For 500 years, China's Forbidden City was a sacred site of power, passion, and perversity. Conceived in a dream and doomed by a curse, the magnificent 15th-century architectural marvel remains shrouded in both myth and mystery. The colorful and majestic Forbidden City is the largest palace complex in the world. Within its high walls like the remnants of a chapter in China's history that ended with the abdication of the last emperor in 1912. As the sanctified home of China's ruler, the great city was once strictly forbidden to all but the emperor and his court of concubines and eunuchs. Anyone who dared trespass its borders would inevitably meet an unspeakable demise.

Along with chivalry, romance, and royalty, the image of the great stone castle with lofty towers, a drawbridge, and a deep moat has always been associated with medieval England. Yet, these formidable stone citadels of the Feudal period were not the first castles to populate the English countryside. During the Middle Ages, the dominant fortifications of England's landscape were built using only timber and earth. Although primitive, these large wooden castles built into the soil were strategically constructed to withstand attack by providing those inside with the defensive advantage. What they were not able to withstand, however, were the indomitable effects of the elements and the unforgiving passage of time, which have all but destroyed the castles' legacy. Join Ancient Mysteries® for a journey into England's medieval past to uncover the lost secrets behind these marvels of ancient engineering.

Explore the life of the last great pharaoh of Egypt, and uncover mysteries behind the life of the legendary ruler. King of Egypt (1304–1237 BC), whose long and prosperous reign marks the last great peak of Egyptian power. Despite his doubtful victory over the Hittites at Kadesh in N Syria (1299 BC), he managed to stabilize his frontier against them, making peace with them (1283 BC) and later marrying a Hittite princess (1270 BC). An enthusiastic builder, he has left innumerable monuments, among them the great sandstone temples at Abu Simbel.

If you thought the drug culture peaked in the 1960s, you're only off by a few millennia. In fact, since the beginning of civilization, humans have explored means of altering their consciousness in search of something "greater" than everyday reality. ANCIENT MYSTERIES takes an in-depth look at our pervasive drive to experience something "beyond," and reveals the means by which our ancestors explored their inner world. From experiments with substances at the edge of lethality to mysterious rituals meant to help worshipers leave their bodies behind, ANCIENT ALTERED STATES explores the farthest reaches of this primitive and universal desire. Psychologists and physicians, including Dr. Andrew Weil, offer insight into the physical and mental mechanisms and motivations behind this quest. Historians and spiritualists explore the ancient rituals of cultures worldwide that have sought visions and truth through altered consciousness. And riveting footage illuminates the terrifying, exquisite visions revealed to those who journey beyond the constraints of the conscious mind.

From Central African tribes to American Indians, prophecy has held an esteemed place in various cultures throughout the world. In this revealing program, journey back thousands of years for a riveting look at the role of prophecy throughout the ages. Travel the world to see how different cultures attempted to decipher the secrets of their destinies, and trace the incredible predictions that appear to have come true.

The glorious temples of Athens's Acropolis bear silent witness to the high point of Ancient Greece's legendary civilization. Built during the reign of Pericles, the most powerful leader in Athenian history, majestic temples such as the Parthenon and the Erechtheum remain marvels of architectural brilliance to this day. Yet what was the purpose of these stunning structures at the heart of the finest city in the ancient world? Were they the centerpieces of a truly civilized society and the symbols of a new form of government known as democracy? Or were they representative of a brutal sect devoted to Athena, goddess of wisdom and war? In this fascinating program, Ancient Mysteries delves into the secret history of Greece's golden age with a behind-the-scenes look at the country's most famous monuments from the point of view of the archeologists dedicated to unearthing these treasures.

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.

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.

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Few modern authors have not been influenced by THE ARABIAN NIGHTS. But what is the origin of THE ARABIAN NIGHTS stories? Over a thousand years ago, a legend is told about a beautiful young woman who would save her life by telling adventure tales to a murderous sultan for a thousand and one nights. The tales she weaved are set in India, Persia, Egypt, Turkey and China and came to be known as the ARABIAN NIGHTS or A THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS. Is there any truth to the stories of Aladdin, Sinbad and Ali Baba? Why are they driven by the presence of genies and magic? Who wrote the tales and why, in the age of STAR WARS, have these stories remained timeless? Journey with us into an era long veiled in mystery as we enter the timeless world of THE ARABIAN NIGHTS.

More than 70 thousand years ago, a clan of cave dwellers roamed the cliffs of Le Conte in Southwestern France. They were Neandertals, distant cousins to modern man. The caves, among other archaeological sites, have revealed much about Neandertals. But new disoveries have prompted more questions and mysteries. No other prehistoric group has received as much attention as the Neandertals. No other group carries such a weight of scientific and popular misconceptions or has its name associated with savagery, stupidity and animal strength. Fossils records place the last Neandertal on earth 30,000 years ago. Then they vanished. Or did they? There is more to Neandertals than their fossil remains. This hour will explore the Neandertals who, despite new and enticing clues, remain a people of mystery.

Human blood. In the ancient world, this precious substance was believed to be the ultimate gift that could be offered up to appease the omnipotent gods and goddesses who held the fate of the people in their hands. In this fascinating - yet alarming - documentary, discover the widespread history behind human sacrifice within various cultures throughout the ancient world. Investigate a mysterious European culture that once thrived on ritual murder, and journey to ancient Mexico to uncover the secrets of the Aztec sacrifices. Finally, travel to India to learn about the victims sacrificed to Kali, Hindu goddess of darkness and death. Ancient Mysteries journeys to discover the horrifying secrets behind the ancient practice of human sacrifice, and the shocking reality behind the modern-day sacrificial murders still being carried out by some remote groups in the world today.

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.

It is one of ancient Egypt's most recognizable and enduring icons. Situated on the west bank of the Nile River, this great creature has watched over the Giza Plateau for an untold number of years. Known as the Great Sphinx of Giza, this massive lion of the desert boasts the carved human head of a pharaoh and the body of a recumbent lion. To which great ruler does the Sphinx's massive form pay homage? Who built this enduring statue and where did the inspiration come from? In this fascinating look into the history behind the symbol of the sphinx, experts debate these and many other significant questions. Join Ancient Mysteries for a journey four thousand years into the past to uncover the hidden secrets of Egypt's Guardian Of The Ages: The Great Sphinx.

They appear in countless myths and stories from around the world. Could dragons have actually existed, and could they still remain hidden in some remote corner of the earth?

Documentary explores the seven wonders of the ancient world: The Great Pyramid of Giza, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, the statue of Zeus, the Colossus of Rhodes, the Temple of Artemis, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the Pharos of Alexandria. The special examines what motivated the ancient people to build these legendary structures.

In this episode of Ancient Mysteries, Leonard Nimoy narrates the story of the Borgias family. The legendary Italian Renaissance political family members included two Popes, and filled with exciting tales of murder, incest, and corruption.

For thousands of years, people of almost every culture have decorated their bodies with elaborate tattoos - but few realize the significance of this ancient practice. Ancient Mysteries goes "beneath-the-skin" in an exhaustive exploration of tattoo artistry. Join Steve Gilbert, editor of the Tattoo History Source Book, as he traces the history of tattooing from the first ritualistic practices - marking rites of passage, celebrating the bravery of warriors, branding slaves - to the booming industry that it has become today. Watch as acclaimed tattoo artists demonstrate their skills for the camera and hear their insight regarding the commitment and meaning of these permanent decorations. From the tropical jungles of New Guinea to the urban jungle of New York, Tattooing illuminates the meaningful cultural contexts that lie behind a modern craze.

It has been called the city of miracles - where the blind are made to see, the deaf to hear, and the lame to walk. Could the waters of Lourdes in fact contain mysterious healing properties? The story began in 1858, in the remote mountain village of Lourdes, France, when a 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous is said to have witnessed a vision of the Virgin Mary. Since then, believers from all over the world have traveled there in hopes of experiencing the alleged healing powers of the sacred waters. For almost 150 years, scholars, doctors, and even key figures within the Catholic church have struggled to separate fact from faith. In this penetrating documentary, interviews with skeptics, as well as those who claim to have been healed by the water's powers, serve to paint a balanced portrait of this most enigmatic phenomenon.

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It is one of the holiest relics of Christianity and has inspired many a knightly adventure. But does this fabled chalice really exist?

Can the soul transcend death to inhabit another body? Can one person be born again as another? Numerous cultures and religions believe in reincarnation, but is there any evidence to support the claims? Examine popular theories and hear testimony from believers. Many cultures and religions around the world believe in reincarnation. They claim that death is not the end for a soul. It can be born into a new physical body. Many believe that the Dalai Lama is a product of reincarnation. However, beyond belief and faith, is there anything to support the theory? Scholars and theologists examine the issue. Hear multiple claims of reincarnation, like a Colorado housewife who claims to have lived centuries earlier in a land other than America. Find out the roots of the belief. Learn the details of a mid-1800's discovery that sparked worldwide interest in the issue. Delve into Jewish and Christian tradition for their views on the subject. REINCARNATION holds surprises for the staunchest of skeptics.

Take a mesmerizing journey into the ancient, enigmatic culture of Australia's Aborigines, the oldest on earth. They are the oldest continual culture on earth. Enshrined in oral traditions stretching back perhaps 100,000 years are secrets which are memorized by initiates but strictly forbidden any outsiders. Their ancient chants and rites may bring fertility to the land, health to the sick and death to their enemies. "Dreamtime Of The Aborigines" is a spellbinding journey into the mysteries of this ancient culture. Join host Leonard Nimoy as he investigates the astonishing philosophy that appears to bind the present, past and future into one and give these people stunning power. Can their doctors perform surgery without entering the body? Do the spirits of their ancestors really guide their steps today? Incredible evidence, revealing interviews and stunning footage of the Aborigines' life in their beautiful, harsh land makes this a memorable inquiry into the myths and realities of one of the world's most enigmatic people.

Nine hundred years ago, Muslims fighting Christians were suddenly assaulted by a strange and terrifying force...a legion of sword wielding monks called the Knights Templar. Their fanatical courage struck terror in their enemies; their fabulous wealth made them the most powerful men in Europe; their secret rites inspired rumors of blasphemy. Did the Knights Templar find ancient secrets buried beneath Solomon's Temple? Did they conspire to seize part of Europe for themselves? Join us as we search for answers to these enduring enigmas in the long ago time of the bold and mysterious Knights Templar.

It was a myth first told by Plato in the late 4th century B.C. - a dramatic tale of a powerful civilization living on an island that one day mysteriously disappeared underneath the rolling waves of the Atlantic. In the many thousands of years that have passed since Plato's time, questions about the fabled city under the sea have continued to captivate millions across the globe. Did the island of Atlantis really exist, and, if so, where? Throughout the ages, Atlantis has been linked to the island of Bimini, the Canary Islands, Santorini, and Troy, among other places. In this fascinating program, join renowned historians as they examine the many theories surrounding this timeless legend. Was it a purely fictional fable invented by the famous Greek philosopher, or an accurate historical account of a technologically advanced society? Join Ancient Mysteries and discover the truth behind the story of Atlantis: The Lost Civilization.