Ancient Megastructures

ANCIENT MEGASTRUCTURES

DESCRIPTION

Examine how ancient civilisations built some of the most magnificent structures on the face of the Earth.

Examine how ancient civilisations built some of the most magnificent structures on the face of the Earth, many centuries before the industrial revolution.

The Colosseum visits the iconic structure in the heart of Rome to explain how its 1st Century A.D. architects drained a lake the size of five football fields to construct a spectacular arena with a 55,000 capacity for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.

The Great Pyramid travels to Giza and examines how all of Egypt was mobilised in 2551 BC to cut and move the two million stones that make up the last surviving ancient Wonder of the World.

Chartres Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture but behind its towering walls lies the tale of an intense power struggle between French aristocrats and the Catholic Church. We examine its origin in a great fire, and how its builders overcame opposition, violence and destruction to create a magnificent structure that has withstood almost eight centuries.

EPISODE GUIDE

Ancient Megastructures: St Paul's Cathedral

Built in the aftermath of the Great Fire of London, Christopher Wren's cathedral took 36 years to be completed and remains an iconic landmark.
Ancient Megastructures: Alhambra

Arguably the most perfect example of Moorish architecture in existence, the Alhambra's construction process lasted over 150 years.
Ancient Megastructures: Petra

Located in modern-day Jordan, the magnificent Khazneh was an astonishing feat of engineering. Find out about the great king behind its creation.
Ancient Megastructures: Machu Picchu

Built to celebrate Emperor Pachacuti, creator of the Inca Empire, Machu Picchu is regarded as one of the planet's most awe-inspiring monuments.
Ancient Megastructures: Angkor Wat

Situated deep in the Cambodian jungle, the majestic temple of Angkor Wat – designed to honour the Hindu god Vishnu – took over 30 years to build.
Ancient Megastructures: Istanbul's Hagia Sophia

Discover how the church of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, rebuilt by the Roman Emperor Justinian, has survived 1,500 years of turbulent history.
Ancient Megastructures: Taj Mahal

A fascinating look at the 16th-century tragic love story that inspired the construction of the spectacular Taj Mahal mausoleum in India.