Global Treasures: The Valley of the Temples

Television Director: Ullman, Frank

Producer: Scarson, Peter O.

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Catalogue Number: GTR-DVD-1181

UPC: 879061007804

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Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

The Hotel Des Invalides was built by King Louis XIV as a home for soldiers who had been wounded in action.

Following completion of the first building, construction began on the equally impressive Dome Des Invalides. Since then, the Hotel Des Invalides has replaced its injured soldiers with a military exhibition. Today part of the Hotel contains one of the most important museums of military history in the world.

Napoleon would most likely have approved the Musee De Larmee, today's Army Museum. It contains around 40,000 exhibits, including a large number of valuable weapons and armor. The collection also comprises numerous objects that date from ancient times to the present day.

The crypt of the Dome Des Invalides was specially redesigned and embellished by the famous architect Visconti in order that it would be suitable to house the final remains of the once all-powerful Napoleon Bonaparte. Twelve great goddesses of victory, who symbolized the French people, surround his sarcophagus of Finnish porphyr that lies within the crypt.