History Documentary hosted by Allen Leech and Alasdair Simpson, published by BBC in 2007 - English narration
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"Greatness comes to those who take it"
The greatest warlords in world history are reviewed in this riveting and informative BBC series.
Lavish, all-action dramatic spectacles based on the lives of eight men who shaped the world around them, either by sheer force of will, genius, courage or even greed. These are the legendary warriors of history - soldiers with the courage, ambition and military genius to lead their men to victory. This spectacular series brilliantly evokes the crucial battles that changed their lives, the destiny of their people and, in some cases, the history of the world.
Spartacus, Hernan Cortes and Montezuma, Attila the Hun, Richard the Lionheart and Saladin, Tokugawa Ieyasu and Napoleon - all powerful, magnetic personalities that have earned their place in the world's imagination, all prepared to die for what they believed in - whether it was God or gold, the pursuit of power and glory or a magnificent ideal.
Were they heroes or villains? This series shows that they were usually both: heroic warlords as well as megalomaniacal power-hungry. Either way, they were all top strategists who eliminated their enemies with superior military tactics. From Spartacus, the gladiator who brought Rome to its knees, this series combines absorbing drama with CGI to ask what were the motives, the strengths and even the weaknesses that drove these men to achieve what no one else had dared.
This series combines perfectly staged drama with first-class CGI effects and historical facts. What were their motives? What are their strengths and weaknesses? How could they achieve what no one else would have dared? A lavishly staged, action-packed and dramatic six-part spectacle by the BBC! In the tradition of the Rome series, this superb co-production shows these historical figures as you've never seen them before!
A BBC, Discovery Channel, Pro-Sieben and ERT Co-Production
1) Napoleon
Drama-documentary telling how Napoleon Bonaparte rose from being a penniless French soldier to create an empire, beginning at the siege of Toulon in 1793 where France's leaders first recognised his tactical genius, immense bravery and boundless ambition as he defeated the English.
France, late 18th century: In the turmoil of the French Revolution, a Corsican refugee, Napoleon Bonaparte, comes to France. He embarks on a military career and increasingly gains the trust of older commanders. With the successful conquest of Toulon in December 1793, Napoleon laid the foundation for his career, which would eventually make him an important European general. Shot in authentic locations using a script based on documents from the time, including Napoleon's own letters, the film has been written with the advice of modern historians.
