A murderous cult, secret symbols and diabolical conspiracies: true stories behind the movie sequel to The DaVinci Code are illuminated in...

ANGELS & DEMONS DECODED Premieres Sunday, May 10 at 8pm ET on HISTORY�

Angels & Demons, the eagerly-awaited movie sequel to Dan Brown's wildly popular novel The DaVinci Code, promises a fast-paced, fictional thrill ride, but the plot may be closer to reality than we may think. HISTORY� takes an in-depth look at the fascinating truths behind Brown's novels to reveal the secrets of a monumental time in world history in ANGELS & DEMONS DECODED, a special two-hour presentation premiering Sunday, May 10 at 8pm ET on HISTORY.

Brown's bestselling novels ignited both controversy and outrage, but how much of its stories of centuries-old clandestine societies and papal scandals are based on truth? What dark secrets of the Illuminati, the Freemasons, Galileo and the Church itself remain untold? Uncloaking many of the historical facts that form the basis of the Hollywood film, Angels & Demons, this special examines religious conspiracies, secret "codes" hidden in Roman architecture and artwork, and controversial theories that pit science against faith � with life or death consequences.

ANGELS & DEMONS DECODED features interviews with leading symbologists, art historians, religious scholars and scientists who explore the mysteries and deadly intrigues that permeated the Middle Ages. The special also includes scenes from the new movie and interviews with Tom Hanks, and director, Ron Howard.

ANGELS & DEMONS DECODED is produced for HISTORY by Prometheus Entertainment. Executive producer for HISTORY is Carl H. Lindahl. Kevin Burns is Executive Producer for Prometheus Entertainment.

HISTORY� and HISTORY HD� are the leading destinations for revealing, award-winning original non-fiction series and event-driven specials that connect history with viewers in an informative, immersive and entertaining manner across multiple platforms. Programming covers a diverse variety of historical genres ranging from military history to contemporary history, technology to natural history, as well as science, archaeology and pop culture. Among the network's program offerings are hit series such as Ax Men, Battle 360, The Universe, Cities of The Underworld and Ice Road Truckers, as well as acclaimed specials including 102 Minutes That Changed America, King, Life After People, 1968 with Tom Brokaw, Nostradamus: 2012 and Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed. HISTORY has earned four Peabody Awards, four Primetime Emmy� Awards, 12 News & Documentary Emmy� Awards and received the prestigious Governor's Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for the network's Save Our History� campaign dedicated to historic preservation and history education. Take a Veteran to School Day is the network's latest initiative connecting America's schools and communities with veterans from all wars. The HISTORY web site, located at www.history.com, is the definitive historical online source that delivers entertaining and informative content featuring broadband video, interactive timelines, maps, games, podcasts and more.