Decisive Battles: The Ancient World

Season 1

TV-G

Battles are sometimes great and easily defined moments of history with whole nations and peoples in the balance. This series explores the stories of such battles of such significance, using modern video game visuals to provide a perspective that even the great commanders would envy.

Where to Watch Season 1

13 Episodes

Cannae
E1
CannaeHannibal's victory at the Battle of Cannae, 216 BC: In a classic example of double-envelopment maneuver, an under-fortified Hannibal inflicted the greatest ever defeat on the forces of Rome, who marched eight legions strong into their surprising defeat.
Gaugamela
E2
Gaugamela
Marathon
E3
MarathonBattle of Marathon, 490 BC: The first great invasion of the Persian Empire was not thwarted by the Spartans, but by the Athenians. In a heroic effort, the Hoplite warriors of the city-state triumphed in a fight against both greater numbers and the march of time.
Thermopylae
E4
ThermopylaeBattle of Thermopylae, 480 BC: In one of history's greatest displays of military heroism, 300 Spartans outside Thermopylae held off the vengeful Persians until the last Spartan had been killed.
Spartacus
E5
SpartacusSelected battles of the Third Servile War, 73 to 71 BC: Spartacus has long been one of the most famous figures of the ancient world. A Thracian gladiator with a gift for leadership, he led a huge revolt against Rome at the height of its power.
Attila the Hun
E6
Attila the Hun
Crassus: Rich Man, Poor Man
E7
Crassus: Rich Man, Poor Man
The Gothic Invasion of Rome
E8
The Gothic Invasion of RomeThe Battle of Adrianople in 378 A.D., in which the invading Goths defeated Roman forces, is recalled.
Hail Caesar!
E9
Hail Caesar!
Birth of the Roman Empire
E10
Birth of the Roman Empire
Boudicca: Warrior Queen
E11
Boudicca: Warrior QueenThe 60 A.D. Iceni Rebellion against Rome, led by Celtic queen Boudicca, is recalled.
Ramses II
E12
Ramses IIThe Battle of Kadesh (circa 1300 B.C.) between Egypt and the Hittites is recalled.
Herman the German
E13
Herman the German