Synopsis

The practice of fortification arose from humankind's need to protect its lands. From encircled hilltops to walled cities and seemingly unbreakable forts, these strongholds resonate with the history of conflicts fought over territory. This two-hour program explores a range of historical defenses, including France’s Maginot Line – a series of forts designed for overlapping fields of fire – the Atlantic Wall, Germany's 3,000-mile network of coastal fortifications constructed during World War II, an