Factual

ZDF Enterprises, along with ZDFinfo, are the co-producers of a new 5-part criminal forensic series, Crime Scene Antiquity. Produced by Taglicht media, this unique series investigates unsolved crimes of the distant past, dating back hundreds and even thousands of years.

Ralf Rueckauer, Vice-President ZDFE.unscripted, said: “The combination of crime and ancient history makes for a fascinating subject. By using top experts, elaborate re-enactments and high-quality computer animations, Crime Scene Antiquity will take viewers back in time and give them an incredible insight into some of history’s most notorious cases.”

Cutting-edge forensic techniques, elaborate CGI and experimental archaeology are combined to shed new light on ancient crimes, some of which took place amongst our earliest ancestors. Under the spotlight in Crime Scene Antiquity (5x50’) are high-profile, real-life criminal cases: from murders to assassinations, high treason, terrorism and even suspected cannibalism to lesser-known killings that are compelling for other reasons.

The documentary series was developed in close cooperation with a team of internationally renowned profilers, weapons experts, ballistics specialists, anthropologists, human geneticists and historians. The experts helping to identify the perpetrators include Salima Ikram, a Distinguished University Professor of Egyptology at The American University in Cairo who has directed numerous major archaeology projects, and Mike Loades, a Historical Weapons Specialist and Military Historian, author and director and writer for historical documentaries. They are joined by, amongst others, Professor Bettany Hughes, an Oxford University Scholar and award-winning historian, author and broadcaster who specialises in ancient and mediaeval history and culture.

Investigations in the first episode cover the mysterious mass death of children in ancient Athens, the Great Fire of Rome and the fanatical destruction of temples in ancient Egypt. The 2nd episode looks at the conspiracy against Ramses III, the murder of a Celtic druid and the dark secret of Neolithic family tombs.

Further episodes include investigations into a sinister massacre in Sweden, a brutal execution in Eisenberg and the mysterious early death of Tutankhamum as well as the crucifixion of Jesus. The series concludes by delving into a prehistoric murder case and a conspiracy at the Macedonian royal court as well as an assassination attempt that made world history.