Bettany Hughes’ Treasures of the World to return this week Bettany Hughes’ Treasures of the World to return this week

Renowned historian and Wanderlust contributing editor Bettany Hughes is set to return to our screens soon with the latest instalment of her Channel 4 series Treasures of the World.

Working together with historians, archaeologists and other experts, Hughes shares her exclusive access to new digs and discoveries with viewers, taking armchair travellers on a voyage of historical discovery.

Now in its fourth season, Treasures of the World will cover destinations in Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East, giving an insight into the ancient world.

Airing on Channel 4 this Saturday (11 October) at 7pm, the first episode will see Hughes plunge beneath the waves off the coast of Croatia to uncover a Neolithic fortified settlement before visiting ancient salt pans still in use today.

Central Asia will be the next stop on the list, delving into Uzbekistan and the history of the ancient Silk Road traders, the Sogdians, and the Turkic warlord who sought to rival Genghis Khan with the extent of his empire.

Back in Europe, Hughes will explore ancient Bulgarian solar calendars drawn in bat droppings, before climbing into the mountains of Switzerland to shake the paws of the famous Saint Bernard dogs that have saved travellers for centuries.

Following in the footsteps of the Roman nobility, the series next embarks for Rhodes, where elites like Cicero and Caesar holidayed alongside the famed statue of the Colossus.

From seaside sun to the deserts of Oman, Hughes will then meet the modern Bedu, a nomadic people who still uphold their ancient migratory traditions.

The series concludes with a trip to Estonia, where a groundbreaking laboratory combining genetics and archaeology has given us an insight into the life of a teenage girl who lived 10,000 years ago.

Produced by Sandstone Global Productions, Hughes’ journeys across the globe stand to reveal how geography and history have shaped civilisations, and our own modern lives.

More info: channel4.com

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