About this season
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.
Episodes (10)
1. The 47 Ronin
Aired 3 October 2014 • 45 min
The loyal followers of feudal ruler Asano Naganori avenge his ritual suicide in early 18th-century Japan.
2. The Ghost Warriors
Aired 10 October 2014 • 45 min
An elite special forces corps in ancient Germany appears out of the darkness to frighten their enemies.
3. The Viking Berserkers
Aired 17 October 2014 • 45 min
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
Aired 24 October 2014 • 45 min
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
Aired 31 October 2014 • 45 min
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
Aired 7 November 2014 • 45 min
Conflict between Shiite and Sunni Muslims tears away at 11th-century Persia when Ismailian Hassan-i Sabbah founds the Assassins.
7. The Spartans
Aired 21 November 2014 • 45 min
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
Aired 28 November 2014 • 45 min
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
Aired 5 December 2014 • 45 min
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
Aired 12 December 2014 • 45 min
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.