Death and the devil. Nudity, eroticism and horror. With its daring subjects and blazing colors, the art of the Gothic period captivated viewers some 500 years ago, and still affects us deeply, today. Focuses on some of the most spectacular panels and paintings of the Gothic period. The mid-15th century saw the creation of works like "Purgatory," "Hell," and "Paradise." Gothic specialists introduce us to these works, while explaining just how innovative Gothic painting really was. They walk us through the beauty of the colors, show us just how daring the erotic scenes can be, and highlight the raw power of the devils and monsters. Art historian and director Grit Lederer explains how special macro-optic technology sheds new light on the artworks' tiniest details, while the storied Cologne Cathedral opens at midnight to let art historians examine the "Liebeszauber" painting, still shrouded in mystery to this day.

A look back at a cruel conflict, the Franco-Prussian War (1870-71), which changed the political geography of Europe and sowed the seeds of a deep antagonism between France and Germany that culminated in two world wars. Excerpts from the diaries of the witnesses, photographs and painted panoramas tell the truth about a forgotten war.