Empire Builders

In this episode of Empire Builders we explore the remarkable history of one of the world's greatest ancient civilizations, the Maya, traveling through the remote jungles of Central America to discover the extraordinary history of the grandest and most spectacular cities inhabited by the Maya.

The Roman Empire was the most powerful economic, cultural, political and military force in the world of its time and became one of the largest empires in world history. In this episode we explore sites that defined the Roman Empire.

From the Declaration of Independence at Independence Hall, through to tech solutions of Silicon Valley: America has shaped the world we live in, all the while shaping its own identity through the iconic buildings and structures that chart the nation's history.

Until the 15th century, Spain was in many ways an unremarkable European country and only an object of conquest. But by the 15th century Spain was a devoutly Christian and Catholic country and its monarchy then produced a series of ambitious and powerful leaders.

In this episode of Empire Builders we explore the remarkable history of one of the world's most unique and diverse ancient cultures, Japan, traveling through time to explore the past 1500 years of Japan's history through 10 of its most famous and spectacular buildings.

In the 18th century, European powers combed the South Seas, searching out unexplored lands, treasures, and people. British ships, commanded by celebrated navigators, such as Captain James Cook, led the way.

In this episode we explore the historic legacy of three of Europe's greatest powers, the French, Russian and Habsburg Empires. Their royal palaces, cathedrals, and other great buildings of the 16th to early 20th centuries, are some of the world's most remarkable and spectacular cultural monuments, and memorialize in stone the dramatic history of the rise and fall of Imperial Europe.

In this episode explore sites that made history. We visit Bryzantium's greatest church, the Haghia Sophia in modern day Istanbul, the Crusaders' greatest fortress, and many more.

In the seventh century, a great new religion was born and rose up in the deserts of what is now Saudi Arabia. Within 200 years, the religion had spread throughout the Middle East and North Africa, and even through the Mughal's to India.

Travel through time to appreciate 3000 years of ancient Egyptian history through the amazing stories of ten of its most famous and spectacular buildings. It's a journey of discovery that will take us to ancient Egypt's greatest pyramids and obelisks, and its most magnificent temples and tombs.