Karnak: The Largest Temple in the World

From the beginning of the Middle Ages, castles have imposed themselves as symbols of power. Over time, France will cover itself with fortresses built according to almost identical plans. It was in the 12th and 13th centuries that castles took their typical form and truly knew their golden age! Their architecture will freeze for eternity the very image of these medieval buildings. How to explain this prosperous period? What technologies did the architects of the Middle Ages deploy to accomplish such monumental works? To better understand it, we will follow a group of medieval history enthusiasts. Together, they imagined a crazy project: to build a real fortified castle using the methods of the 13th century. Through this titanic challenge, this documentary finally pierces the mysteries of the great builders of History.

The Glorious Story of Castles Carriers of myths and legends, castles strongly mark our imaginations, appearing most often as the pivot of a dark and barbaric period. Reality is different. They are full of mystery and grandeur, emblematic abstractions of the Middle Ages, they testify to medieval civilization.

Baptized "the pearl of the Nile", this sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Isis is the masterful work of the last pharaohs of Egypt and the Roman emperors who succeeded them. Sacred land, Philae has continued to develop. Over nearly seven centuries, it has acquired remarkable buildings whose imposing architecture is an offering to the gods of the Nile, as well as a symbol of authority for the pharaohs who reigned over the region. Adorned with the gods and pharaohs who venerated them, the temples of Philae transport us to the last hours of Ancient Egypt.

These last Mayan cities are the most fascinating documentary objects, as much for their architecture and the unique and grandiose settings in which they exist as their excellent state of preservation. Described by leading experts, carefully illustrated with images and reconstructed using new 3D models, Tulum, Coba and Mayapan provide us with an updated inventory of what scientists know about the Maya civilisation today.

The castle is undoubtedly the emblematic monument of the thousand years of history that constitute the Middle Ages. But how were castles actually built between the 10th and 15th century? What techniques were used before the introduction of modern construction practices?