From 1526 to 1858, the Mughals, a dynasty of nomadic Asian rulers, created a massive and powerful empire covering much of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, passing along an appetite for territory expansion and brutality. But they were also technological innovators and builders of some of the most enduring architecture in South Asia. Through their conquests and achievements, we learn about their military innovations like composite bows, matchlock guns, rocketry, chain mail, and cannons. We explore their feats of archery on horseback and use of elephants as fearsome weapons. And we examine their culture and enduring architecture, including palaces, forts, water systems, gardens, and the Taj Mahal--a tomb that took 22 years to build in honor of the most beloved of the sultan's wives. Join us for a sweeping history of the military ambition, innovative weapons and battle strategies, material excess, architectural wonders, and cultural flowering that shaped modern India.

We'll review the Gurkhas' unique weapons, bravery, and history.

Explore the often-contradictory Samurai as they wield swords in deadly attack.

Modern day warrior, Green Beret Terry Schappert, travels to South Africa to fight alongside legendary Zulu warriors. He reveals how these tribesmen grew from 400 to 40,000, mastered the most primitive of weapons, and devastated the British in a pivotal battle.

Many of the modern military innovations we take for granted all stem from ancient China. It was the Chinese who invented gunpowder, and in the tenth century the Chinese created a substance that allegedly powered flame throwers and ancient rockets. From automated crossbows to siege machines able to fire over 3,000 yards, we uncover the secrets of China's most awe-inspiring weaponry. Amongst many fascinating stories, we uncover insights into the legendary rotating crossbow and the Cloud Bridge Siege Engine that was used to transport hundreds of troops to the battlefield. We will recreate some of China's legendary battlefield creations to see how the designs would have fared in combat.

The oldest known weapon is the staff. Watch with surprising results a comparison test between a staff and a shotgun. Learn about the ermei--a deadly Chinese underwater attack weapon. Which is more powerful, a meteor hammer or a punch? Can Chi Warriors really kill a man with a single touch? Investigate the ability of eastern warriors to withstand pain such as smashing concrete on live human heads. Finally, ancient Chinese crossbows are examined, including one small enough to fit up your sleeve.

From 1526 to 1858, the Mughals, a dynasty of nomadic Asian rulers, created a massive and powerful empire covering much of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, passing along an appetite for territory expansion and brutality. But they were also technological innovators and builders of some of the most enduring architecture in South Asia. Through their conquests and achievements, we learn about their military innovations like composite bows, matchlock guns, rocketry, chain mail, and cannons. We explore their feats of archery on horseback and use of elephants as fearsome weapons. And we examine their culture and enduring architecture, including palaces, forts, water systems, gardens, and the Taj Mahal--a tomb that took 22 years to build in honor of the most beloved of the sultan's wives. Join us for a sweeping history of the military ambition, innovative weapons and battle strategies, material excess, architectural wonders, and cultural flowering that shaped modern India.

We'll review the Gurkhas' unique weapons, bravery, and history.

Explore the often-contradictory Samurai as they wield swords in deadly attack.

Modern day warrior, Green Beret Terry Schappert, travels to South Africa to fight alongside legendary Zulu warriors. He reveals how these tribesmen grew from 400 to 40,000, mastered the most primitive of weapons, and devastated the British in a pivotal battle.

Many of the modern military innovations we take for granted all stem from ancient China. It was the Chinese who invented gunpowder, and in the tenth century the Chinese created a substance that allegedly powered flame throwers and ancient rockets. From automated crossbows to siege machines able to fire over 3,000 yards, we uncover the secrets of China's most awe-inspiring weaponry. Amongst many fascinating stories, we uncover insights into the legendary rotating crossbow and the Cloud Bridge Siege Engine that was used to transport hundreds of troops to the battlefield. We will recreate some of China's legendary battlefield creations to see how the designs would have fared in combat.

The oldest known weapon is the staff. Watch with surprising results a comparison test between a staff and a shotgun. Learn about the ermei--a deadly Chinese underwater attack weapon. Which is more powerful, a meteor hammer or a punch? Can Chi Warriors really kill a man with a single touch? Investigate the ability of eastern warriors to withstand pain such as smashing concrete on live human heads. Finally, ancient Chinese crossbows are examined, including one small enough to fit up your sleeve.

From 1526 to 1858, the Mughals, a dynasty of nomadic Asian rulers, created a massive and powerful empire covering much of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, passing along an appetite for territory expansion and brutality. But they were also technological innovators and builders of some of the most enduring architecture in South Asia. Through their conquests and achievements, we learn about their military innovations like composite bows, matchlock guns, rocketry, chain mail, and cannons. We explore their feats of archery on horseback and use of elephants as fearsome weapons. And we examine their culture and enduring architecture, including palaces, forts, water systems, gardens, and the Taj Mahal--a tomb that took 22 years to build in honor of the most beloved of the sultan's wives. Join us for a sweeping history of the military ambition, innovative weapons and battle strategies, material excess, architectural wonders, and cultural flowering that shaped modern India.

We'll review the Gurkhas' unique weapons, bravery, and history.

Explore the often-contradictory Samurai as they wield swords in deadly attack.

Modern day warrior, Green Beret Terry Schappert, travels to South Africa to fight alongside legendary Zulu warriors. He reveals how these tribesmen grew from 400 to 40,000, mastered the most primitive of weapons, and devastated the British in a pivotal battle.

Many of the modern military innovations we take for granted all stem from ancient China. It was the Chinese who invented gunpowder, and in the tenth century the Chinese created a substance that allegedly powered flame throwers and ancient rockets. From automated crossbows to siege machines able to fire over 3,000 yards, we uncover the secrets of China's most awe-inspiring weaponry. Amongst many fascinating stories, we uncover insights into the legendary rotating crossbow and the Cloud Bridge Siege Engine that was used to transport hundreds of troops to the battlefield. We will recreate some of China's legendary battlefield creations to see how the designs would have fared in combat.

The oldest known weapon is the staff. Watch with surprising results a comparison test between a staff and a shotgun. Learn about the ermei--a deadly Chinese underwater attack weapon. Which is more powerful, a meteor hammer or a punch? Can Chi Warriors really kill a man with a single touch? Investigate the ability of eastern warriors to withstand pain such as smashing concrete on live human heads. Finally, ancient Chinese crossbows are examined, including one small enough to fit up your sleeve.