Empire Builders

An exploration of 3000 years of ancient Egyptian history through the amazing stories of 10 of its most famous and spectacular buildings.

The Roman Empire was the most powerful economic, cultural, political and military force in the world of its time and became one of the largest empires in world history. This episode explores the sites that defined its dominance.

Using CGI, contributions from experts in their fields and re-enactments, visit sites such as the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem and the Great Mosque of Damascus.

Travel through the remote jungles of Central America to discover the extraordinary history of the grandest and most spectacular cities inhabited by the Maya.

Explore 10 sites that chart the rise of the crusading Catholic empire of Spain, beginning in the walled and highly religious medieval city of Avilla.

Chart the rise and fall of the great Christian empires of Byzantium, the Crusaders and the Venetians through 10 incredible sites, including the Haghia Sophia in modern day Istanbul, the Crusaders' greatest fortress, Krak de Chevalier in modern day Syria, and St Mark's Basilica in Venice.

The story of Europe's greatest empires through 10 incredible sights including St Basil's Cathedral, the Palace of Versailles and Schonbrunn Palace.

An exploration of 10 sites that defined the power, wealth and brutality of the British Empire's rise and fall.

From bustling ports and strategic forts, to cultural quirks and cathedrals of commerce, this episode tells the incredible story of the United States through 12 key historic sites.

Travel through time to explore the past 1500 years of one of the world's most unique and diverse ancient cultures - Japan.