ZDF Studios announces global distribution for thrilling new BIG Media history doc 'Ancient Betrayals'
Mainz, January 23rd, 2025
ZDF Studios continues their longstanding partnership with global factual production and distribution company BIG Media as the international distributor for the producer’s latest title, Ancient Betrayals (6 x 52’).
Uncovering the clandestine world of conspiracies, murder and acts of treason that shaped the pivotal betrayals in history, Ancient Betrayals is a BIG Media co-production with ZDFinfo and WildBear Entertainment. Currently in production, the series is being shot in the style of a true crime documentary complemented with archival footage and expert interviews.
Nikolas Hülbusch, Director Unscripted, ZDF Studios said: “Ancient Betrayals, due for delivery in 2026, is the first title from the renewal of our output deal with BIG Media. As always, they produce top quality content with superb storytelling and this title is no exception.”
Martin Kase, Global Head of Production, BIG Media said: “Betrayal is a fascinating subject; a universal theme in contemporary society that goes back through the ages from Judas Escariot to Yevgeny Prigozhin. Our goal is to bring these stories to life taking viewers on a riveting journey of political intrigue, murder and treachery, which led to some of the most significant betrayals in history.”
From Ancient Greece to the homes of Hannibal in Carthage and Julius Caesar in Rome to Macedonia’s Alexander the Great and the mighty Mongol Empire’s Genghis Khan, all the way to the mysterious Mesoamerican Aztecs, this series spans the globe to delve into the critical moments that defined history’s greatest figures.
Ancient Betrayals begins in 41 AD when the Roman Empire was at the height of it’s power. Cassius Chaerea, a Praetorian guard member, driven by daily ridicule, stabs the cruel Emperor Caligula to death. His wife and daughter also meet their tragic end.
The following episode travels to Eastern Europe, the Macedonian Empire (326 B.C.E.) where King Omphis betrays his country and ally King Porus when confronted by Alexander the Great’s might. He was offered 25,000 kilos of gold and Alexander’s word that he would not ravage the king’s lands in exchange for safe passage and military support against the armies of Porus.
Episode 3 delves into the story of Hannibal Barca, the brilliant Carthaginian general, who led a series of daring campaigns against Rome (202 B.C.E.). The Carthaginian elite slowly turn against Hannibal, prioritising their comfort over the well-being of the people by wanting to negotiate peace with Rome believing it would secure their interests and wealth. They send him into exile where he eventually ends up as an advisor to Rome’s enemies.
Ancient Greece, 404 B.C.E. sees the slaughter of Spartans instigated by the traitor, Ephialtes who leads the Persian army behind Greek lines, surrounding and killing his countrymen.
The penultimate episode is set in the Mongol Empire (1201), revealing how Genghis Khan’s future was defined when his deep friendship turned into a fierce rivalry with his ‘blood brother’ Jamukha.
The series closes with the story of the beautiful Princess La Malinche who betrayed her people and played a pivotal role in their destruction. The Aztec Empire in the 16th century sees the arrival of the conquistadores led by Hernan Cortes. Malitzen, who speaks both Mayan and Aztec languages, is taken as his slave and betrays the local population by warning Cortes of plots and attacks, saving the lives of Spaniards and leading to the massacre of thousands of Aztecs.
BIG Media, which has offices in the US, UK, Czech Republic, Germany and India, produce high end unscripted content for the international market. The company recently announced the renewal of their output deal with ZDF Studios.
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About ZDF Studios
ZDF Studios is a commercial subsidiary of ZDF, one of the largest TV broadcasters in Europe. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Mainz, Germany, the ZDF Studios Group operates more than 30 direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliates in Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom spanning TV production, distribution and services. The parent company, ZDF Studios, is responsible for global programme distribution, realisation of international co-productions, acquisition of licences and merchandising of successful programme brands under its own name, for ZDF and third parties. ZDF Studios has the largest German-language programme inventory in the world and a constantly growing range of international productions, consisting of series and mini-series, television films, documentaries and children's programmes.
The companies of the ZDF Studios Group cover the entire value chain from the development of scripted and unscripted TV content to production, marketing and monetizing, including TV and streaming licences as well as merchandising and online rights. The positioning of ZDF Studios as an integrated media company enables the development of innovative, outstanding and high-quality programmes and makes the Group an attractive workplace for German and international talent to flourish in a very inspiring and creative environment.
Contact ZDF Studios
Christine Denilauler (VP Marketing and Corporate Communications), ZDF Studios GmbH, Erich-Dombrowski-Str. 1, D-55127 Mainz/Germany, Tel.: +49 6131-9911130, E-mail: christine.denilauler@zdf-studios.com, www.zdf-studios.com
About BIG Media
Founded in 2009, BIG Media has produced more than 80 original unscripted series for the world’s biggest entertainment platforms. BIG Media’s production team produces numerous original unscripted series each year, with a strong focus on true crime, military and intelligences, history, science and wildlife. The company has offices in the US, UK, Czech Republic, Germany and India, representing more than 300 series and featuring more than 2,000 hours of blue chip content.