Tales from the Royal Bedchamber

Bettany Hughes goes in search of this lost civilisation, revealing the story of a city founded out of the desert by Alexander the Great in 331 BC to become the world's first global centre of culture. The documentary also looks at the role of astronomer and philosopher Hypatia, and incorporates stunning footage from the feature film 'Agora'.

Today, few people's clothes attract as much attention as the royal family, but this is not a modern-day paparazzi-inspired obsession. Historian Dr. Lucy Worsley, Chief Curator at Historic Royal Palaces, reveals that it has always been this way. Exploring the royal wardrobes of our kings and queens over the last four hundred years, Lucy shows this isn't just a public fascination, but an important and powerful message from the monarchs. From Elizabeth I to the present Queen Elizabeth II, Lucy explains how the royal wardrobe's significance goes far beyond the cut and color of the clothing. Royal fashion is, and has always been, regarded as a very personal statement to reflect their power over the reign. Most kings and queens have carefully choreographed every aspect of their wardrobe; for those who have not, there have sometimes been calamitous consequences. As much today as in the past, royal fashion is as much about politics as it is about elegant attire.

It's Britains greatest prehistoric monument but for millennia the origins of Stonehenge have remained a mystery. Now, archaeologist Mike Parker Pearson believes he has found vital clues that could help unravel the puzzle. Buried beneath the stones are ancient bodies, and a research team let by the professor has been granted permission to analyse them for the first time as they search for the truth.

Suzy explores how the power of music to rouse our emotions gave it a crucial role in some of the most turbulent years of the 20th century.

Who built Stonehenge and why? Groundbreaking archaeological digs have revealed major new clues about Britain's enigmatic 5,000-year-old site and the people who constructed it.

Professor Bettany Hughes investigates the story of Bacchus, god of wine, revelry, theatre and excess, travelling to Georgia, Jordan, Greece and Britain to discover his origins and his presence in the modern world, and explore how 'losing oneself' plays a vital role in the development of civilisation. Bettany begins in Georgia where she discovers evidence of the world's oldest wine production, and the role it may have played in building communities. In Athens she reveals Bacchus's pivotal role in a society where his ecstatic worship was embraced by all classes, and most importantly women. On Cyprus she uncovers startling parallels between Bacchus and Christ. Finally, Bettany follows the god's modern embrace in Nietzsche's philosophy, experimental theatre and the hedonistic hippie movement to conclude that, while this god of ecstasy is worthy of contemporary reconsideration, it is vital to heed the warning of the ancients - "MEDEN AGAN" - nothing in excess.

Dr Alice Roberts follows a year of British archaeology, joining up the results of digs and investigations the length of the country.

Lucy Worsley, chief curator at Historic Royal Palaces, explores how the physical and mental health of our past monarchs has shaped the history of the nation.

On the 100th anniversary of Howard Carter first unwrapping the mummy of Tutankhamun, Dr Xand van Tulleken sets out to reexamine the six extraordinary days it took to reveal the Boy King beneath the bandages.

Lucy Worsley learns the 17th-century art of horse ballet, leading up to a public performance. She explores its origins, witnesses displays abroad and discovers its legacies.

Dan's adventure begins with the first tomb-hunters and a giant of early Egyptology.

Join historian Dan Snow as he pieces together the story of Stonehenge, revealing how modern discoveries have started to solve its many mysteries.

It's captivated us for over 2000 years, but did it really exist? Dan Snow travels to Greece to discover if there is any truth in this tale of the legendary island in the Atlantic Ocean that supposedly disappeared beneath the waves. He investigates real ancient cities that were destroyed by earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis - could these have inspired the story of Atlantis?

Lucy Worsley, chief curator at Historic Royal Palaces, explores how the physical and mental health Britain's past monarchs has shaped the history of the nation.

Dan tells the incredible story of how Pompeii was discovered.