BETTANY HUGHES EXPLORES THE WONDERS OF THE ANCIENT WORLD FOR NEW 5 SERIES

5 announces an at-home augmented reality (AR) experience that will bring the ancient world into homes across the UK as part of the up-and-coming series Seven Wonders of The Ancient World with Bettany Hughes in partnership with production company SandStone Global Productions and AR Studio Paris.

The new series features renowned historian Bettany Hughes as she follows in the footsteps of ancient travellers to the Seven Wonder sites across Greece, Egypt, and Turkey, meticulously rebuilding the remarkable monuments on the original 2,200-year-old bucket-list. 

In a unique collaboration with Snapchat’s AR Studio Paris, viewers will be able to use their phones to scan an on-screen QR code which will bring to life each of the Seven Wonders in a virtual, immersive experience. People will be able to ‘explore’ world-famous ancient sites across the Mediterranean and Middle East - including the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and the Statue of Zeus at Olympia - as the awe-inspiring monuments spring into life from TV screens into living rooms.

Across three episodes the series combines unparalleled archaeological access and new research with Snapchat’s innovative AR technology. Bettany's epic road trip will not only unravel the secrets of the Seven Wonders but also provide a thrilling, immersive adventure into the past.

Bettany Hughes OBE, author and presenter of Seven Wonders of the Ancient World says: “The past is a living place, a place that’s relevant to all of us. Using this meticulously researched Augmented Reality allows viewers at home to explore right inside these ancient wonders. It’s an immersive experience that we hope will bring the past to life for millions!”

Ben Wymer, Senior Director, Global Brand Experience and AR Studio Paris added: “We’re excited to partner with SandStone Global Productions to show how AR is transforming how we experience culture, understand the world and access places that people may not be able to see in real life. Thanks to Snap’s leading AR tech, viewers will be able to virtually travel to moments in time to explore, learn and see historical sites...

"From travelling to Egypt’s Old Kingdom to check out the Giza Pyramids to seeing the beautiful Hanging Gardens of Babylon - this is an incredible project that will help millions of Snapchat’s audience and people around the world connect with the most famous historic sites from the comfort of their own homes.”

Adrian Padmore, Commissioning Editor, Unscripted, 5, commented: “This is a truly groundbreaking experience, blending Bettany Hughes’ incredible historical knowledge of the ancient wonders of the world, with a uniquely immersive AR treat for our loyal 5 audience. We’re always searching for new ways to push the boundaries of our history programming, and this series really does bring the ancient world right into your living room.”

The 3x60' series is produced by award-winning British independent production company SandStone Global Productions.