Ancient Apocalypse backdrop
Ancient Apocalypse poster

Ancient Apocalypse

7.3
3 seasons
15 episodes
Returning Series
Documentary

Plot Summary

Ancient Apocalypse investigates six catastrophic stories of how the world’s greatest civilisations collapsed. Every continent has its ruins — places where only stones tell the tale of a fallen people. They might lay buried under the Earth, in the shade of jungle canopy or amidst the teeming industry of a modern city. However, they all raise the same questions: How could something so great all but vanish? Why do civilisations collapse? In this 6-part series, we uncover the scientific reasons why some of history’s most fascinating peoples have disappeared in the face of the natural world’s might. We investigate the end of The Akkadian Empire, The Lost City of Helike, Sodom and Gomorrha, The mystery of the Sea Peoples, The Maya Civilisation and Doggerland. Some of the world’s greatest natural disasters reduced these societies to nothing.

First Aired:January 1, 2021
Last Aired:August 31, 2025
Episode Runtime:50m
Created By:
Nicky Traversin, Justin Rickette, Patrick Dickinson, Kim Lask

Where to watch free (US)

No free providers found in US.

Seasons (3)

Season 1
7.3

Season 1

6 episodes

Aired: 2021

Season 2
8.0

Season 2

6 episodes

Aired: 2023

Season 3

Season 3

3 episodes

Aired: 2025

Production

ZDF Enterprises

ZDFinfo

World Media Rights