In this award-winning series, Peter Lee once again embarks on a journey back in time to discover the ancient kingdoms and empires of Asia, this time exploring Kingdoms of the Sea. How did these civilisations rise and fall, and what mark have they left on the modern day?

We travel through Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka to uncover the hidden histories of Southeast Asia’s ancient sea kingdoms. What can two majestic towers in Vietnam’s central plains tell us about a civilisation that thrived for over 1,500 years? How did Indonesia's wealthy Srivijaya Empire leverage its strategic position and maritime power to become a centre not only of commerce, but also religious learning?  How did a powerful and diverse Sultanate of Sulu in the Philippines maintain its independence from Spanish colonisation for three centuries? And how did Sri Lanka's Anuradhapura Kingdom become a global centre for Buddhism, attracting followers from as far away as Greece and China?

Featuring leading researchers, historians and archaeologists, as well as beautifully animated reconstructions, we uncover the secrets of these extraordinary civilisations, and the key factors that led to their rise, prosperity and ultimate decline.