The Crusades

Using fresh research and contemporary accounts, this remarkable history documentary for BBC Select re-examines the military confrontations between Christians and Muslims in the Holy Land. Beginning in the 11th century, the first crusaders endured starvation, disease and bloodthirsty battles in an attempt to reach their sacred goal. But were these holy warriors as heroic as history portrays them?

Two men dominated the Third Crusade: Richard the Lionheart and his adversary Saladin, who led the Christian and Muslim forces respectively. This enthralling history documentary for BBC Select, reveals how both men were capable of dark deeds, as well as military genius. But as they clashed, whose nerve would hold and who would find themselves defeated just as victory was in their grasp?

The outcome of the Crusades wasn't decided on the hallowed ground of Jerusalem, but in Egypt. The final episode of this fascinating history documentary for BBC Select, looks at the conclusion of these epic holy wars. As trade blossomed between Christians and Muslims, a saintly French king and the most remarkable Muslim leader of the Middle Ages battled in the East. But who would be victorious?