The historic town of Mostar, spanning a deep valley of the Neretva River, developed in the 15th and 16th centuries as an Ottoman frontier town and during the Austro-Hungarian period in the 19th and 20th centuries. Mostar has long been known for its old Turkish houses and Old Bridge, Stari Most, after which it is named. In the 1990 conflict, however, most of the historic town and the Old Bridge, designed by the renowned architect Sinan, were destroyed....

The world's major religions and philosophies have their origins in ancient civilizations - and while much has changed since then, countless millions of people through history have maintained a faith and belief in religious principles and teachings that have remained unchanged for millennia. This charming program on the origins, sacred texts and beliefs of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam is an ideal introduction to...

Located well above the Arctic Circle, the site includes the mountainous Wrangel Island (2,937 square miles), Herald Island (4 square miles) and surrounding waters. Wrangel was not glaciated during the Quaternary Ice Age, resulting in exceptionally high levels of biodiversity for this region. The island boasts the world’s largest population of Pacific walrus and the highest density of ancestral polar bear dens. It is a major feeding ground for the...

During the Medieval period, trial by ordeal was not uncommon. The accused was tied up and tossed in the water; if they floated they were guilty, but if they drowned they were innocent. Justice was not exactly being served! However, it wasn’t all doom and gloom. After the Norman invasion, Parliament was the highest court in England, and Edward the First introduced more statutes than any other Medieval king.

Alex is digging for buried treasure, when Timeblazers Jen and Sam tell him that his pirate's map is a fake. To help him better understand fact from fiction, they head back to ancient Greece and Plato, who made up the story of the mythical island Atlantis. Next Alex learns that the story of King Arthur and the Round Table is just a good story, written by Geoffrey of Monmouth; also that the Sword Excalibur and Merlin come from Celtic myths and legends....

The Renaissance led to a period of cultural greatness for the Church, but it also reached a pit of spiritual degradation. This film examines the reign of Pope Alexander VI, the Borgia pope. Despite rampant nepotism on behalf of his seven known children, Alexander is said by some to have gotten a bad rap. Known for his patronage of the arts - Raphael and Michelangelo both worked for him - it was also said that he purchased the job of pope for himself....

Delve deeper into the dastardly deeds of history’s greatest blockbuster rulers as this new series dishes up the much-loved revolting recipe of sketches and songs peppered with gruesome gags and hideous hilarity, but adds a bold new twist and an exciting new cast. Each episode will take a sideways look at the life and times of one prominent historical figure. The approach is even bigger and bolder, capturing the rottenest, most remarkable names across...

The slow collapse of the Roman Empire and the departure of Roman troops from Britain in about 410 AD led to the arrival of new cultures which threatened the Celts. This program claims that British king Vortigern invited the Anglo-Saxons into Britain to help defeat the Picts. Whether due to armed conflict or successful migration, Britain was soon under Saxon domination, which continued until the legendary King Arthur defeats them at the Battle of Mount...

A look at how castles ceased to be used for defensive purposes, instead becoming palaces to impress monarchs or ruins that instilled a sense of nostalgia for an age of chivalry in the British psyche.

"Describes medieval castles, including why and how they were built"--Provided by publisher.