Doing Da Vinci

Watch Doing Da Vinci

  • TV-PG
  • 2009
  • 1 Season
  • 6.6  (91)

Doing Da Vinci was a Discovery Channel show that aired in 2009. The show followed a group of engineers, artists and historians as they set out to recreate some of Leonardo Da Vinci's most famous inventions. The show was hosted by Valek Sykes, Jurgen Heimann and Bill Duggan.

Throughout the series, the hosts and their team worked on recreating six of Da Vinci's inventions. They were challenged with building working models of the inventions using only materials and tools that would have been available to Da Vinci in his time.

The inventions that were recreated on the show included the tank, a giant crossbow, a flying machine, a hydraulic saw, a self-propelled cart and a mechanical clock. Each episode focused on a different invention, with the team spending weeks researching, designing and building their model.

One of the most impressive inventions that the team tackled was Da Vinci's flying machine. They spent weeks studying Da Vinci's sketches and notes, and used them to design a structure that would be capable of flight. They used materials such as wood, canvas and rope to build the wings and propulsion system, and tested their model in a wind tunnel to ensure that it would fly.

Another impressive invention that was recreated on the show was the tank. The team constructed a large, metal tank with wheels and a cannon, similar to the design that Da Vinci had sketched. They tested the tank in a field, driving it across rough terrain and firing the cannon. This invention demonstrated both Da Vinci's engineering skills and his innovative approach to warfare.

Throughout the series, the hosts also shared insights into Da Vinci's life and work. They visited museums and historical sites to learn more about the man behind the inventions, and discussed his impact on art, science and engineering.

The show was a fascinating look into the world of Renaissance engineering, and provided a unique perspective on Da Vinci's inventions. The hosts were knowledgeable and engaging, and their enthusiasm for the subject matter was infectious.

Overall, Doing Da Vinci was a well-produced and informative show that would be of interest to anyone interested in history, engineering or art. The recreated inventions were impressive and showcased Da Vinci's ingenuity and creativity. The show provided a unique opportunity to explore the mind of one of history's greatest inventors, and to see his ideas brought to life in a modern context.

Doing Da Vinci
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Seasons
Catapult
6. Catapult
May 18, 2009
The crew tries to re-create a giant catapult but discovers building the bow that powers the device is more complicated than expected
Self Propelled Carts
5. Self Propelled Carts
May 11, 2009
It's the wood team versus the metal team in building a self-propelled cart, and challenge each other to a race.
Machine Gun
4. Machine Gun
May 4, 2009
The team works with dangerous black powder while trying to multi-cannon machine guns.
Scythe Chariot
3. Scythe Chariot
April 27, 2009
The team is challenged by a robot powered bladed chariot, updating Da Vinci's 15th century design.
Siege Ladder
2. Siege Ladder
April 20, 2009
The crew attempts to build the renaissance master's most massive design: a towering three-story siege ladder. But as creative differences arise, tension threatens to pull the team apart.
Armored Tank
1. Armored Tank
April 13, 2009
The opener finds real Leonardo da Vinci sketches of an armored car being used as the designs to create a prototype.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    April 13, 2009
  • IMDB Rating
    6.6  (91)