Uncovering the truth behind the deaths of four iconic figures from history using cutting edge tech

Distributor: BossaNova Media
Producer: Yeti Television
Broadcaster: Channel 4 (UK)

This innovative historical investigation series aims to uncover the truth behind the deaths of four legendary ancient figures, combining cutting edge digital technology and original sources with hands-on reconstructions.

Led by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb, Ancient Autopsy explores if Cleopatra really did die from a snake bite, whether Alexander the Great was poisoned, if the death of Genghis Khan involved marmots and what really caused the sudden end of boy-king Tutankhamun.

The show uses detective work to re-examine the final moments of the iconic figures, with world-renowned forensic pathologist Dr Richard Shepherd uncovering trauma, disease, and possible foul play.

An Ancient Autopsy Hub forms the centre piece of the show, allowing experts and new evidence to come together to reveal how these towering figures of history may truly have met their end.

Sian Price, producer at Yeti Television, tells Broadcast International that the show was inspired by a newly developed digital autopsy table they were using in another true crime series the company was producing.

“We wanted to see if we could apply that to the ancient past to try and bridge the gap between modern science and ancient sources, artefacts and stories,” Price explains. “That was the genesis of the idea and working with BossaNova we skewed it towards the ancient world - where we discovered no end of ancient figures whose deaths were shrouded in mystery or had attracted multiple theories.”

The show reveals incredible facts from the four periods in which the figures lived, Price says. “In the Genghis Khan episode, we propose a theory (due to brand-new research) that the Black Death actually dates much earlier than previously thought. And we disprove the snakebite theory regarding Cleopatra - but shine a light on her little-known expertise in science and medicine.”

The addition of Lipscomb provides the show with “academic authority”, continues Holly Cowdery, BossaNova’s head of sales, while offering viewers “a nuanced view of these well-known and controversial historical figures, challenging the traditional narrative of their ancient stories.”

Price adds: “She brings academic rigour and fresh thinking to the series - but also a tremendous sense of fun, energy, populism and bravery. She handled venomous cobras and rode around on a precarious chariot - all in the name of testing theories and getting under the skin of these ancient figures.”

Viewers are transported to key institutions across the UK as the investigations gather pace, including The British Library, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and The Pandemic Institute in Liverpool, with each episode delving deep into four different periods of civilization.

That combination will entice international viewers, says Cowdery, who describes the show was “bridging the gap between history and investigation, focusing on the humans behind these epic stories told with expert insight.”

She adds: “Ancient Autopsy tells the tales of past civilisations and their issues of empire, religion, philosophy, gender, law and war. These are issues that all modern societies still grapple with today, so the show is bound to appeal to a broad range of international buyers.”