Ancient Assassins

8.0

2014•45m

From stone-age Hawaii to 16th-century Japan, from Ancient Greece to the Byzantine Empire, elite combat troops -- men trained to perfection, skilled with a devastating array of weaponry -- have been called upon to infiltrate, disrupt and destroy the enemy. "Ancient Assassins" illustrates the tactics of these highly trained killers, showcasing the fatal tactics, immense physical strength and treacherous know-how of the most feared assassins, elite units and mercenaries throughout time. Each hourlong episode brings history to life with a mixture of dramatic reconstruction and documentary filming. Plus, interviews with military commanders help draw modern-day comparisons to today's special forces.

Seasons

10 Episodes • Premiered 2014

1. The 47 Ronin

The loyal followers of feudal ruler Asano Naganori avenge his ritual suicide in early 18th-century Japan.

2. The Ghost Warriors

An elite special forces corps in ancient Germany appears out of the darkness to frighten their enemies.

3. The Viking Berserkers

Viking long ships roll up to Lindisfarne in 793 and launch a brutal attack on the island's monastery that forever impacts England's history.

4. Hawaiian Koa Warriors

Hawaiian Koa were elite warriors in a land dominated by war. They were grand masters of a martial art called Lua- a way to break every bone in an enemy's body. When Captain Cook lands on Hawaii, the Koa warriors greet him in the worst way.

5. Ninja

In 1562, a young warlord, called Tokugaway Leyasu hires a specialist called Hattori Hanzo to help him free his daughters who are being held hostage in a castle. Through a hard journey, they end up inaugurating a golden era for Japan and the Ninja.

6. The Assassins

Conflict between Shiite and Sunni Muslims tears away at 11th-century Persia when Ismailian Hassan-i Sabbah founds the Assassins.

7. The Spartans

Spartan youth learn to withstand pain and survive the harshest conditions, a training technique that comes in quite handy during the Battle of Thermopylae.

8. Varangian Guard

The elite units of the Byzantine Army, the Varangian Guard, served as personal bodyguards to the Byzantine Emperors, and originated primarily from Scandinavia and England. Along with the prowess in combat they wielded highly effective weapons.

9. Aztec Eagle Warriors

Eagle Warriors serve as the elite troops of the Aztec Empire, being trained not to kill, but to capture enemies; "La Noche Triste" tests the warriors' strength.

10. The Sicarii

During the Roman occupation of the Holy Land in the first century, the Sicarii serve as hitmen, working toward the liberation of Judea and the unification of the country.