ZDF TO CO-PRODUCE AND GLOBALLY DISTRIBUTE “CRIME SCENE ANTIQUITY”

ZDF Enterprises, along with ZDFinfo have taken on the project to co-produce and globally distribute the new 5-part criminal forensic series, "Crime Scene Antiquity." Produced by Taglicht Media, the show details unsolved crimes dating back hundreds and even thousands of years. “The combination of crime and ancient history makes for a fascinating subject,” Ralf Rueckauer, Vice-President ZDFE.unscripted, said. “By using top experts, elaborate re-enactments and high-quality computer animations, ‘Crime Scene Antiquity’ will take viewers back in time and give them an incredible insight into some of history’s most notorious cases.”

"Crime Scene Antiquity" used a combination of forensic techniques, elaborate CGI, and experimental archaeology to uncover new information about the ancient crimes, some of which took place amongst our earliest ancestors. The five 50-minute episodes of the highlight real, high-profile criminal cases: from murders to assassinations, high treason, terrorism, and even suspected cannibalism to lesser-known killings with other compelling distinctions.

The documentary series was developed in close cooperation with a team of internationally renowned profilers, weapons experts, ballistics specialists, anthropologists, human geneticists, and historians. The experts helping to identify the perpetrators include Salima Ikram, a Distinguished University Professor of Egyptology at The American University in Cairo who has directed numerous major archaeology projects, and Mike Loades, a Historical Weapons Specialist and Military Historian, author and director, and writer for historical documentaries. Alongisde them is Professor Bettany Hughes, an Oxford University Scholar and award-winning historian, author, and broadcaster who specializes in ancient and medieval history and culture.

Investigations in the first episode cover the mysterious mass death of children in ancient Athens, the Great Fire of Rome, and the fanatical destruction of temples in ancient Egypt. The second episode looks at the conspiracy against Ramses III, the murder of a Celtic druid, and the dark secret of Neolithic family tombs. Further episodes include investigations into a sinister massacre in Sweden, a brutal execution in Eisenberg, and the mysterious early death of Tutankhamum as well as the crucifixion of Jesus. The series concludes by delving into a prehistoric murder case and a conspiracy at the Macedonian royal court as well as an assassination attempt that made world history.