The History Channel

In the late 1500s, years before Jamestown, the English sought to create their first settlement in America at Roanoke. A party of 119 colonists came over and settled but ultimately vanished. The fate of the Lost Colony of Roanoke has eluded archaeologists, historians and North Carolina locals, but as forensic geologist Scott Wolter discovers, a series of 48 stone clues that have been largely ignored and considered frauds may in fact hold the answer to America's oldest cold case. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

Criminals end up in human boneyards called prisons, but the weapons and tools of the crimes end up in an assortment of other boneyards. These include everything from secure warehouses to underwater tourist attractions to "virtual boneyard" computer databases. Discover the unusual fate that awaits these items; some will become tools to fight crime, some destroyed and others will be transformed to create good from the ruins of evil. TVPG VL | CC

Informational programming. TVPG VL | CC

Informational programming. TVPG VL | CC

Informational programming. TVPG VL | CC

Scott Wolter investigates a burial site in the mountains of Arizona, only to discover it may belong to a medieval Englishman. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

If Castro and his Cuban communist compadres had not thrown the corrupt Batista government and US Mafia out of Havana in 1958, the Mob wouldn't have needed to develop Las Vegas as the ultimate City of Sin. Havana was a tropical paradise fueled by rum, rhumba, and gangsters. Join us as we expose a network of extraordinary corruption and the formation of a brutal criminal state on America's doorstep. Visited by the most celebrated Hollywood stars, top Mafia bosses, presidents, and politicians, this was a city of glitzy casinos, luxurious clubs, exotic dancing girls, and endless nights. Havana was at the crossroads of the Mafia-controlled narcotic super-highway before the Cuban Revolution took down the corrupt, Batista government. TVPG VL | CC

Informational programming. TVPG VL | CC

Informational programming. TVPG VL | CC

Informational programming. TVPG VL | CC

If ancient aliens visited Earth, can evidence of their existence be found in the mysterious structures that still stand throughout the world? Inexplicably, megalithic structures found on different continents are strikingly similar, and the cutting and moving of the massive stones used to build these magnificent feats would be a struggle for modern day machinery, let alone ancient man. Ancient astronaut theorists suggest that the standing stones in Carnac, France were used as an ancient GPS system for ancient flying machines. The recently discovered Gobekli Tepe in Turkey, which has been dated back 12,000 years, has finely chiseled pillars that experts describe as a Noah's Ark in stone. Is it possible that extraterrestrials assisted primitive man in constructing these unexplained structures? If so, what was the purpose of these grand projects? TVPG VL | CC Show Site

Zahi is supervising the restoration of the Step Pyramid, the oldest pyramid in Egypt. It's there that we meet the new members of his fellowship program: Late to show up, Lindsay nearly loses her job before it actually begins! Meanwhile, Fellowship Coordinator Dr. Allan Morton realizes the erroneous assignment of Zoe to the program. Allan gets an earful from Zahi for his mistake before Zoe begs him for the chance to go inside the Step Pyramid for some photos...after all, she's traveled so far! Zoe goes deep inside the bowels of the pyramid with a cameraman, then gets stuck and locked inside. Zahi races back to Saqqara to open up the pyramid and save them both. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

Informational programming. TVPG VL | CC

Informational programming. TVPG VL | CC

Informational programming. TVPG VL | CC

Rummage around in your garage. You'll likely find remnants of gadgets past--a typewriter, analog TV, LPs, film cameras and brick-sized mobile phones. These products served us well and we remember each one with nostalgic fondness. We'll take a trip down memory lane to examine how these oldies-but-goodies worked and find out how more advanced tech superseded them. At the Palm Corporation in Sunnyvale, California, we'll follow the evolution of hand-held tech. At the Houston Chronicle, we'll learn how the print edition of a major American newspaper coexists with its online edition. A car aficionado will compare what's under the hoods of a classic 1968 Shelby Mustang and a spiffy 2009 model. We'll witness a vinyl resurgence at Rainbo Records in Canoga Park, California. A TV expert from Best Buy, a typewriter collector and a futurist forecast what might fall by the wayside next. And when it does, we'll find out how to safely recycle that outdated equipment. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

We join the Vandals as they infiltrate the Roman borders in northern Gaul, and sweep into Spain, burning and pillaging everything in their path. This ragged, homeless tribe launches the largest ever sea-borne movement of the barbarian peoples making their name synonymous with lawless destruction, looting and terror. As their great leader, Gaiseric, and his blood-thirsty son, Huneric ravage North Africa, and eventually Rome, itself, we see them face the crushing military of the Roman Empire, the devious trickery of Roman General Aetius, and the devout beliefs of the Holy Roman Church. TVPG VL | CC

Informational programming. TVPG VL | CC

Informational programming. TVPG VL | CC

Informational programming. TVPG VL | CC

Travel with the Saxon pirates as they ravage the British coast. In an orgy of pagan worship, the early Saxon leaders sweep across Britain, facing the Christians and their barbarian brothers in a bloody rivalry for power and land. After witnessing the slaughter of his entire family, Saxon prince, Edwin, flees across Britain, until he's strong enough to face down his arch-enemy, Aethelfrith, to become one of the greatest kings of his tribe. His power and fame are unparalleled until the young king, Alfred, defends his people against the Viking invaders, uniting his land, and defining what it means to be English. TVPG VL | CC

Informational programming. TVPG VL | CC

Informational programming. TVPG VL | CC

Informational programming. TVPG VL | CC

Geologist Scott Wolter has reason to believe America has its very own Stonehenge in New Hampshire. With the help of a young man who discovered an amazing connection between America's Stonehenge and Stonehenge in England, Wolter explores the possibility that the ancient Phoenicians are connected to both of these megalithic sites. At America's Stonehenge, he uncovers many clues, including a sacrificial table and a mysterious message carved on a stone in ancient script that helps advance this provocative theory. He also discovers both sites are accurate astronomical calendars and that alignments with the heavens are incorporated into their design. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

We experience the birth of a barbarian empire in the Franks, as Merovius, a legendary leader said to be half-man, half-monster descends upon Gaul, setting the stage for his sons' conquest over both Roman and Visigoth armies. His grandson, Clovis, will relinquish his fierce pagan ways only when it seems that the Christian god grants him greater victory in battle. It is Clovis who leads his people to conquest over France, and builds the bridge between barbarian and statesman that the future king, Charlemagne finally embodies. TVPG VL | CC

Informational programming. TVPG VL | CC

Informational programming. TVPG VL | CC

Informational programming. TVPG VL | CC

Explore the primal pagan rites of the Lombard's, as they fight for land and for a barbarian bride. We travel with the brutal Lombard leader, Alboin, as he breaks through the Roman defenses in Italy, and forces his captured wife to drink from her murdered father's skull. The skilled Lombard king Liutprand will face both Roman and Frankish attacks, as he vies for supremacy on the crowded peninsula. He will create laws, linking bloody barbarian rites with ancient Roman justice and establishing a new culture in the former center of the fallen Roman Empire that will last for centuries. TVPG VL | CC

Informational programming. TVPG VL | CC

Informational programming. TVPG VL | CC

Informational programming. TVPG VL | CC

If Castro and his Cuban communist compadres had not thrown the corrupt Batista government and US Mafia out of Havana in 1958, the Mob wouldn't have needed to develop Las Vegas as the ultimate City of Sin. Havana was a tropical paradise fueled by rum, rhumba, and gangsters. Join us as we expose a network of extraordinary corruption and the formation of a brutal criminal state on America's doorstep. Visited by the most celebrated Hollywood stars, top Mafia bosses, presidents, and politicians, this was a city of glitzy casinos, luxurious clubs, exotic dancing girls, and endless nights. Havana was at the crossroads of the Mafia-controlled narcotic super-highway before the Cuban Revolution took down the corrupt, Batista government. TVPG VL | CC

The Persian Empire was one of the most mysterious civilizations in the ancient world. Persia became an empire under the Cyrus the Great, who created a policy of religious and cultural tolerance that became the hallmark of Persian rule. Engineering feats include an innovative system of water management; a cross-continent paved roadway stretching 1500 miles; a canal linking the Nile to the Red Sea; and the creation of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Mausoleum of Maussollos. The rivalry between Persia and Athens led to a 30-year war known as the Persian Wars, the outcome of which helped create the world we live in today. Peter Weller hosts. TVPG VL | CC

Carthage, a remarkable city-state that dominated the Mediterranean for over 600 years, harnessed their extensive resources to develop some of the ancient world's most groundbreaking technology. For generations, Carthage defined power, strength and ingenuity, but by the third century B.C., the empire's existence was threatened by another emerging superpower, Rome. However, when the Romans engineered their empire, they were only following the lead of the Carthaginians. From the city's grand harbor to the rise of one of history's greatest generals, Hannibal Barca, we will examine the architecture and infrastructure that enabled the rise and fall of the Carthaginian Empire. TVPG VL | CC

Zahi is supervising the restoration of the Step Pyramid, the oldest pyramid in Egypt. It's there that we meet the new members of his fellowship program: Late to show up, Lindsay nearly loses her job before it actually begins! Meanwhile, Fellowship Coordinator Dr. Allan Morton realizes the erroneous assignment of Zoe to the program. Allan gets an earful from Zahi for his mistake before Zoe begs him for the chance to go inside the Step Pyramid for some photos...after all, she's traveled so far! Zoe goes deep inside the bowels of the pyramid with a cameraman, then gets stuck and locked inside. Zahi races back to Saqqara to open up the pyramid and save them both. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

Only a handful of people have ever had the chance to see the Five Chambers high above the Grand Gallery of the Great Pyramid. Now, Zahi decides to go on his final journey to the Five Chambers with the fellows in tow...together they will document the ancient graffiti on the walls of the Chambers, proving Zahi's theory that ancient Egyptians, not slaves, built the Pyramids at Giza. This near-death experience leaves the fellows; Leslie, the executive producer; and, the crew gasping for air. Finally, Zahi will reveal his findings in an exclusive television interview. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

Settled 2,500 years ago, the Nan Madol site is a living memorial to the prehistoric Micronesians that once inhabited Pohnpei. 100-feet high basalt structures rise from the deep waters to form artificial islands serving as ritual, trade, and hierarchical centers. Deep below the surface, ancient lore proposes that underwater tunnels connect this complex and are filled with untold riches and ancient artifacts. With only canoes and crude tools, how did the Micronesians build this imposing fortress? Where did they quarry these raw materials? Do the tunnels exist as an answer to the secrets of this complex network of civilization and tradition? And can we find them? Join veteran divers John Chatterton and Richie Kohler as they investigate this underwater mystery. TVPG VL | CC

We join the Vandals as they infiltrate the Roman borders in northern Gaul, and sweep into Spain, burning and pillaging everything in their path. This ragged, homeless tribe launches the largest ever sea-borne movement of the barbarian peoples making their name synonymous with lawless destruction, looting and terror. As their great leader, Gaiseric, and his blood-thirsty son, Huneric ravage North Africa, and eventually Rome, itself, we see them face the crushing military of the Roman Empire, the devious trickery of Roman General Aetius, and the devout beliefs of the Holy Roman Church. TVPG VL | CC

In 1961, lifelong gambler Manny Kimmel, a "connected" New York businessman, read an article by MIT math professor Ed Thorp claiming that anyone could make a fortune at blackjack by using math theory to count cards. The mob-connected sharpie offered the young professor a deal: he would put up the money, if Thorp would put his theory to action and card-count their way to millions. From Thorp's initial research to the partnership's explosive effect on the blackjack landscape, this episode boasts fascinating facts about the game's history, colorful interviews (including with Thorp), and archival footage that evokes the timeless allure and excitement of the thriving casinos in the early `60s. TVPG VL | CC

Keith Taft was the last person you'd imagine as a Vegas cheat--a deeply religious Baptist, director of church choirs, and family man. But in fact, a serendipitous visit to a Reno casino transformed Taft into a "mad scientist" obsessed with beating blackjack, who even enlisted his children as accomplices. A creative gadget genius, Taft built everything from LED eyeglasses to handheld lasers that could mark cards from 15 feet away. Join us for a riotous ride with one of the unlikeliest of casino cheats in the driver's seat as we reveal the raucous trials, outrageous close calls, exhilarating triumphs, and tumultuous ups and downs of this odd clan of Vegas cheats. TVPG VL | CC

Travel with the Saxon pirates as they ravage the British coast. In an orgy of pagan worship, the early Saxon leaders sweep across Britain, facing the Christians and their barbarian brothers in a bloody rivalry for power and land. After witnessing the slaughter of his entire family, Saxon prince, Edwin, flees across Britain, until he's strong enough to face down his arch-enemy, Aethelfrith, to become one of the greatest kings of his tribe. His power and fame are unparalleled until the young king, Alfred, defends his people against the Viking invaders, uniting his land, and defining what it means to be English. TVPG VL | CC

An innovative and comprehensive look at the history of Ancient Egypt, from the pre-dynastic through to the late dynasties. This episode looks at how Egypt was founded. King Narmer claimed it was warfare. We discover that peace and collaboration were at least as important as the big battle that united Upper and Lower Egypt. Both war and peaceful collaboration laid the foundations for the Egyptian success story lasting more than 3000 years. TVPG VL | CC

In this hour of our innovative and comprehensive look at the history of Ancient Egypt, we ask how Egypt maintained its relative independence for 3000 years. We answer this through Thutmosis III. He conquers more land than any other pharaoh. Yet ultimately he has no interest in establishing an expanding empire abroad. Like all pharaohs he is guided by the wish to establish peace and stability at home and secure the borders through forward defense. The pursuit of peace remains a key part of Egypt's success story. TVPG VL | CC

We experience the birth of a barbarian empire in the Franks, as Merovius, a legendary leader said to be half-man, half-monster descends upon Gaul, setting the stage for his sons' conquest over both Roman and Visigoth armies. His grandson, Clovis, will relinquish his fierce pagan ways only when it seems that the Christian god grants him greater victory in battle. It is Clovis who leads his people to conquest over France, and builds the bridge between barbarian and statesman that the future king, Charlemagne finally embodies. TVPG VL | CC

For centuries, humans have ventured in to the wild in search of adventure, discovery, and sometimes enlightenment. We take a hair-raising journey with two explorers who dare to be the first to dive into the icy caves of Antarctica's glaciers--discovering new forms of life and new familiarity with their own mortality. Three Mexican fishermen tell their incredible story of survival, adrift for nine months on the Pacific without food or water in a tiny open-top boat. And we meet Sarah, a teenage girl with an astonishing ability to communicate with wild animals. TVPG VL | CC

Our fascination with death is universal, but around the world we deal with it in wildly different ways--from the burning corpses that fill the Ganges in India, to the macabre exhibitions of "plastinated" bodies created by German anatomist Gunther von Hagens. In Toraja, Indonesia, dead relatives stay in the house for years, and are worshiped as shrines, and offered food and drink. And in Mexico, witness the ancient Toltec ritual of being buried alive for a night--one that's enjoying a revival as a new-age quest for enlightenment. TVPG VL | CC

Explore the primal pagan rites of the Lombard's, as they fight for land and for a barbarian bride. We travel with the brutal Lombard leader, Alboin, as he breaks through the Roman defenses in Italy, and forces his captured wife to drink from her murdered father's skull. The skilled Lombard king Liutprand will face both Roman and Frankish attacks, as he vies for supremacy on the crowded peninsula. He will create laws, linking bloody barbarian rites with ancient Roman justice and establishing a new culture in the former center of the fallen Roman Empire that will last for centuries. TVPG VL | CC

Many scientists now believe that a "killer asteroid" wiped out the dinosaurs and 70% of all living things 160-million years ago. How likely is it that a similar event can occur again? In this episode, we explore the catastrophic effects of a 2-kilometer-long asteroid hitting just off the coast of Los Angeles. Using the Chicxulub asteroid impact of 160-million years ago (the one that killed off the dinosaurs), we watch--moment by moment--as the blast annihilates not just Los Angeles, but communities within 100 miles of the coast. A firestorm consumes much of southern California and tsunamis wreak havoc up and down the entire western US coast. The resultant dust cloud covers much of the Midwest, devastating crops for at least a year. Millions of people die from the direct effects of the impact, and millions suffer a famine the likes of which the world has never seen. The good news is that technology has given us the tools to--perhaps--avert such a disaster. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

13,000 years ago, a large comet exploded over eastern Canada unleashing a mass of burning fragments that ignited a mega storm of fire spreading for thousands of miles. Nearly every living thing on the North American continent was destroyed, including an ancient civilization known as the Clovis. 3-D computer animations will recreate this storm and offer an idea of the level of destruction a similar comet explosion would cause today. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

The gladiators of ancient Rome were the ultimate fighting machines. They waged bloody battles to the death for the entertainment of the masses--and to earn their freedom. From the depths of the vicious and magnificent Flavian amphitheater, to the buried brothel where they lived their last days, these are the secret lives of Rome's famed slave warriors. Peel back the layers to uncover the origin of these fierce fighters, as host Don Wildman heads into ancient crypts, subterranean chambers used for pagan worship, and to the school that taught the gladiators how survive... and how to kill. TVPG VL | CC

A mysterious, stark terrain, 90 miles north of Las Vegas, goes by many names: The Box, Paradise Ranch, Groom Lake, Watertown Strip, and Dreamland. But most refer to the region as Area 51. Since the late 1950s, an array of UFO sightings has been reported above its skies. In 1989, revelations of Las Vegas resident Bob Lazar brought Area 51 to national attention. Lazar claimed to possess amazing inside information, but he wasn't the first to state that something strange was going on. Those who discount Lazar's theories think the government kept its activities from the general public for a more plausible reason. The base, built at the Cold War's height, housed testing of cutting-edge aviation technology. The cloak of secrecy was to keep the Soviet Union in the dark, not the American public, and experts expostulate that the government perpetuated these theories to disguise its real activities. TVPG VL | CC

What came down in the forest outside the sleepy hamlet of Kecksburg, Pennsylvania on December 9, 1965? Some residents claimed to see an acorn-shaped metal object with strange, hieroglyphic writing on its side, half-buried on the forest floor. Astronomer Von Del Chamberlain wrote that the Kecksburg object was a meteorite. NASA consultant James Oberg theorized that it was a failed Russian probe, but now also thinks it was probably a meteorite. Often called the "Pennsylvania Roswell" in UFO circles, the debate raged until, in late December 2003, NASA finally released 39 pages of material and the Air Force released 2,800 pages on the case from its files. The only thing the government documents conclusively prove is that the object was not a Russian probe. But for UFO enthusiasts and researchers, many questions remain unanswered. TVPG VL | CC

At the height of its power the Russian Empire stretched across 15 times zones, incorporated nearly 160 different ethnicities, and made up one sixth of the entire world's landmass. What started as a few small principalities was shaped into an indomitable world power by the sheer force of its leaders. However, building the infrastructure of this empire came at an enormous price. As Russia entered the 20th century, her expansion reached critical mass as her rulers pushed progress at an unsustainable pace and her population reacted in a revolution that changed history. From the Moscow Kremlin, to the building of St. Petersburg, we will examine the architecture and infrastructure that enabled the rise and fall of the Russian Empire. TVPG VL | CC

Known as "the Mind of the Renaissance", this amazing artist, scientist, and inventor envisioned flying machines, submarines, parachutes, armored cars, and multi-barreled guns centuries before their time. His mysterious painting the Mona Lisa still moves us and his fresco The Last Supper remains an icon of faith. His secretly recorded dissection of human bodies that brought accusations of consorting with Satan led to the early understandings of human anatomy. Against a backdrop of 15th-century Italian opulence, intrigue, and corruption, he navigated through the glittering palaces of merchant princes. The bastard son of a notary in the town of Vinci, Leonardo couldn't even take his father's name, but sensed that he must develop a way to overcome the limitations of illegitimacy. And so a code emerged, a pattern of decision-making that evolved throughout his life, enabling him to become the greatest of men in a time of great men--a mind above all others. TVPG VL | CC

The sin of anger is the sin that kills. The prophet Moses was prone to fits of rage. The mythic warriors of Sparta meditated in order to banish the sin of anger before a battle. Italian writer Dante placed those that committed the sin of anger in the "Fourth Circle of Hell," tearing each other limb from limb for eternity. Those who study demonology claim the sin of anger is really the possession of the body by the demon Ammon. Today, neuroscientists believe they've found the emotion of anger in the "amygdala." So, is the sin of anger demonic or chemical? TVPG VL | CC

The sin of greed is condemned in the Bible by the Tenth Commandment: "Thou Shalt Not Covet." While vilified from the time of Moses to the modern bankers' bailouts, the sin of greed has created vast empires and doomed them as well. Wise men from the philosopher Aristotle to Jesus have railed against this vice, but the 18th Century economist Adam Smith theorized that capitalism itself was based on the sin of greed. Today, many question the sin... has greed become good? TVPG VL | CC

Americans hit the car wash 2 million times a day--at a cost of $25 billion dollars a year. From tunnel systems to in-bay automatics, we'll go beyond the suds to see how car washes are built to clean. We'll get wet inside the largest car wash in the U.S.--a seven acre mega facility complete with a dog wash, chapel, and barber shop. We'll head to a car wash manufacturer where electric eyes are trained, auto conveyers are built, and mega vacuums suck up bowling balls. We'll learn some tips on how to clean our cars at home. Watch as we plaster a $160,000 Porsche with tar, glue, egg, bird droppings, and a bucket full of sludge... and then challenge a detailer to get it off. Cleaning radioactive waste from a train? No problem, if you go to the Energy Solutions rail car wash. Then, it's off to see how car manufacturers design and build vehicles to survive the car wash. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

They crunch; they ooze; they crackle; they pop--mmmmm, yeah! Soft drinks, donuts, meat snacks, popcorn, and gum. What's your weakness? From the handmade treats of the earliest civilizations to hi-tech mass production, these snacks are borne of man's need to feed his cravings. Join us for an hour-long tasty treat as we examine the history of snackfoods and check out how they are made today. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

Since the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, the United States has stamped, carved, cut, built and assembled its way into becoming the super power of product production. However, in the last 20 years, the "Made in America" tag began to fade, as the manufacturing landscape of industry went overseas. So what is still Made in the USA? Visit the world's biggest and oldest flag manufacturer, which has made some of the most famous flags in history. Go inside the factories that produce the last athletic shoe made in the US. See the strangest form of alternate transportation known to man--completely assembled in 30 minutes. Check out a hot toy company that believes it's imperative to keep their work here at home. Top it all off with some great food--some American success stories that may seem foreign at first glance. It's not just a label. It's a proud and important tradition. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

Egypt's belief in the afterlife could be part of its long term success. How could a society apparently obsessed with death survive for so long? We discover that Egypt's specific belief in the afterlife was essential to the longevity of her civilization. The Egyptians liked their life so much; they wanted it to continue after their demise. Egypt's belief in the afterlife provided focus for the population for more than 3000 years. TVPG VL | CC

The marauding mercenary of English folklore is one of history's best-known tales, and the legend of Robin Hood is the inspiration for more movies, radio and TV programs than any other folk hero. But the image of a hero in tights and a feathered cap is a somewhat recent addition to the myth. In reality, Robin Hood is a composite of several historical figures whose exploits date back to the age of the Crusades. In the film Robin Hood, starring Russell Crowe, director Ridley Scott's production is based on the most solid and recent historical research into the character and promises a startlingly fresh interpretation of Robin Hood for a new generation. This special will distinguish between historical evidence and Hollywood fiction, and seek to create a realistic portrait of the mythical hero. Includes clips from the film as well as interviews with director Scott, principal Robin Hood cast members and renowned historians. TVPG VL | CC

Geologist and adventurer Scott Wolter explores a government-restricted site, and makes a startling discovery connecting the ancient Mayans with rural Georgia. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

In the late 1500s, years before Jamestown, the English sought to create their first settlement in America at Roanoke. A party of 119 colonists came over and settled but ultimately vanished. The fate of the Lost Colony of Roanoke has eluded archaeologists, historians and North Carolina locals, but as forensic geologist Scott Wolter discovers, a series of 48 stone clues that have been largely ignored and considered frauds may in fact hold the answer to America's oldest cold case. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

These giant mountain-sized boulders from space have wrought death and destruction throughout the millennia but until recently geologists could find no evidence that they had actually struck the earth. Follow the remarkable detective story that begins at Meteor Crater in Arizona as mining engineers desperately try to unearth the billion dollar iron boulder they thought was lying there. It's a detective story that also uncovers immense riches; the world's biggest nickel deposit in Sudbury, Canada, vast oil reserves in the Gulf of Mexico and a gold mine in South Africa--all the result of asteroid impacts. Evidence is also unearthed of violent impacts that decimated some of the first people to live in America. What clues do asteroids, and their smaller cousins, meteorites, hold in the formation of the early Earth and perhaps life itself? TVPG VL | CC Show Site

It sounds like a Hollywood blockbuster: a deadly asteroid is on a collision course with Earth. But in reality, it's only a matter of time before a giant space rock threatens to wipe out civilization. An asteroid took out the dinosaurs sixty-five million years ago. Are we next? This episode analyzes the threat and explores the many ways--from a nuclear bomb to ingenious new technology--that experts are proposing to stop Armageddon. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

It's been said that our universe is a cosmic shooting gallery. Gravity is moving everything around and things are bound to collide. Astronomers are attempting to understand how these collisions occur in the dark recesses of space. Learn about collisional families, which are clusters of comets and asteroids; planetary collisions; mass extinction impacts involving asteroids and comets; stars collisions; and galaxy cluster collisions. Cutting-edge computer graphics are used to bring this series down to earth as the heavens yield their greatest secrets. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

Legends of a terrifying monster lurking in the back hills of Kentucky date back to the days of frontiersman Daniel Boone, but encounters with this mystery beast are increasing. Witnesses report alleged attacks by the creature and the sounds of ferocious screams from the wilderness. New photographic evidence may hold the key to uncovering the mystery. The MonsterQuest team goes on location to analyze the evidence, and heads deep into the dark forests, where they have their own frightening encounter. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

Are sacred places the product of man's reverence for God--or the result of contact with ancient space travelers? Jerusalem's Temple Mount has been called a heavenly gateway. Islam's shrine at Mecca displays a Black Stone believed to have fallen from heaven. And the temple at Baalbek, Lebanon was built on a massive stone structure resembling a landing pad. Did man encounter divine beings at these holy places, or might they have met ancient extraterrestrials? TVPG VL | CC Show Site

There are numerous historical, religious and mythic accounts of ancient civilizations being wiped out by volcanoes, earthquakes, floods, and meteors. Did god, or nature bring about such disasters? Or is it possible that celestial beings had a hand in the ancient world's catastrophic disasters? TVPG VL | CC Show Site

The Bermuda Triangle, a 500,000 square mile area in the Atlantic is the world's greatest unexplained mystery. Ships and planes simply disappear without a trace. The MysteryQuest team takes one of the few survivors of a Triangle encounter on a flight through it to try to determine what could be disorienting pilots. The expedition team dives in the waters of the Bahamas to try to locate the first wreckage of an aircraft lost in a Triangle disappearance. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

According the official public record, Adolf Hitler committed suicide in his underground bunker as allied troops stormed Berlin at the end of World War II. But no one actually saw him die. No body was ever produced. No photographs were ever taken. Some believe Hitler managed to escape, and for years there were sightings of the former dictator in many parts of the world. Then, in the 1990s the Russians revealed secret evidence taken from Hitler's bunker decades earlier that they said proved he had died there. Among the evidence is a piece of skull. MysteryQuest obtained access to this evidence for testing and the results are startling. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

On the remote archipelago of Svalbard, just 800 miles from the North Pole, a team of paleontologists from the University of Oslo Natural History Museum, have made a remarkable discovery. Buried beneath the icy landscape of the Arctic are the fossilized remains of a huge creature from the distant past. This is the story of a major discovery--what appears to be an entirely new species--of a massive and powerful predator. The scientific team must excavate it, determine its significance and try to rebuild it to see what it was like, as they discover the astounding power of which this creature was capable. Follow the expedition every step of the way, from painstaking field research to the astonishing find of the amazing dinosaur-age creature. The special delves deep into this terrifying ancient mystery, uncovering what is one of the most amazing underwater finds in modern history. TVPG VL | CC

Keith Taft was the last person you'd imagine as a Vegas cheat--a deeply religious Baptist, director of church choirs, and family man. But in fact, a serendipitous visit to a Reno casino transformed Taft into a "mad scientist" obsessed with beating blackjack, who even enlisted his children as accomplices. A creative gadget genius, Taft built everything from LED eyeglasses to handheld lasers that could mark cards from 15 feet away. Join us for a riotous ride with one of the unlikeliest of casino cheats in the driver's seat as we reveal the raucous trials, outrageous close calls, exhilarating triumphs, and tumultuous ups and downs of this odd clan of Vegas cheats. TVPG VL | CC

The most used room in the home is the bathroom and it's full of tech. Visit Kohler and see the new digitally controlled uber-shower, complete with steam, music and LED chromatherapy. Check out American Standard's Champion 4--the supposedly "uncloggable" toilet. Learn all about the low-flow alternatives for showers and toilets. Finally, what is New York City's latest hi-tech solution for going on the go? TVPG VL | CC Show Site

Americans hit the car wash 2 million times a day--at a cost of $25 billion dollars a year. From tunnel systems to in-bay automatics, we'll go beyond the suds to see how car washes are built to clean. We'll get wet inside the largest car wash in the U.S.--a seven acre mega facility complete with a dog wash, chapel, and barber shop. We'll head to a car wash manufacturer where electric eyes are trained, auto conveyers are built, and mega vacuums suck up bowling balls. We'll learn some tips on how to clean our cars at home. Watch as we plaster a $160,000 Porsche with tar, glue, egg, bird droppings, and a bucket full of sludge... and then challenge a detailer to get it off. Cleaning radioactive waste from a train? No problem, if you go to the Energy Solutions rail car wash. Then, it's off to see how car manufacturers design and build vehicles to survive the car wash. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

In this hour of our innovative and comprehensive look at the history of Ancient Egypt, we ask how Egypt maintained its relative independence for 3000 years. We answer this through Thutmosis III. He conquers more land than any other pharaoh. Yet ultimately he has no interest in establishing an expanding empire abroad. Like all pharaohs he is guided by the wish to establish peace and stability at home and secure the borders through forward defense. The pursuit of peace remains a key part of Egypt's success story. TVPG VL | CC

To what degree was Egyptian cult part of Egypt's success story? Through Akhenaten's ill fated revolution we discover just how powerful Egypt's religious tradition really was. Egyptian cult prevails even when threatened by the pharaohs. The cult was the backbone of the country's civilization; it was seen as the guarantor of the worldly order, and thereby helped to maintain inner peace and stability. TVPG VL | CC

Egypt's belief in the afterlife could be part of its long term success. How could a society apparently obsessed with death survive for so long? We discover that Egypt's specific belief in the afterlife was essential to the longevity of her civilization. The Egyptians liked their life so much; they wanted it to continue after their demise. Egypt's belief in the afterlife provided focus for the population for more than 3000 years. TVPG VL | CC

Our fascination with death is universal, but around the world we deal with it in wildly different ways--from the burning corpses that fill the Ganges in India, to the macabre exhibitions of "plastinated" bodies created by German anatomist Gunther von Hagens. In Toraja, Indonesia, dead relatives stay in the house for years, and are worshiped as shrines, and offered food and drink. And in Mexico, witness the ancient Toltec ritual of being buried alive for a night--one that's enjoying a revival as a new-age quest for enlightenment. TVPG VL | CC

After Custer, Thermopylae is the most famous last stand in history. In a narrow pass in Northern Greece, seven thousand Greek soldiers await an onslaught of epic proportions. They will soon face the largest fighting force ever assembled--the war machine of the mighty Persian Empire, estimated at over a million men. The Greeks are led by three hundred of the most ferocious warriors of the ancient world--the Spartans. Their leader is the fearless King Leonidas, who after this battle would be catapulted into legend. When it is over, every Spartan in the pass will have sacrificed his life for freedom. Creating a fresh visual style and using new technologies we will dramatically recreate the significant events that lead to Thermopylae and the clash of arms. TVPG VL | CC

13,000 years ago, a large comet exploded over eastern Canada unleashing a mass of burning fragments that ignited a mega storm of fire spreading for thousands of miles. Nearly every living thing on the North American continent was destroyed, including an ancient civilization known as the Clovis. 3-D computer animations will recreate this storm and offer an idea of the level of destruction a similar comet explosion would cause today. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

The cause of the Biblical Great Flood may have been a massive three-mile wide comet that crashed in the Indian Ocean, 4,800 years ago. It is believed to have decimated over 60% of Earth's population. A similar comet, crashing into the Pacific Ocean near San Francisco, could cause millions of casualties followed by a lethal mega tsunami, earthquake, torrential rains and a nuclear winter. Is the next massive impact just around the corner? TVPG VL | CC Show Site

These giant mountain-sized boulders from space have wrought death and destruction throughout the millennia but until recently geologists could find no evidence that they had actually struck the earth. Follow the remarkable detective story that begins at Meteor Crater in Arizona as mining engineers desperately try to unearth the billion dollar iron boulder they thought was lying there. It's a detective story that also uncovers immense riches; the world's biggest nickel deposit in Sudbury, Canada, vast oil reserves in the Gulf of Mexico and a gold mine in South Africa--all the result of asteroid impacts. Evidence is also unearthed of violent impacts that decimated some of the first people to live in America. What clues do asteroids, and their smaller cousins, meteorites, hold in the formation of the early Earth and perhaps life itself? TVPG VL | CC Show Site

What came down in the forest outside the sleepy hamlet of Kecksburg, Pennsylvania on December 9, 1965? Some residents claimed to see an acorn-shaped metal object with strange, hieroglyphic writing on its side, half-buried on the forest floor. Astronomer Von Del Chamberlain wrote that the Kecksburg object was a meteorite. NASA consultant James Oberg theorized that it was a failed Russian probe, but now also thinks it was probably a meteorite. Often called the "Pennsylvania Roswell" in UFO circles, the debate raged until, in late December 2003, NASA finally released 39 pages of material and the Air Force released 2,800 pages on the case from its files. The only thing the government documents conclusively prove is that the object was not a Russian probe. But for UFO enthusiasts and researchers, many questions remain unanswered. TVPG VL | CC

Visit one of the most haunted houses in America, the Lizzie Borden house, scene of the famous 19th century double murder. Watch as paranormal expert's record bizarre goings on in this house with eight cameras rolling, including the highest resolution infrared camera ever used in a paranormal investigation. Will science and technology finally prove the existence of ghosts? TVPG VL | CC Show Site

Legends of a terrifying monster lurking in the back hills of Kentucky date back to the days of frontiersman Daniel Boone, but encounters with this mystery beast are increasing. Witnesses report alleged attacks by the creature and the sounds of ferocious screams from the wilderness. New photographic evidence may hold the key to uncovering the mystery. The MonsterQuest team goes on location to analyze the evidence, and heads deep into the dark forests, where they have their own frightening encounter. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

Genghis Khan--the bloodiest warlord in history--sweeps south from Mongolia into China and creates a mighty empire. He leaves 40 million dead bodies in his wake. But a greater killer stalks Mankind--the Plague. Traveling along Mongol trade routes, the disease wreaks havoc in Asia and Europe--the greatest biological disaster in history. But the Americas are unaffected. Here, civilizations flourish in isolation. Gold from Africa kickstarts the rebirth of Europe. Money flows into Venice--creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs willing to take risks. In China, a new weapon--the gun--allows a peasant uprising to unify the country. Chinese innovations inspire Europe--leading to the printing press. Millions of books are printed. One of them will inspire a journey to the New World. America beckons. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

Man uses plants to feed, heal and clothe himself, to build his world and even to alter how he feels. The use of plants like corn, tobacco and cotton become such an important part of our lives that they play a central role in our evolution, and lead to everything from War to Prohibition. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

Was Albert Einstein a genius? Or was he superhuman? Was his genius "of this world," or was it "otherworldly?" Is it possible, as Ancient Astronaut theorists believe, of an extraterrestrial connection to the scientific genius of famous historical figures such as Albert Einstein, Galileo, Archimedes, and Aristotle? TVPG VL | CC Show Site

Why were ancient civilizations around the world so focused on the Orion constellation? While scientists site many earthly connections, researchers suggest this point in the night sky may have been a so-called Stargate, or entry point, for alien life forms. If extraterrestrials have been visiting Earth for thousands of years, might they have originated from the Orion Nebula? TVPG VL | CC Show Site

Since the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, the United States has stamped, carved, cut, built and assembled its way into becoming the super power of product production. However, in the last 20 years, the "Made in America" tag began to fade, as the manufacturing landscape of industry went overseas. So what is still Made in the USA? Visit the world's biggest and oldest flag manufacturer, which has made some of the most famous flags in history. Go inside the factories that produce the last athletic shoe made in the US. See the strangest form of alternate transportation known to man--completely assembled in 30 minutes. Check out a hot toy company that believes it's imperative to keep their work here at home. Top it all off with some great food--some American success stories that may seem foreign at first glance. It's not just a label. It's a proud and important tradition. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

Shoes have come a long way from their humble beginnings as simple leather moccasins. Today footwear is built to withstand any extreme environment where a foot can tread -- from the heart of a burning building to the track of an Olympic stadium. From high-tech soles to shoelaces, cowboy boots to sneaker design -- step behind the scenes with the products that keep your feet covered. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

160 million Americans visit a convenience store every day. Why? Because it's fast. But what you probably didn't know is how every detail of its design has been engineered to work that way. Step inside one of the busiest 7-11's in America and find out what makes it tick. And go behind the scenes to see how favorite innovations--like slurpees, turbo ovens, and beef jerky--are made. The science of convenience will amaze you! TVPG VL | CC Show Site

Did a number of explorers discover the New World long before Christopher Columbus staked his claim in 1492? No less than a dozen cultures have tales of these adventurers woven into their histories, but they are noticeably absent in American history books. This documentary explores the possibility that the Chinese, Japanese, Polynesians, Norse, Welsh, Irish, Ancient Hebrews and the Solutreans all made it to the Americas earlier than Columbus. Rebuild the ships, trace the routes, test the artifacts and analyze blood evidence to finally learn the answer to one of the greatest mysteries of all time--who really discovered America? TVPG VL | CC

In the late 1500s, years before Jamestown, the English sought to create their first settlement in America at Roanoke. A party of 119 colonists came over and settled but ultimately vanished. The fate of the Lost Colony of Roanoke has eluded archaeologists, historians and North Carolina locals, but as forensic geologist Scott Wolter discovers, a series of 48 stone clues that have been largely ignored and considered frauds may in fact hold the answer to America's oldest cold case. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

Scott Wolter investigates the mysterious disappearance of vast amounts of copper from Lake Superior. Through scientific testing a connection is made to a pre-historic civilization and the Bronze Age. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

Geologist Scott Wolter visits a Minnesota farmer who wants to investigate the possible existence of bones from a giant he unearthed in his yard. The bones raise the question of whether Vikings could have traveled all the way to America. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

It's been said that our universe is a cosmic shooting gallery. Gravity is moving everything around and things are bound to collide. Astronomers are attempting to understand how these collisions occur in the dark recesses of space. Learn about collisional families, which are clusters of comets and asteroids; planetary collisions; mass extinction impacts involving asteroids and comets; stars collisions; and galaxy cluster collisions. Cutting-edge computer graphics are used to bring this series down to earth as the heavens yield their greatest secrets. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

Asteroids, comets, gamma ray bursts and the sun all combine to make the Earth a dangerous place to live. NASA's top brass and other scientists are arming themselves with the latest technology to pre-empt an apocalyptic attack. Watch and investigate bizarre, and terrifying apocalyptic scenarios and the ways that scientists are racing against the clock to develop technology to defend our planet. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

What are the latest discoveries in the deadly world of asteroids? Will a recently returned Japanese spacecraft become the first to bring an asteroid sample back to our planet? What would happen to America's East Coast if the massive asteroid impact that helped form Chesapeake Bay 35 million years ago struck today? And why did President Barack Obama choose an asteroid as the destination for the next great manned mission into space? Learning about these huge space rocks isn't just about science, it's about survival. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

There are numerous historical, religious and mythic accounts of ancient civilizations being wiped out by volcanoes, earthquakes, floods, and meteors. Did god, or nature bring about such disasters? Or is it possible that celestial beings had a hand in the ancient world's catastrophic disasters? TVPG VL | CC Show Site

What is the meaning behind secret messages found throughout Washington, D.C.? Did America's Founding Fathers know something about ancient aliens that the general public did not? And if so, could this knowledge have been incorporated into the symbols, architecture, and even the founding documents of the United States of America? TVPG VL | CC Show Site

Erich von Daniken's landmark book, Chariots of the Gods, brought attention to the mysterious phenomena of the Nazca Lines. Hundreds of gigantic lines, some in the shape of animals, geometric patterns and even an alien-like being, extend for miles throughout a remote Peruvian desert. Scholars are divided as to who built them, and why. Some Ancient Astronaut theorists believe that the massive markings have an extraterrestrial connection, and perhaps the ancient people of the region created these gigantic figures in tribute to the gods who visited them. And with one of the largest deposits of nitrates in the world--a key ingredient in rocket fuel and weaponry--could Nazca have been a mining operation for advanced beings in the distant past? TVPG VL | CC Show Site

Scott Wolter investigates a burial site in the mountains of Arizona, only to discover it may belong to a medieval Englishman. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

Genghis Khan--the bloodiest warlord in history--sweeps south from Mongolia into China and creates a mighty empire. He leaves 40 million dead bodies in his wake. But a greater killer stalks Mankind--the Plague. Traveling along Mongol trade routes, the disease wreaks havoc in Asia and Europe--the greatest biological disaster in history. But the Americas are unaffected. Here, civilizations flourish in isolation. Gold from Africa kickstarts the rebirth of Europe. Money flows into Venice--creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs willing to take risks. In China, a new weapon--the gun--allows a peasant uprising to unify the country. Chinese innovations inspire Europe--leading to the printing press. Millions of books are printed. One of them will inspire a journey to the New World. America beckons. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

Man uses plants to feed, heal and clothe himself, to build his world and even to alter how he feels. The use of plants like corn, tobacco and cotton become such an important part of our lives that they play a central role in our evolution, and lead to everything from War to Prohibition. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

If ancient aliens visited Earth, can evidence of their existence be found in the mysterious structures that still stand throughout the world? Inexplicably, megalithic structures found on different continents are strikingly similar, and the cutting and moving of the massive stones used to build these magnificent feats would be a struggle for modern day machinery, let alone ancient man. Ancient astronaut theorists suggest that the standing stones in Carnac, France were used as an ancient GPS system for ancient flying machines. The recently discovered Gobekli Tepe in Turkey, which has been dated back 12,000 years, has finely chiseled pillars that experts describe as a Noah's Ark in stone. Is it possible that extraterrestrials assisted primitive man in constructing these unexplained structures? If so, what was the purpose of these grand projects? TVPG VL | CC Show Site

Was Albert Einstein a genius? Or was he superhuman? Was his genius "of this world," or was it "otherworldly?" Is it possible, as Ancient Astronaut theorists believe, of an extraterrestrial connection to the scientific genius of famous historical figures such as Albert Einstein, Galileo, Archimedes, and Aristotle? TVPG VL | CC Show Site

Why were ancient civilizations around the world so focused on the Orion constellation? While scientists site many earthly connections, researchers suggest this point in the night sky may have been a so-called Stargate, or entry point, for alien life forms. If extraterrestrials have been visiting Earth for thousands of years, might they have originated from the Orion Nebula? TVPG VL | CC Show Site

Rummage around in your garage. You'll likely find remnants of gadgets past--a typewriter, analog TV, LPs, film cameras and brick-sized mobile phones. These products served us well and we remember each one with nostalgic fondness. We'll take a trip down memory lane to examine how these oldies-but-goodies worked and find out how more advanced tech superseded them. At the Palm Corporation in Sunnyvale, California, we'll follow the evolution of hand-held tech. At the Houston Chronicle, we'll learn how the print edition of a major American newspaper coexists with its online edition. A car aficionado will compare what's under the hoods of a classic 1968 Shelby Mustang and a spiffy 2009 model. We'll witness a vinyl resurgence at Rainbo Records in Canoga Park, California. A TV expert from Best Buy, a typewriter collector and a futurist forecast what might fall by the wayside next. And when it does, we'll find out how to safely recycle that outdated equipment. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

Shoes have come a long way from their humble beginnings as simple leather moccasins. Today footwear is built to withstand any extreme environment where a foot can tread -- from the heart of a burning building to the track of an Olympic stadium. From high-tech soles to shoelaces, cowboy boots to sneaker design -- step behind the scenes with the products that keep your feet covered. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

160 million Americans visit a convenience store every day. Why? Because it's fast. But what you probably didn't know is how every detail of its design has been engineered to work that way. Step inside one of the busiest 7-11's in America and find out what makes it tick. And go behind the scenes to see how favorite innovations--like slurpees, turbo ovens, and beef jerky--are made. The science of convenience will amaze you! TVPG VL | CC Show Site

Did a number of explorers discover the New World long before Christopher Columbus staked his claim in 1492? No less than a dozen cultures have tales of these adventurers woven into their histories, but they are noticeably absent in American history books. This documentary explores the possibility that the Chinese, Japanese, Polynesians, Norse, Welsh, Irish, Ancient Hebrews and the Solutreans all made it to the Americas earlier than Columbus. Rebuild the ships, trace the routes, test the artifacts and analyze blood evidence to finally learn the answer to one of the greatest mysteries of all time--who really discovered America? TVPG VL | CC

Haven, graveyard, legend and lore. History was made and lies buried on Pirate Island -- the coral ringed Isle Saint Marie off the coast of Madagascar that sheltered the world's most ruthless 18th century pirates. This real "Treasure Island" was home for pirates like Captain Kidd, who continue to capture our modern day imagination, and sailed from this very real place in history. This two-hour special voyages with underwater explorer Barry Clifford as he dives for treasure on sunken pirate ships and reveals secrets on land of hidden pirate tunnels, forbidden graveyards and mysterious symbols. Interlaced with reenactments of the pirates' lives and exploits in the busy shipping lanes of the Indian Ocean, Pirate Island offers a wealth of modern-day adventure. TVPG VL | CC

Asteroids, comets, gamma ray bursts and the sun all combine to make the Earth a dangerous place to live. NASA's top brass and other scientists are arming themselves with the latest technology to pre-empt an apocalyptic attack. Watch and investigate bizarre, and terrifying apocalyptic scenarios and the ways that scientists are racing against the clock to develop technology to defend our planet. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

What are the latest discoveries in the deadly world of asteroids? Will a recently returned Japanese spacecraft become the first to bring an asteroid sample back to our planet? What would happen to America's East Coast if the massive asteroid impact that helped form Chesapeake Bay 35 million years ago struck today? And why did President Barack Obama choose an asteroid as the destination for the next great manned mission into space? Learning about these huge space rocks isn't just about science, it's about survival. TVPG VL | CC Show Site

Comets--these celestial travelers have forever filled us with fear and wonder. Lurking in the furthest reaches of our solar system, they come close to Earth as they orbit our Sun. Could something as destructive as comets hold the key to life? Are the building blocks of carbon-based life forms frozen inside? Might they contain information about the creation of our solar system? At the conclusion of two spectacular NASA missions that sent spaceships to rendezvous with these mysterious objects, we examine the scientific and historical record of comets, including man's reaction to them. Did a comet lead the Wise Men to Bethlehem? Did they foretell the death of kings, the destruction of civilizations? How did Halley's Comet provide Isaac Newton with the clues for his theories of gravity? Finally, what comprises this "dirty snowball" and how can we protect ourselves if headed on a collision-course with one? TVPG VL | CC