Inside History Collection

In this series, you are taken back to the dramatic events, who have shaped world history for better or for worse. From the construction of the first cathedrals in Europe of the plague to the landing in Normandy in 1944. From the crusaders' bloody marches towards Jerusalem to the daring pilots who gave man air under his wings. Along the way, you will be enlightened in an entertaining way as to why the events took shape as they did. This series has the dramatic narrative as its focal point. You not only get an overview of history's most significant events, but also captivating human destinies, spectacular feats, and history's greatest heroes and villains brought to life.

MYSTICAL SYMBOLS 3300 BC–now • Mystical symbols such as the pyramid, fleur-de-lis, swastika and rose are instantly recognisable and easy to decipher. Or are they? Many of the symbols we surround ourselves with have multiple meanings, and their interpretation can vary depending on who sees them and the context in which they appear. The meaning of the swastika, for example, can stand for good luck or call to mind Nazi atrocities. And the true meaning of some symbols is known only to a select few.

SECRETS OF THE CHURCH 754-2003 • Assassination, torture, corruption and suppression of important documents. Over the years, the Catholic Church has used every means at its disposal – including some pretty dodgy ones – to strengthen its power. The Church is the world’s largest, oldest and wealthiest organisation, and the Pope’s power has at times surpassed that of kings and emperors alike. Time and again, the Pope has interfered in politics and thwarted kings. But the Pope himself could also be eliminated if he stood in the way of the Church’s ambitions.

THE FREEMASONS 1200-1973 • Sinister rituals with swords and skulls, famous members, and lodge names such the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm. For centuries, Freemasons have behaved in a way that has prompted the outside world to look on with wonder and suspicion. But no one has yet managed to uncover the order’s secrets – or even to establish the origins of Freemasonry and its many mysterious customs.

MASTERS OF MURDER 1092-1838 • Japan’s black-clad ninjas appeared out of nowhere and drove sharpened steel into their enemies. The predatory Thugs of India wrapped a chokehold around the necks of unsuspecting travellers. And in the Middle East, Assassins dipped their daggers in poison and set out on insane suicide missions. The murderous secret orders of the past have strewn a bloody trail of death and mutilation throughout history – and not even the rich and powerful could ever know for sure when the killers would strike.

ORDER OF THE ROSY CROSS 1500-1630 • In the early 17th century, mysterious manuscripts appeared in Europe. They described a secret order of scholars, magicians and alchemists who were working to reform ideas of art and science. It was known as the Order of the saw its members, the movement’s ideas Rosy Cross, and although no one ever helped usher in an era of scientific experimentation and observation. But soon there were whispers about diabolical magic and a pact with the Devil.

CAPITAL’S SATANIC SYMBOLS 1789-2011 • Officially, Washington DC was built in the 1790s as a light and airy capital to give the newborn United States a fresh start. According to conspiracy theorists, however, the capital of the world’s most powerful nation hides a dark secret: they claim that the trained eye can detect traces of devil-worshipping Freemasons in its austere geometric layout.

ELITE SECRET SOCIETIES 1832-today • Since 1832, the secret Skull and Bones society has handpicked promising young students from America’s elite at Yale University. Presidents, financial tycoons, intelligence officers and government ministers have all begun their rise to power through the macabre student...