Smithsonian Block to Spotlight Ancient Civilizations

NEW YORK: Next month, Smithsonian Channel is slated to begin airing Behind the Lost Empires, a new programming block focused on the secrets of ancient civilizations from around the world.

Behind the Lost Empires will feature specials on the lost city of Pompeii, a recently discovered Roman gladiator school in Europe, China’s Han Dynasty and its infamous female leader Emperor Wu, and Burma, the world’s first golden civilization. The five-week block will kick off with Pompeii: The Dead Speak on August 8 at 8 p.m.

The other titles slated for broadcast during Behind the Lost Empires are Lost City of the Gladiators (August 15 at 8 p.m.), Raiders of the Jade Empire (August 22 at 8 p.m.), China’s Emperor of Evil (August 29 at 8 p.m.) and Wonders of Burma (September 5 at 8 and 9 p.m.).