Watch Battlefield Detectives

"Battlefield Detectives" is a historical documentary series that focuses on some of the most iconic battles in the world, delving deep into their mechanics and strategies while at the same time employing cutting-edge computer technology and modern forensic investigation techniques to uncover new insights into these old conflicts.

Hosted by Gavin MacFadyen, the show is presented as a dramatized investigation, with MacFadyen and a team of specialists re-enacting key moments in the battlefields as they try to uncover the tactical decisions that led to the outcome. The series features six episodes, each focusing on a different battle, ranging from the ancient world to the Second World War.

"Battlefield Detectives," however, is not just another re-telling of famous battles from the past. Instead, its primary focus is on dissecting the circumstances and decisions that made each conflict what it was, as well as the people who made those decisions. As such, the show spends as much time discussing the social and historical context of each battle as it does dwelling on the physical mechanics of it. For example, the episode on the Battle of Agincourt focuses not only on the actual battle but also on the political and social landscape of medieval France and England, examining the intricate political wrangling that eventually led to the fight.

One key aspect of the series that sets it apart from other similar shows is the use of computer technology, which allows the Battlefield Detectives team to create a 3D model of the battlefields, complete with geographically accurate terrain, foliage, and weather patterns. By analyzing these virtual maps, the team can identify where crucial moments in the battle happened, where the enemy's weak points were, and where terrain and weather conditions played a significant role in the outcome. The computer models also aid in the dramatization of battles since they allow the producers to create realistic battle sequences that accurately reflect what happened on the day.

Another innovative technique that the series employs is forensic investigation. At each battle site, the team examines relics found on-site and analyzes them using modern forensic techniques. In the first episode, for instance, the team analyzes the skeletons found at the Battle of Culloden, looking for evidence that could shed light on the tactics used by the opposing armies. Through this examination, they discovered that the Highlanders used a variant of medieval pike tactics, which included using the blades of broken pikes as improvised bayonets.

The show also explores the human side of warfare, providing an in-depth look at the soldiers, commanders, and civilians who were caught up in these momentous battles. In the episode on the Battle of Waterloo, for instance, the show explores the psychology of the opposing commanders, analyzing their personalities and motivations and how those factors influenced the outcome of the battle. Another episode delves into the home front and its impact on the conflict, highlighting the logistical issues that arose during the Hundred Years' War and how those issues were eventually resolved.

Overall, "Battlefield Detectives" is a fascinating exploration of some of the most important battles in history. With its blend of traditional documentary techniques and innovative technologies such as 3D modeling and forensics, the show offers a unique and engaging look at these critical events. And with Gavin MacFadyen's expert guidance, viewers are sure to come away with a much deeper understanding of the battles they thought they knew.

Battlefield Detectives is a series that ran for 4 seasons (26 episodes) between November 8, 2003 and on History