Ancient Black Ops Gallery

Taking us behind the scenes of some of the most powerful empires history has ever seen, Ancient Black Ops tells the history of special operation forces.

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Assassins - Episode 1

The true story of the Assassins. Originally a persecuted band of Ismailis, a Shi’ite Muslim sect, they found themselves vastly outnumbered by the Sunnis of medieval Persia. So they developed a special way of fighting back - killing their enemies’ leaders by using stealth, infiltration and their skills with a dagger (image shows an assassin receiving a dagger for his first mission in Persia). They would go on to murder the King of the Crusaders on the eve of his coronation.
Spartans - Episode 2

How the training of the Spartan 300 is bizarrely similar to that of today’s special forces. Here we see the distinctive Spartan helmet (pictured) protects them from spear thrusts and sword strikes. Within this battled hardened group of of warriors was an elite of the elite- the Krypteia – a secret death squad. The story goes that they set out to kill the invading Persian Emperor.
The Sicarii - Episode 3

The specialist hit squads that wreaked havoc against the Roman invaders in Jerusalem. This deadly band of stealthy assassins would eventually be cornered in the mighty hilltop fortress of Masada. What happened next has horrified and fascinated the world ever since. Image shows the ruins at Masada with the Dead Sea in background.
The Ghost Warriors - Episode 4

The Germanic Ghost Warriors were one of the first special forces trained to fight specifically at night. They emerged out of the fiercely independent tribes of Germania, the wild lands to the North of the Roman Empire. When a huge Roman Army came to conquer their territory, the Ghost Warriors helped inflict the worst defeat in Roman history.
Viking Berserkers - Episode 5

The Viking Beserkers were the elite shock-troops of Viking warlords. Fuelled by alcohol, religious fervour and possibly hallucinogenic magic mushrooms, they believed they could adopt the spirits of wild animals. One single Viking Beserker, after working himself up into a frenzy, held up an entire Saxon army with just an axe.
The Varangian Guard - Episode 6

Vikings for hire, ruthless mercenaries who strike fear into their enemies. The elite special forces in service to a foreign ruler. Conquering unruly territories across the great byzantine empire. They are known The Varangian Guard. But its one particular man who will solidify their place in history. He will develop tactics that will form warfare across the Mediterranean. Hardrada's string of victories will show The Varangian Guard to be one of the most exceptional special forces of all time.

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Assassins - Episode 1

Spartans - Episode 2

The Sicarii - Episode 3

The Ghost Warriors - Episode 4

Viking Berserkers - Episode 5

The Varangian Guard - Episode 6