Ancient Discoveries Season 3 Episode 3 Ancient Death Machines

In this episode of Ancient Discoveries season 3, titled "Ancient Death Machines," viewers are taken on a journey through history to explore the deadliest weapons of the ancient world. From the ruthless phalanxes of ancient Greece to the devastating war machines of Imperial Rome, this episode reveals the ingenuity and brutality of ancient military technology.

We start by examining the ancient Greek phalanx, a formation of heavily armored soldiers armed with long spears. This tactic was used in numerous battles and was particularly effective due to its ability to create a wall of shields that was nearly impenetrable. To counter this formation, the Macedonian King Philip II created the sarissa, a longer and more deadly spear that could reach over the heads of the enemy shields. We learn how this new weapon, combined with the genius tactics of Philip's son Alexander the Great, led to the conquest of the Persian Empire.

Moving on to the ancient Romans, we get a closer look at their impressive war machines. The Roman army was famous for its use of siege engines, which they used to lay siege to enemy cities and fortresses. These machines, such as the ballista and catapult, were capable of hurling large stones and other projectiles with deadly accuracy. We learn about the various types of ammunition used by the Romans, including flaming balls of pitch and even diseased animals.

But it wasn't just the Romans who had a monopoly on war machines. We learn about the devastating weapons used by the Chinese army, such as the fire lance and the repeating crossbow. These weapons allowed the Chinese to conquer neighboring regions and expand their empire over vast distances.

Finally, we travel to medieval Europe, where the knight in shining armor was the epitome of military might. We explore the weaponry used by knights, including the long sword and the lance. We learn how these weapons were used both on and off horseback, and how armor evolved to protect knights from the deadly missiles of their enemies.

Throughout the episode, we see dramatic reconstructions of ancient battles, brought to life with stunning CGI and expert commentary from military historians and archaeologists. We also hear from modern-day craftsmen who recreate these weapons using the same techniques as their ancient counterparts.

In conclusion, "Ancient Death Machines" is a fascinating exploration of the deadliest weapons of the ancient world. It offers an insight into the military tactics of the past and sets the stage for future episodes about the evolution of warfare.