Ancient Discoveries - Season 5 (2008)

The oldest known weapon is the staff. Watch with surprising results a comparison test between a staff and a shotgun. Learn about the ermei--a deadly Chinese underwater attack weapon. Which is more powerful, a meteor hammer or a punch? Can Chi Warriors really kill a man with a single touch? Investigate the ability of eastern warriors to withstand pain such as smashing concrete on live human heads. Finally, ancient Chinese crossbows are examined, including one small enough to fit up your sleeve.

Naval engineering has led the way in technological advances through all History. For the simple reason that if anything goes wrong at sea, you're dead. Relive the most extraordinary Naval ambitions of antiquity. The macabre collapsible death-yacht, commissioned by Roman emperor Nero, as a one- time-only assassination device--designed to kill his own mother. The ship that needed no engine and powered up-river by itself. The underwater booby trap defense system that smashed through pirate hulls in 15th century Italy. The chemical bomb fire ships that killed hundreds on ...

Amazingly, the Ancients understood the principles of the modern tank. They combined armor with speed to create the ancient version of the tank--it could stop an onslaught of bullets. What exactly was this ancient weapon that destroyed enemy heavy infantry, elephants and cavalry? Watch as experts and archaeological digs reveal new evidence into this invention, which will be reconstructed.