7 Wonders of the World with Bettany Hughes
- Bettany Hughes
- Aug 1
- 2 min read
(Channel 5)
In this thrilling new 3-part Channel 5 series, Bettany Hughes embarks on an exhilarating journey spanning three continents to investigate the world’s oldest travel bucket list — written over 2,000 years ago. From the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Colossus of Rhodes to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Bettany sets out to rediscover and rebuild these ancient monuments. Packed with stunning visuals and groundbreaking research, this series uncovers humanity’s greatest architectural and cultural masterpieces, inviting viewers to experience the ancient world like never before.
To bring this experience even closer, Channel 5 has launched an innovative at-home augmented reality (AR) experience, that brings the wonders of the ancient world directly into your living room. Partnering with SandStone Global Productions and Snapchat’s AR Studio Paris, ‘7 Wonders of the World with Bettany Hughes’ offers an immersive way to explore some of history’s most iconic monuments.
Using cutting-edge AR technology, viewers can scan QR codes on screen to interact with virtual reconstructions of the Great Pyramid, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and more. As Bettany Hughes journeys across Greece, Egypt, and Turkey, audiences can experience the ancient wonders alongside her in a whole new way.
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.”
This three-episode series combines unparalleled archaeological insight with groundbreaking technology, making it perfect for families, history enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the ancient world. Discover the stories, mysteries, and marvels behind these timeless monuments, and experience history in a way you never have before.
