Ancient Invisible Cities

Ancient Invisible Cities is an enthralling three-part documentary series that first aired on PBS in 2018. It is a unique blend of history, technology, and exploration, which effortlessly ties together elements of archaeology, architecture, and computing. The series focuses on a fresh and innovative way of exploring some of the most legendary cities on Earth, revealing their historical mysteries, architectural wonders, and hidden secrets that lie beneath the modern urban environment.

The series is presented by historian and archaeologist, Dr Michael Scott, who is recognized for his ability to bring history alive to the audience. With his enthusiastic delivery and sheer passion for ancient history, Dr. Scott leads the audience on a journey that explores the fascinating pasts of Cairo, Athens, and Istanbul. These iconic cities, all rich in history and culture, become the avatar for the civilizations that have come and gone over thousands of years.

In each episode, Dr. Scott is joined by an expert team of geophysicists and 3D laser-scanning technologists. With their help, he dives deep into the heart of the cities, delving beneath the busy streets and exploring kilometers underground into uncharted territories. Through the magic of technology, audiences get the privilege of virtually entering places that are not only challenging to access but have also been invisible to the naked eye for centuries.

What marks "Ancient Invisible Cities" out from many other historical documentaries is its extensive use of cutting-edge technology. Sized cities are digitally scanned, creating a detailed 3D structure. This 3D imaging enables the team to examine the cities' meticulous details, revealing hidden underground structures and undiscovered parts, making invisible cities visible.

In Cairo, the first episode, the audience is taken on a thrilling journey into Egypt’s ancient past, where shadows of this ancient civilization still loom in the present city. By using advanced laser-scanning technology, the crew uncovers fascinating insights about the Great Pyramid of Giza, explores hidden areas within Egypt's oldest and most precise pyramid, the “Bent Pyramid,” and delves in the catacombs beneath the bustling streets of Cairo to reveal the city's fascinating history.

In the second episode, the series heads to Greece, home to one of the world’s oldest cities, Athens, with history dating back to 3000 BC. Here, Dr. Scott traverses the city streets, exploring its rich history, from ancient theatres and the iconic Parthenon to the mysterious catacombs buried beneath the city. Expert scanning gives an entirely fresh perspective on these ancient monuments, illuminating their construction, history, and incredible engineering feats.

The series finale takes the viewers to Istanbul, a city straddling two continents infused with a rich history and culture shaped by some of history's greatest empires: Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman. The metropolis, made famous for the Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and Great Palace Mosaic Museum, was scanned using top-notch 3D imaging technology, introducing viewers to the invisible city that exists underneath the thriving metropolis. The series divulges Istanbul's layers of history, from a teeming city and imperial capital to a buzzing 21st-century metropolis.

"Ancient Invisible Cities" is more than just a documentary about the past; it's also a testament to the future. It showcases how modern technology and ancient history can go hand in hand to provide extraordinary insights about our human lineage. The marriage of cutting-edge technology with classical historical exploration makes for a riveting viewing experience, which invigorates the past in a way never seen before.

Whether you are an ardent history lover, a technology enthusiast, or simply a curious soul, "Ancient Invisible Cities" offers a new perspective on the world's ancient cities. It firmly stands as an exciting and pioneering approach to historical documentaries, taking you on a thrilling adventure through time and space, from the comfort of your living room.