National Geographic: Engineering the Impossible
(2007)Streaming Episode Guide
Season 2
From the dreams that inspired them, to the blood and sweat that built them, the new season unveils the full story behind six magnificent structures that forever changed the landscape of architecture: Petra, Alhambra, St.Paul’s Cathedral, Hagia Sophia, Machu Picchu and Angkor Wat.Machu Picchu
Episode 6 - 1-01-2008
50m
Built using techniques that surpass modern ones, the temples, altars and residences of Machu Picchu have resisted torrential rains, landslides and earth tremors since being abandoned by the Incas.
7.7/10
Haven't Seen
Angkor Wat
Episode 5 - 1-01-2008
49m
Hidden deep in Cambodia's jungles, the temple of Angkor Wat is a towering monument to the Hindu god Vishnu, belying its origins as the mausoleum for a usurper king who murdered his great uncle.
8.5/10Haven't Seen
St. Paul's Cathedral
Episode 4 - 1-01-2008
50m
From the ashes of London's Great Fire in 1666 rises Christopher Wren's daring architectural vision. As England's first Baroque cathedral, St Paul's is an icon to rival the grandeur of ancient Rome.
Haven't Seen
Petra
Episode 3 - 1-01-2008
50m
Carved into the side of a narrow gorge in the unforgiving deserts of Petra in modern day Jordan, the ancient Nabataeans turned engineering on its head to create their glorious royal city, Khazneh.
7.3/10Haven't Seen
Istanbul's Hagia Sophia
Episode 2 - 1-01-2008
50m
Fiery Roman Emperor Justinian ordered the rebuilding of the great church of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul almost 1500 years ago. Modern science now uncovers the secret to this vast golden dome's longevity.
Haven't Seen
The Alhambra
Episode 1 - 1-01-2008
50m
The Alhambra is the greatest example of Islamic military architecture in Europe. Sultan Muhammad I constructed this ingenious, impregnable fortress in 1238 amid treacherous political betrayals.
7/10Haven't Seen
Season 1
Chartres Cathedral
Episode 3 - 3-12-2011
50m
Building the Chartres Cathedral pushed construction techniques to the limit, but behind this engineering triumph lies a dark story of violence, political double-dealing and destruction.
7.4/10Haven't Seen
The Great Pyramid
Episode 2 - 3-26-2011
50m
The Great Pyramid of Giza is 4,500 years old. It's the only ancient wonder of the world still standing. To cut and move the 2 million stones needed to build it would involve the whole Egyptian state.
7.1/10Haven't Seen
The Colosseum
Episode 1 - 3-19-2011
50m
Follow the dramatic story behind the building of the Colosseum in Ancient Rome. The Romans used innovative technology that we still use today, but the money to pay for the project enslaved the nation.
6.5/10Haven't Seen
Top 5 Highest Rated Episodes 8.5/10 7.7/10 7.4/10 7.3/10 7.1/10
Angkor Wat
Episode 5 - 1-01-2008
49m
Hidden deep in Cambodia's jungles, the temple of Angkor Wat is a towering monument to the Hindu god Vishnu, belying its origins as the mausoleum for a usurper king who murdered his great uncle.
8.5/10Haven't Seen
Machu Picchu
Episode 6 - 1-01-2008
50m
Built using techniques that surpass modern ones, the temples, altars and residences of Machu Picchu have resisted torrential rains, landslides and earth tremors since being abandoned by the Incas.
7.7/10Haven't Seen
Chartres Cathedral
Episode 3 - 3-12-2011
50m
Building the Chartres Cathedral pushed construction techniques to the limit, but behind this engineering triumph lies a dark story of violence, political double-dealing and destruction.
7.4/10Haven't Seen
Petra
Episode 3 - 1-01-2008
50m
Carved into the side of a narrow gorge in the unforgiving deserts of Petra in modern day Jordan, the ancient Nabataeans turned engineering on its head to create their glorious royal city, Khazneh.
7.3/10Haven't Seen
The Great Pyramid
Episode 2 - 3-26-2011
50m
The Great Pyramid of Giza is 4,500 years old. It's the only ancient wonder of the world still standing. To cut and move the 2 million stones needed to build it would involve the whole Egyptian state.
7.1/10Haven't Seen
