Ancient X Files

Documentary exploring ancient mysteries, beginning with Malta's Hypogeum monument and an alleged code hidden in the Mona Lisa

Documentary exploring ancient mysteries, beginning with Malta's Hypogeum monument and an alleged code hidden in the Mona Lisa

The quest to break a baffling Inca code, and an investigation into the existence of a magical crystal allegedly owned by Vikings

The quest to break a baffling Inca code, and an investigation into the existence of a magical crystal allegedly owned by Vikings

In this episode, a team of investigators set about analysing the scant remains of what appears to have been a large‑scale, ancient killing high up in the Andes. They've scrutinised the archaeological clues, trying to piece together how and why such a mass murder could have taken place in that remote mountain region. At the same time, the researchers turn their attention to a single, unusually preserved thorn that some claim may have once formed part of the crown of thorns placed on Christ at his crucifixion. By comparing the thorn’s botanical characteristics with historical accounts, they've hoped to determine whether the relic truly dates back to that pivotal moment in religious history.

The episode follows investigators as they pursue the trail of what is believed to be the oldest vampire on record. Their search leads them through historic clues and local lore, aiming to verify the creature’s longevity and motives. In parallel, the programme examines reports of two children who appeared unusually alien in appearance, allegedly sighted in a small English village. The team scrutinises eyewitness accounts, photographs and any physical evidence to determine whether these youngsters are genuine anomalies or the result of misinterpretation. By juxtaposing the centuries‑old vampire pursuit with the contemporary mystery of the strange children, the show offers a dual exploration of two seemingly unrelated phenomena.

In this episode, a team of investigators set about analysing the scant remains of what appears to have been a large‑scale, ancient killing high up in the Andes. They've scrutinised the archaeological clues, trying to piece together how and why such a mass murder could have taken place in that remote mountain region. At the same time, the researchers turn their attention to a single, unusually preserved thorn that some claim may have once formed part of the crown of thorns placed on Christ at his crucifixion. By comparing the thorn’s botanical characteristics with historical accounts, they've hoped to determine whether the relic truly dates back to that pivotal moment in religious history.

The episode follows investigators as they pursue the trail of what is believed to be the oldest vampire on record. Their search leads them through historic clues and local lore, aiming to verify the creature’s longevity and motives. In parallel, the programme examines reports of two children who appeared unusually alien in appearance, allegedly sighted in a small English village. The team scrutinises eyewitness accounts, photographs and any physical evidence to determine whether these youngsters are genuine anomalies or the result of misinterpretation. By juxtaposing the centuries‑old vampire pursuit with the contemporary mystery of the strange children, the show offers a dual exploration of two seemingly unrelated phenomena.

It's an investigation into a claim that has fascinated scholars and laypeople alike for centuries. The programme scrutinises the notion that Mary Magdalene, traditionally portrayed as a devoted disciple, was in fact married to Jesus, forming a partnership that extended beyond spiritual companionship and the implications this would have for conventional narratives of the period. The investigation follows the trail of textual hints, artistic depictions and speculative scholarship, seeking to determine whether the theory that Mary Magdalene bore Jesus' child holds any credible basis. By weighing the limited evidence against longstanding tradition, the episode aims to present a balanced view of this controversial hypothesis.

It's an investigation into a claim that has fascinated scholars and laypeople alike for centuries. The programme scrutinises the notion that Mary Magdalene, traditionally portrayed as a devoted disciple, was in fact married to Jesus, forming a partnership that extended beyond spiritual companionship and the implications this would have for conventional narratives of the period. The investigation follows the trail of textual hints, artistic depictions and speculative scholarship, seeking to determine whether the theory that Mary Magdalene bore Jesus' child holds any credible basis. By weighing the limited evidence against longstanding tradition, the episode aims to present a balanced view of this controversial hypothesis.

The episode surveys two remarkable archaeological finds. It begins with Gobekli Tepe, the Neolithic sanctuary perched on a hilltop in Turkey, whose impressive remains in the archaeological record hint at a sophisticated ritual centre from prehistoric times. The programme then shifts to Ireland, where researchers have uncovered a collection of severely maimed human bodies lying in a soggy, muddy landscape in the archaeological record, suggesting a grim and unresolved episode of violence in the past. By placing these distant sites side by side, the show underscores the stark contrast between a celebrated early religious complex and a haunting, mysterious massacre preserved in the boggy earth.

The episode surveys two remarkable archaeological finds. It begins with Gobekli Tepe, the Neolithic sanctuary perched on a hilltop in Turkey, whose impressive remains in the archaeological record hint at a sophisticated ritual centre from prehistoric times. The programme then shifts to Ireland, where researchers have uncovered a collection of severely maimed human bodies lying in a soggy, muddy landscape in the archaeological record, suggesting a grim and unresolved episode of violence in the past. By placing these distant sites side by side, the show underscores the stark contrast between a celebrated early religious complex and a haunting, mysterious massacre preserved in the boggy earth.