Monday, May 7

Secrets of World War II: The Greatest Sea/Air Battle in History

Military Channel, 10am EST

There have been larger land battles and more protracted air campaigns than Okinawa, but this was a combined operation, unparalleled in size, scope and ferocity.

Hidenburg: The Untold Story

Smithsonian Channel, 2pm EST

Who or what brought history’s most famous airship burning to the ground?  Eye- witness accounts as well as reconstruction of the events and input from modern-day experts  are all included in this Smithsonian investigation.

America’s Lost Submarine

Smithsonian Channel, 10pm EST

A vacation along Panama's Pearl Islands led archaeologist James Delgado to an astounding discovery, the world's first working submarine, rusting on a remote beach, forgotten for over 135 years. We follow Delgado as he uncovers the mystery surrounding this maritime treasure. How did the vessel work, what killed its inventor and crew, and why did it end up here in this deserted archipelago? We also trace the amazing life of German engineer Julius Kroehl and how he invented a diving craft that was half a century ahead of its time. [From Smithsonian] Want more on underwater discoveries? Check out Smithsonian’s Submarine Graveyard. Full episode available online at http://www.smithsonianchannel.com/site/sn/full-episodes.do#dive-detectives-submarine-graveyard

Tuesday, May 8

The Lost Pyramid

H2, 10am EST

Travel to Egypt and join a team of archaeologists who have uncovered what evidence reveals is the lost fourth pyramid of Giza. Radjedef, son of the great Khufu, would stamp his supremacy by erecting the highest pyramid ever built, towering some 60 feet above Khufu's Great Pyramid of Giza. However, Radjedef's pyramid was forgotten and almost buried beneath the encroaching desert sands and its significance to the three great pyramids was lost. State-of-the-art CGI demonstrates how all four pyramids were connected. Interwoven through the exciting finds of this new excavation is the story of the most powerful, prolific, and arguably, the most cruel and debauched of all Egypt's dynasties. [From H2] *Followed by Egypt: Engineering an Empire at 12pm

Rome: Engineering an Empire

H2, 8pm EST

This documentary special chronicles the spectacular and sordid history of the Roman Empire from the rise of Julius Caesar in 55 BC to its eventual fall around 537 AD, detailing the remarkable engineering feats that set Rome apart from the rest of the ancient world.

Wednesday, May 9

America’s Greatest Monuments

Smithsonian Channel, 8am EST

These symbols of our nation are shrouded in misinformation, mystery, and mythology.  How much do we really know about these monuments, and what they mean to America?

Top Tens *Marathon

Military Channel, 2pm EST

Thursday, May 10

Cereal: History in a Bowl

H2, 4pm EST

Follow the path of how bacon and eggs came to be replaced by the breakfast sensation: cereal.  From rivalries and tricks to marketing strategies such as iconic characters and prizes inside, cereal has become a distinctly American breakfast.

Friday, May 11

Frontline: Money, Power and Wall Street

Follow the financial crisis that is still very much plaguing the nation today. Full episodes online at http://video.pbs.org/video/2226666502

Save our History: SOS: Save our Ships

History Channel, 7am EST

Sail through the history of some of America’s most venerable vessels.

Saturday, May 12

Secrets of the Great Barrier Reef

Smithsonian Channel, 10pm EST

Journey through Australia's Great Barrier Reef, and discover the secrets of the unique marine life that inhabit this wonder of the natural world. Witness diverse species and their intriguing defense mechanisms, which increase their odds of survival on the world's largest coral reef. Experience the extraordinary colors and patterns of these amazing life forms in vivid high definition. [From Smithsonian]

Sunday, May 13

Sherman’s March

H2, 11am EST

His five-week campaign of terror and destruction became known as “total war”; he ordered his troops to burn crops and houses, and to do whatever it took to destroy the South’s civilian-life infrastructure.  Follow his campaign from Savannah’s capture to his final campaign through the Carolinas.

The Universe *marathon

H2, 5pm EST