The History of the Devil

This documentary looks at how the concept of evil, as symbolised by the devil, has changed over the centuries to fit the needs of governments, churches, leaders and many others.

The devil's first appearance was not actually in the Bible, with his origins believed to be in the Iranian region 3,500 years ago. Since then, he's acquired horns, a forked tail and innumerable different names in all aspects of world culture and plays a central role in the way people think.

Using interviews, re-enactments and historical imagery, this programme depicts the changing face of Satan and how he has been used as a symbol of evil, from the ancient prophet Zarathustra, to the modern politics of George W Bush.