Empire Builders Season 1, Episode 1: The Ancient Egyptians

Ottomans, Mughals and Moors

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. In this episode of Empire Builders, we explore ten sites that made history as we chart the rise and fall of these great Muslim empires.

Byzantium, Crusaders and Venice

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. A true showcase of the Venetian Empire at its peak. Together through these great sites, and others we chart the rise and fall of the great Christian empires of Byzantium, the Crusades and Venice.

Kings of Europe - France, The Habsburgs & The Russian Tsars

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.

The British Empire

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. British sea power led to discoveries that would lay the foundations for its empire. In this episode, we explore 10 sites that made history, and chart the rise and fall of the British empire.

Japan

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.

The Spanish Empire

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 ten sites that chart the rise of this crusading Catholic empire.

The American 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.

The Roman Empire

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. Rome's empire was built on power and conquest. Its not surprising Rome's building methods were copied by successive European empires and still are today.

The Maya

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, discover the extraordinary history of the grandest and most spectacular cities inhabited by the Maya.

Kings of Europe: End of Empires

We explore the last hurrah of Europe's Imperial dynasties - in France, Russia, and the Austrian Habsburg empire - whose royal palaces, cathedrals and other great public buildings of the 18th and 19th centuries memorialise the dramatic final chapter of the rise and fall of Imperial Europe.

48 min