Living History: Experiencing Great Events of the Ancient and Medieval Worlds

A leap into the ancient world, discovering the moment-by-moment heartbeat of history. It also explores the Battle of Kadesh, the Egyptian pharaoh Ramesses II's disastrous campaign and the king's tactical retreat into a glorious win.

A look into the Battle of Marathon; the outnumbered Athenians scramble for help before heading to the coast for an impressive fight against the invading Persians; the Athenians' surprise running charge into battle and the strenuous marches.

The Theater of Dionysis on a warm March day; one of the most astounding theatrical performances; Aeschylus's Oresteia is an innovative dramatic trilogy; the trial of Orestes is a relevant consideration of Athenian democracy at a time of great unease.

The time of Pericles and the Peloponnesian War; political action requires rural citizens to head into the city; the cramped urban conditions and pestilence breeds disaffection among the polity; inspiring Athenians for the continued glory of the city.

Exploring a new context for understanding Socrates, one of the Greeks' most famous citizens; during the Peloponnesian War, tension lingers following the overthrow of an oligarchy in Athens; the democratic population is in search of a scapegoat.

The fate of a state hangs in the balance; Philip II of Macedonia is murdered amid a wedding celebration in 336 B.C.E.; whether he is killed by a jilted lover or a jealous wife; the Macedonian court life; the possible motives and social intrigue.