Mars Uncovered: Ancient God of War is a documentary series produced by BBC Select that examines humanity's fascination with the planet Mars throughout history. The show explores how our understanding of Mars has evolved, starting from ancient civilizations up to modern-day scientific missions.
The series is hosted by Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock, a renowned scientist and science communicator. She takes viewers on a journey through time, exploring the different ways in which human cultures have perceived the planet Mars. From ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs to the Greek god of war, Mars has played an important role throughout history as a symbol of power, conflict, and exploration.
The first episode of Mars Uncovered: Ancient God of War focuses on the earliest recorded observations of Mars by ancient civilizations. Dr. Aderin-Pocock explains how early cultures like the Babylonians and Chinese in the 4th millennium BCE observed the red planet and documented their observations on clay tablets. The ancient Egyptians also believed that the planet Mars was home to the god Horus, and they included it in their mythology as a symbol of rebirth and regeneration.
The second episode delves into the European Renaissance and the emergence of telescopes, which allowed scientists to make more detailed observations of Mars. Dr. Aderin-Pocock highlights the work of early astronomers like Galileo, who was the first to observe Mars using a telescope in 1610. The show examines how scientists throughout the ages have studied Mars and attempted to learn more about the planet's composition, atmosphere, and possible inhabitants.
The third episode focuses on the 20th century and the emergence of Mars as a popular subject in science fiction. Dr. Aderin-Pocock takes viewers on a journey through classic science fiction literature and movies, from H.G. Wells' War of the Worlds to The Martian by Andy Weir. The show also covers the history of space exploration, including the first successful Mars missions by the United States and Soviet Union in the 1960s and 1970s.
The final episode of Mars Uncovered: Ancient God of War brings the series to the present day, exploring the latest scientific findings and discoveries in Mars research. Dr. Aderin-Pocock interviews leading scientists and engineers who are working on current and future Mars missions. The episode covers everything from the search for life on Mars to the prospects of human colonization, bringing together all of the themes and ideas explored throughout the series.
Overall, Mars Uncovered: Ancient God of War is a fascinating exploration of humanity's long-standing fascination with the planet Mars. The series combines history, science, and culture to provide a comprehensive look at our enduring fascination with the Red Planet. Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock's expert guidance and enthusiasm make the series a joy to watch for anyone interested in space, history, or mythology.
Mars Uncovered: Ancient God of War is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between May 23, 2019 and on BBC Select
