Watch Behind the Lost Empires

2016
1 Season

Behind the Lost Empires is a fascinating historical series on Smithsonian Channel that delves deep into the lost civilizations of the past, revealing the secrets of how they lived, thrived, and ultimately collapsed. Led by renowned archaeologist Dr. Jago Cooper, the show takes viewers on a journey through time as we uncover the stories of the world's most iconic ancient empires.

Each episode of the show focuses on a different lost empire, exploring its rise and fall through a combination of expert interviews, stunning CGI reconstructions, and on-location filming at some of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. From the Mayans and the Aztecs to the Egyptians and the Romans, Behind the Lost Empires goes beyond the commonly held myths and legends to uncover the true stories of these incredible civilizations.

One of the standout features of the show is its use of cutting-edge technology to bring the past to life. The CGI reconstructions are particularly impressive, bringing ancient cities and buildings to life in astonishing detail. Whether we're exploring the intricacies of a Maya temple or flying over the ruins of an Egyptian city, the show's visuals add a new dimension to our understanding of these lost empires.

But it's not just the visuals that make this show so compelling. Dr. Jago Cooper is an engaging and knowledgeable host who brings a real passion for his subject to the screen. His expertise and enthusiasm for his work are infectious, as he takes us on a fascinating journey through the ages, sharing stories and insights that will appeal to history buffs and novices alike.

One of the great strengths of Behind the Lost Empires is its attention to detail. Each episode is meticulously researched, with a focus on uncovering lesser-known aspects of these lost civilizations. For example, in the episode on the Aztecs, we learn about their sophisticated system of water management, which allowed them to live in a region with limited rainfall. Similarly, in the episode on the Egyptians, we explore the hidden tombs and mysteries of the Valley of the Kings, shedding new light on this ancient culture.

The show also doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of these ancient empires. We learn about the brutal rituals of human sacrifice carried out by the Aztecs and the elaborate methods of torture employed by the Romans. But even in these moments, the show remains respectful and informative, seeking to deepen our understanding of these cultures rather than simply sensationalize them.

Overall, Behind the Lost Empires is an excellent series that will appeal to anyone with an interest in history, archaeology, or ancient civilizations. With its mix of expert analysis, stunning visuals, and engaging storytelling, it's a show that is both informative and entertaining, offering a new perspective on some of the most iconic empires of the past. If you're a fan of historical documentaries, this is definitely one to add to your watchlist.

Behind the Lost Empires is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between August 7, 2016 and on Smithsonian Channel

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Seasons

6. Wonders of Burma: Myths and Magic

September 6, 2016

Burma and Buddhism are intertwined, thanks to centuries of ancient mythology and thousands of golden monuments of worship. It all began with the Pagan Kingdom about 1,000 years ago, when Anawrahta, a great king, and Shin Arahan, a Buddhist monk, together incited one of the greatest religious reformations in Asian history. Join us as we explore this spiritual revolution and how it triggered a wave of temple-building in honor of the Buddha.

5. Wonders of Burma: Shrines of Gold

September 6, 2016

Throughout Burma, temples, stupas, and statues of gold pop out in the lush, green landscape. This golden architecture has become Burma¢‚¬´s calling card, but how and why did that become the standard here? Join us as we travel across Myanmar, the jewel of Asia, and reveal the history and myths surrounding these shrines, each one created as an offering to the Buddha. We will visit such treasures as the golden pagoda of Mt. Kyaiktiyo, which rests perilously atop a huge boulder, the 344-foot Shwedagon Pagoda, and the revered Mahamuni Buddha Temple.

4. China's Emperor of Evil

August 29, 2016

In China's Valley of the Kings, there stands a tall, carved stone. It honors the resting place of a woman named Wu Zetian, who rose from concubine to become China's only female emperor. For more than a millennia, history claimed she killed her own children, held power through a ruthless rule of terror, and brought China to the edge of ruin. But are any of these claims true? Join the investigation as we revisit old evidence and reveal new truths, using artifacts and forensic tools to tell the true story of China's Emperor of Evil.

3. Raiders of the Jade Empire

August 22, 2016

China, as we know it today, would not exist without the Han Dynasty. About two millenniums ago, its emperors ruled for over 400 years, and yet, few visible remains of this period exist above ground. Underground, however, it¢‚¬´s a different story. Join a team of archaeologists as they enter the royal tombs of three emperors spanning the reign of the Han Dynasty. By excavating these sites, they hope to further our knowledge of their wealth, their beliefs, their quest for immortality, and how their culture and philosophy shaped modern China.

2. Lost City of the Gladiators

August 15, 2016

A great metropolis has been discovered, buried beneath the pastures of the Danube. Archaeologists claim that the lost city of Carnuntum was a place where men trained, fought, and died as gladiators. Through excavations and high-tech research using ultra-high resolution cameras and scanners, we reconstruct this ancient civilization from the Roman Empire. See what life was like 2,000 years ago, in this megacity and in the arenas, where slaves, prisoners, and volunteers fought to the death before roaring crowds.

1. Pompeii: The Dead Speak

August 7, 2016

Join us as we use the latest mapping technology to rebuild the city of Pompeii before it was buried in volcanic ash.

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Where to Watch Behind the Lost Empires

Behind the Lost Empires is available for streaming on the Smithsonian Channel website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Behind the Lost Empires on demand at Amazon, Vudu, Google Play and Apple TV.