Michael Scott

The site of the famous Oracle, Delphi spanned two great classical civilizations - the Greeks and the Romans - and attracted travelers from all over the ancient world. The city's walls contain the hopes and dreams and the victories and failures that defined entire civilizations.

Ancient Greek history, culture and thought still has an enormous influence on the modern world. But just who were these people? Classicist Dr Michael Scott travels across Greece, visiting cities, battlefields, ruins and wild countryside in an attempt to uncover how the ancient Greeks lived. What he discovers is surprising and at times outrageous; a people as brutal as they were brilliant.

A detailed look at the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC Greece between Leonidas and his 300 Spartans versus Xerxes' 250,000 Persian invaders.

Rome's spectacular skyline is as breathtaking today as when it was built. But that iconic cityscape is only half the story. There is another Rome that few people have ever seen. With exclusive access deep beneath Rome's streets, classicist Dr. Michael Scott leads a team of experts to reveal the full story of the ancient world's most awe-inspiring city and the extraordinary people who lived in it.

This eight-episode series examines the 50 years of war between Persia and Greece over 2500 years ago, covering key battles and historical figures.