The new Sky History series, being broadcast for the first time tonight, Monday 15 February, at 9pm, will deal with controversial and puzzling objects. In some senses it’s a 21st century updating of Animal, Vegetable and Mineral - an early television series on which Institute of Archaeology staff members appeared.
Strangest Things will feature detailed holographic projections of ancient and historic objects put into context by a range of inter-disciplinary experts, including the Institute's Kevin MacDonald, who will argue for their different possible interpretations.
According to the programme makers:
Our world is filled with mysterious objects surrounded by questions and wonder. They have captivated us, sometimes for thousands of years. Using the latest scientific research, declassified files, expert testimony and state of the art visual effects, each one hour show unpacks three riveting objects and tells their stories using a unique visual style. What connects Tutankhamun’s tomb to a nuclear test? What is the secret of the Screaming Mummy? Did Victorians really use leeches to predict the weather? Strangest Things reveals the true stories behind some of our world’s most bizarre and curious artefacts."
Watch
UCL Laws ranked 3rd in the UK in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
UCL Faculty of Laws has been ranked one of the UK’s top universities for studying law.
06 Oct 2025
Job Vacancy: Associate Lecturer (Teaching) in Islamic Archaeology
The UCL Institute of Archaeology currently has a vacancy for an Associate Lecturer (Teaching) in Islamic Archaeology (Ref.: B03-02751).
11 Nov 2025
UCL Geography Alumna Publishes Groundbreaking Research on Microplastic Pollution in UK Woodland Soil
UCL Geography MSc alumna Faye Weaver has published new research on microplastic pollution in UK urban woodland soils, revealing widespread contamination and its conservation implications.
11 Nov 2025