Ancient Treasures with Bettany Hughes

Ancient Greece is known as the cradle of Western Civilization. But why did so much amazing culture develop in this region? Acclaimed classical scholar Bettany Hughes travels to the country and visits some astonishing sites in this compelling history documentary on BBC Select. She encounters an underground snake pit used for healing and an ancient theatre that is still acoustically perfect.

The tiny island of Malta is absolutely crammed with ancient treasures. But why is there so much good stuff in this one spot? Historian Bettany Hughes visits a place that has endured travelers, and invaders, for centuries, as this documentary on BBC Select reveals. As well as sites of antiquity, Bettany explores tunnels used in World War II and the Queen and Prince Philip's romantic hideaway.

Get ready to embark on a glorious Mediterranean voyage, without leaving your armchair. Classicist Bettany Hughes takes to the high seas in this intriguing history documentary on BBC Select. Along the way she explores ancient shrines, volcanic Roman thermal baths and a recently discovered mysterious Medusa mask. But what exactly is 'The Invention of Summer' and how did it help fruit to grow?

Istanbul is a wonderland for history buffs, teeming with ancient artifacts. Bettany Hughes explores some of the city's most remarkable locations in this history documentary on BBC Select. She follows in the footsteps of Byzantine empress Theodora and uncovers evidence of the city's earliest inhabitants during an archaeological dig. But what used to be held in Europe's largest wooden building?