Secrets of the Dead

The ERR and the Nazi Party’s Systematic Looting of Europe

After initially joining the German Army as a soldier at the outset of World War II, Dr. Bruno Lohse – an art historian by training – was selected to join the ERR, the Nazi Party agency tasked with plundering Europe. Headquartered in Paris, the ERR carried out, in the words of journalist Hector Feliciano, “the largest looting that has ever happened in history.”

The ERR and the Nazi Party’s Systematic Looting of Europe

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  • Plunderer: The Life and Times of a Nazi Art Thief (Part One): asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Plunderer: The Life and Times of a Nazi Art Thief (Part One)

    S22 E5 - 54m 50s

    Historian Jonathan Petropoulos investigates the life of former Nazi art dealer Bruno Lohse, who became Hermann Göring’s personal collector in Paris, tasked with finding the most desirable works of art the Nazis stole from Jews. Post-war, Lohse spent a brief time in prison, but then returned to Munich and resumed his career as a dealer, more often than not trading in art looted during World War II.

  • Lost Treasures of Angkor – King's Gold: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Lost Treasures of Angkor – King's Gold

    S22 E4 - 55m 15s

    The discovery of gold and silver artifacts in Laos, dating to the early days of the Khmer Empire, leads scientists to investigate how the priceless objects were made and where they might have originated. On their journey, they retrace the steps of the ancient kings and explore the sacred landscape around Vat Phou to learn more about this ancient civilization.

  • Lost Treasures of Angkor – The Discovery: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Lost Treasures of Angkor – The Discovery

    S22 E3 - 55m 15s

    Angkor was the capital of the Khmer empire, which controlled much of the region between the 9th and 15th centuries. The stunning accomplishments of Angkor’s great kings are clear to see—but the period preceding the foundation of their great city is shrouded in mystery. Now, the discovery of an incredible hoard of stunning artifacts is providing surprising new clues about this early Khmer society.

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