Ancient Mysteries

In the 1970s, workers digging a ditch in Mexico City unearthed a stone decorated in relief--that discovery led to bigger finds including the Great Temple of Tenochtitlan.

The story of the ancient king who led Egypt to unprecedented power and splendor. Ramses II left such ancient marvels as the temple at Karnak and the great rock temple at Abu Simbel.

A look at the fabulous 45-1/2 carat blue diamond that has brought beauty to its owners--and perhaps misery as well. Some believe the diamond carries a curse that has destroyed careers, lives, marriages, and even empires.

More than 70,000 years ago, a clan of cave dwellers roamed the cliffs of Southwestern France. They were the Neandertals, distant cousins to modern man. Explore the caves that reveal some of the mysteries of their life.

Explores societies that have glorified human sacrifice. Includes a look at Mexico's ancient Aztecs, and travels to India, where victims were sacrificed to Kali, the goddess of darkness and death.

A look at the world of old Japan and the fighting code of the ruthless Samurai warrior. Discover how their code of honor was born.

Story of the deadly plague that mysteriously arrived in medieval Europe, moving from country to country killing millions.

Explores the great cities built by the Romans as they conquered the world. How did Romans use the wealth and knowledge of the Greeks and Etruscans to build their cities?

The Great Pyramid of Giza, Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, Statue of Zeus at Olympia, Colossus of Rhodes, Temple of Artemis, Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Pharos of Alexandria. Of the seven wonders, only the Great Pyramid remains.

Examination of the centuries-old history and current popularity of tattoos. Looks at the practice of tattooing in ancient times when slaves, warriors, and even potential marriage partners were marked for life.

In ancient times, alchemists practiced the speculative art of transmuting the baser metals into gold. Though they never achieved the goal, they often made a lot of silver off gullible patrons.

Host Leonard Nimoy travels to the peaks of the Himalayas and the valleys of China to hunt for the fabled creature that many say really exists. Includes a startling video that may have captured the beast on tape for the first time.

A staple in medieval legend, it sometimes appeared as a cup, a chalice, or a dish. Some say it was taken to England, where it became a part of the Arthurian legend. Was it the vessel from which Christ shared wine at the Last Supper?

900 years ago in the holy land of Muslims who fought the Crusaders suddenly were attacked by an unusual nightmare inspiring legions of armed force blades monks entitled Knights Templar. Who were these mysterious war cross.

Renowned as one of Egypt's greatest rulers, his 67-year reign gave rise to the Ramses myth. Yet, his legend includes responsibility for the "Exodus". Benevolent or brutal? We'll examine his possible political motives.

Story of the ancient Incas' bizarre death cult. The Incas worshipped their mummified ancestors, held lavish banquets for them, and even dressed them in fine clothes and exquisite jewelry.

A probe into the most fascinating mystery of all--do we live more than once? Looks at a Colorado housewife who says she lived centuries ago, and at evidence that the Dalai Lama has been reincarnated.

An intriguing documentary that explores the mystery of the Ark of the Covenant, in which Moses is said to have placed the two tablets of the Ten Commandments.