• ANCIENT MEGASTRUCTURES

DESCRIPTION

Discover the secrets of revolutionary structures in Ancient Megastructures.

Certain landmarks have captured the imagination and awe of modern-day architects and engineers around the world as they work to solve the mystery of how their ancient forebears were able to construct such beautiful, timeless and revolutionary structures with none of the machines and materials available to modern engineers.

From the dreams that inspired them, to the blood and sweat that built them, discover the full story behind six magnificent structures that forever changed the landscape of architecture: Petra, Alhambra, St.Paul’s Cathedral, Hagia Sophia, Machu Picchu and Angkor Wat.

EPISODE GUIDE

  • Ancient Megastructures: St Paul's Cathedral
    Built in the aftermath of the Great Fire of London, Christopher Wren's cathedral took 36 years to be completed and remains an iconic landmark.
  • Ancient Megastructures: Alhambra
    Arguably the most perfect example of Moorish architecture in existence, the Alhambra's construction process lasted over 150 years.
  • Ancient Megastructures: Petra
    Located in modern-day Jordan, the magnificent Khazneh was an astonishing feat of engineering. Find out about the great king behind its creation.
  • Ancient Megastructures: Machu Picchu
    Built to celebrate Emperor Pachacuti, creator of the Inca Empire, Machu Picchu is regarded as one of the planet's most awe-inspiring monuments.
  • Ancient Megastructures: Angkor Wat
    Situated deep in the Cambodian jungle, the majestic temple of Angkor Wat – designed to honour the Hindu god Vishnu – took over 30 years to build.
  • Ancient Megastructures: Istanbul's Hagia Sophia
    Discover how the church of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, rebuilt by the Roman Emperor Justinian, has survived 1,500 years of turbulent history.
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PHOTOS

VIDEOS

  • The Alhambra photo

    The Alhambra

    The most impressive monument to Muslim engineering in the Western world the Alhambra towers over ...

    (01:01)
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National Geographic Channel