The History Channel

The Aztecs have built a mighty empire that dominates Central America. But it will be destroyed because of a domino effect. 7,000 miles away in modern-day Turkey, the great trading center of Constantinople is overrun by an Islamic army. Europeans race to find a new route to the spice-rich East. Instead, Christopher Columbus lands in America and discovers gold. Within 30 years the Aztecs will be conquered.

In the Andes, the Spanish open up the largest silver mine in the world and mint millions of pesos de ocho (pieces of eight). These coins transform the global economy. They fill the treasure chests of pirates. They fuel a stock market boom and help pay for the Taj Mahal. As trade booms, millions of people come to the New World as slaves. But a handful of Pilgrims come as pioneers looking for freedom.

An inventor fed up with the time it takes linesmen to measure first downs puts his mind and money into a product that he believes will change the game of football. Will he score the deal he's looking for or will his invention get sacked? Then, Scotty and Reichart turn up the heat on an inventor who claims he's created the ultimate grill.

The most compelling evidence for the creature known as Bigfoot may be the increasing close encounters that are frightening witnesses in rural America. Historic stories have told of violent interactions that range from objects being thrown to frightening abductions by hairy beasts. As extraordinary as these stories sound, people continue to recount physical interactions with creatures that they cannot explain. Witnesses from Minnesota and Washington State have all had frightening run-ins with the monsters while driving; another witness in rural Indiana talks with terror of the night that he was grabbed by something very powerful out in a forest. MonsterQuest will investigate whether witness are seeing known animal or the same Bigfoot creature that has been spoken of throughout history. MonsterQuest employs polygraph examinations, DNA analysis and bite force tests to discover what monster is turning up its aggression.

In the marshy swamp land of Texarkana a legendary beast has hunted the residents of a small Arkansas town. Their story was immortalized in a well known movie, The Legend of Boggy Creek. The real events were a series of violent nocturnal attacks that left behind not only fear and panic, but also remarkable tracks. But the evidence is not just confined to history. Scientific clues continue to this day, and point to a malevolent monster that stalks the Deep South, with physical encounters by trained trackers and discoveries of tracks and scat. The strongest evidence will be examined using the latest scientific testing and two MonsterQuest teams isolate the search area using both kayaks and horse-back, penetrating deep into territory that may be the home of the swamp stalker.

Head deep into the Venezuela wilderness where there have been sightings of huge man-eating snakes--anaconda. For the first time ever an industrial acoustic sonar camera will be used to search for these monsters. The investigation will also search the Everglades of Florida where pet pythons have escaped and are multiplying and growing to huge sizes, preying on all kinds of animals, even swallowing a full grown alligator in one case. Could a human become their next victim?

Are big bears are getting more assertive and aggressive? In pre-historic times, giant bears weighed up to a ton and stalked early man. Listen as witnesses describe horrific bear attacks and take a look at unusual bear remains. The team journeys from Alaska to New Jersey to learn about bear activity and if hybridization or the next step in bear evolution could produce another crop of giant bears?

Does Canada have its own Bigfoot? Owners of a fly-in fishing cabin report attacks by an unknown creature. Can DNA tests on blood and tissue from the alleged beast reveal its true identity? The test results will surprise you. One-part history, one-part science and one part monster, discover the truth behind these beasts and take a scientific look at legendary creatures around the world. The best evidence available will be examined, from pictures and video, to hair and bones. Scientists will be brought in to tell viewers what the evidence reveals. Ultimately the evidence will reveal the truth....or in some cases continue the mystery.

Something has been attacking a remote cabin in Northern Ontario, Canada--it may have left behind a blood trail. DNA analysis suggests that the creature is a non-human primate. A follow up test will confirm or deny this, and the results could change history. Meanwhile, a new expedition, outfitted with the most advanced surveillance and detection equipment, will set up camp at the cabin and wait for the creature's imminent return. Scientists will be brought in to tell viewers what the evidence reveals.

The Pawn Stars start a cola war when a 1950 s Pepsi Machine pops into the shop. An incredibly rare unit painted "Coke red" instead of "Pepsi blue," is this mysterious machine worth big bucks, or will the deal go flat? Then, a guy brings a copy of John Milton s "Paradise Lost." The first edition with engraved illustrations by Gustave Dor , has Rick found the holy grail of literature? And later, the guys challenge each other to a high stakes game of mini-golf. With the loser having to wash everyone else s car, how far will they go to win?

Hold steady and fire with Pawn Stars as Rick checks out a Japanese Knee Mortar. Used in WWII for fighting in the dense jungles of the Pacific, will Rick see the chance to make a deal, or does the seller not even have a leg to stand on? Then, Corey and Chumlee read the fine print when an original signed copy of Wayne Gretzky's NHL contract skates into the shop. Will the guys pass, or take off the gloves and fight for it? And later, Corey continues to push for a partner's stake in the pawn shop by betting Rick he can make bigger deals. Will the gamble pay off?

Out in Washington State, Mike and his brother Robbie stop off for a quick freestyle and come across a 1915 Harley. Later, the guys pick a collection that s three generations in the making and find an antique bear trap that could be worth up to $6000. Danielle and Frank team up to pull a long distance prank on Mike.

Take aim with the Pawn Stars when the guys check out a Kentucky Long Rifle. Made famous by frontier marksmen like Daniel Boone, will the guys take a long shot on this iconic big-game gun? Then, Rick gets a geography test when he's offered a 1700s map depicting California as an island. Can he plot a course towards a sale, or will this piece just get him lost? And later, Corey's longtime demand to be made a partner in the shop comes to a head when he says "now or never." Will Rick and the Old Man cut him a deal, or kick him from the nest?

Things get surreal for the Pawn Stars when the guys check out an original painting by Salvador Dali. Known for his eccentric artwork, is this just too strange for the shop? Then, Chumlee is on the hunt for deals when he checks out a Silent Scope sniper arcade game. Can he win the negotiation with a kill shot, or will he shoot himself in the foot? And later, Rick and the Old Man check out a French suit of armor. Dating back to the time of Napoleon, will the deal sparkle in the setting sun or rust away before their visored eyes?

Forget what your read in the history books--comedian Michael Loftus pays tribute to a select crew of Epic American Dudes.

The Pawn Stars look to buy a 1929 Chopped Ford Coupe but if they can't agree on a price, will the deal end up rusting in the bone yard? Then, a cowboy wants to sell his mechanical calf-roping machine. Can Corey rein it in without Chumlee spooking the sale? And when the prettiest pawn shop employee continues to be tardy, Rick and the Old Man dish out a fitting punishment. But is it enough to teach her a lesson?

Informational programming.

Informational programming.

Informational programming.

Informational programming.

Informational programming.

Informational programming.

Traces the rise and fall of the sometimes victorious and always egotistical leader. As Commander of the Army of the Potomac, he was slow to press the offensive against the South, and an exasperated Lincoln eventually fired him.

Around the world, archaeologists are uncovering artifacts that suggest the existence of previously unknown ancient civilizations, much like the mythical city of Atlantis. There is a growing belief among certain scientists and archeologists that tens of thousands of years ago, before the rise of today's man, sophisticated human societies populated large cities that possibly featured mechanized transportation, electricity, and advanced weapons systems. Proponents of this theory believe that these civilizations were wiped off the planet and that the evidence now lies buried miles beneath the Earth's surface. This two-hour special will investigate these beliefs and uncover the truth about people who lived before the beginning of recorded time.