They are as frightening as they are fascinating. Striking at a moment's notice, virtually anyplace at anytime, earth-quakes remain one of Mother Nature's great geologic mysteries. For centuries our inability to predict when and where they will erupt has left us powerless and ill-pre-pared. Yet with each successive quake, we are learning more about what causes them and where they are likely to strike next. From the earliest records kept by the ancient Romans, earthquakes have been well documented and carefully analyzed. Beyond the mass destruction and often gruesome statistics, each has its own story to tell. Great Quakes will examine some of the most significant tremblers of our time. More than just a lesson in geology, this program blends science and history, while examining the mystery behind these incredible disasters. Weaving archival footage, photos, period art, home movies, animated graphics and location footage, Great Quakes brings the stories of the most significant earthquakes of our time.