A Timewatch Guide

Synopsis

Series looking at how the BBC has revealed and interpreted monumental moments in our history. Using the BBC archive, the programmes examine changes in research covered in documentary television.

First Air Date: 2015-02-03

Last Air Date: 2017-08-01

Number of Seasons: 4

Number of Episodes: 15

Networks: BBC Four

View Technical Specifications on IMDb

Top Cast

Alice Roberts as Self - Presenter
Vanessa Collingridge as Self - Presenter
Saul David as Self - Presenter
David Olusoga as Self - Presenter
Dan Snow as Self - Presenter
Thomas Asbridge as Self - Presenter
Gabriel Weston as Self - Presenter
Helen Castor as Self - Presenter
Danielle George as Self - Presenter
Fara Dabhoiwala as Self - Presenter

Seasons

Season 1 (2015) - (3 Episodes)

Season 2 (2016) - (4 Episodes)

Season 3 (2016) - (4 Episodes)

Season 4 (2017) - (4 Episodes)

Season 1 (2015)

No overview available for this season.

Episodes:

Ep. 1: The Mary Rose (2015-02-03)

Historian Dan Snow explores the greatest maritime archaeology project in British history - the Mary Rose. Using 40 years of BBC archive footage Dan charts how the Mary Rose was discovered, excavated and eventually raised, and what the latest research has revealed about this iconic ship and her crew. Dan also investigates how the Mary Rose project helped create modern underwater archaeology, examining the techniques, challenges and triumphs of the divers and archaeologists involved.
Ep. 2: Cleopatra (2015-02-10)

Using the BBC film archives, historian Vanessa Collinridge explores how our view of Cleopatra has changed and evolved over the years - from Roman propaganda, through Shakespeare's role in casting her as a doomed romantic heroine, to her portrayal in the golden age of Hollywood. Along the way Vanessa investigates Cleopatra's relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Anthony, her role as a politician, whether she should be seen as a murderer, and her tragic end. Drawing on the views of academic experts, BBC documentaries and drama, Vanessa charts how, throughout history, Cleopatra's image has been subject to myth, cliche and propaganda.
Ep. 3: Roman Britain (2015-02-17)

Using 50 years of BBC history archive film, Dr Alice Roberts explores how our views and understanding of Roman Britain have changed and evolved over the decades. Along the way she investigates a diverse range of subjects from the Roman invasion, through Hadrian's Wall, the Vindolanda tablets and the eventual collapse of Roman rule. Drawing on the work of archaeologists and historians throughout the decades, Alice uncovers how and why our views of this much-loved period of our history have forever been in flux.