National Geographic History & Exploration

National Geographic takes you on an exclusive tour inside Air Force One, part luxury hotel, part super-secret military command post. From its beginnings with President Roosevelt making a secret wartime flight in 1943, to the historic flight that returned President Kennedy's body to Washington after his assassination, to the closing months of the Clinton administration, Air Force One takes you through the history of the world's most powerful plane. Features exclusive interviews with President George W. Bush and former Presidents Bill Clinton, George H. W. Bush, and Jimmy Carter.

National Geographic presents a portrait of one of America's most sacred places. Once little more than a potter's field, Arlington National Cemetery has become a national shrine and treasury of American history. Now, discover how this revered site came to be, and how it serves as the final resting place for both the famous and obscure, from John F. Kennedy to the Unknown Soldier. Through rare archival footage and captivating, true-life accounts, experience the moving stories of heroes and heroines and witness the daily activities and official rituals of the dedicated staff who strive to honor those who are laid to rest here. From fallen soldiers and daring explorers to political leaders and other honored Americans, the hallowed history of Arlington reveals a powerful portrait of this iconic and venerated landmark.

Explore the fascinating true story of Alexander the Great, the most extraordinary warrior of all time whose military conquests remain unrivaled to this day. Leading his armies through 22,000 miles of sieges in 8 short years, Alexander brought east and west together in the mightiest clash of cultures the world has ever known. Join National Geographic on a quest to uncover the mystery surrounding Alexander's life and examine what inspired him to push onward. Stunning recreations and insights from historians shed light on the question: Did Alexander, fearing no mortal, become his own most dangerous enemy?

Join National Geographic on a quest to find out how the imaginary world of Middle-earth reflects life in our world. Journey through history, myth, language and lore and explore real life parallels between history and fantasy. Includes exclusive footage from the Fellowship of the Ring, insightful interviews with cast and filmmakers, and provocative perspectives of explorers, anthropologists and archaeologists.

Explore the miraculous potential and frightening possibilities of genetic cloning as National Geographic's cameras reveal the history, controversy, and cutting edge developments of a scientific breakthrough capable of literally changing the destiny of the human race. Witness the remarkable effects of the cloning revolution and explore the ''brave new world'' of the human cloning industry and its inherent controversy.

Cross the threshold of the final frontier as mankind embarks on the greatest adventure of all time: space travel. From heroic space pioneers to modern-day cliff-hanger missions, it's a thrilling look at humanity's quest to conquer space. From Sputnik to state-of-the-art computer-animated visions of the extraordinary spacecraft that may explore the nearest star system, go where no National Geographic program has gone before, in DESTINATION SPACE.

Explore the great temples of Luxor and Karnak. Cross the Nile to the land of the dead, and enter the elaborately decorated tombs where the kings and queens are buried. Join Egyptologists as they unravel and interpret the riddles of Egypt's intriguing past.

Who built the pyramids? What were the secrets of mummification? Which treasures were selected for the afterlife and why? For centuries, Egypt's pharaohs have kept these secrets to themselves...until now. Travel to a land of mystery and marvel as archaeologists investigate how the pyramids were actually built. Follow scientists as they re-create the ancient ritual of mummification and discover how the bodies of the pharaohs were preserved. And be there as National Geographic cameras reveal the ancient underground vault that houses the mysterious ship of the Pharoah Khufu: his magnificent vessel for eternity.

In 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary & Tenzing Norgay made history as the first people to reach the top of Everest. Now, 50 years later, three sons of Everest's most celebrated climbers return to the mountain to challenge it again. Join their journey as they brave the elements and face death to climb 29,000 feet of wind-blasted rock and ice. And, relive the dramatic history of Everest from great triumphs to deadly tragedies, enduring rivalries and the unsung role of the Sherpa people-as National Geographic exposes the untold stories that lurk in the mountain's epic shadow and takes you on the ultimate Everest experience.

With unprecedented access, National Geographic goes deep into the secret world of U.S. Special Operations and tells the story of this highly skilled, elite group of soldiers from the inside out. With roots traceable to the French and Indian War, the Special Forces military unit has evolved over several centuries to serve an integral role in the U.S. military campaign. Inside Special Forces follows these soldiers as they make their way from the training camp to the battlefield to face an unpredictable enemy in an unfamiliar land

National Geographic gives you ''Top Secret'' access to the nerve center of the U.S. Military. From its frenzied construction during the height of World War II to the terrorist attacks of September 11 and the ensuing war on terrorism, get an intimate view of the history and intrigue of the headquarters for the United States Military. Inside the Pentagon is a fascinating, intimate view of the Pentagon's triumphs, defeats, and challenges.

National Geographic was given unprecedented access for this project, and in this film, their team provides a rare glimpse inside the secret archives and private chapels of the Vatican. Privileged accounts from Vatican officials, historians, and devoted individuals who work closely with Pope John Paul II provide insight into the remarkable history of this holy city and its unique traditions, some of which have survived for nearly 2000 years. Narrated by Martin Sheen.

Step inside the imposing gates of the White House for a revealing visit to the most famous, yet mysterious building in America. Discover the human side of this legendary house in candid interviews with Presidents and First Ladies, and peek inside the families' rarely-seen private living quarters. With National Geographic's exclusive access, follow along as a small army of employees whirls behind the scenes in a frenzy of activity surrounding a major state dinner.

Noted Egyptologist Zahi Al-Hawass showcases the most up-to-date archaeological work going on in Egypt and reveals new discoveries that may shed light on some of the most enduring mysteries of the pyramids. You'll witness the opening of Egypt's oldest intact sarcophagus and follow a specially-designed robot as it reveals what lay beyond a blocking stone in the Great Pyramid's mysterious southern shaft. You'll learn more about how the Great Pyramids were built as a worker's city is unearthed and its clues revealed for the first time.

Join famed underwater explorer Dr. Robert Ballard as a rare find off the coast of Israel sends him, a team of experts, and a National Geographic crew on a quest to solve an archaeological mystery. See the oldest shipwrecks ever found in the deep Mediterranean, relive the excitement of an ancient wreck discovered by a U.S. Navy nuclear sub, and probe the secrets of these unprecedented archaeological 'time capsules' and the clues they offer to an extraordinary, ancient civilization that dates back to biblical times.

What bones reveal about murder victims’ lives and demise is applied to an ancient Peruvian mystery.

Meet the scientists of SETI, the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, who monitor the radio waves of deep space for signs of intelligent life. Discover why scientists agree that life as we know it can exist in many places throughout the universe.

God himself could not sink this ship. Titanic crewman

The unsinkable ship sank at 2:20 a.m. on April 14, 1912. Approximately 1,500 people perished with her, a loss that stunned the world. For seven decades the fabled liner lay hidden 13,000 feet below the North Atlantic surface. Various expeditions tried to find her, but they were defeated by wild weather, the extreme depth, and conflicting accounts of the ship's last moments.

Finally, in 1985, explorer Bob Ballard and a French-American team located the Titanic. Years of painstaking research paid off as they became the first humans to see the great ship since that awful night to remember in 1912. You can join Ballard on the search and see what his team saw through this acclaimed film.

When East met West along Asia’s silk route, the collision of culture and tradition changed the course of world history. Winding tens of thousands of miles between China and Europe, the Silk Road enabled the exchange of goods and ideas between peoples that knew virtually nothing of each other. National Geographic explores this ancient series of interconnected trade routes.

This powerful program features amazing, never-before-seen photos and personal stories of North Vietnamese war photographers as they relive their unforgettable experiences in the war. This is the companion to the book Another Vietnam, an unprecedented view of the war in Vietnam from the perspective of Vietnamese photojournalists.

After decades of pursuing mobsters and drug kingpins, the FBI is struggling to broaden its mission in the aftermath of September 11 attacks. Now, enter the inner sanctum today's FBI with unprecedented access granted to National Geographic. Witness the Bureau's top-secret Strategic Information & Operations Center (SIOC) at work. See rare footage of the FBI in action around the world and hear from special agents as they share their personal struggles, hopes and fears in the face of danger. Explore the history of the FBI, from the early days of J. Edgar Hoover's legendary G-men, to the Robert Hanssen spy case and the unique challenges of our modern, high-tech era. Narrated by Dennis Haysbert, star of the TV show "24".

Take a comprehensive look at Operation Iraqi Freedom, from the military buildup and the shock and awe campaign to the fire-fight in Basra and the toppling of Saddam Hussein's statue. With spectacular footage and emotional first-hand accounts of soldiers, reporters and National Geographic's award-winning production team, 21 Days to Baghdad provides an exclusive, inside look at the strategy behind and the pivotal moments of the war.