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The Best Episodes of Ancient Mysteries

Every episode of Ancient Mysteries ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Ancient Mysteries!

Binge this in 2d 16h•Peaking at 8.4/10

Ancient Mysteries is a television series that was produced by FilmRoos and originally broadcast on A&E between 7 January 1994 and 3 May 1998 with reruns airing until 2000. Reruns were also re-broadcast on The

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Ancient Mysteries Season 5 Episode 8 - Lost Mummies of the Inca
    8.4/10(6 votes)

    S5:E8

    The Incas held lavish banquets for their mummified chiefs, where corpses were dressed in fine clothes, exquisite jewelry and offer the choicest food and drink. This programme tries to uncover the secrets of the world's most mysterious death cult.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. Ancient Mysteries Season 4 Episode 25 - The Black Death
    8.1/10(8 votes)

    S4:E25

    "Black Death" looks at the plague that, beginning in the 6th century, killed millions on three continents.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. Ancient Mysteries Season 3 Episode 5 - Machu Picchu: City in the Sky
    8.0/10(8 votes)

    S3:E5

    The structure of Machu Picchu, originally built by the Incas, is one of the most archaeologically stunning mysteries of the past. However, even today we are still unsure what its purpose was. Was it an observatory? A pleasure retreat? Or a Fortress? This programme attempts to uncover the historical and spiritual mysteries of this magical place.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. Ancient Mysteries Season 4 Episode 17 - The Lost City of Pirates
    8.0/10(8 votes)

    S4:E17

    Roam the high seas in search of adventure and booty with Blackbeard the pirate and women buccaneers like Annie Boney. Visit a suken city once known as "the wickedest place on earth" and learn the true story of the pirates of Port Royal.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. Ancient Mysteries Season 2 Episode 3 - The Odyssey of Troy
    7.9/10(11 votes)

    S2:E3

    "The Odyssey of Troy" seeks evidence of historical accuracy in Homer's account of the Trojan War in the 13th century B.C. Included: a recap of archaeological digs on the Trojan Plain of northwestern Turkey.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. Ancient Mysteries Season 3 Episode 20 - The Miraculous Canals of Venice
    7.8/10(19 votes)

    S3:E20

    "The Miraculous Canals of Venice" looks into why - and how - Venetians built their city on 120 islands in the Adriatic. The city was first settled in the 5th century by people fleeing invading barbarians, and reached the height of its commercial and political prosperity in the 1500s.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of Ancient Mysteries

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  7. Ancient Mysteries Season 1 Episode 3 - The Lost Ark of the Covenant
    7.7/10(16 votes)

    S1:E3

    One of the holiest relics on earth, the Ark of the Covenant is the symbol of the agreement of faith made between God and the Israelites. The Ark is said to contain the tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's Rod, and manna. But how could such an important artifact disappear without a trace? Did it ever really exist? ANCIENT MYSTERIES® circles the globe in search of clues to the enduring mystery of the fate of the fabled Ark. Meet biblical historians who have dedicated their lives to the search and follow a tangled web of clues that range from Biblical accounts to modern discoveries. Hear fascinating stories of its appearance throughout history and learn of the incredible powers that it allegedly possesses. Extraordinary artwork, expert commentary, and the most recent theories culminate in the definitive investigation of the legendary LOST ARK.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. Ancient Mysteries Season 3 Episode 26 - The Rosetta Stone
    7.7/10(11 votes)

    S3:E26

    For thousands of years, the rich history of ancient Egypt was sealed off from the world, a mystery obscured by the pictorial language of hieroglyphics. But in 1799, the breakthrough needed to decipher the hieroglyphs was accidentally discovered. The Rosetta Stone -- a cryptic, black stone tabled -- held the key to knowledge of ancient Egypt. Yet it could not be translated until 1822, twenty-three years after the discovery, when its meaning was finally revealed by Francois Champollion, a young French scholar. Ancient Mysteries explores his struggle to decipher the Rosetta Stone and the glorious secrets it uncovered.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. Ancient Mysteries Season 2 Episode 1 - Enigma of the Dead Sea Scrolls
    7.6/10(8 votes)

    S2:E1

    The "Enigma of the Dead Sea Scrolls," which contain most of the books of the Old Testament. Included: the accidental discovery of the scrolls in 1947 and subsequent findings; interviews with archaeologists.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. Ancient Mysteries Season 4 Episode 5 - Witches
    7.6/10(20 votes)

    S4:E5

    Known varyingly as a sorceress, an enchantress, and a devil's consort, the witch has haunted the human consciousness and captured the imagination for thousands of years. While a general fear of witches seems to be woven deep within the human psyche, witchcraft and magic have been interpreted in different ways by different cultures throughout the ages. Some cultures and religions have deemed the practitioners of witchcraft to be evil, while others harness a more positive perspective on the power of the witch. What exactly are these controversial and mysterious powers? Why were witches hunted down so mercilessly during the European witch trials of the Middle Ages? And what were the actual motivations behind the famous seventeenth-century witch hunt in Salem, Massachusetts? Join Ancient Mysteries® on a quest to find answers to these and many other questions that lay buried deep within the ancient past.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. Ancient Mysteries Season 4 Episode 11 - The Curse of the Hope Diamond
    7.6/10(7 votes)

    S4:E11

    It is the largest, most famous, and most valuable gemstone in the world. It has been the plaything of kings and sultans and has decorated the necks of many an heiress and empress. But, could this notorious diamond actually be cursed? According the legend, the 45-carat gem is a piece of a larger stone stolen from the eye of a Hindu idol and later purchased by a French merchant in the 1660s. In its long and troubled journey through time, it is said to have destroyed careers, marriages, and empires by way of its alleged curse. Suicide, madness, bankruptcy, and freak accidents have all been attributed to its great powers. Today, the unique stone sits in the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington, DC. Join us as we explore the bizarre legends and the strange facts behind The Curse Of The Hope Diamond.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. Ancient Mysteries Season 4 Episode 13 - Secrets of the Romanovs
    7.6/10(8 votes)

    S4:E13

    Experience the final days of the Romanov dynasty and penetrate the web of intrigue surrounding the murder of the royal family.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. Ancient Mysteries Season 3 Episode 28 - Astrology: Secrets in the Stars
    7.5/10(14 votes)

    S3:E28

    Are the secrets truly written in the heavens, or is the ancient practice of astrology further evidence of mankind's need to seek fate and meaning beyond the "real" world?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  14. Ancient Mysteries Season 4 Episode 9 - Tombs of the Gods: The Great Pyramids of Giza
    7.5/10(8 votes)

    S4:E9

    The Great Pyramids of Giza are recognizable throughout the world and are tangible links to powerful secrets from the pre-dynastic days of Ancient Egypt. In this fascinating program from Ancient Mysteries, behold the grandeur of these magnificent pyramids, man-made wonders that have held visitors spellbound for thousands of years. Learn about the complex belief system that enjoined the Egyptians to preserve and protect the bodies of their dead to ensure the fulfillment of resurrection, and follow the journey of the pharaoh's soul to discover how the pyramid served as a threshold to the unknown and a gateway to eternal life. Host Leonard Nimoy travels through the shifting sands of time to the land of the powerful pharaohs, magnificent monuments, and well-preserved mummies in Tombs Of The Gods: Great Pyramids.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  15. Ancient Mysteries Season 1 Episode 1 - Bigfoot
    7.4/10(25 votes)

    S1:E1

    Since 1884, Bigfoot has provoked controversy within the scientific community as the most-sighted mythical beast in the world. Is he real, or merely a popular legend passed through the generations? Venture deep into the Pacific Northwest on this amazing search for Bigfoot, which cuts through the dense forest of dubious sightings, commercialization, and outright fraud to uncover the truth about the great ape-like creature. Tracing reports back thousands of years, this highly entertaining and enlightening program examines the mystery of the beast the Indians knew only as "Sasquatch." Narrated by Leonard Nimoy, A&E presents the most comprehensive investigation of Bigfoot ever produced. Utilizing an innovative, high-tech approach, today's anthropologists offer a fresh perspective on hard evidence as presented through archival footage, computer analysis, and modern eyewitness video.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  16. Ancient Mysteries Season 5 Episode 3 - The Magic of Alchemy
    7.4/10(8 votes)

    S5:E3

    Did masters of alchemy possess secret wisdom? What were they really seeking? These are but a few ANCIENT MYSTERIES. Nearly two thousand years ago, a shadowy group called alchemists embarked on a mysterious dangerous quest. In primitive laboratories they risked their lives trying to make gold. They also searched for divine wisdom - and the secret of immortality. Mysteries abound in alchemy's dark history. Was Sir Isaac Newton, one of history's greater minds, driven mad by his secret obsession with alchemy?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  17. Ancient Mysteries Season 3 Episode 25 - The Puzzling Pyramids of Mexico
    7.3/10(7 votes)

    S3:E25

    An examination of the pyramids in the Mexican city of Teotihuacan. Also: the Temple of the Feathered Spirit and the Avenue of the Dead.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  18. Ancient Mysteries Season 1 Episode 2 - Origin of the Vampire
    7.2/10(19 votes)

    S1:E2

    Exploring the myths and legends surrounding vampires, the “immortal monsters that prey on the living and survive by drinking [blood].”

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  19. Ancient Mysteries Season 3 Episode 3 - Camelot
    7.2/10(10 votes)

    S3:E3

    The court of King Arthur, Camelot was at the center of a world of magic and honor. But what lies behind this captivating legend?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  20. Ancient Mysteries Season 3 Episode 39 - Secrets of Delphi
    7.2/10(21 votes)

    S3:E39

    One of the holiest sites of ancient Greece, Delphi was the pre-eminent shrine of Apollo. Cradled by Mount Parnassos and a valley of olive groves, it was also sacred to Dionysus, who was supposedly buried there. But Delphi is chiefly known for its legendary oracle the most famous of the ancient world. Journey back to the golden age of Greece, when the mysterious oracle of Delphi predicted the futures of kings and countries. In the smoky, haunting, and hallucinogenic atmosphere of the sacred shrine, predictions were uttered by a priestess in a delirious trance and interpreted by a priest speaking in verse. Dramatic re-creations bring the oracle to life, and leading historians explain how Delphi grew wealthy through the offerings of those seeking a glimpse at destiny. Explore the ruins of this mystical site with archaeologists, and see the latest discoveries that are shedding new light on the legendary city.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  21. Ancient Mysteries Season 3 Episode 22 - Pompeii: Buried Alive
    7.1/10(18 votes)

    S3:E22

    Two-thousand years ago, Rome was an all-powerful empire and Pompeii was one of its prosperous provincial towns - until Mount Vesuvius exploded in the largest eruption ever recorded. In a matter of hours the thriving city was entombed under a thick layer of ash and debris, undiscovered for centuries. Ancient Mysteries journeys to the first century to explore the remarkable city of Pompeii. Recreate the events leading up to the explosion and learn how the ash kept the city and its inhabitants - the only significant discovery of Roman Bodies ever - in a unique state of preservation. Wander through the ancient streets of this sophisticated society and witness current excavations. Interviews with archeologists and historians, extensive location footage, and archival documents - including one remaining eyewitness account - shed eerie light on the cataclysmic eruption of Pompeii, a city frozen in time.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  22. Ancient Mysteries Season 3 Episode 32 - Incredible Monuments of Rome
    7.1/10(14 votes)

    S3:E32

    They stand today as testaments to the glory and grandeur of ancient Rome. But what brutal and murderous price was paid to build and maintain these imperial monuments? The celebrated Roman monuments were once splendid arenas where no form of torture was deemed too cruel; places of worship where gods were frequently honored with shocking ritualistic sacrifices; and pleasure palaces where wanton sexual depravity was not only accepted but encouraged. In this captivating program, Ancient Mysteries presents the stories behind those responsible for creating these imposing structures and attempts to uncover what these monuments symbolized in the ancient Roman world. Join A&E for an exciting journey into the past to resolve some of the unanswered questions surrounding the magnificent and controversial monuments.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  23. Ancient Mysteries Season 3 Episode 15 - Naked Warriors of Europe
    7.0/10(1 votes)

    S3:E15

    An examination of the Celts, whose culture reached its zenith in Europe between the 5th and 1st centuries B.C. Included: their artwork, religious practices and fighting tactics.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  24. Ancient Mysteries Season 3 Episode 18 - Blood and Honor at the First Olympics
    7.0/10(1 votes)

    S3:E18

    A look at the first Olympic competitions in Greece, circa 776 B.C.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  25. Ancient Mysteries Season 3 Episode 53 - UFOs: The First Encounters
    7.0/10(1 votes)

    S3:E53

    Although experts today have been able to decipher artifacts and ruins from once flourishing ancient civilizations, questions remain as to why so many monuments of antiquity seem to refer to certain stars in the sky. UFOs: THE FIRST ENCOUNTERS investigates several early texts and their curious references to strange flying objects, while confronting the age-old question: Are we truly alone or have we been visited by travelers from other worlds for thousands of years?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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Best Episodes Summary

"Lost Mummies of the Inca" is the best rated episode of "Ancient Mysteries". It scored 8.4/10 based on 6 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 1/4/1998. This episode scored 0.3 points higher than the second highest rated, "The Black Death".