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Ancient Warriors

Season 1 · 7 episodes · Apr 17, 1994

  1. Episode 1

    Assyrians: Masters of War

    Apr 17, 1994

    The Assyrians were the first people to employ a standing army, using recruits from conquered nations to put 200,000 men in the field. The Assyrians' best-known development was their use of two-wheeled chariots and cavalry.

  2. Episode 2

    Celts

    Apr 24, 1994

    The Celts were one of the most important civilisations of Europe and at their zenith had conquered Central Europe, France, Spain and the British Isles. The source of their military success lay in their use of finely made iron weaponry, especially their swords and helmets, and their skilled chariot tactics.

  3. Episode 3

    Normans

    May 1, 1994

    Descendants of the Vikings, the Normans were one of the most successful warrior groups of the Middle Ages, conquering the French coast and England.

  4. Episode 4

    Legions of Rome

    May 8, 1994

    The story of Rome's rise to a world empire is one of the most fascinating in history and it was the training, discipline and manoeuvrability of the legion that brought the Romans victory.

  5. Episode 5

    Macedonians

    May 15, 1994

    Philip of Macedonia created one of the most effective and successful armies of antiquity based on the phalanx, a compact body of infantry armed with long spikes. His even more illustrious son, Alexander the Great, defeated and conquered the great Persian Empire.

  6. Episode 6

    Soldiers of Pharoah

    May 22, 1994

    Enormous preparation and financial expenditure went towards creating a fighting force for Ramses II that could protect and expand Egyptian territories in Palestine and Syria, especially against the threats of the Hittites.

  7. Episode 7

    Spartans

    May 29, 1994

    The Spartans were the most effective warriors of the Greek civilisations due to their rigorous training and the austerity of the Spartan culture.