Ancient Mysteries

The "Enigma of the Dead Sea Scrolls," which contain most of the books of the Old Testament. Included: the accidental discovery of the scrolls in 1947 and subsequent findings; interviews with archaeologists.

A look at the making of "Rapa Nui," which speculates on the native inhabitants of Easter Island, who built strange giant statues before the Dutch arrived in 1722.

"The Odyssey of Troy" seeks evidence of historical accuracy in Homer's account of the Trojan War in the 13th century B.C. Included: a recap of archaeological digs on the Trojan Plain of northwestern Turkey.

The Shroud of Turin, long thought to be Jesus Christ's burial garment, has inspired the faithful for centuries. But one very important question remains is it authentic, or merely a medieval forgery? Since it first appeared in 1357, the Shroud, a yellowed linen cloth that bears the faint image of a crucified man, has prompted one of the greatest detective stories of modern times. Now, ANCIENT MYSTERIES tackles the enigma of the Shroud with an in-depth examination of the garment and its history. Through numerous scientific tests, conflicting and sometimes shocking results have kept its true origins a mystery, but startling new evidence suggests that the shroud may have actually covered the body of Christ. Get an up-close look at the famed Shroud, and examine the results of the test that seem to prove it is genuine.

A report on the mystery surrounding the Shroud of Turin, thought by many to be the burial cloth of Jesus. Scientists in three countries investigating the shroud's authenticity are observed using carbon dating and other techniques.

Tracing the rise and fall of Knights Templars, a religious-military order that fought for Christ during the 12th and 13th centuries, according to narrator Henry Lincoln. Included: a look at their activities during the Crusades; and their suppression by King Philip IV of France.

Examining the Upuaut project, in which robotic cameras explored the Great Pyramid of Cheops. Included: comments from writers Robert Bauval and Adrian Gilbert (“The Orion Project”), and Emma Freud.

An examination of the Catholic Church's orthodoxy court asserts that it was a victim of a Protestant "propaganda campaign." Included: interviews with historians; excerpts from silent films; a Monty Python spoof of the Inquisition; and Verdi's opera "Don Carlos."

A report on the ongoing search for the Loch Ness monster examines eyewitness accounts and scientific evidence. Included: footage of Nessie (maybe); sonar readings; an uncovered hoax.

"Easter Island: The Secrets" offers theories concerning the origin of the ancient stone statues that populate the island, who carved them, and why.