I’m exploring the delights of central and eastern Turkey … from the magical cave-like homes of Cappadocia to a giant mausoleum on top of the world, and recently discovered mosaics forgotten for over 1,700 years. Bettany Hughes’ Treasures of the World s2e5: Turkey
Cappadocia: This extraordinary terrain of eerie towers and cones are the eroded ash-fields of ancient volcanoes. ibid.
One of the earliest settlements ever discovered. It’s 11,400 years old … Karahan Tepi is 7,000 years older than the Great Pyramid in Egypt. ibid.
The abundance in Urfa’s bizarre comes from its location in the Fertile Crescent, a cradle of civilisation. ibid.
Under the Roman Empire, Zeugma became on of the largest and most important cities of the eastern empire. ibid.
Albania: An exciting enigmatic country that’s been described as the Pearl of the Balkans. Closed to outsiders by a communist dictatorship for much of the twentieth century, Albania’s history and culture is rich and complex. Bettany Hughes’ Treasures of the World s2e6: Albania
My first treasure, rescued from an advancing sea, shows how Albania’s long absorbed the influence of outside forces. I’m heading to this fantastic ancient site: Butrint. ibid.
Butrint always had problems with the sea seeping in. ibid.
Albanian Alps: The village of Theth … The highlanders’ tribal origins are becoming clearer. ibid.
Gjirokasta: A jewel of the Ottoman world. ibid.
Byron loved Albania comparing it to his native Scotland. ibid.
Under communism, Albania’s population became one of the poorest in the world. ibid.
I’m exploring the treasures of Oman … Its remarkable geography has nurtured civilisations for over 5,000 years. Bettany Hughes’ Treasures of the World s2e7: Oman
My first treasure is the archaeology of the Jebel Hajar, a mountain range rising 10,000 feet along Oman’s northern coast. ibid.
Until recently, little was known of the people of Magan. ibid.
The land of Frankincense: Dhofar in Oman’s far southwest. ibid.
Oman is one of the driest, hottest places on Earth. ibid.
Misfat Al Abriyyan … the water is shared among the community here. ibid.
This is Bahla, the ultimate oasis settlement. ibid.
The dhows still play a vital role connecting the coastal communities. ibid.
Musandram Peninsula … a shipbuilding and seafaring nation. ibid.
The culturally rich, rugged, ravishing country of Azerbaijan … a unique and remarkable land that’s attracted adventurers and diverse cultures since pre-history. Bettany Hughes’ Treasures of the World s2e8: Azerbaijan
Carved into these rocks are more than 7,000 Unesco-protected pictures, inscriptions and stories. ibid.
In 1797 the ruler Muhammad Hussain Khan displayed the immense wealth generated by the Silk Road when he built this lavish two-storey residence, a palace of light. ibid.
Flames that burn perpetually fuelled by natural gas … are extraordinary. ibid.
My next treasure is the rich historic centre of Baku. ibid.
It’s just before dawn and I’m in one of the most sacred location for one of the world’s oldest faiths. Bettany Hughes, Exploring India’s Treasures I, Channel 4 2023
The splendid resonance of the treasure of India. ibid.
Home to 1.4 billion … with well over 3,000 archaeological sites. ibid.
Varanasi stretches along the Ganges … an important destination place for pilgrims. ibid.
Sufi shrines in Delhi … The celebration of positivity and tolerance is everywhere. ibid.
The Lakeside palaces of Udaipur … A sort of harmony here between the palaces and the lakes and the islands. ibid.
The Taj Mahal complex with its stunning secret gardens is in Agra. ibid.
Amritsar: A dip in the sacred water is believed to wash away bad karma … At its heart is the magnificent golden temple. ibid.
Southern India with its extraordinary cultural and geographical diversity. Here landscapes have made history. Bettany Hughes, Exploring India’s Treasures II
The Lost City of Hampi: One of the world’s greatest abandoned cities. ibid.
Who exactly were the people of Vijayanagara? Seven hundred years ago the Hindu rulers of Hampi extended their kingdom over most of southern India. ibid.
The Great Shiva Temple … Nilgiri mountains … Kerala … ibid.
A stunning treasure worth half a billion dollars lost without a trace … The disappearance of a work of art so remarkable that’s it known as the 8th Wonder of the World. History’s Greatest Mysteries s3e3: Amber Room
Will we ever be able to find the incomparable Amber Room? ibid.
‘After the Nazi siege of Leningrad, the Amber Room goes missing.’ ibid.
A pirate treasure worth millions. And it’s still missing despite centuries of searching. History’s Greatest Mysteries s4e9: Blackbeard’s Lost Treasure, History 2023
An enduring World War II mystery. Vast amounts of art, gold, silver and currency are looted by the Nazis and stashed all over Europe. Though some is recovered in astonishing finds, much more is still missing. History’s Greatest Mysteries s4e12: The Hunt for Stolen Nazi Treasure, History 2023
An Aztec king’s glittering treasure its whereabouts unknown. It’s inspired a 500-year search that spans continents. History’s Greatest Mysteries s5e1: Montezuma’s Lost Treasure, History 2024
A mystery from the golden age of piracy. In 1698 Captain William Kidd razed a ship on the high seas and seizes its treasure. What did the notorious seafarer do with all of his loot? History’s Greatest Mysteries s5e4: Captain Kidd’s Treasure, History 2024