History's Mysteries

Belief in evil spirits spans time and crosses centuries, and just as old and universal is the cure for possession. In Catholicism, exorcism dates back to Christ's expulsions of the devil. The "Roman Ritual" dating from 1614 remained unchanged until 1999. Witness actual exorcisms, and learn why they are now increasing.

Herodotus wrote of a tribe of men-hating women warriors who cut off their right breast to better aim with bow and arrow. Amazon comes from Greek, meaning "without breast". Tales of fierce female fighters dot history. Are they myth from male-dominated societies on the evil of female rule, or truth, as recent archaeological finds suggest.

The mermaid, Abominable Snowman, giant squid, and dragons are all parts of myths and mysteries. But are some real? The Komodo Dragon was merely the stuff of local legend--until the dinosaur-like, very real giant reptile with an orange tongue and a fierce disposition was tracked down. Giant squids, measuring as long as 100 feet, have been found to really exist. We'll explore every possible explanation for these and other legendary creatures and find out if some might really exist.

The mystery of crop circles, which were called "witch" or "pixie" circles during the Middle Ages.

Secret organizations, including the Skull & Bones, the Bilderbergs and the Tri-Lateral Commission.

The manner in which a society deals with the dead reveals a great deal about how it views life.

Many serial killers were more brutal. Others slaughtered more often. But Jack the Ripper remains the world's most infamous murderer. In 1888, he slashed his way across London and into the annals of crime when he murdered and mutilated even women. His ghastly rampage remains one of history's great mysteries. Who was this butcher that baffled Scotland Yard's best minds? Today's foremost Ripper experts offer insights into the madman's mind and theories of who he really was.

In February of 1944, a German spy sent a coded message to the Nazi high command: There was no troop build up on the southern coast of England. This secret is actually a lie; part of a complex web of tricks and deception spun by the allies to keep the Germans guessing. And guessing wrong.