Lion Television Commissioned By Channel 4 To Produce 'Athens'

Lion Television has been commissioned by Channel 4 to produce Athens, a 2x60 minute historical documentary series, presented by renowned historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes, exploring the world of Athens in 500BC – the birthplace of democracy, and the concepts of liberty and freedom of speech.
The series, filmed on location in the Athenian Empire – now modern day Greece and Sicily – will delve into the heart of the ancient city to discover the truth about its golden age and the idea of democracy. Using original eye witness accounts and CGI to recreate Athens, the series will explore the gritty and bloody reality of this remarkable city state.
Richard Bradley, Managing Director, Lion Television said: "We are delighted to be producing Athens for C4 and PBS, following our series with Bettany Hughes on the Spartans, the Minoans and Helen of Troy. Athens has proved a challenging yet fascinating project. We’ve been able to delve deep into the ancient Athens and uncover a startling and realistic picture of the place and the truth about the birth of democracy."
Ralph Lee, Commissioning Editor for History, Channel 4 added: "Today the western world agrees that democracy is the most desirable form of government, but when power was first given to the people it was an unbelievably radical idea. This study of man’s first attempt at democracy, which took place in Athens in the 5th Century BC, reveals that a political system we think of as benign and progressive also led to internal conflict, war and empire-building."
Athens is a Lion Television production for Channel 4 commissioned by Ralph Lee. The series will be directed by Timothy Copestake, produced by Rowan Deacon and Sophia Roberts and executive produced by Richard Bradley and Bill Locke for Lion Television. Bettany Hughes is the author of Helen of Troy, and the presenter of The Spartans, The Minoans, Helen of Troy.
It will be distributed by Channel 4 International.
(DS)