Hawaii emerged steaming from the sea millennia ago, the product of thousands of years of continual volcanic eruptions that finally broke the ocean's surface and gave birth to a tropical paradise famed the world over. Since the very first people settled here, they have revered and feared the volcanoes and tried to appease their legendary mistress, the goddess Pele. She is one of the most captivating, capricious and enduring of all pagan deities. Even today, her name and power are taken seriously by many Hawaiians, whose lives are subject to the whims of the volcanoes she is said to control. HAWAII'S VENGEFUL GODDESS is a fascinating look at this enigmatic figure. Experts in Hawaiian history and legends trace her origins, and explore the possibility that there is a real person at the heart of this enduring belief. Ancient tales and art help bring her story to life, while footage of modern Hawaiian ceremonies show the very real role Pele continues to play in the islands today.

Explores the fall of the Romanov dynasty and the fate of some of its members. Examines the enduring mystery of Anastasia in some detail.

In A.D. 79, Mount Vesuvius erupts, engulfing the city of Pompeii on the Bay of Naples.

Scandinavian sagas tell the tales of Leif the Lucky and the Land of Grapes, but are these merely boastful yarns of magical heroes or historical facts? VIKING EXPLORERS investigates the oft-repeated claim that the Vikings landed on America's shores 1,000 years ago. Follow the incredible journey that these hardy sailors had to make across the North Atlantic, and go aboard a restored longboat like the one that carried them to the New World. Noted historians tell the remarkable story of Leif Ericsson and his father, the legendary Eric the Red, and attempt to separate fact from fiction in the sagas of these heroes. And in a remarkable interview, archaeologist Helge Ingstad recalls how her discovery of a Viking settlement in North America helped to rewrite history.

Examines the Five Points area of Manhattan, NY, which in the 1840's became the birthplace of American gang activity. Looks at the rise of organized crime from its humble beginnings with the Irish, Jewish and Italian immigrants. Important personalities that are covered include "Big Tim" Sullivan, Paul Kelly, "Monk" Eastman, "Dopey Benny" Fein, Frankie Yale, and Al Capone.

This program goes to Mexico to unravel the enigmatic history of Teotihuacán, a 2,000-year-old urban wonder and one of the largest settlements of the ancient world.

Tells the story of the 'siege of the Western legations' by Chinese troops and rebels in 1900. For the first time, the Chinese angle is scrutinized with the help of newly released Chinese documents and Chinese historians. The episode was one of the greatest humiliations in recent Chinese history. To this day, it influences the way that Chinese politicians conduct their foreign affairs.

In Search of History looks the historical influences that shaped the story of King Arthur and the Knights of Camelot.

The Celts are one of the least understood of all the ancient people. They left no written records, and the Greek and Roman accounts tell us of little beyond their prowess in battle. This much is certain they were the fiercest warriors of the ancient world, and the most unusual. They often fought naked and cut off the heads of their enemies for souvenirs. Search for clues to the life of these legendary people beyond the battlefield. Wander the English countryside to see their incredible monuments including the legendary Stonehenge and ponder their significance. Join archaeologists as they trace the origins of the Celts, and see ancient evidence of their advanced culture they were among the most advanced farmers, artists and metalworkers of their time. And explore the influence of their powerful holy men the Druids whose true role and significance remains shrouded in mystery.

This In Search of History program travels back to 1912, to the town of Piltdown, East Sussex, England, where workmen digging a gravel pit uncover a collection of bones which seem to confirm Darwin's theory of evolution and provide the "missing link" in the evolution of man. In reality, the Piltdown Man is perhaps the most famous archeological hoax of all time, confounding scientists for decades.

This installment in the History Channel series In Search of History takes an in-depth look at a mysterious phenomenon, with this investigation into the infamous flight of several top-ranking Nazi officers from Allied authorities after WWII. Because many of these men faced prosecution for their crimes during the Third Reich, they went into hiding in countries like Syria, Argentina, and even the US - but some believe that this mass exodus was orchestrated by a high-powered organization, which masterminded their escape and asylum.

It is the richest burial site ever discovered in the Western Hemisphere a massive royal tomb on the outskirts of Sipan, Peru, where the ancient treasures of the Moche civilization rested undisturbed for centuries. But in 1987, a sudden flood of priceless gold and silver artifacts was the first clue that a major new find had been made not by archaeologists, but by grave robbers who were selling the spoils of an ancient, little-known people. TOMBS OF SIPAN tells the incredible tale of archaeologists and art-dealers, investigators and looters that led to one of the most important archaeological finds in history. The case was broken when one looter, upset with his take, confessed and turned in the others. The thieves and many stunning artifacts were captured, but most importantly, they revealed the location of their trove. From the saga of their discovery to the ongoing investigations, this is the remarkable saga of the TOMBS OF SIPAN.

Using rare footage and interviews with leading historians, this program offers a revealing look at the ways different societies around the world and throughout history have dealt with death.

Their fanatical courage struck terror in their enemies. Their fabulous wealth made them the most powerful men in Europe. Their secret rites inspired rumors of heresy. In the Crusades, these ferocious sword-wielding monks were charged with protecting the Kingdom of Jerusalem. In defeat, they were burned at the stake. Journey from Middle Ages Jerusalem to modern day Europe to unravel the extraordinary story of the legendary Knights who some say survived their supposed execution at the end of the Crusades and have preserved their order to this day. Leading historians reveal their fantastic origins, and period accounts bring their legendary battles to life. Ancient documents and artifacts hint at the mysteries that surround them. Did they discover ancient secrets buried beneath Solomon's temple, and conspire to seize part of Europe for themselves? Explore the incredible history of the Crusade's mightiest and most puzzling warriors.

Examines the mysteries surrounding the construction of the pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Great Sphinx.

Experts debate the true age of the Great Sphinx.

Even today, some 2,000 years after they were built, the roads of the Roman Empire remain one of the most astonishing accomplishments in the history of mankind. Built on the backs of many and often awash in the blood of conquest and suppression, they were absolutely vital to the process of building a society the likes of which the world had never seen. ROMAN ROADS: PATHS TO EMPIRE journeys back to the age of Caesar to tell the story of these remarkable highways that helped forge an empire. Discover how they were built, and why so many have lasted to this day. Historians detail their central role in the expansion and maintenance of the Empire. See how they grew from a local network to a vast web stretching across three continents and embracing 50,000 miles.And visit sites throughout the world where these ancient arteries remain, sometimes still in use! Walk in the steps of emperors and explore one of the most fascinating artifacts in the history of humanity.

The ancient monuments of Rome stand as moving reminders of one of the most powerful empires the world has ever seen. Every year, millions of people visit the Forum, Coliseum and other legendary sites in search of a glimpse into the past. Explore what these imperial monuments symbolized and uncover the secrets of the society that built and sustained them with this in-depth examination of Romeís legendary ruins. Who were the egomaniacal men responsible for these imposing structures? What drove them to build bigger and better monument regardless of cost? There were arenas where no form of torture was deemed too cruel, places of worship where gods were honored with shocking ritualistic sacrifices, and pleasure palaces where wanton sexual depravity was not only accepted but encouraged. ROME'S ETERNAL WONDERS exposes the empire that dominated the Western world for thousands of years.

Archival documents and stunning re-creations bring the defining moments of the standoff to life, and Mormon historians explore the legacy it left behind. THE MORMON REBELLION reveals the truth behind an often-overlooked chapter in American history.

A search for the lance that pierced the side of Christ.

Scientists examine ancient ruins, artifacts and texts from around the world that lead them to believe extraterrestrials have visited Earth.

Present day Mexico City sits atop of what was once a great civilization, the Aztec Empire. Drawing on newly discovered artifacts, anthropologists can now give us a more in depth picture and shed new light on what life was like for this ancient civilization. Watch in awe as Ancient Mysteries reveals the Secrets of the Aztec Empire.

Some people believe it was sent by God to punish the sins of the world. First recognized in 542 AD, the plague swept from Egypt through Asia Minor and Europe on a path of destruction, killing more than 100 million in countless outbreaks and plunging the world into the Dark Ages. Today, much is known about this ancient scourge, and modern medicine is largely able to contain it. But its origins remain unclear, and there is always the threat that a new, disease-resistant strain could once again prove to be a major threat to mankind. THE SCOURGE OF THE BLACK DEATH is a comprehensive look at the deadliest disease to ever strike mankind. Historians trace its incredible, apocalyptic spread and detail the sweeping changes it forced. Scientists including Dr. Kenneth L. Gage, Plague Section Chief at the Center for Disease Control explain how the disease lives, spreads and kills, and reveal the latest breakthroughs in the ongoing battle to contain it. And incredible archival art, artifacts and accounts, along with location footage from throughout Europe, bring the horrific years of the plague's dominance to life.

Once it was a priceless jewel in the crown of the Roman Empire a vibrant seaport where the streets overflowed with traders and merchants from around the world. But well before the fall of the Empire, the city of Ostia began a long decline, and for nearly 1,600 years it was abandoned, left to crumble into the sea. This illuminating program tells the complete history of the ruined city that has become second in importance only to Pompeii to modern scholars of Rome. See why its decline and desertion make Ostia so valuable to archaeologists and historians today, and examine their latest finds. Go beneath the waves to view remnants of Rome's ancient glory engulfed by the waters of the Mediterranean. And meet the men and women who are uncovering its long-hidden secrets. From the seaport at the center of an ancient empire to one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, this is a comprehensive look at ROME'S LOST HARBOR.

On a cold Paris morning in January 1895, as 20,000 people shouted, "Death to the traitor, death to the Jew," French Army Captain Alfred Dreyfus was publicly stripped of his rank for committing high treason. That the evidence against him was flimsy and fabricated did not matter; he was Jewish, and that alone was enough to sustain a gross miscarriage of justice that unraveled over a dozen years before his name was finally cleared. THE INFAMOUS DREYFUS AFFAIR details the travesty which exposed the ignorance and prejudice of a nation. See how high-ranking officers set up Dreyfus to take the blame for a critical security leak, and how others who questioned his guilt were silenced and even court-martialed. Examine the evidence against Dreyfus, forged by an anti-Semitic colonel. And discover how an article by novelist Emile Zola brought the world's attention to the Army's actions, ultimately leading to Dreyfus's exoneration in the face of overwhelming evidence. It's an important portrait of hate, injustice and a man who bore the indignities thrust upon him with dignity and honor.

Their exploits were recorded in stories passed down from generation to generation, their images the basis of some of the most beautiful artworks ever created, and their names echo through history to this day. From their mythical home high atop Mount Olympus, the great Greek gods were an integral part of every aspect of life. Explore the fascinating story of these enduring figures in this comprehensive program. Hear from renowned classicists why the Greeks endowed their deities with such human failings, and explore the significance of the most famous myths. See the astonishing artworks that have preserved their images for all time, and how these epic figures have been integrated into modern life. And visit the phenomenal temples that were built in their names, and where the most important rituals of Ancient Greece were carried out. From Aphrodite to Zeus, it's an entertaining and illuminating look at THE GREEK GODS.

One of the holiest sites of ancient Greece, Delphi was the pre-eminent shrine of Apollo. Cradled by Mount Parnassos and a valley of olive groves, it was also sacred to Dionysus, who was supposedly buried there. But Delphi is chiefly known for its legendary oracle the most famous of the ancient world. Journey back to the golden age of Greece, when the mysterious oracle of Delphi predicted the futures of kings and countries. In the smoky, haunting, and hallucinogenic atmosphere of the sacred shrine, predictions were uttered by a priestess in a delirious trance and interpreted by a priest speaking in verse. Dramatic re-creations bring the oracle to life, and leading historians explain how Delphi grew wealthy through the offerings of those seeking a glimpse at their destiny. Explore the ruins of this mystical site with archaeologists, and see the latest discoveries that are shedding new light on the legendary city.

It is one of the holiest relics of Christianity the cup from which Jesus drank at the Last Supper, and in which Joseph of Arimathea collected the blood of the savior as he was crucified. Journey from the Holy Land to the museums of Europe in search of The Holy Grail. Ancient legends say the relic was transported to Britain and passed down among the descendants of Joseph, but could the Grail remain hidden somewhere in England? Experts explore the tangled web of stories surrounding the Grail in search of clues to its existence and purported powers. Is it possible that the Grail is a pathway to a higher power, or that the descendants of Jesus walk among us today, protected by the Grail's power? Trace the incredible history and extraordinary tales of power and superstition, magic and mystery that surround one of Christianity's most sought-after relics.

The Great Depression saw the rise of Franklin Delano Roosevelt to lead America in its time of economic crisis. FDR answered the call with his New Deal. While rank and file Americans saw FDR as a hero, there were those that hated his populist ideas. This program tells the story of their plan to wrest power away from the President of the United States. The revelation of the plot brought scandal, and a Congressional investigation. Archival news clips, photographs, personal accounts, and historic commentary tell of the plot to overthrow FDR.

In 1600, London citizens poor and rich attend the theater to enjoy grand spectacles of drama, music and dance. These huge playhouses like Shakespeare''s Globe Theatre offer the highest form of entertainment to the masses of Elizabethan England. Nowhere inthe world is there a better stage. The impresarios are rich; the actors are worshipped and the playwrights immortalized. Yet in 1642, the stroke of a pen wipes British theater off the face of the earth. The stages are demolished and many plays are lost. What was it like to experience the grand theater of old England, and why was it outlawed?