History's Greatest Myths

Episode 3 of History's Greatest Myths delves into the great wars and conflicts that have changed the world. These battles have redrawn the map, invented new technologies and created ever more devastating ways of killing one another.

Going back in time we look at how the Trojan War and the Gladiators of Ancient Rome used weaponry and tactics to fight their enemies. Though separated by thousands of years, the same tactics can be seen in the deceptive planning of the invasion of Iraq as the US and UK were looking for weapons of mass destruction. Fast forward to the 20th century, and WWI and WWII were a fertile place for myths, and names like FDR and Rommel were etched in history.

As a result of war and conflict, sometimes individual figures became larger than life – heroes or villains on the world stage. And stories of epic battles become legends told and retold, throughout the ages.

Episode 4 of History's Greatest Myths explore the theme of society and the myths that engulf memories of the past. These myths become woven into the fabric of our society, and, in some cases, passed down from generation to generation.

Myths surrounding feminism and the suffragettes still swirl. And links between these myths can also be seen through the stories of the Salem Witch Trials. Suffering is a recurring theme throughout the ages and this is explored in the myths of the bloody murders of Jack the Ripper and suffering as a result of the Stock Market crash. As with most moments in history, memories can create a foggy recollection of the past. Days gone by seem rosier than the present, so the Good Old Days are fetishised. But what happens when, in the case of the Flat Earthers, we look to the past and disregard science? 

Episode 5 of History's Greatest Myths looks at the leaders and legends who have shaped the course of history. Many become legends even in their own lifetime, others are history's greatest villains.

This episode focuses on great leaders like King Arthur and Joan of Arc but conversely, follows up on myths that question the circumstances surrounding the death of Anastasia Romanov and the even more infamous Hitler. The unexpected death of great leaders is difficult to process, so the assassination of JFk and that of the Swedish Prime Minister Olaf Palme, swirl with talk of conspiracy. A lingering myth of the importance of the Illuminati in today's society gives credence to the idea that there are always powerful people pulling the strings on a world stage.

These are figures whose mythologies outlive their real influence and actions and whose legend remains with us, sometimes for millenia.

Episode 6 of History's Greatest Myths looks at the mystery that lies in vast and unexplored places. In the relics of ancient civilisations, whose truths are lost to time. In the secrets we keep, and the ones that are kept from us.

From the undiscovered location of Atlantis to the unknown properties of the Bermuda triangle, Episode 6 is rife with intrigue. We delve into the unfathomable deaths of Amelia Earhart and Australian Prime Minister Harold Holt and look for meaning in the quatrains of Nostradamus' Centuries. And while modern day conspiracy theorists look to Area 51 to learn about creatures from other planets, Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster keep many enthusiasts busy searching for proof of life.

These are some of the great unsolved mysteries of our world. Their obscured truths, fertile ground for myth-making.