The History Channel

Unearthly visitations... Heavenly messengers... Close encounters... Accounts of humans interacting with celestial beings have existed since the beginning of mankind. Many of these encounters resulted in moral, philosophical and artistic inspirations. But did these contacts involve ethereal beings from heaven or extraterrestrials from other worlds? Are holy books the word of God, or guidebooks passed down by more advanced civilizations? Who told Joan of Arc how to defeat the English Army--saints or extraterrestrials? Could a young boy from India have learned advanced mathematical formulas from a Hindu goddess? What message did an American serviceman receive while touching an alien aircraft? If the Ancient astronaut theory is correct, then are beings from other worlds communicating with us for our benefit... or theirs? Just what is the purpose of these alien contacts?

Ancient underwater cities can be found around the globe, but could these aquatic worlds be the ruins of unknown civilizations--or even proof of extraterrestrial visitations? The infamous tale of the long lost city of Atlantis may be a preserved memory of an ancient alien metropolis. Beneath Lake Titicaca in Peru, the ruins of recently discovered temples support local legends of an underwater UFO base. Ancient Indian texts, known as Sangams, describe sunken cities where aliens and humans intermingled thousands of years ago. Who could have built the 600-foot stepped stone structure off the coast of Japan--a site that may predate the Egyptian pyramids by thousands of years? Could evidence of ancient alien contact lie buried in Earth's deepest oceans?

The U.S. Bullion Depository, better known as Fort Knox, is home of the United States Army and one of the world's most top secret fortresses. Hidden deep inside the vault is an estimated $73 billion dollars in gold. Almost all information about it is classified. Through interviews with eyewitnesses, rare photos and rarely seen films, we will construct a picture of what the building might look like. Hear testimony of those journalists and congressmen who were among the select few invited inside in 1974. Discover the history and secrets behind the Army's tank warfare and the classified military technologies it will use to fight the wars of the future.

The apocalyptic devastation unfolds in the skies. History's most important planes are grounded in a life after people. Air Force One suffers an explosive malfunction. A devastating swarm of locusts returns to the Midwest, and mysterious cargo on the Cassini Satellite could change the universe.

Examine the apocalyptic fate of every home in the world. Gas leaks turn suburbs into infernos; a famous castle is toppled by a hidden flaw. Paint causes some high-end homes to explode in flames. Houses fall from the world tallest apartments to the most crowded complexes.

Travel to Egypt to discover the mysteries of the mummified crocodiles of Kom Ombo. We'll x-ray an ancient mummy that has held a secret for 2000 years, and reveal the lengths that people will go to to ritualize death. New discoveries at the site of the world famous terracotta army in China reveal incredible insights into the mind-state of the great first emperor of China and his people; and what they believed about death. In Britain, forensic scientists solve a year old murder using 15th century forensic science, as well as hundreds of mini-detectives--blowflies. And using virtual reality techniques doctors will now look inside the body of a victim during a live crucifixion to discover horrific new truths about the suffering on the cross.

Amazingly some of the world records that still stand today were set in the ancient world. The most valuable thing in the ancient world is still the most valuable thing today--2000 dollars per gram! And incredibly it is made from nothing more than rotting shellfish. What was the fastest thing in the ancient world and is it still the fastest man-made machine today? Ancient Discoveries builds a replica of a 2000 year old jet engine. A weapons team finally reveal the only weapon in history that can shoot around corners--and solve a 500 year old debate. Explosives experts reveal that the world's first gun was made of fruit. And on a windswept beach in Britain, can a team of historians and engineers beat the ancient world land speed record?

An inside look at the secret protocols, elite security and hidden history of the world's most public of private residences. What is the most secret room in the White House and what makes it so powerful? What secret visitors have been to the White House--invited or not? What kind of background checks are needed to work at the White House? What security measures go into effect if the White House is under attack? For over 200 years, the White House has functioned as a Presidential residence, Executive Office and national command center. But more guarded than the White House itself--are its secrets. Secrets that have remained untold...until now.

It is one of the most secure structures in the world. It safeguards the vast wealth of the United States... And its name is synonymous with one of the most precious commodities in the history of the world--gold. But behind this building's stone exterior are secrets. This episode unlocks the secret contents, political controversy, and cutting edge security hidden behind the gates of the world's most famous vault. How did the Unites States amass its gold? What is the precious metal really worth? Who's allowed inside the vault? What else is stashed there? Could Fort Knox actually be empty?

It is America's most private organization with secretive meetings and a membership that includes the most powerful men in America--and the world. But behind this elite brotherhood... are secrets. This episode explores the secret history, rituals and reach of the most well-known secret society in the world. How did the Freemasons shape America? What goes on at Freemason meetings? What secrets ceremonies and rituals are still conducted today? What is the meaning of Freemasonry symbols like the eye, the square and the compass? Are the Freemasons part of a New World Order with plans to control the world? For centuries, the Freemasons have been thought to be the architects behind the world's greatest international conspiracies. But more elusive than the organization itself--are its secrets. Secrets that have remained untold...until now.

They are the most advanced and heavily protected vehicles ever built--operated by technicians prepared for the worst. But behind the bullet proof glass and armored plating of the President's fleet of vehicles are secrets. Travel by land, sea and air to explore the special construction, elite training and secret weapons that protect the President when he's on the move. Who's in charge of the President's safety on Air Force One and Marine One? Why is the Presidential Limo called "the Beast"--and who gets to drive it? What kind of defensive and offensive capabilities does the Presidential bus, known as Ground Force One, have? No matter what form of transport, moving the President safely requires the utmost secrecy. Secrets that have remained untold...until now.

Gunny explores the history of shotguns--from a 17th century Blunderbuss to the modern day, gas-assisted M4 Super 90. Along the way, he "rides shotgun" on a stage coach as he tests a Wells Fargo Coach Gun; fires the groundbreaking shotguns of legendary gun designer John Browning; tests his skeet shooting skills against Olympic Gold medalist markswoman Kim Rhode; and heads to Camp Pendleton to check out the Marines' state-of-the-art shotguns.

Informational programming.

Informational programming.

Informational programming.

Informational programming.

Gunny explores the history of the weapons that ruled the world for thousands of years before guns came. Featured weapons include: English Long Bow vs. Medieval Crossbow--Gunny tests out the armor piercing power of these legendary weapons; the Roman Pilum--Gunny tests out the Roman throwing spear that helped create an empire, and explores its surprising and revolutionary design; the Lance--Gunny trains on the cavalry spear that roamed the battlefields from Medieval times all the way to WWI; and Gunny gives us a detailed exploration of the tech and design behind swords from ancient Bronze to the Japanese Samurai sword to today's modern day bayonet, still being used by military around the world.

The apocalyptic devastation unfolds in the skies. History's most important planes are grounded in a life after people. Air Force One suffers an explosive malfunction. A devastating swarm of locusts returns to the Midwest, and mysterious cargo on the Cassini Satellite could change the universe.

Examine the apocalyptic fate of every home in the world. Gas leaks turn suburbs into infernos; a famous castle is toppled by a hidden flaw. Paint causes some high-end homes to explode in flames. Houses fall from the world tallest apartments to the most crowded complexes.

Travel to Egypt to discover the mysteries of the mummified crocodiles of Kom Ombo. We'll x-ray an ancient mummy that has held a secret for 2000 years, and reveal the lengths that people will go to to ritualize death. New discoveries at the site of the world famous terracotta army in China reveal incredible insights into the mind-state of the great first emperor of China and his people; and what they believed about death. In Britain, forensic scientists solve a year old murder using 15th century forensic science, as well as hundreds of mini-detectives--blowflies. And using virtual reality techniques doctors will now look inside the body of a victim during a live crucifixion to discover horrific new truths about the suffering on the cross.