National Geographic The Volga

Oceanographers have been gripped by a new spirit of discovery and have undertaken the biggest population census of ocean species ever conducted - a "Census of Marine Life". The quest: to find out when and where it all began. Where did the water come from? How was life created in the oceans? And how did it evolve to the enormous diversity we see today? Join National Geographic as we travel more than 4 billion years into the past to uncover how oceans and marine life came to exist.

National Geographic examines organ transplantation and the growing worldwide black market organ trade.

Dr. Robert Ballard, the famous adventurer who discovered the Titanic, is profiled alongside other contemporary explorers in this National Geographic documentary. Deep-sea researcher Sylvia Earle, Egyptian archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass, star mountaineer Heidi Howkins, and a new generation of cartographers and dinosaur hunters all contemplate what it means to be a modern explorer, to push oneself beyond physical and mental boundaries and into the unknown. One spectacular sequence follows a group of men into the jungles of Tibet to find the "mythical" waterfall of Shangri-la.

From flamenco dancing to world famous bullfighting, join the National Geographic Channel is some of the vibrant, timeless traditions of Spain. Since the death of Francisco Franco in 1975, Spain has undergone a swift and dramatic transformation. Having endured a bloody Civil War, nearly four decades of dictatorship, isolation from the rest of Europe, and economic depression, Spain has now decisively entered the 20th century. Yet, as economic, social, and political changes sweep the nation, Spaniards continue to cherish the traditions that are uniquely theirs.

Join Titanic discoverer Dr. Robert Ballard and his team on their latest undersea adventure! Far beneath the ocean's surface lies a world of mystery and lost treasure. But the laws of the sea can't end the debate over who may stake claim to these centuries-old Roman ships, Spanish galleons, and luxury liners. Join Dr. Robert Ballard and his team of experts as they embark on a remarkable maritime expedition to the Mediterranean Sea where, a half mile underwater, they discover and study ancient shipwrecks. And witness two generations of treasure hunters who make their living finding and selling silver, gold, and other riches from the ocean floor. You'll meet these fearless individuals - from explorers and archaeologists who profit from their finds - as they risk everything to uncover the great TREASURES OF THE DEEP.

This chilling documentary traces the rise of one of the world's most dangerous terrorists, Abu Musab Al Zarqawi, who orchestrated a string of deadly attacks against the West before his 2006 death in a bombing raid in Iraq. The film focuses on his impact as a top al-Qaida leader, one of Osama Bin Laden's most trusted advisers, who managed to evade a worldwide manhunt for years while plotting kidnappings, bombings and other attacks.

What does an American ambassador really do, and how does he or she deal with the dangers of serving in a potentially hostile nation? In this unique program, National Geographic ventures past the heavily guarded gates of four American embassies to find out. Among those profiled is single mother Wendy Chamberlain, who was the new ambassador to Islamic Pakistan when al Queda terrorists attacked America on September 11. She relates how, with family and staff members sent back to the U.S. for security reasons, she held talks with Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf to determine whether the one-time Taliban ally would support President Bush's war on terrorism. It was a turning point in the crisis, and one of several dramatic moments in this fascinating, highly personal look at American foreign policy.

He was born in a manger, died on a cross, created a new religion and became the most famous man of his age, but his life remains shrouded in mystery. History and archaeology shed light on the early experiences and forces that shaped Jesus’ young life.

Take a spectacular journey. It starts right here... Explore a strange and mysterious world. Explore the LAND OF THE TIGER. A rare and fascinating study of the enormous jungle cats, LAND OF THE TIGER features spectacular footage of tigers stalking their prey, caring for their young, swimming, playing... and fighting- as well as glimpses of the other animals with which the tiger shares its domain. Come as close as you dare to these wild cats in all their royal splendor as you and National Geographic journey deep into the LAND OF THE TIGER.

National Geographic The Real Roswell

Cutting-edge medical technology and riveting, life-or-death personal dramas combine in this unprecedented, emotionally compelling exploration of The Incredible Human Body.

Gold has seduced the world for centuries. And the glimmer that has left us lusting is just as tantalizing today. Enticing exploration and adventure, gold has evoked a wide array of emotions from infatuation to insatiable greed. Join National Geographic Channel as we take you through the story of gold throughout time and the process that takes this precious resource from raw mineral to fine jewellery. In this two hour special, you will see why Spanish invaders and African Kings alike spent their lives on a relentless quest for gold.

Why do the bodies of St. Bernadette and those Incorruptibles like her remain untouched by time? From graves throughout Europe, holy bodies have been exhumed by the church – and found to be in a similar state. Few appear as outwardly perfect as Saint Bernadette – yet fresh from the grave their bodies too were whole and intact – apparently resistant to the decay reserved for ordinary humans. Why do the bodies of St. Bernadette and those Incorruptibles like her remain untouched by time? And how has their flesh defied the laws of nature?

She was one of the world's most famous faces, yet no one knew who she was. Her image appeared on the front of magazines and books, posters, lapel pins, and even rugs, but she didn't know it. Now, after searching for 17 years, National Geographic has once again found the Afghan girl with the haunting green eyes.

National Geographic follows underwater explorer Bob Ballard as he searches for the aircraft carrier sunk during the Battle of Midway.

The Colorado River flows 1,400 miles from the Rocky Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico through the Grand Canyon. Over millions of years, the river has formed one of the most spectacular landscapes in the world. The gorge is an open book of the earth's history. Anyone who hikes the more than a thousand meters from the edge to the water travels back 1.7 billion years to a time when there was a huge sedimentary basin between the supercontinents. In this documentary, adventurer Casey Anderson takes us on a tour of the Grand Canyon. As he hikes and paddles through the gorge, he explains the layers of rock, discovers animals that survive in this harsh landscape, and shows the petroglyphs of the Native Americans, for whom this fantastic world of red stone has always held spiritual significance.

Long before Columbus, the Maya established one of the most highly developed civilizations of their time in the jungles of Mexico and Central America. Yet this advanced society of priests, astronomers, artisans, and farmers suddenly and mysteriously collapsed more than a thousand years ago. Accompany archaeologists to Copan, Dos Pilas, and other spectacular Classic Maya ruins as they unearth artifacts and huge temples of incredible beauty. Recently deciphered hieroglyphics and other new discoveries offer astounding clues to the lives of these ancient people. You'll hear the startling story of one kingdom's downfall and its final desperate hours of violent warfare. Through spine-tingling recreations, witness ancient rituals reenacted on sites where they originally occured. And meet the enduring Maya who still maintain many of their ancestor's traditions. You'll hear the voices of a magnificent civilization as you uncover LOST KINGDOMS OF THE MAYA.

Forensic investigators use modern science to solve the mystery of the missing Romanov family.