Lost Kingdoms of.......

Africa - 

We know less about Africa’s distant past than almost anywhere else on Earth. But the scarcity of written records doesn’t mean Africa lacks history – it is found instead in the culture, artefacts, and traditions of the people. Art historian Dr Gus Casely-Hayford explores some of the richest and most vibrant histories in the world, revealing fascinating stories of complex and sophisticated civilisations: The Kingdom of Nubia, the Kingdom of Ethiopia, Kingdoms of West Africa, The Kingdom of Great Zimbabwe (series one); The Kingdom of Asante, The Zulu Kingdom, The Berber Kingdom of Morocco, The Kingdoms of Bunyoro & Buganda 

South America - 

The 4x60 commission features exciting new talent for the Lost Kingdoms brand in the shape of archaeologist Dr Jago Cooper.  Having made two series exploring pre-colonial African history, IWC have turned their focus to the fascinating ancient history of the South American continent. For years, stories of its past have been dominated by the Spanish Conquistadors and the Inca Civilisation – but almost completely forgotten are cultures and kingdoms that pre-date the Incas by hundreds and sometimes thousands of years.

Central America - 

Dr Jago Cooper explores the rise and fall of the forgotten civilisations of Central America. His quest takes him from the crystal blue seas of the Caribbean to the new world’s most impressive pyramids, flying over the smoking volcanoes of Costa Rica and traveling deep underground in the caves of central Mexico.

He travels in the footsteps of these people to reveal their secrets, to unearth the astonishing cultures that flourished amongst some of the most dramatic landscapes in the world

BBC Four