Prices subject to change.
Prices subject to change.
Initially circulated in the 14th century, "The Travels of Marco Polo" gave Europeans a glimpse into Far Eastern mysteries. But if Polo was an emissary to Kublai Khan, why isn't he mentioned, as are other foreigners, in the Khan's meticulous records? We'll delve into the ongoing dispute over the Venetian's veracity and very existence.
July 07, 2005

Prices subject to change.
It is one of the holiest relics of Christianity the cup from which Jesus drank at the Last Supper, and in which Joseph of Arimathea collected the blood of the savior as he was crucified. Journey from the Holy Land to the museums of Europe in search of The Holy Grail. Ancient legends say the relic was transported to Britain and passed down among the descendants of Joseph, but could the Grail remain hidden somewhere in England? Experts explore the tangled web of stories surrounding the Grail in search of clues to its existence and purported powers. Is it possible that the Grail is a pathway to a higher power, or that the descendants of Jesus walk among us today, protected by the Grail's power? Trace the incredible history and extraordinary tales of power and superstition, magic and mystery that surround one of Christianity's most sought-after relics.
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For over seven centuries, Christians have been searching for the Holy Grail, the cup Jesus Christ drank from at the Last Supper. Myth, legends and controversy surround the search for the Holy Grail. The legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table is the most famous, venerating not only the grail itself, but also the moral life needed to engage in the search. The Holy Grail would be useful for classes on World History, Religion, Literature and Geography. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.
Vocabulary
• ambrosia
• apostolic
• cauldron
• chalice
• chivalry
• citadel
• conclusively
• covenant
• dissuade
• evocative
• fervent
• heretic
• imbued
• liturgy
• papacy
• precariously
• prosaic
• quest
• relic
• reverent
• substantiate
• succumb
• transcendence
• veneration
Discussion Questions
1. There is more than one idea of what the Holy Grail is. What are the different versions of the Holy Grail?
2. Why has there been such a quest to find the Holy Grail?
3. Legend indicates that Joseph of Arimathea brought the Holy Grail to the British Isles. What are some of the reasons he may have done this?
4. What were the Crusades? What was their purpose? How did they shape European history in the Middle Ages?
5. How did the legends of the Holy Grail originate?
6. What did the grail symbolize for King Arthur’s knights?
7. Discuss the role of women in the legend of the Holy Grail.
8. Why did the Roman Catholic Church oppose the legends and searches for the Holy Grail?
9. The Holy Grail, a symbol of Jesus Christ, has been involved in violent struggles. How did the grail move people to violence? What is the irony of this?
10. What is the “Bloodline Theory?” Why is it so controversial?
Extended Activities
1. Create an illustration of what you think the Holy Grail might look like.
July 07, 2005

Prices subject to change.
An account of the events that took place in Salem, Mass. in 1692 when 150 people were accused of practicing witchcraft and twenty were put to death.
April 04, 2005

Prices subject to change.
When explorer Hernando Cortés arrived in the New World in 1519, he found the present-day nation of Mexico dominated by the Aztecs. Highly skilled farmers, builders, and merchants, they were also savage warriors who practiced human sacrifice. THE HISTORY CHANNEL® presents a comprehensive profile of this fascinating civilization. Listen as leading scholars trace the rise of the Aztecs from a band of just over 1,000 to the dominant culture of ancient America and learn how the Spanish were able to hasten the fall of this mighty society in mere months. Tour the great temple of Tenochtitlan, where ongoing excavations are unraveling some of the enduring enigmas of the Aztecs, and discover the culture's continued influence in Mexico today. THE AZTEC EMPIRE explores the riveting history of a civilization that rose to dominate nearly all of Mexico in just 400 years. DVD Features: Interactive Menus; Scene Selection
December 12, 2005

Prices subject to change.
starring: Michael Wood, John Chadwick, Peter Connolly, Colin Renfrew, Jerome Sperling
directed by: Bill Lyons
The tale of the Trojan War has fascinated and intrigued people for thousands of years. But is there any truth in Homer's epic poem? Charismatic historian Michael Wood brings to life the heroes and the romance of the Bronze Age in this award-winning archaeological detective story filmed in Greece, Turkey, Ireland and Berlin.
April 04, 2004

Prices subject to change.
In 1991, a small Medieval prayer book was sold at auction. Miraculously, some original writings of Archimedes, the brilliant Greek mathematician, were discovered hidden beneath the religious text. Through scholarly detective work with the help of modern technology, this book now reveals Archimedes’ stunningly original concepts, ideas, and theories—revelations that, if known sooner, might have reshaped our world.
Many historic figures have been hailed as ahead of their time. Few—if any—are said to be centuries ahead of their time. The Einstein of his era, Archimedes had a sophisticated understanding of mathematics, and designed marvelous war machines for his native Syracuse to use against the invading Romans. Many of Archimedes’ works disappeared during the Middle Ages, but some survived to help inspire the scientific revolution in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. One document that seemed irretrievably lost was his final treatise The Method, which reputedly explained how he achieved his brilliant results—secrets he revealed nowhere else. Now, over 2200 years later, the discovery of The Method has experts and scientists dreaming of what might have been if Renaissance thinkers and other great minds had known of his ideas and been able to build on them.
NOVA explores Archimedes’ rare writings, as well as the book’s mysterious beginnings, tumultuous history and amazing discovery. As the ancient text comes back from the dead, it unlocks its revolutionary contents—the infinite secrets of one of history’s greatest thinkers.
Special DVD features include: activities for educators; materials and activities for librarians; a link to the Infinite Secrets Web site; scene selections; closed captions; and described video for the visually impaired.
On one DVD5 disc. Region coding: All regions. Audio: Dolby stereo. Screen format: Letterboxed.
January 01, 2004
Prices subject to change.
Prices subject to change.
Prices subject to change.
starring: Jack Paar, Jonathan Winters, Bill Cosby, Judy Garland, Gordon MacRae
Documentary on the first Tonight show host Jack Paar, as well as a collection of interviews, monologues, and episodes.
March 03, 2004





























