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HISTORYCHANNEL

The origins of history's deadliest games, from Roman bloodsports to Russian roulette.

Dark Marvels

Bloodsports

An exploration into the dark art of spy-craft, from the frankenkitty to the umbrella gun, reveals the deadliest spy weapons deployed to gather information and assassinate enemies.

Sinister Spy Weapons

From the world's largest trebuchet to Nazi super cannons, these are the deadly weapons that rain destruction and spread fear on the battlefield.

Superweapons of Fear

From the destructive Viking axe to the sacred but deadly Samurai katana, razor sharp blades wielded by fearsome warriors have spilled blood and forged empires.

Blades of Fury

The twisted origin stories of some of history's most diabolically creative and brutal torture devices, from the "Iron Maiden" to the pear of anguish.

Pain and Punishment

Whether they're used to stop treasure hunters, body snatchers, or wartime enemies, booby traps are diabolical devices just waiting to kill.

Treacherous Traps

The gates are open to some of history's most sinister structures; from the terrifying Tower of London to a hotel of horrors, discover the dark secrets hidden within these foreboding fortresses.

Temples of Doom

Exploring the dark origin stories behind some of history's most notorious methods of execution, from the guillotine to the electric chair.

Death Devices

Interviews, recreations, archival footage and 3D graphics are used to explore the history and engineering behind the world's most diabolical inventions, from torture and death devices, to weapons of war, sinister spy tools, and games that kill.

S1 E4 | Pain and Punishment