Ancient Autopsy

Series 1

From Cleopatra to Genghis Khan, Professor Suzannah Lipscomb uses cutting-edge science and compelling detective work to reveal the truth behind the deaths of history's most famous figures.

4 episodes · First aired 2025-09-22

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Episodes

Page 1 of 1

Showing 4 at a time

Cleopatra episode still
S1 E146 min

Cleopatra

The pair begin by finding out if Egypt's last queen - Cleopatra - was truly killed by a snake. To get to the bottom of it, Suzannah confronts live Egyptian cobras, observes venom extraction, and explores academic theories of political murder. And with Dr Shepherd's forensic analysis and detailed examination of Roman records, they reconsider the truth behind one of ancient history's most famous deaths

S1 E246 min

Alexander the Great

Professor Suzannah Lipscomb explores whether Alexander the Great died from poison, trauma or a deadly virus. She discovers surprising clues in a tiny Babylonian tablet and explores new virological theories with experts at the UK's Pandemic Institute. And through digital autopsy, Dr Richard Shepherd helps shed new light on the ancient world's most debated death

S1 E346 min

Genghis Khan

Brand new series: Was Genghis Khan killed by an arrow? Or lightning? Maybe the plague? Suzannah Lipscomb investigates. Digital forensics indicate a death even stranger than legend.

S1 E446 min

Tutankhamun

High-speed chariots, a digital autopsy and a rare diary unearth startling new clues behind the mysterious death of the ancient Egyptian boy-king Tutankhamun.