Archaeology: A Secret History

If you don't think history is a dangerous business, think again. Archeologist Richard Miles battles heat, ticks and leeches in search of ancient secrets in this captivating series. The first instalment takes us back to archeology's surprising roots - and a hunt for a biblical secret which had serious consequences for the experts involved.

The 18th and 19th centuries saw empire-building on an astonishing scale. Nations were on the move: trading, expanding and jostling for domination. But it wasn't just the glorious present that occupied them, it was the past, too. Archaeologist Richard Miles reveals how the discoveries of this time overturned ideas of when and where civilization began as empires competed to literally 'own' the past.

The study of history is a search for ourselves. In the final instalment of this fascinating exploration, archeologist Richard Miles charts how our hunt for historical truth has changed focus – from a preoccupation with kings and ancient civilizations to… the common man and woman, like us. As ever, science and competing political ideologies are at play in this captivating conclusion to the series.