Ancient Black Ops

- Season 1

(2014)

The true story of the Assassins. Originally a persecuted band of Ismailis, a Shi'ite Muslim sect, they found themselves vastly outnumbered by the Sunnis of medieval Persia. So they developed a special way of fighting back - killing their enemies' leaders by using stealth, infiltration and their skills with a dagger (image shows an assassin receiving a dagger for his first mission in Persia). They would go on to murder the King of the Crusaders on the eve of his coronation.

In the 5th century, the Persians are advancing towards Greece. A small band of 300 Spartans make a valiant last stand against them, with the fate of democracy hinging on them.

The specialist hit squads that wreaked havoc against the Roman invaders in Jerusalem. This deadly band of stealthy assassins would eventually be cornered in the mighty hilltop fortress of Masada. What happened next has horrified and fascinated the world ever since. Image shows the ruins at Masada with the Dead Sea in background.

The Germanic Ghost Warriors were one of the first special forces trained to fight specifically at night. They emerged out of the fiercely independent tribes of Germania, the wild lands to the North of the Roman Empire. When a huge Roman Army came to conquer their territory, the Ghost Warriors helped inflict the worst defeat in Roman history.

The Viking Beserkers were the elite shock-troops of Viking warlords. Fuelled by alcohol, religious fervour and possibly hallucinogenic magic mushrooms, they believed they could adopt the spirits of wild animals. One single Viking Beserker, after working himself up into a frenzy, held up an entire Saxon army with just an axe.

Vikings for hire, ruthless mercenaries who strike fear into their enemies. The elite special forces in service to a foreign ruler. Conquering unruly territories across the great byzantine empire. They are known The Varangian Guard. But its one particular man who will solidify their place in history. He will develop tactics that will form warfare across the Mediterranean. Hardrada's string of victories will show The Varangian Guard to be one of the most exceptional special forces of all time.

In the 16th century, the Spanish conquistadors land in Mexico. Intent on conquering it for king, country and God, they must first overcome the Aztecs, a powerful Native American civilization and its Eagle Warriors.

The Hawaiian Koa were martial arts experts who defeated and killed the legendary Captain Cook.

In 1562, a young warlord, called Tokugawa Ieyasu hires a specialist called Hattori Hanzo to help him free his daughters who are being held hostage in a castle. Through a hard journey, they end up inaugurating a golden era for Japan and the Ninja.

Its 1703, the Shogun is plunged into controversy when Samurai prince, Asano Naganori, loses his temper and attacks a senior official. This is the story of how Asano's followers, the 47 Ronin, braved Japan and mounted the perfect Black Op.