History's Mysteries

Chronicling the research and development that produced the drug LSD, and the psychedelic culture that it inspired in the 1960s. Included: experiments with the drug; the drug's historical roots in ancient Greece.

This program is part of the popular series from the History Channel that investigates some of civilization's unsolved mysteries and controversies. This episode investigates the black chapter in world religious history known as the Inquisition. In search of truth, it told lies; preaching redemption, it brought torture and death. Recently opened archives of the Catholic Church are used to present new evidence about the church hierarchy's abuse of power. The documentary introduces the viewer to some of the Inquisition's most notorious characters, including Grand InquisitorTomas Torquemad, who was responsible for the death of thousands of people branded as heretics and witches. Galileo and the Knights Templar were among their number. Art work, journals, reenactments, and scholarly commentary tell the true story of the Inquisition.

Trace prominent paranormal events in America from the 1800s to the present day, from Nancy Reagan's dependence on astrology, to Thomas Edison's experiments to prove there is an afterlife, from psychic CIA warfare experiments, to ESP tests conducted by an Apollo astronaut.

In 1212, thousands of children left Germany and France for the Holy Land, hoping to capture Jerusalem bloodlessly through their innocence and the help of God.

Military units mix technology and trickery to outfox opponents who possess superior armies and weapons.

Explorers find the ruins of a vanished civilization in the American southwest.

Immortalized by Sir Walter Scott, the romantic figure of Rob Roy MacGregor looms large in Scottish history. but who was the real Rob Roy? Regarded by many as a hero, others say he was little more than a cattle rustler, blackmailer and coward! The third son of a clan chieftain, he embarked on a outlaw's life after the Duke of Montrose seized his lands in 1712. We examine his daring escapes, belief in his clan's code of honor, and questions surrounding the true loyalties of Scotland's most famous rogue.

French King Louis XIV orders a prisoner shut away for 34 years, until his death.

Humans indulge in many frightening and often toxic substances.

Marco Polo is not mentioned in Kublai Khan's meticulous records.

Voodoo spreads from Africa to the West.

Ancient prophecy and occult ritual fascinate Nazi Germany.

Investigators argue that the story of Frankenstein is based in reality.

The cyclops, Amazon warriors, and the ferocious griffin may have a place in the fossil record.

Scholars attempt to uncover the historical truth of the birth of Jesus.

The warrior class of ancient Japan exhibits self-sacrifice.

Legend surrounds Atlantis, the Amazons, Stonehenge and Easter Island.

Legends based on sea travel.

Established in 1655, Port Royal, Jamaica, becomes a haven for pirates.

The predictions of history's most compelling prophets.

A fascinating examination of ancient evidence of UFO visits to Earth. Includes a look at monuments of antiquity that point toward stars in the sky, and ancient texts that contain references to flying objects.

Scott Bakula hosts this episode in which the History Channel investigates evidence for the existence of The Loch Ness Monster, Big Foot and Dracula.