A look at the development of space travel and the potential for humans to one day walk on the surface of Mars. From the desperation of War machines to the curiosity of space exploration. Detailed accounts of previous missions for the exploration of Mars, including the landing of the rovers on the surface of the planet. After the Soviets gained possession of the V2 manufacturing facilities, production of these rockets began in the Soviet Union, and on the 4th of October 1957, SPUTNIK 1 became the first artificial satellite to be launched into space. This was the next step in the evolution of mankind. It was the beginning of the Space Race.
Welcome to Ireland, a country that boasts a rich culture, diverse history and unparalleled natural beauty. But astonishingly, across the Emerald Isle, there’s a dark undercurrent of crime that casts a heavy shadow over society. In The Feared: Irish Gangsters, Bernard O’Mahoney returns to his home country to shine a light on the Irish underworld. With exclusive access to high-profile Irish ‘faces’, he enters unchartered territory when he discovers that there may be more to these crimes than meets the eye.
The best-selling true-crime author and former Essex gang member travels around the country to guide us through the workings of a dark criminal underworld with stories of extreme violence, the effects of poverty, and ultimately, the devastating consequences.
'Let the People Decide' traces the history of voting rights struggles in the United States from 1960 through the present day. The film draws parallels between the Mississippi voter registration drive of the early 1960's and North Carolina's 'Moral Monday' movement in the present day.
Discovered by an unlikely team of amateur historians 45 feet beneath a Kansas cornfield, the Steamboat Arabia is one of the best-preserved shipwrecks in American history. The treasures contained within painting a vivid picture of western expansion and the treacherous frontier.
Ireland's history is steeped in religion and mystery. Why did its people stop worshipping the earth 5,000 years ago? Did St. Patrick really act alone in converting the Irish to Christianity in the 5th century? Historians, astronomers, and other scientists believe answers to these and other questions lie in the stars. Discover the role that celestial occurrences have played in Irish religious beliefs and practices as we explore ancient hallowed sites and even the heavens above.
King Tut's death at the age of 19 has been debated ever since his tomb was discovered. Why did he die so young? Was he murdered? To solve this ancient mystery, a team of scientists will perform a virtual autopsy on the king, using modern technology.
The Nazis knew it was their last chance. The British knew it was the deadliest threat they'd ever face. And the Americans knew it could fall into the wrong hands. The V2 rocket quickly became Hitler's greatest deadly weapon and beacon of hope to turn the course of World War II in his favor. Watch Nazi Germany's desperate attempt at victory as the Allies race to stop them and see how the V2 miraculously went from deadly weapon to amazing feat of space technology.
When Mount Vesuvius obliterated the city of Pompeii in 79 A.D., it preserved the bodies of about 2,000 victims, freezing them in their final moments. But who were these fated ancient Romans? To find out, forensic scientists will take CT scans and digital X-rays to reveal who these people were and how they lived before the eruption 1,700 years ago. Meanwhile, a team of architects and archaeologists will conduct traditional digs and use modern 3D mapping to reveal new evidence and dispel old myths about this doomed city.
China, as we know it today, would not exist without the Han Dynasty. About two millenniums ago, its emperors ruled for over 400 years, and yet, few visible remains of this period exist above ground. Underground, however, it's a different story. Join a team of archaeologists as they enter the royal tombs of three emperors spanning the reign of the Han Dynasty. By excavating these sites, they hope to further our knowledge of their wealth, their beliefs, their quest for immortality, and how their culture and philosophy shaped modern China.
6 weeks before D-Day, British, American, and Canadian soldiers took part in a dangerous rehearsal for the Normandy invasion which claimed more American lives than the attack on Utah Beach. So what happened? How many Americans died? And who is to blame?
It lasted only one day on a small piece of land, but the impact the Battle of Waterloo had on history is massive and far-reaching. This is the definitive account of the fight that ended Napoleon's rule as emperor and altered the destinies of France, Europe, and the world. Based on testimonies of those involved, we reveal the tactical decisions and human dramas that transpired on both sides of the battle to give you an unprecedented look of one of history's most epic conflicts.
How much should you negotiate with the enemy? In Israel, the debate over that question evoked fury to the point of assassination. Such was the case of Kasztner. Dr Israel (Rezso) Kasztner, a Hungarian Jew who tried to rescue the last million Jews of Europe by negotiating face to face with Nazi leader Adolf Eichmann, was gunned down by another Jew who never set foot in Nazi Europe. After 50 years, his assassin Ze'ev Eckstein breaks his silence on the fateful night he shot and killed Kasztner. (Storyville)
Featuring professional musicians, historians and everyday players, this programme tells one of music's greatest stories: the invention and innovation of the electric guitar.
Just prior to the end of World War II, the German military secretly undertook a massive push to design miracle weapons - colossal tanks, the world's first guided missiles, and high-speed jets that could attack New York. Now, nearly 60 years later, a team of experts examines the original blueprints to determine if these so-called "Wunderwaffen," or "wonder weapons," could have changed the outcome of the war. One of Adolf Hitler's most top secret bombs: The Fritz X grandfather of the modern smart bomb. Prototype testing revealed that the success rate with this radio-guided bomb was over 80 times higher than with conventional free-falling bombs of the time. In every documented case the destructive power of the Fritz X proved so strong that it would completely rip through any battleship it hit. It would never explode while still inside the ship, but on exiting or in the water.
With the atmospheric and sometimes haunting melodies of traditional Irish music compiled and performed by Wylde Green, one of the most popular contemporary Irish bands of the 21st Century, this program imparts the true flavor of Ireland and the myths and legends so beloved of this wonderful nation of storytellers. When it comes to a good story the Irish certainly know how to tell a fine tale and with their rich heritage of myths and legends, that are so much a part of Irelandʼs colorful history, any visitor to the Emerald Isle will be certain to enjoy a great wealth of tradition and culture. "Irish Myths and Legends" brings together a selection of the best-loved stories of Ireland, travelling to the amazing, legendary places that have both inspired and thrilled in equal measure.
As the capital of Scotland, Edinburghʼs got the lot! A sense of history, examples of the finest architecture, fascinating museums and a vibrant cultural life that rivals any of the worldʼs major cities, all add an extra dimension to this premier tourist attraction. If you have plenty of time at your disposal, Edinburgh is ideal for wandering at leisure, but if your time is limited, you need to know exactly where the main places of interest are to be found.