkness but an age of light. *First episode recommended for art history class and not recommended for a history class.*
She Wolves: England's Early Queens - Helen Castor - Episode 1 (58:34) Episode 2 (59:02) Episode 3 (1:12:42)
Helen Castor tells the stories of England's early Queens. The first episode covers two women: Matilda and Eleanor. Matilda was supposed to be England's first Queen. Then she covers Isabella of France and Margaret of Anjou. Both of these women went to war to keep their families on the English Throne. Then she concludes the series with Jane Grey, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth I. *Recommend for using clips in a history classroom and for independent study students.*
Medieval Lives - A Good Birth, Marriage, Death - VIDEO NO LONGER AVAILABLE
Helen Castor uses the Paxton family story to explore how the medieval period dealt with birth, marriage, and death. She starts off the series with Margaret Paxton preparing to give birth. Castor discusses how religion was tied into birth, marriage, and death. She then traces the Paxton’s marriage and finally concludes with death. It is a fascinating look at Medieval lives. *Highly recommend for middle school and high school classrooms as well as for independent study students or clips.*
*Search for Alfred the Great: VIDEO NO LONGER AVAILABLE
Neil Oliver explores the search for the grave of King Alfred the Great, the only British King who had the title "The Great." Oliver tells the story of what happened to the bones as well as the story of Alfred the Great. Scientists have been exploring a set of bones to determine whether or not they belong to Alfred the Great. It is an excellent look at the life of Alfred the Great. *Highly recommend for a middle school and high school history class.*
The Vikings - Episode 1 (44:49) Episode 2 (43:51) Episode 3 (44:05)
Norway was the early cradle of the Vikings, the last barbarians. How did they dominate the seas and waterways of Europe? These warriors traveled around the globe. They created trade networks and built kingdoms. However, their origins are mysterious. Modern archeologists are determined to find the origins. So what made them feared warriors? What made them skilled storytellers? What made the Vikings kingdom builders? Who were the Vikings? *Highly recommend for a middle school and high school history class.*
The Last Journey of the Vikings - Episode 1 (49:55) Episode 2 (49:32) Episode 3 (49:52) Episode 4 (49:58)
The Last Journey of the Vikings is a docudrama series about the Viking People. They traveled widely and shaped European politics. What is the truth about the Vikings? In the Eighth Century, the Vikings started appearing along the coasts of Europe. With their fierce warriors, they gained a reputation as Europe’s terrorizers. They targeted monasteries because the monks could not defend themselves. Eventually, the Vikings’ strategy changed. They mixed with the powerful. So why did the Vikings become pirates? How did they spread their influence over Europe? Tune into this documentary to find out. *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school classroom. Highly recommended to mine for clips.*
William the Conqueror - YouTube (51:39)
This is the story of William the Conqueror. He made his mark in history by invading England in 1066. Who was the real William the Conqueror? The primary source records are scarce when it comes to William's history. When was William the Conqueror born? What were his motivations for invading England? He goes down in history as a brave man but was he really that brave? What was he really like? This docudrama is a dramatic retelling of William the Conqueror’s Story. *Highly recommended for research purposes as well as a fun history day viewing.*
Marco Polo - YouTube (50:43)
It is the 13th Century and Marco Polo is going to embark on a voyage to China. However, doubts exist that he made it to China. The scale of his adventures defies belief and his account becomes a best seller of the Middle Ages. Is there legitimate proof that Marco Polo was in China? Even on his death bed, he hinted that he had only told half the story. Today, historians are looking at the documents to prove that he was there. Who was the real Marco Polo? *Highly recommended for research and a history classes.*
Chinese Treasure Fleet - YouTube (44:47)
Six hundred years ago, China had an unstoppable fleet. It was led by Zhen, a long-forgotten admiral. He was one of the most accomplished sailors in history. He commanded an unrivaled fleet, a fleet known as the Treasure Fleet. A modern-day adventurer recreated one of his ships and is setting the theory of this fleet to practice. This documentary drama is the story of this grand fleet. *Recommended for a history classroom and independent study students.*
Women Who Made History - Joan of Arc - YouTube (50:27)
Joan of Arc liberated France. She challenged soldiers, generals, and the church. It was May of 1429 and Joan was leading her soldiers against the English holding a fortress. If the French took control of the fort, the Orleans would be free. The English had been on French soil for decades and now the French were rising against them to take control of France again. Joan of Arc was leading those French soldiers to victory. *Highly recommended for a history classroom and for independent study students.*
The Hanseatic League - YouTube (43:27)
Recovering the Traces of the Hanseatic League explored the seas three hundred years before the Portuguese started exploring. Not all ships made it back. Ships, storms, and pirates could sink these ships. The Hanseatic League was founded in the 1200s. They were a trading organization. They were a trading network that had extensive contacts in Europe. They focused on the Baltic Sea and what remains of this league is found on the bottom. What can these wrecks tell us about the Hanseatic League?
The Renaissance The Age of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci - Episode 1 (42:25) Episode 2 (42:25)
Vatican City and Saint Peter’s Square is the most impressive monument of the Renaissance. IT is the largest cathedral in the world. Just think, it would have been impossible to construct such a building in the Middle Ages. The knowledge was just not there. Then the Renaissance happened, and knowledge started to flow. Their knowledge would have enabled people to build such structures as Saint Peter’s. What were their secrets? *Recommended for both an art and history class.*
Ivan the Terrible: Russia's First Tsar - YouTube (52:23)
He was orphaned as a child. He was brought up in a system of political violence. He liberates Russia from foreign leaders. He committed his first murder at the age of thirteen. He was the first Tsar of Russia. Was he a harsh ruler who demanded absolute loyalty? Or was he an intellectual? Who is the real Ivan the Terrible? A criminal profiler looks for those answers. Additionally, Ivan’s face will be reconstructed during this documentary. *Highly recommended for a high school history class and for research purposes.*
The Cranachs - YouTube (42:27)
They are two of the greatest artist of the 16th Century, Lucas and Lucas Cranach. They ran a workshop and produced some of the greatest works of the Reformation. They made their fortune painting. The pair were personal friends of Martin Luther. They painted more and faster than any of their contemporaries. Generations of scholars have studied the Cranachs’, however, there are still questions that have to be answered. Today, modern technology may have scholars find the answers they are looking for. * Recommended for an art class and independent study students.*
The Machine that Made Us - YouTube (58:56)
Stephen Fry examines the story of Johann Gutenberg, the genius who invented the printing press. He was the man who launched the first media revolution and launched the modern world. Fry helps make a working medieval printing press. However, Gutenberg’s story is mysterious and Fry hopes that by recreating a printing press he will get to grips with the man. Will Fry succeed in making a working printing press? Who was Johann Gutenberg? *Recommended for a history class as well as a science class because of the experimental history aspect.*
How To Get Ahead - Renaissance Court -YouTube (59:18)
Stephen Smith explores Florence and the reign of Grand Duke Cosimo Medici. Florence was the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to the Medici Family. They were a family of bankers who turned into royals. They were the patrons of the arts and finer things of life. Artists and thinkers flourished in the Medici Court. Cosimo was a man interested in the finer things in life. He was a man who reigned during the same time as Henry VIII. He was the man who wrote the book on how to be a Renaissance Prince. *Use for clips, not recommended to be shown in class.*
Marco Polo: A Very Modern Journey - Episode 1 (47:38) Episode 2 (47:58) Episode 3 (47:57)
Marco Polo journeyed the far reaches of the Mongol Empire. He started in 1271 and his journals reveal an exotic world of riches. How could he have done it? What did he learn about the east? How would his journey look today? Professor Quguang Zhao follows in Marco Polo’s footsteps. Follow the professor as he begins his journey from Venice to the East. What will the professor learn about Marco Polo? *Not recommended for a classroom nor recommended for research purposes.*
Charlemagne - Episode 1 (50:42) Episode 2 (50:14) Episode 3 (51:56)
Charlemagne was the most important Emperor of the Middle Ages. The story begins with a monk gathering wood for a fire. He was a scholar in Charlemagne’s court and was his friend. He is the narrator of Charlemagne’s story. He was crowned Holy Roman Emperor on Christmas Day. He was the most powerful ruler of his time. Even the pope was intimidated by him. He was superhuman. However, what is a myth, and what is reality?
1491: The Story of North America Before Columbus Episode 1 (47:25) Episode 2
The First Nations crossed oceans and settled on the North American Continent. The First Nations people navigated their world by the stars. They crossed mountains and rivers. They built a variety of trade networks. Their people built civilizations. In 1492 their lives changed with the arrival of Christopher Columbus. So what were the stories of the First Nations before Columbus?
Britain's Bloodiest Dynasty
Britain's Bloodiest Dynasty is about the Plantagenet Family, one of the more dysfunctional English dynasties. They ruled England for 400 years. This dynasty is the inspiration behind Game of Thrones. This series is presented by Dan Jones who is a journalist and historian.
Henry II - YouTube: (44:52)
Dan Jones explores the rule of King Henry II. He explores how he ruled, Thomas Beckett, and his fights with his family. Henry II was a control freak. This led to his wife and sons betraying him. The church also challenged Henry II, which led to Thomas Beckett’s murder in the cathedral. This is a fascinating docu-drama on the Plantagenet family. Dan Jones tells the story well. *This is an excellent docu-drama for research purposes, for a high school history class, or to mine for clips.*
Henry III - YouTube (44:48)
Dan Jones explores the rule of King Henry III, and how his rule ended up with the establishment of the Parliament. King Henry III and Simon de Montfort were best friends. However, they fell out and it caused a revolution in England. This revolution led to Parliament’s establishment. Parliament would set limits on the king. It is a fascinating look at how Parliament was established. *This is an excellent docu-drama for research purposes and for clips in a high school history class.*
Edward II - YouTube (44:27)
Dan Jones explores the beginning and the end of King Edward II, the first English king who was forced to abdicate his throne. King Edward II’s friendship with Piers Gaveston led the nobles to intervene. This resulted in King Edward II taking revenge on those nobles with his new friend Hugh Despencer. King Edward II’s wife, Queen Isabella lead troops against King Edward to overthrow him and put her son on the throne. *This is an excellent docu-drama for research purposes.*
Richard II - YouTube (45:05)
Dan Jones explores the Tyranny of Richard II and how his end kicked off the Wars of the Roses. King Richard II became king as a child. When he became an adult, he took the throne for himself. Unfortunately, the death of his wife led him to become a tyrant. This was unacceptable to the nobles who tried to fight back. His cousin, Henry Bollingbrook, decided to depose King Richard and become King himself. This is an excellent docu-drama for research purposes.*
The Germans Series
This is a German-produced documentary series about the history of the German people. Several of the episodes have been translated into English and made available through YouTube. It is an excellent look at the history of Germany and the German people.
Charlemagne and the Saxons: YouTube
The Germans kick off with the story of Charlemagne. Charlemagne was the first European Empire builder. He conquered the Saxon people and spread Christianity throughout the Frankish Empire. The Saxons challenged him, however, they came to accept his kingship. He built grand buildings to help demonstrate his power. This is an excellent summary of what Charlemagne accomplished during his reign. *Highly recommend for a middle school and high school history classroom.*
Otto and The Empire: YouTube
Otto of Saxony was a German duke who helped forge the Holy Roman Empire. He united the Germans to fight the Magyars. Otto then put down rebellions and created laws. His second marriage caused controversy among the people. He went to Rome to be crowned the Holy Roman Emperor. This is another excellent documentary about German History. *Highly recommend it for a middle school and high school history classroom.*
Barbarossa and the Lion: YouTube
Barbarossa the Holy Roman Emperor and Henry of Saxony, his rival for power in what would eventually become Germany. They were cousins who would challenge each other. Barbarossa believed his crown put him above all the German dukes and kings. Henry of Saxony disagreed with that and tried to demonstrate his power through a building program. *Highly recommend it for middle school and high school history students interested in research.*
Reformation
The Germans - Martin Luther and the Nation: YouTube
Martin Luther's 95 Theses touched off a Religious Reformation that swept through Europe. It kicks off with his trial and eventual hiding in the German territories. The second part of this documentary tells the story of Luther’s marriage. This is an excellent introduction to the Reformation. The first part of the episode would be good to show in a Christian school. *Highly recommend for both high school and middle school classrooms and independent study students.*
Secrets of the Dead - Battle for the Bible: YouTube (51:29)
This is the history of how the Bible was translated into English. Bible translation was an illegal act. This documentary tells the story of ohn Wycliffe, Thomas Cramner, and William Tyndale. John Wycliffe was the first person who worked on translating the Bible into English. William Tyndale was the next person who worked on translating the Bible. Thomas Cramner worked with reforming the English religion. *Highly recommend for middle school and high school classrooms. It is a good filler for a substitute teacher.*
Istanbul is a city of 17 million people, spread over two peninsulas. Only two bridges and several ferries serve those 17 million people who cross the Bosporus straight. The Turkish Government is looking to build a train under the Bosporus to help with people crossing the straights. The tunnel will have to be put fifty meters under the surface. This would be the deepest tunnel in the world. However, as the tunnel was put into place there have been amazing finds that tell us about the history of the harbor in Istanbul. *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school history classroom.*
536 AD: The Year The Sun Disappeared Episode 1 (49:15) Episode 2 (49:28)
The year 536 AD was the year dubbed the “year without something.” This was an event that terrified the people. The sun went dark and the rain the color of blood poured from the skies. Winter gripped the land for two years. Drought, famine, and plague followed. Whole cities were whipped out and civilization crumbled. What happened? What was going on? This catastrophe affected the people around the world and nobody knew the answers until now. *Highly recommended for a history and a science class.*
Dark Ages: An Age of Light - Episode 1 (59:11) Episode 2 (59:29) Episode 3 (59:14) Episode 4 (59:53)
Was the Dark Ages an Age of Light? What happened when the Roman Empire collapsed? This shocking question is one that historian Waldemar Januszczak will answer. He travels around Europe, Africa, and Asia to discover the hidden secrets of the Dark Ages. Waldemar makes the argument that the Dark Ages were an age of light and artistry. The art never lies, the Dark Ages were not an age of darkness but an age of light. *First episode recommended for art history class and not recommended for a history class.*
She Wolves: England's Early Queens - Helen Castor - Episode 1 (58:34) Episode 2 (59:02) Episode 3 (1:12:42)
Helen Castor tells the stories of England's early Queens. The first episode covers two women: Matilda and Eleanor. Matilda was supposed to be England's first Queen. Then she covers Isabella of France and Margaret of Anjou. Both of these women went to war to keep their families on the English Throne. Then she concludes the series with Jane Grey, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth I. *Recommend for using clips in a history classroom and for independent study students.*
Medieval Lives - A Good Birth, Marriage, Death - VIDEO NO LONGER AVAILABLE
Helen Castor uses the Paxton family story to explore how the medieval period dealt with birth, marriage, and death. She starts off the series with Margaret Paxton preparing to give birth. Castor discusses how religion was tied into birth, marriage, and death. She then traces the Paxton’s marriage and finally concludes with death. It is a fascinating look at Medieval lives. *Highly recommend for middle school and high school classrooms as well as for independent study students or clips.*
*Search for Alfred the Great: VIDEO NO LONGER AVAILABLE
Neil Oliver explores the search for the grave of King Alfred the Great, the only British King who had the title "The Great." Oliver tells the story of what happened to the bones as well as the story of Alfred the Great. Scientists have been exploring a set of bones to determine whether or not they belong to Alfred the Great. It is an excellent look at the life of Alfred the Great. *Highly recommend for a middle school and high school history class.*
The Vikings - Episode 1 (44:49) Episode 2 (43:51) Episode 3 (44:05)
Norway was the early cradle of the Vikings, the last barbarians. How did they dominate the seas and waterways of Europe? These warriors traveled around the globe. They created trade networks and built kingdoms. However, their origins are mysterious. Modern archeologists are determined to find the origins. So what made them feared warriors? What made them skilled storytellers? What made the Vikings kingdom builders? Who were the Vikings? *Highly recommend for a middle school and high school history class.*
The Last Journey of the Vikings - Episode 1 (49:55) Episode 2 (49:32) Episode 3 (49:52) Episode 4 (49:58)
The Last Journey of the Vikings is a docudrama series about the Viking People. They traveled widely and shaped European politics. What is the truth about the Vikings? In the Eighth Century, the Vikings started appearing along the coasts of Europe. With their fierce warriors, they gained a reputation as Europe’s terrorizers. They targeted monasteries because the monks could not defend themselves. Eventually, the Vikings’ strategy changed. They mixed with the powerful. So why did the Vikings become pirates? How did they spread their influence over Europe? Tune into this documentary to find out. *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school classroom. Highly recommended to mine for clips.*
William the Conqueror - YouTube (51:39)
This is the story of William the Conqueror. He made his mark in history by invading England in 1066. Who was the real William the Conqueror? The primary source records are scarce when it comes to William's history. When was William the Conqueror born? What were his motivations for invading England? He goes down in history as a brave man but was he really that brave? What was he really like? This docudrama is a dramatic retelling of William the Conqueror’s Story. *Highly recommended for research purposes as well as a fun history day viewing.*
Marco Polo - YouTube (50:43)
It is the 13th Century and Marco Polo is going to embark on a voyage to China. However, doubts exist that he made it to China. The scale of his adventures defies belief and his account becomes a best seller of the Middle Ages. Is there legitimate proof that Marco Polo was in China? Even on his death bed, he hinted that he had only told half the story. Today, historians are looking at the documents to prove that he was there. Who was the real Marco Polo? *Highly recommended for research and a history classes.*
Chinese Treasure Fleet - YouTube (44:47)
Six hundred years ago, China had an unstoppable fleet. It was led by Zhen, a long-forgotten admiral. He was one of the most accomplished sailors in history. He commanded an unrivaled fleet, a fleet known as the Treasure Fleet. A modern-day adventurer recreated one of his ships and is setting the theory of this fleet to practice. This documentary drama is the story of this grand fleet. *Recommended for a history classroom and independent study students.*
Women Who Made History - Joan of Arc - YouTube (50:27)
Joan of Arc liberated France. She challenged soldiers, generals, and the church. It was May of 1429 and Joan was leading her soldiers against the English holding a fortress. If the French took control of the fort, the Orleans would be free. The English had been on French soil for decades and now the French were rising against them to take control of France again. Joan of Arc was leading those French soldiers to victory. *Highly recommended for a history classroom and for independent study students.*
The Hanseatic League - YouTube (43:27)
Recovering the Traces of the Hanseatic League explored the seas three hundred years before the Portuguese started exploring. Not all ships made it back. Ships, storms, and pirates could sink these ships. The Hanseatic League was founded in the 1200s. They were a trading organization. They were a trading network that had extensive contacts in Europe. They focused on the Baltic Sea and what remains of this league is found on the bottom. What can these wrecks tell us about the Hanseatic League?
The Renaissance The Age of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci - Episode 1 (42:25) Episode 2 (42:25)
Vatican City and Saint Peter’s Square is the most impressive monument of the Renaissance. IT is the largest cathedral in the world. Just think, it would have been impossible to construct such a building in the Middle Ages. The knowledge was just not there. Then the Renaissance happened, and knowledge started to flow. Their knowledge would have enabled people to build such structures as Saint Peter’s. What were their secrets? *Recommended for both an art and history class.*
Ivan the Terrible: Russia's First Tsar - YouTube (52:23)
He was orphaned as a child. He was brought up in a system of political violence. He liberates Russia from foreign leaders. He committed his first murder at the age of thirteen. He was the first Tsar of Russia. Was he a harsh ruler who demanded absolute loyalty? Or was he an intellectual? Who is the real Ivan the Terrible? A criminal profiler looks for those answers. Additionally, Ivan’s face will be reconstructed during this documentary. *Highly recommended for a high school history class and for research purposes.*
The Cranachs - YouTube (42:27)
They are two of the greatest artist of the 16th Century, Lucas and Lucas Cranach. They ran a workshop and produced some of the greatest works of the Reformation. They made their fortune painting. The pair were personal friends of Martin Luther. They painted more and faster than any of their contemporaries. Generations of scholars have studied the Cranachs’, however, there are still questions that have to be answered. Today, modern technology may have scholars find the answers they are looking for. * Recommended for an art class and independent study students.*
The Machine that Made Us - YouTube (58:56)
Stephen Fry examines the story of Johann Gutenberg, the genius who invented the printing press. He was the man who launched the first media revolution and launched the modern world. Fry helps make a working medieval printing press. However, Gutenberg’s story is mysterious and Fry hopes that by recreating a printing press he will get to grips with the man. Will Fry succeed in making a working printing press? Who was Johann Gutenberg? *Recommended for a history class as well as a science class because of the experimental history aspect.*
How To Get Ahead - Renaissance Court -YouTube (59:18)
Stephen Smith explores Florence and the reign of Grand Duke Cosimo Medici. Florence was the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to the Medici Family. They were a family of bankers who turned into royals. They were the patrons of the arts and finer things of life. Artists and thinkers flourished in the Medici Court. Cosimo was a man interested in the finer things in life. He was a man who reigned during the same time as Henry VIII. He was the man who wrote the book on how to be a Renaissance Prince. *Use for clips, not recommended to be shown in class.*
Marco Polo: A Very Modern Journey - Episode 1 (47:38) Episode 2 (47:58) Episode 3 (47:57)
Marco Polo journeyed the far reaches of the Mongol Empire. He started in 1271 and his journals reveal an exotic world of riches. How could he have done it? What did he learn about the east? How would his journey look today? Professor Quguang Zhao follows in Marco Polo’s footsteps. Follow the professor as he begins his journey from Venice to the East. What will the professor learn about Marco Polo? *Not recommended for a classroom nor recommended for research purposes.*
Charlemagne - Episode 1 (50:42) Episode 2 (50:14) Episode 3 (51:56)
Charlemagne was the most important Emperor of the Middle Ages. The story begins with a monk gathering wood for a fire. He was a scholar in Charlemagne’s court and was his friend. He is the narrator of Charlemagne’s story. He was crowned Holy Roman Emperor on Christmas Day. He was the most powerful ruler of his time. Even the pope was intimidated by him. He was superhuman. However, what is a myth, and what is reality?
1491: The Story of North America Before Columbus Episode 1 (47:25) Episode 2
The First Nations crossed oceans and settled on the North American Continent. The First Nations people navigated their world by the stars. They crossed mountains and rivers. They built a variety of trade networks. Their people built civilizations. In 1492 their lives changed with the arrival of Christopher Columbus. So what were the stories of the First Nations before Columbus?
Britain's Bloodiest Dynasty
Britain's Bloodiest Dynasty is about the Plantagenet Family, one of the more dysfunctional English dynasties. They ruled England for 400 years. This dynasty is the inspiration behind Game of Thrones. This series is presented by Dan Jones who is a journalist and historian.
Henry II - YouTube: (44:52)
Dan Jones explores the rule of King Henry II. He explores how he ruled, Thomas Beckett, and his fights with his family. Henry II was a control freak. This led to his wife and sons betraying him. The church also challenged Henry II, which led to Thomas Beckett’s murder in the cathedral. This is a fascinating docu-drama on the Plantagenet family. Dan Jones tells the story well. *This is an excellent docu-drama for research purposes, for a high school history class, or to mine for clips.*
Henry III - YouTube (44:48)
Dan Jones explores the rule of King Henry III, and how his rule ended up with the establishment of the Parliament. King Henry III and Simon de Montfort were best friends. However, they fell out and it caused a revolution in England. This revolution led to Parliament’s establishment. Parliament would set limits on the king. It is a fascinating look at how Parliament was established. *This is an excellent docu-drama for research purposes and for clips in a high school history class.*
Edward II - YouTube (44:27)
Dan Jones explores the beginning and the end of King Edward II, the first English king who was forced to abdicate his throne. King Edward II’s friendship with Piers Gaveston led the nobles to intervene. This resulted in King Edward II taking revenge on those nobles with his new friend Hugh Despencer. King Edward II’s wife, Queen Isabella lead troops against King Edward to overthrow him and put her son on the throne. *This is an excellent docu-drama for research purposes.*
Richard II - YouTube (45:05)
Dan Jones explores the Tyranny of Richard II and how his end kicked off the Wars of the Roses. King Richard II became king as a child. When he became an adult, he took the throne for himself. Unfortunately, the death of his wife led him to become a tyrant. This was unacceptable to the nobles who tried to fight back. His cousin, Henry Bollingbrook, decided to depose King Richard and become King himself. This is an excellent docu-drama for research purposes.*
The Germans Series
This is a German-produced documentary series about the history of the German people. Several of the episodes have been translated into English and made available through YouTube. It is an excellent look at the history of Germany and the German people.
Charlemagne and the Saxons: YouTube
The Germans kick off with the story of Charlemagne. Charlemagne was the first European Empire builder. He conquered the Saxon people and spread Christianity throughout the Frankish Empire. The Saxons challenged him, however, they came to accept his kingship. He built grand buildings to help demonstrate his power. This is an excellent summary of what Charlemagne accomplished during his reign. *Highly recommend for a middle school and high school history classroom.*
Otto and The Empire: YouTube
Otto of Saxony was a German duke who helped forge the Holy Roman Empire. He united the Germans to fight the Magyars. Otto then put down rebellions and created laws. His second marriage caused controversy among the people. He went to Rome to be crowned the Holy Roman Emperor. This is another excellent documentary about German History. *Highly recommend it for a middle school and high school history classroom.*
Barbarossa and the Lion: YouTube
Barbarossa the Holy Roman Emperor and Henry of Saxony, his rival for power in what would eventually become Germany. They were cousins who would challenge each other. Barbarossa believed his crown put him above all the German dukes and kings. Henry of Saxony disagreed with that and tried to demonstrate his power through a building program. *Highly recommend it for middle school and high school history students interested in research.*
Reformation
The Germans - Martin Luther and the Nation: YouTube
Martin Luther's 95 Theses touched off a Religious Reformation that swept through Europe. It kicks off with his trial and eventual hiding in the German territories. The second part of this documentary tells the story of Luther’s marriage. This is an excellent introduction to the Reformation. The first part of the episode would be good to show in a Christian school. *Highly recommend for both high school and middle school classrooms and independent study students.*
Secrets of the Dead - Battle for the Bible: YouTube (51:29)
This is the history of how the Bible was translated into English. Bible translation was an illegal act. This documentary tells the story of ohn Wycliffe, Thomas Cramner, and William Tyndale. John Wycliffe was the first person who worked on translating the Bible into English. William Tyndale was the next person who worked on translating the Bible. Thomas Cramner worked with reforming the English religion. *Highly recommend for middle school and high school classrooms. It is a good filler for a substitute teacher.*
Post Reformation World
Pendle Witch Trials - YouTube
Alice Device, Jennet’s sister, confessed to being a witch. An old peddler was struck down with a stroke after refusing to sell her some pins. After this confession, dozens of people were arrested. Jennet Device testifies in a witch trial against her family, setting a precedent in judicial history. Jennet’s testimony condemned her family. The narrator presents this documentary very well and his style engages the viewer. *Recommended for independent research purposes.*
Witch Hunt: A Century of Murder - Episode 1 Episode 2
This special is narrated by Suzannah Lipscomb. King James I when he came over to England to rule brought over his beliefs about witches and touched off decades of witch-hunting in England. There was another flare-up of witch-hunting as a precursor to the English Civil War. Eventually, the century of murder came to an end. Suzannah Lipscomb narrates this series well and addresses how the accused witches were innocent. *Recommended for independent research purposes.*
The Great Fire – Episode 1 Episode 2 Episode 3
Dan Jones, Suzannah Lipscomb, and Rob Bell explore the history of the Great London Fire. It was the biggest fire London ever had. They walk the route of the fire and explore how the fire started. The fire happened during a hot, dry summer. Jones, Lipscomb, and Bell explore the Great London Fire through the stories of three people. They tell how the fire impacted them. It is an in-depth look at the London Fire. *Recommended for research purposes.*
War on Witches - YouTube
It is 1590: England is ruled by Queen Elizabeth and Scotland is ruled by King James I. King James I had a vendetta. He had a vendetta against witches. In May 1590, King James I was returning to Scotland from Denmark. Storms were stirred up in the North Sea. King James was in danger of sinking. Winds and waves slammed the ship. The passengers thought the storm was caused unnaturally. King James I was going to find out. *Highly recommended for a history classroom and independent study students.*
Dark History of Witches - YouTube
What do we know about the witch? Who were the women that were accused of being witches? Are they a remnant of a long-lost goddess? How did a child’s game go so wrong in Salem? Why are there practicing witches today? This documentary seeks to answer those questions. The historians look at the beginnings of witchcraft, where witches came from, and what it meant to be a practicing witch. *Recommended for research purposes and to use clips in a classroom lecture.*
The Hidden World of the Harem - YouTube
The Ottoman Imperial Harem brings together a variety of historians to talk about the controversies of the Ottoman Harem. It is a system steeped in mystery and misunderstanding. The harem was closed off to the world. Who were the people that made up? Was it a place of hard partying? Or was it a place where great learning took place? This documentary brings in a prince who lived in the harem all his life. He was one of the last people to have lived in the harem. *Recommended for research purposes and for a high school history classroom.*
The Stuarts: A Bloody Reign - Episode 1 Episode 2 Episode 3 Episode 4
The Stuarts: A Bloody Reign is a series featuring the Stuarts. They took over England after the death of Queen Elizabeth I. Europe is torn apart by religious conflict and England is right at the center. The Stuart kings were James I, Charles I, Charles II, and James II. Kate Williams reassesses this dynasty in light of new evidence. She also explores a family who witnessed the rise and the fall of the Stuarts. *Skip episode 1, otherwise episodes 2-4 are highly recommended for a history class.*
Recovering Swedish War Ships - YouTube (43:08)
On April 24, 1715, the Danish and Swedish navies met and commenced to fight. The battle was not far from the Bay of Kiel. These two nations were fighting over trade routes. Decades later, divers are finding the remains of cannons on the site of the battle. Eventually, a wooden ship was found, making archeologists and historians curious about the battle. What was this ship? What could this ship tell us about such a decisive battle? *Add to your potential documentary list and share with an independent study student.*
Alice Device, Jennet’s sister, confessed to being a witch. An old peddler was struck down with a stroke after refusing to sell her some pins. After this confession, dozens of people were arrested. Jennet Device testifies in a witch trial against her family, setting a precedent in judicial history. Jennet’s testimony condemned her family. The narrator presents this documentary very well and his style engages the viewer. *Recommended for independent research purposes.*
Witch Hunt: A Century of Murder - Episode 1 Episode 2
This special is narrated by Suzannah Lipscomb. King James I when he came over to England to rule brought over his beliefs about witches and touched off decades of witch-hunting in England. There was another flare-up of witch-hunting as a precursor to the English Civil War. Eventually, the century of murder came to an end. Suzannah Lipscomb narrates this series well and addresses how the accused witches were innocent. *Recommended for independent research purposes.*
The Great Fire – Episode 1 Episode 2 Episode 3
Dan Jones, Suzannah Lipscomb, and Rob Bell explore the history of the Great London Fire. It was the biggest fire London ever had. They walk the route of the fire and explore how the fire started. The fire happened during a hot, dry summer. Jones, Lipscomb, and Bell explore the Great London Fire through the stories of three people. They tell how the fire impacted them. It is an in-depth look at the London Fire. *Recommended for research purposes.*
War on Witches - YouTube
It is 1590: England is ruled by Queen Elizabeth and Scotland is ruled by King James I. King James I had a vendetta. He had a vendetta against witches. In May 1590, King James I was returning to Scotland from Denmark. Storms were stirred up in the North Sea. King James was in danger of sinking. Winds and waves slammed the ship. The passengers thought the storm was caused unnaturally. King James I was going to find out. *Highly recommended for a history classroom and independent study students.*
Dark History of Witches - YouTube
What do we know about the witch? Who were the women that were accused of being witches? Are they a remnant of a long-lost goddess? How did a child’s game go so wrong in Salem? Why are there practicing witches today? This documentary seeks to answer those questions. The historians look at the beginnings of witchcraft, where witches came from, and what it meant to be a practicing witch. *Recommended for research purposes and to use clips in a classroom lecture.*
The Hidden World of the Harem - YouTube
The Ottoman Imperial Harem brings together a variety of historians to talk about the controversies of the Ottoman Harem. It is a system steeped in mystery and misunderstanding. The harem was closed off to the world. Who were the people that made up? Was it a place of hard partying? Or was it a place where great learning took place? This documentary brings in a prince who lived in the harem all his life. He was one of the last people to have lived in the harem. *Recommended for research purposes and for a high school history classroom.*
The Stuarts: A Bloody Reign - Episode 1 Episode 2 Episode 3 Episode 4
The Stuarts: A Bloody Reign is a series featuring the Stuarts. They took over England after the death of Queen Elizabeth I. Europe is torn apart by religious conflict and England is right at the center. The Stuart kings were James I, Charles I, Charles II, and James II. Kate Williams reassesses this dynasty in light of new evidence. She also explores a family who witnessed the rise and the fall of the Stuarts. *Skip episode 1, otherwise episodes 2-4 are highly recommended for a history class.*
Recovering Swedish War Ships - YouTube (43:08)
On April 24, 1715, the Danish and Swedish navies met and commenced to fight. The battle was not far from the Bay of Kiel. These two nations were fighting over trade routes. Decades later, divers are finding the remains of cannons on the site of the battle. Eventually, a wooden ship was found, making archeologists and historians curious about the battle. What was this ship? What could this ship tell us about such a decisive battle? *Add to your potential documentary list and share with an independent study student.*
Georgian Period
Portrait of Louise of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Queen of Prussia. Public Domain.
Germans: Frederick and the Empress: YouTube
This is a German-produced English-language documentary about Frederick the Great and Empress Maria Theresa. They were the rulers of two German empires. When Maria Theresa became Empress, Frederick the Great invaded parts of her domain. She fought back against the Prussians. This documentary tells the story of the rulers who fought for supremacy. *Highly recommended for a high school history classroom. Highly recommended for research purposes.*
Women Who Made History - Catherine the Great - YouTube (48:32)
Catherine was born Princess Sophie Auguste Friederike von Anhalt-Zerbst. She was chosen to become the bride of the next heir to the Russian Throne: Peter. It was a journey of several months thousands of miles. It was the chance of a lifetime for Sophie and her family. She had to prove herself worthy to be Peter’s bride. When she arrived in Russia, she made a clean break from her past and became fully Russian. How would Catherine adjust to life in Russia? *Recommended for a college history class and college independent study students.*
King George III: Genius of a Mad King: YouTube
King George III's papers were digitized and this documentary shows historians poring over his papers, learning more about this misunderstood monarch. His papers reveal a remarkable man. He was a king engaged with his kingdom. He tried to avoid arguments to prevent his fits of madness. I created an assignment that would allow students to use his papers to explore more of the life of this misunderstood king. *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school classroom, both American and World history. Highly recommended for independent study students.*
Empress Josephine - YouTube (52:17)
Empress Josephine was Napoleon Bonaparte’s, great love. During the Time of the French Revolution, everyone knows Marie Josephe Rose Tascher de Le Pagerie. History would know her as Josephine. The Reign of Terror has just ended and she had just barely escaped the guillotine. She would meet a Corsican general who was just beginning his career. This general was six years younger than her but he fell madly in love with her. The pair would eventually marry and would write world history. *Recommended for research purposes.*
Women Who Made History: Queen Luise - YouTube (50:57)
She was the most dangerous woman in all of Europe. Princess Luise was a queen from a humble background. She and her sister married Prussian princes. Princess Luise would eventually become Queen Luise. Queen Luise of Prussia encouraged the Prussians to go to war with Napoleon. This is a German documentary with English subtitles. *Highly recommend for independent study students learning about a person in history. Would show to a high school history class.*
Secrets of the Dead: Bewitched - YouTube (1:01:56)
This is an older Secrets of the Dead episode about the Salem Witch Trials and the 300 years of witch hunting. Were the girls truly bewitched? One scientist dives into the Salem Witch Trials. The answer she found may surprise the viewer. Using her sleuthing skills and historical records, she discovered what triggered the Salem Witch trials as well as similar trials around Europe. *Highly recommended for research purposes and use in both history and science classroom.*
America's Hidden Stories: Salem's Secrets - YouTube
The Salem Witch Trials began in 1692, with the hanging of five witches. People traveled from all over to see the witches hanging. There is a huge panic over witchcraft. It began with three young women having severe fits in bed. The people believed that they were being attacked by demons. This belief kicked off the beginning of the Salem Witch Trials. Why did these three young women have so much power over the town? What made the witch trials stop? *Recommended use in for a history classroom.*
Witch Hunt - YouTube
In 1692, witch mania went through Salem, Massachusetts. It began when a girl fell sick with convulsions, visions, contortions, and random outbursts. This triggered the people to hunt out witches. Over 100 supposed witches were imprisoned during this hunt. Cotton Mather writes an account of what went on in Salem. This documentary presents the story he wrote. *Recommended for use in a history classroom or for further research into Salem.*
Nations at War - Episode 1 Episode 2 Episode 3 Episode 4 Episode 5 Episode 6 Episode 7 Episode 8 Episode 9 Episode 10 Episode 11 Episode 12 Episode 13
Nations at War: this is a series about the First Nations. It is hosted by David Lyle. David starts this series by announcing that it is the Eighteenth Century and the world is more connected. This documentary weaves the tales of the first nations, how they each had a quest for power, resources, and survival. Even though these First Nations were different, history seems to indicate that the First Nations had plenty of things in common. Alliances were formed, conflicts came, nations grew and fell. The Timeline YouTube Channel had put together two episodes into one episode.
France's Greatest Royal Painter: The Rise of Madam LeBrun - YouTube (51:20)
Elisabeth Vigee LeBrun was France’s last great portrait painter. She was a child prodigy and was taught by her father. Elisabeth started painting professionally at fourteen years old. She soon became part of the court of Marie Antoinette. She painted over 660 portraits. However, due to her ties to the French court, she is forced to flee into exile. For thirteen years, she traveled around a variety of European courts. She will be met with a great deal of acclaim in the European Courts. *Highly recommended for an art class as well as a history class. Recommended for independent study students.*
This is a German-produced English-language documentary about Frederick the Great and Empress Maria Theresa. They were the rulers of two German empires. When Maria Theresa became Empress, Frederick the Great invaded parts of her domain. She fought back against the Prussians. This documentary tells the story of the rulers who fought for supremacy. *Highly recommended for a high school history classroom. Highly recommended for research purposes.*
Women Who Made History - Catherine the Great - YouTube (48:32)
Catherine was born Princess Sophie Auguste Friederike von Anhalt-Zerbst. She was chosen to become the bride of the next heir to the Russian Throne: Peter. It was a journey of several months thousands of miles. It was the chance of a lifetime for Sophie and her family. She had to prove herself worthy to be Peter’s bride. When she arrived in Russia, she made a clean break from her past and became fully Russian. How would Catherine adjust to life in Russia? *Recommended for a college history class and college independent study students.*
King George III: Genius of a Mad King: YouTube
King George III's papers were digitized and this documentary shows historians poring over his papers, learning more about this misunderstood monarch. His papers reveal a remarkable man. He was a king engaged with his kingdom. He tried to avoid arguments to prevent his fits of madness. I created an assignment that would allow students to use his papers to explore more of the life of this misunderstood king. *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school classroom, both American and World history. Highly recommended for independent study students.*
Empress Josephine - YouTube (52:17)
Empress Josephine was Napoleon Bonaparte’s, great love. During the Time of the French Revolution, everyone knows Marie Josephe Rose Tascher de Le Pagerie. History would know her as Josephine. The Reign of Terror has just ended and she had just barely escaped the guillotine. She would meet a Corsican general who was just beginning his career. This general was six years younger than her but he fell madly in love with her. The pair would eventually marry and would write world history. *Recommended for research purposes.*
Women Who Made History: Queen Luise - YouTube (50:57)
She was the most dangerous woman in all of Europe. Princess Luise was a queen from a humble background. She and her sister married Prussian princes. Princess Luise would eventually become Queen Luise. Queen Luise of Prussia encouraged the Prussians to go to war with Napoleon. This is a German documentary with English subtitles. *Highly recommend for independent study students learning about a person in history. Would show to a high school history class.*
Secrets of the Dead: Bewitched - YouTube (1:01:56)
This is an older Secrets of the Dead episode about the Salem Witch Trials and the 300 years of witch hunting. Were the girls truly bewitched? One scientist dives into the Salem Witch Trials. The answer she found may surprise the viewer. Using her sleuthing skills and historical records, she discovered what triggered the Salem Witch trials as well as similar trials around Europe. *Highly recommended for research purposes and use in both history and science classroom.*
America's Hidden Stories: Salem's Secrets - YouTube
The Salem Witch Trials began in 1692, with the hanging of five witches. People traveled from all over to see the witches hanging. There is a huge panic over witchcraft. It began with three young women having severe fits in bed. The people believed that they were being attacked by demons. This belief kicked off the beginning of the Salem Witch Trials. Why did these three young women have so much power over the town? What made the witch trials stop? *Recommended use in for a history classroom.*
Witch Hunt - YouTube
In 1692, witch mania went through Salem, Massachusetts. It began when a girl fell sick with convulsions, visions, contortions, and random outbursts. This triggered the people to hunt out witches. Over 100 supposed witches were imprisoned during this hunt. Cotton Mather writes an account of what went on in Salem. This documentary presents the story he wrote. *Recommended for use in a history classroom or for further research into Salem.*
Nations at War - Episode 1 Episode 2 Episode 3 Episode 4 Episode 5 Episode 6 Episode 7 Episode 8 Episode 9 Episode 10 Episode 11 Episode 12 Episode 13
Nations at War: this is a series about the First Nations. It is hosted by David Lyle. David starts this series by announcing that it is the Eighteenth Century and the world is more connected. This documentary weaves the tales of the first nations, how they each had a quest for power, resources, and survival. Even though these First Nations were different, history seems to indicate that the First Nations had plenty of things in common. Alliances were formed, conflicts came, nations grew and fell. The Timeline YouTube Channel had put together two episodes into one episode.
France's Greatest Royal Painter: The Rise of Madam LeBrun - YouTube (51:20)
Elisabeth Vigee LeBrun was France’s last great portrait painter. She was a child prodigy and was taught by her father. Elisabeth started painting professionally at fourteen years old. She soon became part of the court of Marie Antoinette. She painted over 660 portraits. However, due to her ties to the French court, she is forced to flee into exile. For thirteen years, she traveled around a variety of European courts. She will be met with a great deal of acclaim in the European Courts. *Highly recommended for an art class as well as a history class. Recommended for independent study students.*
Victorian Period
Krakatoa: The Great Volcanic Eruption - YouTube
The Explosion of Krakatoa is a docudrama about the 1883 eruption. It tells the story of the lighthouse keeper, a ship's captain, government officials, and the people. Using primary sources, the producers put together this documentary about the eruption of Krakatoa and its impact on the world. *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school history, geography, and earth science classroom. Highly recommended for independent study students.*
Hidden Killers of the Victorian Home - YouTube
Suzannah Lipscomb explores the hidden killers of the Victorian Home. She shows that the killers appeared in the home starting with the drawing-room, the bedroom, and the kitchen. The Victorian Period was an era of innovation. The Victorians had pocket money and they wanted to spend it. Unfortunately, these innovations could kill the homeowner. *Recommended for a high school history classroom. Highly recommended for independent study students.*
Queen Victoria: A Monarch Unveiled: Episode 1 (58:51) Episode 2 (58:52)
A.N. Wilson explores the life of Queen Victoria through the letters that survived over two episodes. The first episode shows what her childhood and married life were like. The second episode shows her as a widow. He paints a portrait of a monarch who laughed frequently, engaged in politics, and enjoyed life. Wilson’s portrayal of Queen Victoria shatters the myth of the widow in black. It is a fascinating look at the life of Queen Victoria through her surviving journals. *Highly recommended for a high school history class and independent study students.*
Secrets of the Victorian Workhouse - Episode 1 Episode 2
Several UK celebrities explore their relatives’ experiences in the Victorian Workhouse. The Victorian Workhouse was the place where the poor and destitute received free health care and food. However, poverty was a crime in Victorian England, so the workhouse became famous for its harsh conditions. One famous resident of the workhouse became the famous actor Charlie Chaplin. His workhouse experiences inspired his acting and the characters he portrayed. *Highly recommended for research purposes.*
The Explosion of Krakatoa is a docudrama about the 1883 eruption. It tells the story of the lighthouse keeper, a ship's captain, government officials, and the people. Using primary sources, the producers put together this documentary about the eruption of Krakatoa and its impact on the world. *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school history, geography, and earth science classroom. Highly recommended for independent study students.*
Hidden Killers of the Victorian Home - YouTube
Suzannah Lipscomb explores the hidden killers of the Victorian Home. She shows that the killers appeared in the home starting with the drawing-room, the bedroom, and the kitchen. The Victorian Period was an era of innovation. The Victorians had pocket money and they wanted to spend it. Unfortunately, these innovations could kill the homeowner. *Recommended for a high school history classroom. Highly recommended for independent study students.*
Queen Victoria: A Monarch Unveiled: Episode 1 (58:51) Episode 2 (58:52)
A.N. Wilson explores the life of Queen Victoria through the letters that survived over two episodes. The first episode shows what her childhood and married life were like. The second episode shows her as a widow. He paints a portrait of a monarch who laughed frequently, engaged in politics, and enjoyed life. Wilson’s portrayal of Queen Victoria shatters the myth of the widow in black. It is a fascinating look at the life of Queen Victoria through her surviving journals. *Highly recommended for a high school history class and independent study students.*
Secrets of the Victorian Workhouse - Episode 1 Episode 2
Several UK celebrities explore their relatives’ experiences in the Victorian Workhouse. The Victorian Workhouse was the place where the poor and destitute received free health care and food. However, poverty was a crime in Victorian England, so the workhouse became famous for its harsh conditions. One famous resident of the workhouse became the famous actor Charlie Chaplin. His workhouse experiences inspired his acting and the characters he portrayed. *Highly recommended for research purposes.*
Gilded Age
F.G.O. Stuart (1843-1923), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Hidden Killers of the Edwardian Home - YouTube
Suzannah Lipscomb explores the Hidden Killers of the Edwardian Home. The Edwardian Home was full of new inventions, however, some of these inventions were quite dangerous. It was the first time the home had electricity. Asbestos was used as insulation. Refrigerators started to make an appearance in the home. Women could wear make-up to have an up-to-date look. *Recommended for a high school history classroom. Highly recommended for independent study students.*
Lost Liners - YouTube
This documentary features Bob Ballard exploring his career as an oceanographer. He discusses the Titanic and Lusitania and learns about the Empress of Ireland. He talks about the Titanic’s discovery and the problems it caused. Then he talks about the mystery of Lusitania’s sinking. Finally, he visits the Empress of Ireland as his last ocean liner. He visits the Empress of Ireland with a descendant of one of the passengers. *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school classroom. This documentary can be broken up into sections.*
Lost Voyage of the 499 - YouTube
A ship was bound for China. It had a ghostly cargo of 499 Chinese gold miners. The ship sunk and its cargo disappeared. This ship lies off the coast of New Zealand. All the names were lost, except for one: Choie Sew Hoy. He was considered one of the pioneers of New Zealand. In 1861, gold was discovered in a valley in New Zealand. Miners from all over the world. However, this gold rush was over as soon as it was started. This documentary tells the story of the gold rush and the Chinese miners. *Not recommended for a classroom setting.*
Frank Lloyd Wright - YouTube
Frank Lloyd Wright was the greatest architect in America. He redefined architecture and became famous in the world all over. However, his genius is oftentimes buried under the scandals of his life. Jonathan Adams, an architect from Wales is going to travel around America to discover more about Frank Lloyd Wright. He wants to know the man and wishes to put him back in his place. What will Jonathan discover about Frank Lloyd Wright? Tune into this episode to find out more. *HIGHLY recommended for a history and house building class.*
First Flight: The Race to Create the World's First Flying Machine - YouTube (52:49)
In 1903, the Wright Brothers made the first motorized flight. Or did they? This documentary talks about the controversy surrounding this claim. Aviation expert, John Brown explores this controversy and puts for the claim that Gustave Whitehead was the one that made the first flight. It is a claim that outrages many. Was Gustave Whitehead a genius or a person discredited by his rivals? Who kick-started the age of aviation? *Recommended for use in an American history classroom.*
Titanic
Waking the Titanic - YouTube
Fourteen young people from one small town in Ireland made their way to America, on board the Titanic. They traveled together in a group to keep each other safe. Only 3 survived the trip. The deaths of 11 young people deeply scarred the town they grew up in. Narrated by the actor who played Branson on Downton Abbey. This docu-drama offers a different perspective on the Titanic by sharing the story of ordinary people. *Highly recommended for an elementary school, middle school, and high school classroom. Recommended for a substitute teacher to show.*
Abandoning the Titanic - Video Found on PBS Website
This is a new perspective on Titanic: who abandoned the passengers to their fate? The historians and investigators look at the perspective of the ships in the area. They look into the identity of the mystery ship and the captain who turned away from the Titanic. This group also explores maritime law and what requirements ships performed to help a sinking ship. *Recommended for a middle school and high school classroom.*
Timewatch: Titanic - YouTube
Myths of Titanic, a Time Watch episode, tries to unravel the myths and stories surrounding the Titanic. The first myth deals with the fact that the ship was unsinkable. The other myths talk about the sinking itself. It is a good summary of the events surrounding the Titanic, it's building, and sinking. *Recommended for middle and high school classrooms as well as independent study students. Recommend for substitute teachers to show in the classroom.*
Words of the Titanic - YouTube
Words of Titanic is a docu-drama featuring the stories of the various survivors of the Titanic. The producers used primary source documents and the actual words of those survivors. The words are read by a variety of actors and descendants or relatives of Titanic crew members and survivors. *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school history classroom. Highly recommended for independent study students. Highly recommended for a substitute teacher to show in a classroom.*
Saving the Titanic - YouTube
Saving the Titanic is a docu-drama about the crew members and engineers who kept her lights on for two hours. The story kicks off with the inquiry into the sinking and the surviving crew members who gave testimony about the sinking. This story is about the unsung heroes of the sinking. *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school history classroom. Highly recommended for independent study students. Highly recommended for a substitute teacher to show in a classroom.*
Titanic: The Nightmare and the Dream - YouTube
This documentary was filmed in 1986 and it is about the Discovery of the Titanic. Bob Ballard had worked with the Navy to discover the vessel at the bottom. He was trying out new robotic equipment to find the Titanic. This is an older documentary about the Titanic and the sinking. The information is older. However, it is a good documentary covering Bob Ballard’s career and the Titanic’s discovery. *Recommended for elementary school and middle school classrooms.*
Titanic - YouTube
In 1997 Titanic came out and was the highest-grossing film in the world. James Cameron, the director, assembles a team to look at the sinking of the Titanic. He tries to figure out how the Titanic sunk and what happened after it sunk. Cameron gathered eight Titanic historians to try to solve the Titanic’s final moments' mystery. This documentary came out in 2012 to coincide with the anniversary of the sinking. *Recommended for elementary school and middle school classrooms.*
Who Sank the Titanic - YouTube
This documentary is about the human errors that lead to the sinking of the Titanic. This docu-drama features the officers’ decisions on board as well as the materials used to build the Titanic to determine whether or not the ship could have avoided its fate. The scientists look at the materials that were used to build the Titanic. This account is based on primary source documents. *Recommended for high school and middle school classrooms.*
Titanic’s Missing Pieces - Video No Longer Available
In 2005 two pieces of Titanic bottom were discovered by an expedition to the ship. It was a discovery that sent shockwaves through the Titanic community. What could these two pieces reveal about Titanic’s final moments? Titanic historians use computer models to put together the Titanic to figure out how she broke up. *Highly recommended for middle school and high school classrooms.*
Suzannah Lipscomb explores the Hidden Killers of the Edwardian Home. The Edwardian Home was full of new inventions, however, some of these inventions were quite dangerous. It was the first time the home had electricity. Asbestos was used as insulation. Refrigerators started to make an appearance in the home. Women could wear make-up to have an up-to-date look. *Recommended for a high school history classroom. Highly recommended for independent study students.*
Lost Liners - YouTube
This documentary features Bob Ballard exploring his career as an oceanographer. He discusses the Titanic and Lusitania and learns about the Empress of Ireland. He talks about the Titanic’s discovery and the problems it caused. Then he talks about the mystery of Lusitania’s sinking. Finally, he visits the Empress of Ireland as his last ocean liner. He visits the Empress of Ireland with a descendant of one of the passengers. *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school classroom. This documentary can be broken up into sections.*
Lost Voyage of the 499 - YouTube
A ship was bound for China. It had a ghostly cargo of 499 Chinese gold miners. The ship sunk and its cargo disappeared. This ship lies off the coast of New Zealand. All the names were lost, except for one: Choie Sew Hoy. He was considered one of the pioneers of New Zealand. In 1861, gold was discovered in a valley in New Zealand. Miners from all over the world. However, this gold rush was over as soon as it was started. This documentary tells the story of the gold rush and the Chinese miners. *Not recommended for a classroom setting.*
Frank Lloyd Wright - YouTube
Frank Lloyd Wright was the greatest architect in America. He redefined architecture and became famous in the world all over. However, his genius is oftentimes buried under the scandals of his life. Jonathan Adams, an architect from Wales is going to travel around America to discover more about Frank Lloyd Wright. He wants to know the man and wishes to put him back in his place. What will Jonathan discover about Frank Lloyd Wright? Tune into this episode to find out more. *HIGHLY recommended for a history and house building class.*
First Flight: The Race to Create the World's First Flying Machine - YouTube (52:49)
In 1903, the Wright Brothers made the first motorized flight. Or did they? This documentary talks about the controversy surrounding this claim. Aviation expert, John Brown explores this controversy and puts for the claim that Gustave Whitehead was the one that made the first flight. It is a claim that outrages many. Was Gustave Whitehead a genius or a person discredited by his rivals? Who kick-started the age of aviation? *Recommended for use in an American history classroom.*
Titanic
Waking the Titanic - YouTube
Fourteen young people from one small town in Ireland made their way to America, on board the Titanic. They traveled together in a group to keep each other safe. Only 3 survived the trip. The deaths of 11 young people deeply scarred the town they grew up in. Narrated by the actor who played Branson on Downton Abbey. This docu-drama offers a different perspective on the Titanic by sharing the story of ordinary people. *Highly recommended for an elementary school, middle school, and high school classroom. Recommended for a substitute teacher to show.*
Abandoning the Titanic - Video Found on PBS Website
This is a new perspective on Titanic: who abandoned the passengers to their fate? The historians and investigators look at the perspective of the ships in the area. They look into the identity of the mystery ship and the captain who turned away from the Titanic. This group also explores maritime law and what requirements ships performed to help a sinking ship. *Recommended for a middle school and high school classroom.*
Timewatch: Titanic - YouTube
Myths of Titanic, a Time Watch episode, tries to unravel the myths and stories surrounding the Titanic. The first myth deals with the fact that the ship was unsinkable. The other myths talk about the sinking itself. It is a good summary of the events surrounding the Titanic, it's building, and sinking. *Recommended for middle and high school classrooms as well as independent study students. Recommend for substitute teachers to show in the classroom.*
Words of the Titanic - YouTube
Words of Titanic is a docu-drama featuring the stories of the various survivors of the Titanic. The producers used primary source documents and the actual words of those survivors. The words are read by a variety of actors and descendants or relatives of Titanic crew members and survivors. *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school history classroom. Highly recommended for independent study students. Highly recommended for a substitute teacher to show in a classroom.*
Saving the Titanic - YouTube
Saving the Titanic is a docu-drama about the crew members and engineers who kept her lights on for two hours. The story kicks off with the inquiry into the sinking and the surviving crew members who gave testimony about the sinking. This story is about the unsung heroes of the sinking. *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school history classroom. Highly recommended for independent study students. Highly recommended for a substitute teacher to show in a classroom.*
Titanic: The Nightmare and the Dream - YouTube
This documentary was filmed in 1986 and it is about the Discovery of the Titanic. Bob Ballard had worked with the Navy to discover the vessel at the bottom. He was trying out new robotic equipment to find the Titanic. This is an older documentary about the Titanic and the sinking. The information is older. However, it is a good documentary covering Bob Ballard’s career and the Titanic’s discovery. *Recommended for elementary school and middle school classrooms.*
Titanic - YouTube
In 1997 Titanic came out and was the highest-grossing film in the world. James Cameron, the director, assembles a team to look at the sinking of the Titanic. He tries to figure out how the Titanic sunk and what happened after it sunk. Cameron gathered eight Titanic historians to try to solve the Titanic’s final moments' mystery. This documentary came out in 2012 to coincide with the anniversary of the sinking. *Recommended for elementary school and middle school classrooms.*
Who Sank the Titanic - YouTube
This documentary is about the human errors that lead to the sinking of the Titanic. This docu-drama features the officers’ decisions on board as well as the materials used to build the Titanic to determine whether or not the ship could have avoided its fate. The scientists look at the materials that were used to build the Titanic. This account is based on primary source documents. *Recommended for high school and middle school classrooms.*
Titanic’s Missing Pieces - Video No Longer Available
In 2005 two pieces of Titanic bottom were discovered by an expedition to the ship. It was a discovery that sent shockwaves through the Titanic community. What could these two pieces reveal about Titanic’s final moments? Titanic historians use computer models to put together the Titanic to figure out how she broke up. *Highly recommended for middle school and high school classrooms.*
World War I
Lusitania: Terror at Sea - YouTube
This docu-drama is about the sinking of the Lusitania during World War I. It tells the story of the sinking from Professor Holbein’s perspective. This docu-drama brings together the story of the passenger and the British Admiralty. It tells what happened during the voyage, the decisions that were made to not warn the ship, and what happened during the sinking. *Recommended for a high school classroom. Recommended for an independent study student.*
Lusitania - YouTube
This is an older documentary on the Lusitania. This documentary came out in 1994 and features the last known Lusitania survivors. The survivors tell their stories about the ship and how they survived the sinking. They also discuss their theories about why she sank so fast. It also features Bob Ballard, who was trying to discover why she sank so fast. Did the contraband on the ship explode and cause the ship to sink? *Recommended for an independent study student.*
The Battle of Passchendaele - YouTube
Trench warfare has been established during World War I. Passchendaele seemed to elude recapture by the British. It was the site of the worst battle of World War I. This documentary combines photography, archival footage, and a well-told story. It is a good look at what happened that lead up to the Battle of Passchendaele. *Recommended for a high school world history classroom. Recommended for an independent study student.*
The Great War In Numbers - Episode 1 Episode 3 Episode 6
World War I: The Numbers covers the sheer numbers involved in World War I. The Imperial powers were not satisfied with the vast territories and wealth they acquired over decades. So when in 1914, when the heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire was killed the world exploded. This war would kill 18 million people. This war would change world history. *Recommended for a high school world history classroom. Recommended for an independent study student.*
World War I -Episode 1 Episode 2 Episode 3 Episode 10
In 1918, the Allied Armies came together to assemble a strike force to finally break the backs of the Germans. The last few months of the war were brutal for the men in the trenches. The biggest problem was to keep the operation a secret. The Germans knew nothing of a coming attack nor did they fear an attack coming. When it did come, it would shatter the German military. *Recommended for a high school classroom. Recommended for an independent study student.*
The Remarkable Story of the Christmas Truce - YouTube
It is 1914 and the soldiers on both sides of the Great War are exhausted from fighting. Christmas comes and the British soldiers suddenly hear something in the night sky. It is the German soldiers singing Christmas carols. The Germans are also putting up Christmas trees in the trenches. Morning comes and there is a sense of peace in the air… *Highly recommended for history and independent study students for Christmas Time or when World War I is studied.*
Mata Hari: The Beautiful Spy - YouTube (52:15)
She is charged with high treason. She was a female pay. Her name was Mata Hari. She was an exotic dancer who moved around high society. Then World War I happened and she was charged with treason because of her contacts with the upper echelons of society. What is the truth about Mata Hari? Who was she really? Will she finally reveal her secrets after one hundred years? *Recommended for research purposes and not for a classroom setting.*
100 Years on the Lincoln Highway - YouTube
The Lincoln Highway started in Times Square New York and crossed the country in San Francisco. IT was the first cross-country road in America. The country did not have many roads before the automobiles. Every road was a bike path or a dirt road farmers used to get in and out of town. These roads did not link together and go somewhere. *Highly recommended for an American History classroom and for a substitute teacher to show in the classroom.*
This docu-drama is about the sinking of the Lusitania during World War I. It tells the story of the sinking from Professor Holbein’s perspective. This docu-drama brings together the story of the passenger and the British Admiralty. It tells what happened during the voyage, the decisions that were made to not warn the ship, and what happened during the sinking. *Recommended for a high school classroom. Recommended for an independent study student.*
Lusitania - YouTube
This is an older documentary on the Lusitania. This documentary came out in 1994 and features the last known Lusitania survivors. The survivors tell their stories about the ship and how they survived the sinking. They also discuss their theories about why she sank so fast. It also features Bob Ballard, who was trying to discover why she sank so fast. Did the contraband on the ship explode and cause the ship to sink? *Recommended for an independent study student.*
The Battle of Passchendaele - YouTube
Trench warfare has been established during World War I. Passchendaele seemed to elude recapture by the British. It was the site of the worst battle of World War I. This documentary combines photography, archival footage, and a well-told story. It is a good look at what happened that lead up to the Battle of Passchendaele. *Recommended for a high school world history classroom. Recommended for an independent study student.*
The Great War In Numbers - Episode 1 Episode 3 Episode 6
World War I: The Numbers covers the sheer numbers involved in World War I. The Imperial powers were not satisfied with the vast territories and wealth they acquired over decades. So when in 1914, when the heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire was killed the world exploded. This war would kill 18 million people. This war would change world history. *Recommended for a high school world history classroom. Recommended for an independent study student.*
World War I -Episode 1 Episode 2 Episode 3 Episode 10
In 1918, the Allied Armies came together to assemble a strike force to finally break the backs of the Germans. The last few months of the war were brutal for the men in the trenches. The biggest problem was to keep the operation a secret. The Germans knew nothing of a coming attack nor did they fear an attack coming. When it did come, it would shatter the German military. *Recommended for a high school classroom. Recommended for an independent study student.*
The Remarkable Story of the Christmas Truce - YouTube
It is 1914 and the soldiers on both sides of the Great War are exhausted from fighting. Christmas comes and the British soldiers suddenly hear something in the night sky. It is the German soldiers singing Christmas carols. The Germans are also putting up Christmas trees in the trenches. Morning comes and there is a sense of peace in the air… *Highly recommended for history and independent study students for Christmas Time or when World War I is studied.*
Mata Hari: The Beautiful Spy - YouTube (52:15)
She is charged with high treason. She was a female pay. Her name was Mata Hari. She was an exotic dancer who moved around high society. Then World War I happened and she was charged with treason because of her contacts with the upper echelons of society. What is the truth about Mata Hari? Who was she really? Will she finally reveal her secrets after one hundred years? *Recommended for research purposes and not for a classroom setting.*
100 Years on the Lincoln Highway - YouTube
The Lincoln Highway started in Times Square New York and crossed the country in San Francisco. IT was the first cross-country road in America. The country did not have many roads before the automobiles. Every road was a bike path or a dirt road farmers used to get in and out of town. These roads did not link together and go somewhere. *Highly recommended for an American History classroom and for a substitute teacher to show in the classroom.*
Post World War II Era
Florence Foster Jenkins - YouTube (1:27:40)
Florence Foster Jenkins was known as the world’s worse opera singer and this is her story. This story is narrated from the perspective of a journalist who interviewed her. Florence Foster Jenkins was a flamboyant woman who loved to sing. She planned on performing at Carnegie Hall so the journalist wanted to interview her. Historians and music lovers talk about Florence Foster Jenkins’ life and singing career. *Recommended for research.*
Hidden Killers of the Post War Home - YouTube
Suzannah Lipscomb explores the post-World War II home in Hidden Killers of the Post War Home. After the war normalcy slowly came back and with more purchasing power, people could buy more for the home. Unfortunately, there were new dangers introduced in the home. Some dangers include flammable nightgowns and furniture, chemistry sets, and not washing hands. This is a fascinating look at what hidden killers were brought into the home. *Highly recommended for student research purposes.*
Wahine Disaster - YouTube
Wahine was a New Zealand Ferry that went down in a storm. The ferry was sailing in gale-force winds. It was a difficult crossing for the ship. The ferry was heading into a typhoon, one of the most serious in New Zealand history. Eventually, the ship hit a reef, took on water, and started sinking. This documentary is about the story of the rescue of 734 lives. The survivors tell the story of their rescue and their feelings after the accident. *Recommended for research purposes.*
Chernobyl: 35 Years After - YouTube
The disaster at Chernobyl happened on April 26, 1986. It was the worse nuclear disaster in world history. It still haunts the Ukrainian people to this day. This documentary is about a group of survivors who returned to Prypiat. They discuss their experiences and their feelings about the disaster. Some have broken their silence for the first time. This documentary is German-produced with English translations. *Highly recommend for both high school and middle school classrooms and independent study students.*
Knocking on Heaven's Door - YouTube
This is a look at the history of the Soviet Space Program. It started with a mystic named Fedorov Gagarin. The oak trees on his family’s estate inspired him to look to space. He believed that going into space was mankind’s task. Eventually, the Soviets would put a man in space. This documentary tends to focus on the mystical components of how the Soviet space program developed. It is a different look at the space race. *Recommended for research purposes.*
A Very British Witchcraft - YouTube
Modern Pagan witchcraft is a distinctly British religion. Wicca is one of the fastest-growing religions in the world. Professor Ronald Hutton examines witchcraft, Wicca, and paganism in this documentary called A very British Witchcraft. Oddly, Wicca was born in the 1940s. Gerald Gardner was a nudist who was known as the “King of Witches.” Who was the man behind the birth of Wicca? *Recommended for research purposes.*
Florence Foster Jenkins was known as the world’s worse opera singer and this is her story. This story is narrated from the perspective of a journalist who interviewed her. Florence Foster Jenkins was a flamboyant woman who loved to sing. She planned on performing at Carnegie Hall so the journalist wanted to interview her. Historians and music lovers talk about Florence Foster Jenkins’ life and singing career. *Recommended for research.*
Hidden Killers of the Post War Home - YouTube
Suzannah Lipscomb explores the post-World War II home in Hidden Killers of the Post War Home. After the war normalcy slowly came back and with more purchasing power, people could buy more for the home. Unfortunately, there were new dangers introduced in the home. Some dangers include flammable nightgowns and furniture, chemistry sets, and not washing hands. This is a fascinating look at what hidden killers were brought into the home. *Highly recommended for student research purposes.*
Wahine Disaster - YouTube
Wahine was a New Zealand Ferry that went down in a storm. The ferry was sailing in gale-force winds. It was a difficult crossing for the ship. The ferry was heading into a typhoon, one of the most serious in New Zealand history. Eventually, the ship hit a reef, took on water, and started sinking. This documentary is about the story of the rescue of 734 lives. The survivors tell the story of their rescue and their feelings after the accident. *Recommended for research purposes.*
Chernobyl: 35 Years After - YouTube
The disaster at Chernobyl happened on April 26, 1986. It was the worse nuclear disaster in world history. It still haunts the Ukrainian people to this day. This documentary is about a group of survivors who returned to Prypiat. They discuss their experiences and their feelings about the disaster. Some have broken their silence for the first time. This documentary is German-produced with English translations. *Highly recommend for both high school and middle school classrooms and independent study students.*
Knocking on Heaven's Door - YouTube
This is a look at the history of the Soviet Space Program. It started with a mystic named Fedorov Gagarin. The oak trees on his family’s estate inspired him to look to space. He believed that going into space was mankind’s task. Eventually, the Soviets would put a man in space. This documentary tends to focus on the mystical components of how the Soviet space program developed. It is a different look at the space race. *Recommended for research purposes.*
A Very British Witchcraft - YouTube
Modern Pagan witchcraft is a distinctly British religion. Wicca is one of the fastest-growing religions in the world. Professor Ronald Hutton examines witchcraft, Wicca, and paganism in this documentary called A very British Witchcraft. Oddly, Wicca was born in the 1940s. Gerald Gardner was a nudist who was known as the “King of Witches.” Who was the man behind the birth of Wicca? *Recommended for research purposes.*
This List is current as of September 24, 2022
