Absolute History

Nefertiti, the iconic Queen of ancient Egypt, lived 3500 years ago during a period of upheaval caused by her husband, Pharaoh Akhenaten. Nefertiti is now believed to have been a fully-fledged Pharaoh after the death of Akhenaten.

Anglo-Saxon poetry reflects a fourth or fifth-century Pagan reality, creating noble pagan characters, such as Beowulf, in a Christian context. The tension arises as Christian theology requires damnation for these pagan characters, yet the poet sympathetically presents them in a favorable light.

Discover the history & treasures of ancient Egyptians who lived in Pompeii in the shadow of mount Vesuvius. Under Roman rule by the 30BC, Egypt began transmitting spoils of war and new materials such as glass, papyrus, minerals and ores to Rome.

Jane Eyre was released in 1847 and is considered a masterpiece of literature, offering a critique and celebration of Victorian society. Brontë stunned the aristocratic Victorian elite by boldly criticizing prevailing Victorian ideals in her novel, crafting a love story that defied conventional expectations.

The Vatican houses over 70,000 artifacts, with 20,000 on display. The Egyptian section in the Vatican Museum features a diverse collection spanning various dynasties, showcasing aspects of ancient Egyptian life, mummification practices, and artifacts from different periods. Including an unexpected artifact related to the Virgin Mary's Immaculate Conception translated into Egyptian hieroglyphs.

The English Romantic poets of the 19th century, including Lord Byron, William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and Percy Bysshe Shelley, and John Keats, pioneered a literary movement marked by an emphasis on emotion, nature, and individual expression.

Vincent Van Gogh tragically ended his life on July 27, 1890, in the French Village of Auvers. Van Gogh, born in 1853, struggled with loneliness, persecution, and madness, with only one of his paintings sold during his lifetime.

The profound world of war poetry traces its historical and cultural significance through different periods. From early examples like "The Battle of Maldon," which captures the heroic spirit of the Dark Ages, to the evolving nature of war poetry during the 18th century, this episode explores how poets have depicted the human experience of war.

Discover the vivid world of Romanticism as we unravel the life and art of Eugène Delacroix, the greatest French artist of his era. From revolutionary Paris to the exotic landscapes of North Africa, delve into his masterpieces, exploring the fusion of passion, color, and rebellion that shaped art for generations to come.

Actor Sean Bean narrates this four-part documentary, which focuses on the history of one-on-one combat and how people have used organised fighting - to gamble, aid diplomatic relations, settle scores and protect personal honour, for example - throughout the ages.

The Industrial Revolution brought significant social and economic changes to Europe and Britain. The construction of the Cork and Bandon Railway presented substantial engineering challenges, including the need for a deep tunnel through Goggin's Hill. The Goggin's Hill tunnel, about a kilometer long, was a remarkable engineering feat of the Victorian Railway age.

Recognized as the foremost Spanish artist of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes underwent a transformative journey in his extensive career. Shifting from cheerful and lighthearted works to paintings steeped in profound pessimism, Goya's evolution raises the intriguing question: What prompted this dramatic change in his artistic expression?

Join us on a captivating journey through the heart of Dublin's historical district, Dame Street. Delve into the rich tapestry of Dublin's architectural and financial history as we uncover the stories behind the majestic banking halls that once lined this bustling thoroughfare.

Delve into the life of Dante Gabriel Rossetti, a renowned English artist known for his Pre-Raphaelite works. The episode highlights Rossetti's passionate affair with Jane Morris, wife of his friend William Morris, amidst the idyllic backdrop of Kelmscott Manor.

This episode of Building Ireland explores the history and significance of Waterford, Ireland's oldest city which was once a thriving international trading center due to its strategic maritime location.

From the grandeur of Pharaoh Ramses II's obelisk to intricate figurines depicting daily life, 'Forgotten Treasures of Egypt' delves into the rich tapestry of Egyptian history. Highlighting figures like Queen Hatshepsut and the radical Pharaoh Akhenaten, Curtis Ryan Woodside narrates tales of power, innovation, and religious upheaval.

Discover the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Irish builders who shaped the skyline of Limerick with their remarkable Victorian engineering. In this captivating documentary, delve into the world of master builders who, armed with determination and skill, erected iconic structures like St. John's Cathedral, standing tall for over a century as a testament to their genius.

Join Ewan and Colin McGregor on an exhilarating journey through the skies as they commemorate the RAF Centenary in this captivating documentary. Delving deep into the rich history of the Royal Air Force, the brothers embark on a mission to explore its first 100 years. From heart-pounding dogfights to daring low-level maneuvers, they experience the thrill and danger faced by RAF pilots throughout history.

County Mayo had a thriving textile industry for centuries, influencing local development and economy. Textile mills employed thousands and played a significant role in Irish exports, especially wool and woven cloth. The establishment of Foxford Woollen Mills in the late 19th century was a social enterprise aimed at alleviating poverty.

Empires of Silver delves into the transformative power of silver in shaping global trade during the 16th century. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Andes Mountains and the bustling markets of China, this documentary explores how the discovery of pure silver ignited a revolution in commerce.

Construction workers in Chengdu, China, accidentally discovered the archeological site known as Jinsha in 2001, considered one of the most significant discoveries of the century. The site contains a treasure trove of Jade, gold, and thousands of human remains in burial grounds, with some suggesting possible human sacrifice. Jinsha was an ancient kingdom thriving around the same time as the Shang Dynasty in the Sichuan basin, challenging previous beliefs about the only birthplace of Chinese culture being the Central Plain of the Yellow River.

A terrifying network of ancient man-made tunnels in Italy might be the real entrance to the Greek underworld. Ancient literature tells us that living people visited the dead to ask them the future. Through a network of tunnels they believed they were travelling to ''the core of the earth'' to consult the Oracle of The Dead. But this site in Italy, a complex network of tunnels, was designed to trick visitors into thinking they were visiting Hell.

With groundbreaking discoveries including a silk and Jade burial suit and a trove of artifacts, Dr. Shu explores this forgotten kingdom of the Han Dynasty, shedding light on its culture, technology, and enigmatic ruler. Prepare to be transported back in time as we unravel the secrets buried beneath the earth's surface.

The institution of marriage faced serious challenges in the 20th century when World War 1 shattered the innocence of an entire generation raised by Victorian ideals of purity. When war came along and men were away for extended periods of time, marriages began to crumble and both men and women looked to find sexual fulfilment outside of their marriages, leading to STD outbreaks and affairs.