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Series 8: 6. Bizarre Beasts
A look at some of the various ways in which, throughout history, humans have lived with, worked with, and interacted with animals - from the very first socialising with wolves thousands of years ago through to farting fish almost starting a nuclear war in more recent history!\n\nWe take a trip to Elizabeth I’s menagerie which was housed at the Tower of London and home to exotic animal gifts from foreign rulers, and included wolves, hyenas, bears, leopards and even lions. There were also some nice dogs but, well, leopards.\n\nSophie and Sebastian are on hand to advise both Alexander the Great and King Porus as to which animals they could use in battle to defeat their enemies, seemingly ignoring the fact that Alexander and Porus are actually fighting each other.\n\nElsewhere, the Australian army faces the unruly might of an emu invasion, Romans release an album in praise of their favourite pet (eels), and Charles Darwin hosts Yummy Planet, a look at some of the animals he actually ate whilst on his travels. Plus, we take a look at how humans have used animal by-products in different ways, including drinking milk and the Victorian penchant for 'coprolite' - jewellery made from fossilised dinosaur poo.
Source: CBBC
Most recent episodes of Horrible Histories
Horrible Histories
Series 11: 13. Phiendish Pharaohs
From preparing for the afterlife to having your own butt doctor, Tutankhamun, Cleopatra, Ramesses II and more are here to reveal what life was like as a fiendish pharaoh.
27-01-2026
CBBC
Horrible Histories
Series 11: 12. Barmy Battles Special
An enormous pillow fight has broken out in the sewer between Rattus and his siblings. With that in mind, he brings us a special battle-themed show, chock-full of fight-filled hi ...
26-01-2026
CBBC
Horrible Histories
Series 5 - Episode 6
Historical sketch show. Queen Victoria's coronation doesn't go quite as planned, while George IV pulls out all the stops to impress his guests on Historical Come Dine With Me.
25-01-2026
CBBC
Horrible Histories
Series 11: 9. Putrid Pirates And Salty Seadogs
Captain Ratbeard takes to the high seas and sets sail on his maiden voyage, taking a look at everything from who not to kidnap if you’re a pirate to the dangers of pooing ...
24-01-2026
CBBC
Horrible Histories
Series 3 - Episode 7
Historical sketch show. Robert Walpole struggles to talk to England's German king and a Scottish sportsman attacks dead cows in the Highland Games.
23-01-2026
CBBC
Most popular episodes of Horrible Histories
Horrible Histories
Sport Special
All the top sporting action from the past, including Emperor Nero and Jesse Owens singing the history of the Olympics.
02-11-2025
CBBC
Horrible Histories
Series 5 - Episode 4
Historical sketch show. Featuring the rather eccentric Georgian philosopher Jeremy Bentham and super-rich Roman politician Crassus, who raps about his blinging lifestyle.
12-01-2026
CBBC
Horrible Histories
Series 9: 8. Infectious Influencers
From Cleopatra’s hairdo to Elizabeth I’s flushing loo, meet history’s biggest Influencers.
10-11-2025
CBBC
Horrible Histories
Specials: 'orrible Opera
Henry VIII, Queen Victoria and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart are our hosts for a special live concert as part of the BBC Proms season at London’s Royal Albert Hall, introducing ...
03-01-2026
CBBC
Horrible Histories
Animated Specials: 1. Gruesome Guide To Growing Up
Life wasn’t always fun for children in the past. Horrible Histories delves into the not-so-easy lives of children throughout history, from the strict parenting of ancient ...
26-09-2025
CBBC
Horrible Histories
Series 5 - Episode 6
Historical sketch show. Queen Victoria's coronation doesn't go quite as planned, while George IV pulls out all the stops to impress his guests on Historical Come Dine With Me.
25-01-2026
CBBC
Horrible Histories
Series 8: 10. Fierce Females
A show celebrating some of history’s greatest and most formidable females. We begin with ancient tales of the Scythians – incredible warrior women who were part of t ...
28-10-2025
CBBC