Sodom and Gomorrah, a tale of two cities incinerated by a hail of fire and brimstone. Is this a fantastic fable, or could it be a near apocalyptic disaster from space? In this episode, we will check into the mysteries relating to the destruction of both cities. Were they astronomical events? Newly discovered evidence might hold the secrets to one of the Bible's greatest mysteries.
On the second part of his journey through the dark ages Richard Rudgley continues into the age of the wandering peoples, the Volkerwanderung. These Northern people enjoyed a golden age unaffected by Rome and just 30 years after the Romans relinquished Britain, the 'Anglo-Saxons' made their move. The bedraggled legions are in retreat. Walls are pulled down. Mosaics shattered. And yet there never was a people called Anglo-Saxon. We look at the lasting influence of Saxon leaders like Alfred the Great, and his blue print for social justice.
'Stangest Things' series examines those hidden gems that have been tucked away in museums, laboratories and storage rooms around the world. Experts use the latest technology to investigate these incredible artifacts of history. A bizarre find called Copper Scroll is one of the famous Dead Sea Scrolls, but it's unlike any of the others; this strange relic might hold clues to a long-lost treasure, and cutting-edge science may finally reveal answers to this billion-dollar mystery.
A bizarre 3,000 year-old gold relic crafted with intricately designed cryptic patterns is believed to form a highly complex celestial code; using advanced imaging technology, experts speculate that it could be an ancient device for predicting the future. Professor Timothy Koeth at Maryland University received a package containing a curiously heavy two-inch black cube. It comes with a message: "Taken from Germany from the nuclear reactor that Hitler tried to build."
An ancient piece of corroded metal is more than it seems: an alien-looking device of intricate dials and cogs; there are over 30 gears inside and some gears have up to 65 teeth on them. Using cutting-edge imaging technology, experts examine what could actually be a 2,000-year-old computer. How can an ancient Roman cup change colour? It's not an optical illusion. It really does change colour from red to green.
The Phaistos Disc is one of the greatest mysteries of the Bronze Age. A strange 3,000-year-old relic found in an ancient Minoan palace marked with enigmatic images that no one has ever managed to decode. But now, using cutting-edge technology, experts might finally reveal its secrets. How can this corroded scrap of metal change the history of a continent? And is this dead woman's face the most kissed in history?
Newly discovered evidence might hold the secrets to one of the Bible's greatest mysteries.