History Channel Documentaries
Season 2005
TV-PG
The History Channel is a satellite and cable TV channel, devoted mainly to historical events and persons. Programming covers a wide array of periods and topics, while similar topics are often organized into themed weeks or daily marathons. Subjects include military history, medieval history, the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries, modern engineering, and historical biographies.
Where to Watch Season 2005
42 Episodes
- Spontaneous Human CombustionE1
Spontaneous Human CombustionParanormal investigators, forensic biologists, physicists and fire experts try to explain why a body would suddenly burst into flames. Looks into reports of people who have suddenly burst into flames for no apparent reason. How could a fire be so intense that a victim's torso is destroyed while the legs remain? Interviews relatives of alleged victims and firemen who saw the bodies. - Joseph: The Silent SaintE2
Joseph: The Silent SaintJoseph, the Silent Saint explores one of the greatest biblical mysteries: who, exactly, was the earthly spouse of Mary and father of Jesus? A humble tradesman, he was descended from royalty. He was counseled by angels, chased into a strange land by murderers and adored by a son who would grow up to be called the King of Kings. And yet not one word of his is recorded in the bible. - The French Revolution
E3The French RevolutionOn July 14, 1789, a mob of angry Parisians stormed the Bastille and seized the King's military stores. A decade of idealism, war, murder, and carnage followed, bringing about the end of feudalism and the rise of equality and a new world order. The French Revolution is a definitive feature-length documentary that encapsulates this heady (and often headless) period in Western civilization. With dramatic reenactments, illustrations, and paintings from the era, plus revealing accounts from journals and expert commentary from historians, The French Revolution vividly unfurls in a maelstrom of violence, discontent, and fundamental change. King Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, Maximilien Robespierre, and Napoleon Bonaparte lead a cast of thousands in this essential program from THE HISTORY CHANNEL - Catching the CometE4
Catching the CometWe've watched them streak across the sky for centuries, but what - beyond their sometimes extraordinary and fleeting beauty - do we really know about comets? Follow a breakthrough mission to demystify and - for the very first time - capture the contents of a comet. Premiering Sunday, January 22 2005 at 7 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT on Discovery Channel, Catching the Comet follows the exploration of a comet by devising an innovative way to bring one home. - USS Bowfin - Pearl Harbor AvengerE5
USS Bowfin - Pearl Harbor AvengerDiscover the complete story of a legendary vessel, told with the help of the men who served aboard her. The submarine USS Bowfin made nine patrol runs during WWII, all packed with hair-raising adventures. In the course of sinking some 175,000 tons of Japanese shipping, the Bowfin faced an increasingly sophisticated Japanese anti-submarine campaign, and endured vicious depth bomb and surface attacks. - Christmas Unwrapped: The History of ChristmasE6
Christmas Unwrapped: The History of ChristmasThe documentary traces the evolution of the celebration of Christmas from ancient times until the present day. It is sprinkled with comments from such luminaries as Jean Shepherd, Alan Dundes and Forrest Church, among others, and makes liberal use of film and television clips from It's a Wonderful Life, Mickey's Christmas Carol, rare silent film versions of A Visit from St. Nicholas, the film A Christmas Story, and a seldom seen, extremely low-budget, 1949 television version of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol (which is, however, mistakenly identified as having been made in 1958). - The War of 1812E8
The War of 1812From a seemingly disastrous decision to declare war to the glory of the stars and stripes, THE HISTORY CHANNEL® PRESENTS: THE WAR OF 1812 chronicles of one of america's most defining moments. Only 30 years after gaining independence, the upstart United States found itself once again battling Great Britain. At stake were the future of emocracy and America's Manifest Destiny. Pitted against the world's most powerful nation, victory seemed unlikely. But then Andrew Jackson's brilliant leadership, a lone sniper, and one of the most lopsided victories in military history turned the tide of the war. - Whittle: The Jet PioneerE9
Whittle: The Jet PioneerSir Frank Whittle (1907-1996) was the greatest aero-engineer of the twentieth century. His invention of the jet engine didn't just change the face of the Earth; it enabled millions of us to see what it actually looked like. Whittle's story is inspirational and yet so sad. Born to working class parents in Coventry, he joined the Royal Air Force, making himself taller via Maxalding exercises so that he met its height requirement. A genius for mathematics helped him make the rare transition from apprentice to cadet. At RAF Cranwell Whittle quickly showed he was both an outstanding pilot and a visionary. For his course there he wrote Future Developments In Aircraft Design, predicting flight at 500 mph. He began to seek a new kind of aviation power plant. He saw that a gas turbine and compressor – with a combustor in between – could produce the thrust to propel a plane at high speeds. And so the turbojet was born. Sir Frank tells his amazing story in Whittle – The Jet Pioneer, supported by contributions from his son Ian, veteran test pilot Captain Eric Brown RN and Hans von Ohain, who designed the first German jet engine. - Little Ice Age: Big ChillE11
Little Ice Age: Big ChillNot so long ago, civilization learned that it was no match for just a few degrees drop in temperature. Scientists call it the Little Ice Age--but its impact was anything but small. From 1300 to 1850, a period of cataclysmic cold caused havoc. It froze Viking colonists in Greenland, accelerated the Black Death in Europe, decimated the Spanish Armada, and helped trigger the French Revolution. The Little Ice Age reshaped the world in ways that now seem the stuff of fantasy--New York Harbor froze and people walked from Manhattan to Staten Island, Eskimos sailed kayaks as far south as Scotland, and two feet of snow fell on New England in June and July during "the Year Without a Summer". Could another catastrophic cold snap strike in the 21st century? Leading climatologists offer the latest theories, and scholars and historians recreate the history that could be a glimpse of things to come - FDR - A Presidency RevealedE14
FDR - A Presidency RevealedFor twelve years he stood as America's 32nd President, a man who overcame the ravages of polio to pull America through the Great Depression and WWII. From his legendary Fireside Chats to his sweeping New Deal, Franklin Delano Roosevelt revolutionized the American way of life. FDR: A PRESIDENCY REVEALED examines one of history's most compelling figures. Inspired by his cousin Teddy Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt rose to the nation's highest office during the depths of one of its darkest periods. A man of few words, he brought a nation together through his revolutionary Fireside Chats. He introduced vast reforms like Social Security and work relief for the unemployed. At the same time, his administration hid a dark underbelly teeming with covert maneuvers, spy rings, and powerful enemies. - The True Story of the Bridge on the River KwaiE16
The True Story of the Bridge on the River KwaiThe film "The Bridge on the River Kwai" dramatized the WWII story of the Thailand-Burma Railway, yet it was largely fictional. Over 65,000 Allied P.O.W.s battled torture, starvation, and disease to hack the 255-mile railway out of harsh jungle for the Japanese. Finishing in only 14 months, many never returned from "The Railway of Death". - Automobiles: The Ford GT40E17
Automobiles: The Ford GT40If you can't beat'em, join'em. But if you can't buy em, beat'em. This was the idea behind one of the most remarkable road-going machines ever built - the stunning Ford GT-40. Henry Ford had hoped to buy Ferrari when the famed Italian manufacturer hit hard times in the 1960's. But when Fiat beat him to the punch, Ford decided to devote his energies to beating Ferrari on the track. The result was the GT-40 - so named because it was only 40 inches high - and in 1966 it swept Ferrari from the winner's circle at the famed 24 hours of LeMans race. Capable of reaching 220 miles per hour, the GT-40 was then modified for sale to consumers. But the 'production' model was far from standard issue - prospective buyers had to send in their measurements to the factory, for while the pedals were adjustable, the seat was not! From the racetrack to the highway, this is an illuminating look at one of the most breathtaking pieces of machinery ever built. - The Plague
E18The PlagueIt began like the common cold. Then came fever, baseball-sized black swellings on the neck, and coughing up blood. Few infected lived more than two days. In the three years since it first struck in 1437, almost half of Europe's population died within three years. THE PLAGUE visits the rat-infested holds of the ships that brought death and disease, witness the terror that swept through towns, and walks with religious flagellants. Follow a princess as she travels into the center of the plague, a doctor who struggles to understand what is happening, and a Jewish merchant caught up in violent attacks. Hear the actual words of the victims, taken from diaries and journals. From the Pope's palace to the humble huts of medieval peasants, watch as people live and die in the unforgiving grip of fear and death, and wonder how we would act if such a terrible event happened today. - The Knights TemplarE20
The Knights Templarheir fanatical courage struck terror in their enemies. Their fabulous wealth made them the most powerful men in Europe. Their secret rites inspired rumors of heresy. In the Crusades, these ferocious sword-wielding monks were charged with protecting the Kingdom of Jerusalem. In defeat, they were burned at the stake. Journey from Middle Ages Jerusalem to modern day Europe to unravel the extraordinary story of the legendary Knights who some say survived their supposed execution at the end of the Crusades and have preserved their order to this day. Leading historians reveal their fantastic origins, and period accounts bring their legendary battles to life. Ancient documents and artifacts hint at the mysteries that surround them. Did they discover ancient secrets buried beneath Solomon's temple, and conspire to seize part of Europe for themselves? Explore the incredible history of the Crusade's mightiest and most puzzling warriors. - Antony and CleopatraE21
Antony and CleopatraThe story of Roman general Marc Antony and Egyptian Queen Cleopatra's legendary love affair and its consequences on the fate of an empire. Interviews with experts and dramatic re-enactments strip away the myths about Cleopatra and reveal a highly educated, cultured, and plain-looking woman. - Roman ViceE22
Roman ViceConquest. Lust. Murder. Revenge. These are the foundational cornerstones of the Roman Empire. For more than 500 years Rome was the most powerful and advanced civilization the world had ever known ruled by visionaries and tyrants whose accomplishments ranged from awe-inspiring to deplorable. Despite their seemingly civilized attitude toward life there was a decidedly uncivilized end to the Roman Empire. In this feature-length special recent archeological evidence provides an unprecedented look into this tumultuous period in Rome's history--from Roman funeral practices based on sacrifice and superstition to secret societies and mysterious cults to the grand palaces of Nero and Tiberius the center of Rome's excess wealth and decadence. Featuring fascinating on-location footage and interviews with leading scholars from Princeton and Cambridge universities ROMAN VICE brings the final days of the Roman Empire vividly to life. - Criminal History: Ancient Rome
E23Criminal History: Ancient RomeThe streets of the Roman Empire were not unlike those of modern cities, where crime could be encountered around every corner. Yet, the way in which ancient Romans handled law and order was deeply embedded in the social fabric of the time. What was crime in ancient Rome? Was it defined by law or social attitudes? How did damage to the individual differ from offences against the community as a whole? Punishment was an integral element of the Roman justice system and as controversial as it is today. From petty theft to more severe crimes, the Roman legal system was complex and multifaceted, reflecting the values and norms of Roman life. Understanding the intricate dance between crime and punishment in this era offers a window into the everyday lives and fears of ancient Romans. - Time Machine: Joseph: The Silent SaintE24
Time Machine: Joseph: The Silent SaintJoin us for an engrossing hour as we unravel one of the greatest biblical mysteries: who, exactly, was the earthly spouse of Mary and father of Jesus? According to the Bible, though a humble tradesman, he was descended from royalty. He was counseled by angels, chased into a strange land by murderers, and adored by a son who would grow up to be called the King of Kings. And yet not one word of Joseph's is recorded in the Bible. Through interviews with leading theologians and priests, examination of the Gospels, and aided by dramatic recreations, we paint the clearest picture yet of the man who spoke with his actions and helped shape the very foundations of Christianity. - Night Of The Long KnivesE25
Night Of The Long KnivesOne of Adolf Hitler's most brutal and dramatic exterminations came half a decade before the sins of the Holocaust. The SA was Hitler's army of thugs, but the head of the SA, Ernst Roehm, was threatening Hitler's rule. On June 29th 1934, Hitler ordered the SA leadership to appear for a meeting at the Hotel Hanselbauer. Without warning, the SS burst in, beginning 48 hours of bloodshed in which 1000 of the leading SA, including Roehm, were rounded up and slaughtered. This murderous deed became an ominous warning of what was to come. It is the single most significant episode in Hitler's rise to absolute power, and the set the stage for World War and the Holocaust. - The Plot to Kill NixonE29
The Plot to Kill NixonThis documentary tells the story of an out-of-work tire salesman, Samuel Byck, who, in 1974, attempted to hijack a jet and crash it into the White House. The feature film "The Assassination of Richard Nixon," which stars Sean Penn, is based on Byck's tale. - The True Story of TroyE277
The True Story of TroyTroy is the site of history's most legendary war and the Western world's oldest adventure story. According to myth it began with a rigged beauty contest and ended with a giant wooden horse unleashing utter destruction. From “the face that launched a thousand ships” to the most famous military ruse in history, the epic showdown between the Greeks and Trojans serves as one of the fundamental narratives of Western culture. Yet, nearly everything we know of it comes from an oral tradition recorded hundreds of years after the fact. Now archaeologists, literary detectives and military analysts are uncovering evidence suggesting the war was really waged. From archaeological trenches at ancient Troy and the citadel fortress of King Agamemnon from Homer to Hollywood we search for the true story of Troy. - Voodoo SecretsE278
Voodoo SecretsA cult of magic spells, diabolical curses, satanic worship, human sacrifice, zombies, and dolls stuck with pins? Experts explain how, over the past few centuries, the ancient religion of Voodoo has been systematically maligned, persecuted, and nearly wiped out. To uncover the truth behind Voodoo, we travel to where it began at least 5,000 years ago on the central west coast of Africa. In the tiny nation of Benin, Voodoo is practiced today as it has been for thousands of years. Our cameras captured a rarely-seen event--an African Voodoo ceremony with animal sacrifice. We also investigate grisly events blamed on Voodoo, such as: the sinking of a ferry in Haiti that killed 200 people and was blamed on a Voodoo curse; death of Robert Tallant, author of the 1947 bestseller Voodoo in New Orleans; and how Marie Laveau, the "Queen of Voodoo" in New Orleans, saved two men from the gallows in 1850. Could these tales be true? - Behind The DaVinci CodeE279
Behind The DaVinci CodeBefore Dan Brown's book The Da Vinci Code, there was Holy Blood, Holy Grail, written by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh, and Henry Lincoln, that is known for its revelation of the possibility of a sacred bloodline continued by Jesus and Mary Magdalene. It was their research on which Brown based much of his novel. Now, 30-some years since they wrote their last follow-ups, Henry Lincoln continues to investigate the source of the story. In this special, the man who launched the whole story breaks his silence, allowing viewers to unlock his secrets and addressing critics who say the whole thing is a hoax. We also explore the connection to the Knights Templar. - Ape to ManE284
Ape to ManScientists from the mid-nineteenth century have searched for the fossil remains of the "missing link" in evolution - the half-man, half-ape that would explain where mankind came from. But over the last century and a half, it has been the idea of what a missing link is that has evolved. The history of this scientific quest - peopled with fanatics, frauds, amateurs, professionals, the lucky, the unlucky, the unfairly neglected and the undeservedly praised - is the subject of this documentary. Reenactments depict scientists making their discoveries and then stretch back hundreds of thousands, even millions, of years to depict the typical lives of our human and human-like ancestors. Interviews with leading scientists fill in the details. - The Last Stand of the Tin Can SailorsE285
The Last Stand of the Tin Can SailorsIt was perhaps the most outrageously courageous action in the history of the US Navy. A small ramshackle fleet comprised of nothing heavier than destroyers ("Tin Cans" in Navy speak) found itself in a toe-to-toe slugfest with Japan's two most powerful battleships. The Yamata and Musashi pounded away with 18 inch guns against the Tin Cans, who had no bomb or shell that could penetrate the armor of her gigantic foes. With depth charges instead of aerial bombs, with machine gun bullets instead of rockets, with smokescreens instead of firepower, the Tin Cans charged the startled Japanese like a seaborne light brigade and incredibly, won the day--saving MacArthur's invasion force and becoming an American legend. - Hi-Tech HitlerE286
Hi-Tech HitlerHI-TECH HITLER explores the manifold engineering and scientific accomplishments of the Nazis, many of which helped to radically transform the way we live today. From jet power to the electron microscope, HISTORYtm presents a distinctive look at the role of science and technology in Hitler's Germany.