World History   

During World War II, espionage involved covert operations by all major powers, including Germany, Japan, and the Allied nations, Britain, France, and the U.S. This collection of spies acted on behalf of their countries through hatred of the Third Reich, revenge for the killing of a loved one, love of their country or a habitual way of life. But all served faithfully until the crisis ended, or they did.

The Italian Renaissance gave the world breathtaking masterpieces, but behind the beauty lay ambition, rivalry, and ruthless power plays. In this gripping course, Prof. Didier pulls back the curtain on the real story of the Renaissance. Through 70 vivid images and unforgettable historical anecdotes, uncover what truly fueled this explosive era, who set it in motion, and how Rome rose to dominate the 1400s.

This isn’t a tour of pretty paintings. It is a journey into the plots, power struggles, betrayals, and even murders that shaped the most magnificent (and dangerous) cultural revolution in history.

Why did the Japanese attack? Why was the U.S. caught by surprise? On the 85th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack, this course will examine the reasons for the attack and the almost unbelievable process, the back and forth, that led to the approval of the attack in Japan. This almost torturous process also sheds light on why the U.S. was caught off guard.

Malta, an island country located in the central Mediterranean Sea, is a strategically important group of islands. Through its long and turbulent history, the archipelago has played a vital role in the struggles of a succession of powers. Learn about this jewel from a Maltese citizen who will go into the history, culture, travel opportunities and many other facets of the island.

This program traces the development of Secret Writing from Byzantium to Al-Qaeda, and reveals the chemicals used to both produce the vanishing writing and then to the retrieval of the messages. The techniques were used for centuries by government officials, royalty, politicians, the military, lovers, and spies. See German Formula documents so advanced that they were held from the public for almost 100 years. How Royal heads were lost because of compromised messages written in invisible ink. See unique variations used by Greeks, Persians, Russians, French, Germans and the Confederacy. See what a Secret Writing Detection Station today uses to detect the presence of Secret Writing.   

Step into a city of gleaming white marble where history, faith, and legend meet. Walk the streets once home to the Evangelist John and, according to tradition, Mary the mother of Jesus. Marvel at the remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and uncover what daily life was really like in this extraordinary ancient city. From sacred rituals to bustling marketplaces, discover the beliefs, customs, and vibrant rhythms of a world long gone, but far from forgotten.

This unique, little known program contains revelations about one of the greatest inventors of the 20th Century, two musical prodigies, a 70+ year love affair, a cutting-edge spy device that baffled the United States for eight years, and the invention of a musical instrument that is played without ever touching it, and has been used in movies and hit songs in America and around the world. You may even get to play it if you wish, many have already.