Ancient Black Ops

In 11th-century Persia, the Ismailis, a Shiite sect, initiated a deadly campaign against Sunni leaders. Dubbed "Assassins" by their adversaries, their lethal tactics made them infamous, feared even by Christian and Muslim foes alike.

Ancient Greece faces a Persian invasion, relying on their elite Spartan 300. At Thermopylae, they hold off the Persians for two days. The Krypteia allegedly attempt to assassinate the Persian Emperor as the Spartans fight to the last man.

The extraordinary story of the Sicarii - the ancient world's most ruthless hitmen - and one of the most remarkable 'last stands' in history.

The remarkable story of the Germanic Ghost Warriors, one of the ancient world's most formidable groups of Special Forces, and their extraordinary victory over Imperial Rome.

Striking terror into the heart of peace-loving Christians across medieval Europe, the Viking Berserkers are vicious, pagan-worshipping fanatics, rumoured to have taken magic mushrooms and turned themselves into wild animals.

They're Vikings for hire in service to the Byzantine Emperor; fearsome warriors with one thing on their mind - getting rich. But when they come under the leadership of the brilliant Harald Hardrada, they are transformed from soldiers to special forces.

In 1520, the Aztec Eagle Warriors take on the Conquistadors. The Spanish call it The Night of Tears, but for the Eagles this is their finest hour.

In 1779, Hawaiian Koa warriors - armed with stone-age weapons take on forces of the British Empire - and win.

The incredible true story of the Ninja - the special forces of 1500s Japan - in their fight for survival against a cruel overlord.

The incredible true story of revenge in 1700s Japan. 47 Samurai carry out the perfect black op.