Prehistoric Worlds

For eight centuries, between the 9th and 1st century BC, the Etruscans, inhabitants of the Italian peninsula, were one of the most powerful peoples of the Mediterranean basin, and when they disappeared they left behind impressive necropolises, vestiges of sanctuaries and even entire cities. How did they attain such power? How far did they extend their dominion and influence? What were the causes of their decline?

This extraordinary series is a sweeping account of the rise of Earth’s continents. They are the product of a grand waltz of plate tectonics and the continual evolution of Earth’s crust. As landmasses assemble and separate, they fuel volcanoes and spark earthquakes, building mountains and tearing valleys. We see the Earth, eons in the making, through the eyes of geologists and other scientists.

2500 Years ago, a dynasty of Celtic Princes founded the first towns in Northern Europe. They constructed harbours along rivers and traded goods with people from all over Europe. This film presents new insights into Celtic history and culture thanks to exclusive access to the Celtic Tomb in Lavau (France) and the exceptionally rich and well-preserved collection of objects found on the gravesite.

Our planet’s lakes make up a huge freshwater reserve delicately balanced between the water that feeds them and the rivers they feed.

A look at relevant scientific issues

The octopus is a close cousin of the oyster and snail. And yet, even by human standards the multi-limbed creature is considered highly intelligent. From Spain to Vancouver Island to Capri, Italy, scientists are testing the brain-power of the mysterious and mythic octopus.

The Bayeux Tapestry is a remarkable and unique work of art that has survived for almost 1,000 years. Made in the 11th century, it tells the story of William of Normandy’s claim to the English throne, culminating in the Norman invasion of England and the Battle of Hastings. At nearly 70 metres in length, the Bayeux Tapestry includes 623 characters, hundreds of animals and a wide diversity of scenes depicting everyday life and epic events. It is a treasure trove of information, offering an extraordinary insight into a pivotal moment in history.

2018, Gjellestad, Norway. Archaeologists make the discovery of a lifetime: a 20-metre long, 1200-year-old Viking funeral ship. Who is hiding in the grave? Is Gjellestad one of the oldest Viking settlements? What can this coffin tell us about the daily lives, beliefs and traditions of the Vikings? July 2020, an exceptional archaeological expedition begins. Thanks to exclusive access to this archaeological excavation, state-of-the-art technologies, cinema-worthy dramatized reenactments and with the help of great specialists of the Viking era, this unprecedented journey will bring this incredible site, its villagers, warriors and craftsmen back to life. Both a scientific investigation and an epic historical drama, it will follow this extremely rare excavation step by step to reveal who has been hiding inside this mysterious Viking coffin for over a thousand years.

A French adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's play "The Wild Duck", staged by Stéphane Braunschweig.

A French adaptation of Luigi Pirandello's play "Six Characters in Search of an Author", staged by Stéphane Braunschweig.

A French adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's play "A Doll's House", staged by Stéphane Braunschweig.

Objects of myth that inspire both fear and hope, clouds are as much cultural icons as they are subjects of scientific exploration. They shape ecosystems and ocean cycles, provide vital water, and have long been a source of human fascination and inspiration. Across four destinations and diverse ecosystems—from the Pacific coast of Chile to the cloud cap of Mount Fuji and the “tablecloth” of Africa’s Table Mountain—cloud hunters, meteorologists, scientists, enthusiasts, and indigenous communities help us decode these extraordinary giants. By supplying moisture to the environment, clouds sustain life and make it possible for unique animal and plant species to thrive, even in the driest regions, while creating some of the most spectacular natural scenes on Earth.