ZDF - Ancient Superstructures: Series 2 (2020)

Ancient Superstructures?exposes the secrets behind the most famous monuments on the planet. After the success of the first season, which revealed the secrets of Mont Saint-Michel, the Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu and Petra, the second season is once again taking on spectacular monuments: the Louvre (France), the Temple of Angkor (Cambodia)?and?the Basilica of Sancta Sophia, or Hagia Sophia (Turkey).
These monuments have been studied for generations by all disciplines, yet they retain a mystery. How were these wonders built without the technical means available today? For what purpose were they built?
And if the answers were in front of us - hiding from our eyes? The series reveals the secrets of the construction of iconic monuments for the first time and pays tribute to the genius and technical prowess of their builders.

Part 1: The Louvre
In the very centre of Paris stands a remarkable wonder of engineering - the Louvre. This super-sized structure is today the largest museum in the world, attracting more than 10 million people every year. Now investigators are using new technology, including technical drones for the first time, to examine this monument at the satellite, aerial and molecular scales and unravel the astonishing past life of the Louvre.
Known today for its Pyramid, a monumental and modern glass and steel structure that rises to a height of 21 meters, the Louvre has been the cradle of exceptional technological challenges since the beginning of its construction. Eight centuries of architectural innovation that started with a small medieval castle. History, science, engineering, exposed as never before, the Louvre finally reveals itself, on every scale.

Part 2: Angkor Wat
Hidden in the tropical jungle of Cambodia is the largest religious structure ever built - the majestic temple of Angkor Wat. It was built in the 12th century by the powerful Khmer Empire. Now archaeologists are using new technology to examine the monument at the satellite, aerial and molecular scales, to unravel the mysteries of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How was this iconic temple built? What are the secrets of its longevity? What remains to be discovered of the legendary lost city alongside? Using drones and 3D laser scanning techniques, teams of investigators are discovering long lost structures, looking for clues about whether the temple was used for a tomb, and unravelling the area's hidden secrets. History, science, engineering, exposed as never before, the temple of Angkor Wat finally reveals itself, on every scale.

Part 3: Hagia Sophia
In Turkey, at the intersection of Europe and Asia, lies a remarkable wonder of ancient engineering – the Hagia Sophia of Istanbul. Now archaeologists are using new technology to examine this monument at the satellite, aerial and molecular scales to unravel the mysteries of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What incredible construction secrets are hidden in the heart of this monument? How was its gigantic dome and lavish interior designed? How was this immense puzzle pieced together over the centuries? Scientists are exploring water filled tunnels hidden deep under the building and are investigating its remarkable ability to remain standing even though builders constructed the monument on an active seismic fault. History, science, engineering, exposed as never before, Istanbul-s Hagia Sophia finally reveals itself, on every scale.