This river has written its story across the landscape as it forges its way north, uniting worlds of mountain, jungle, marsh and desert. No other river has left such an enduring legacy. Performing a yearly miracle, by bringing a great flood of water and fertile soil to a desert, the Nile gave mankind its first great civilisation - Ancient Egypt. It changed the world forever.

But for such a huge and powerful river, the Nile has been reluctant to give up its secrets. Throughout history, mankind has struggled to understand it. The ancient Egyptians thought it was magic - a gift of the gods. Obsessive Victorian explorers endured unimaginable hardships in their search for its source.

Now we can reveal the true nature of the river and the reasons behind its magic - a magnificent and diverse mosaic of strange places and fascinating animals, stretching far back into some of the remotest corners of Africa. Three epic tales follow the Nile across Africa and into history, to reveal a world that has to be seen to be believed.

Narrated by Simon McCorkindale
Music composed by David Mitcham
Music performed by BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the Joyful Company of Singers

Nile Competition
Congratulations to our winner, David Switzer from Peterborough, who has won a copy of the book that accompanies the series.