Main content

Ancient Origins

Bettany Hughes returns to Turkey. In Gordion, the 3,000-year-old capital of the ancient Phrygians, she joins archaeologists as they excavate sites connected to the legendary King Midas.

Bettany Hughes returns to Turkey to explore its important contribution to world history. In Gordion, the 3,000-year-old capital of the ancient Phrygians, she joins archaeologists as they excavate sites connected to the legendary King Midas, revealing the origins of the myth about everything he touched turning to gold.

In Sagalassos, a thousand-year-old hub of pottery production, Bettany explores the enduring legacy of this ancient craft and how the people of the city lived in harmony with nature. And in Pergamon, Bettany discovers how this ancient city was a major centre of learning, and physical and mental wellbeing.

Release date:

23 minutes

Broadcasts