The Dark Ages

• The History Channel offers the Dark Ages Collection, an eight-hour collection of documentaries on this supposed period of intellectual darkness and general lack of progress. The cultures of the Vikings, Goths, Mongols, Huns, Vandals, Saxons, Franks and Lombards are given a close examination with commentary from field scholars and the aid of animated maps and field re-enactments. Among the collection's highlights are a chronicling of Rome's demise and a biography of Genghis Kahn titled "Genghis Kahn: Terror and Conquest." Please note that although this movie collection is not rated, the images of war may not be suitable for younger audiences.
  
  

Ancient Egypt

• The splendors of ancient Egypt are a popular subject.NA/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
  
  PBS offers several DVDs on ancient Egypt. "Egypt Uncovered: The Complete Ancient Epic" series seeks to "tell the true stories" of the Pyramids, the Sphinx and their ancient creators. "NOVA: The Mummy Who Would Be King," also offered by PBS, follows archeologists at Emory University as they attempt to ascertain the identity of a mummy whom they suspect might be the great Ramses I, father of an Egyptian dynasty. Finally, "National Geographic Specials: Egypt Eternal: The Quest For Lost Tombs" offered by PBS follows archeologists as they discover a tomb, rare artifacts, cat mummies and more in the city of the dead.
  
  

Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

• Few of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World remain today.NA/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
  
  A&E's "Ancient Mysteries -- Seven Wonders of the Ancient World" asks why each of the wonders -- The Pyramids of Giza, The Hanging Gardens of Babylon and The Colossus of Rhodes among them -- were chosen. Through commentary, period accounts and re-enactments sure to draw students in, the movie explores the legends and myths that surround each of these famous structures.
  
  

Historical Figures

• The History Channel's "Ancients Behaving Badly" DVD set aims to set aside the folklore and examine how some of history's most legendary figures came to power. Among those featured are Cleopatra, Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, Attila the Hun and Caligula. This set is sure to hold the attention of students as they compare what they thought they knew to the truth. As the DVD proves and disproves various claims with the aid of forensic science, archaeology, an analysis of torture instruments and battlefield dynamics, students will learn how these fabled leaders treated their subjects, friends and family and stayed in power. Bear in mind that as this DVD set aims to shed light on some of history's most "brutal" subjects, it's subject matter is not suitable for a younger audience.