World of Weapons

Watch World of Weapons

  • 2020
  • 1 Season
  • 7.1  (19)

World of Weapons is a thrilling television series that features the world's most fearsome weapons throughout history. Hosted by expert historian and renowned author Mike Loades, the show takes viewers on a journey through time and space to explore the deepest and darkest corners of the world's military arsenals.

The show is structured into twelve episodes, each dedicated to one specific type of weapon. These include medieval swords, eighteenth-century guns, World War II tanks, and modern-day drones. Each episode features in-depth interviews with experts from around the world, who provide expert analysis of the mechanics, tactics, and impact of each weapon.

In every episode, Loades delves into the intricacies of each weapon, explaining its evolution, design, and historical impact. He reveals how these weapons were used in their time and how they have shaped the military strategies of the modern world. For example, he describes how the advent of longbows revolutionized the battlefield or how the development of automatic weapons changed the face of warfare forever.

The show also explores the cultural significance of weapons, including their representation in art and popular culture. In one episode, Loades examines how medieval armor and swords served as symbols of power and prestige, and how these symbols became cultural icons that endure to this day.

Loades brings an infectious enthusiasm to the show, making history come alive with his expert analysis and entertaining stories. He is a master storyteller, offering fascinating insights into the design, development, and deployment of weapons throughout the ages. His engaging commentary helps viewers to understand the strategic brilliance behind each weapon and the tactics that led to its success.

The cinematography is breathtaking, with stunning footage of weapons in action and expertly crafted reenactments that transport viewers to different times and places. The show also incorporates cutting-edge technology, including computer-generated graphics and 3D animations, to provide a more detailed analysis of weapon mechanics and tactics.

World of Weapons is a must-watch for fans of military history, armaments, and weapon enthusiasts everywhere. The show is jam-packed with fascinating insights, intriguing stories, and expert analysis that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. It is both educational and entertaining, providing an in-depth exploration of the evolution of warfare and its impact on our world today.

In conclusion, Smithsonian Channel's World of Weapons is a fascinating and action-packed series that takes viewers on an exciting journey through the history of some of the world's deadliest weapons. With expert analysis from Mike Loades and stunning footage, this show is a must-watch for anyone interested in the evolution of warfare and its cultural significance.

World of Weapons is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (10 episodes). The series first aired on March 15, 2020.

World of Weapons
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Seasons
Civilians on the Battlefield
10. Civilians on the Battlefield
May 10, 2020
Often times civilians suffer from waging a war - in this episode, experts track down three weapons that were used to recklessly attack civilian populations. With no regard for civilian casualties, the trebuchet hurls heavy stones against solid castle walls. Deploying biological weapons is a chance to conquer a fortress without destroying it. Designed to put an end to World War II, the atomic bomb embodies fear and terror to this day. Now, a cyber war could be most devastating, affecting everyone's reality.
Deadly Inventions
9. Deadly Inventions
May 10, 2020
Wars become even bloodier as new technologies keep evolving. An international team of experts tests the deadliest weapons upgrades in the history of warfare. Designed to penetrate solid armor, the Scorpio makes use of the power of torsion. With the long sword, European knights slaughter their opponents on the medieval battlefield and Henry's rifle changed future wars with a revolutionary design: the lever action. Looking forward, a futuristic image of a combat robot army can be the next generation of infantry.
The Ambush
8. The Ambush
May 3, 2020
Attacking the enemy in an ambush is a devastating advantage at war. The Ambush explores weapons that stayed undetected until their very strike revolutionized warfare. The caltrop brought down the cavalry when it made entire battlefields impassible. Being able to load and fire a rifle from a lying position made a huge difference during warfare. The insidious landmine weakens every leftover moral of the enemy's army. What if future soldiers' cover becomes invisibility?
War at Sea
7. War at Sea
April 26, 2020
War at sea: a new form of warfare with exceptional challenges. In this episode, weapons expert Stephen Bull tests three significant weapons of the sea. The Byzantines guarded the Greek fire as the secret super weapon that kept Constantinople safe for over 800 years. Experts build an original replica for an experiment that will demonstrate the thunderous force of a ship cannon. One of the most devastating missiles ever invented is the torpedo, and a subsonic torpedo might be ruling sea battles in the future.
The Power of Destruction
6. The Power of Destruction
April 19, 2020
International experts test the catastrophic effects of the most destructive weapons that shaped the wars of the 20th century. Machine guns kill entire units within seconds, while the hand grenade has enormous power and can easily be carried in a backpack - but the most powerful war machine ever invented is the tank. Military scientists seek ever more demolition with least effort - does the Russian 'father of all bombs' finally reach all limits of conventional destruction?
Faster Than the Enemy
5. Faster Than the Enemy
April 12, 2020
Speed has become a decisive factor in warfare, and in this episode, a team of international experts use experiments to show the most significant weapons where speed made a difference. The chariot brings mobility to the battles of the ancient world, small handguns like Samuel Colt's revolver launch a new era of war and the weapon considered as the one symbol for asymmetric warfare is the sling. Will the future laser cannon change warfare with the speed of light?
Weapons for All
4. Weapons for All
April 5, 2020
Weapons designed for everyone are an advantage at war, but they can also be extremely devastating. Experts test the three most important weapons that can be learned quickly. The crossbow transforms peasants into warriors that suddenly become a threat to the knight; learning to use a pike is easy but requires bravery. The Kalashnikov is considered the world's deadliest weapon due to its rare simplicity, but if 3D printed guns go into mass production, world peace will never be the same.
Close Combat
3. Close Combat
March 29, 2020
Melee is likely the most original type of close combat, but over time, armies have developed more effective close combat weapons. In this episode, experts test the physical and psychological impact of the three most important melee developments of our time. The Roman short sword and the medieval war hammer cause severe damage, while bayonets rely on the deterrent effect - but an exoskeleton gives superpowers to the soldiers of the future.
Attack from Above
2. Attack from Above
March 22, 2020
Warfare enters a new dimension with the attack from above, transporting war up in the air. Early on, archers besieged with devastating incendiary arrows, and long before airplanes were invented, smart medieval army commanders designed rockets. Bomb attacks have become a significant part of vicious war tactics since WWI, and as A.I. becomes increasingly independent, war drones could soon autonomously decide when to strike.
Ranged Weapons
1. Ranged Weapons
March 15, 2020
Experts demonstrate the most important long-range weapons in history. The pilum, a most ingeniously made spear, was the high-tech weapon of the ancient world used in the Roman Empire to disable the enemy in battle. In the medieval times, England becomes the most feared superpower with the longbow, which caused massive damage to opposing forces and especially Europe's aristocratic knights. During the nineteenth century, battlefields become even bloodier with the emergence of the mini? ball, creating more accurate precision for firing at a distance.
Description
Where to Watch World of Weapons
World of Weapons is available for streaming on the Smithsonian Channel website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch World of Weapons on demand at Paramount+, Amazon Prime, Philo, Amazon, Vudu, FuboTV, Google Play and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    March 15, 2020
  • IMDB Rating
    7.1  (19)