Epic History TV

Epic History TV brings you a blow-by-blow account of the entire Waterloo campaign in 14 minutes, with animated maps and artwork, plus rarely seen photographs of survivors of Napoleon's army. In 1815, eight miles south of Brussels, two of history's greatest generals met in battle for the first and only time: Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor of the French, and the Duke of Wellington. The result was an epic, brutal battle that would decide the fate of Europe.

Here’s a further trimmed version: *World War One - 1914* explores the alliances of Europe, including the Triple Alliance and Triple Entente, and the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, which sparked the war. Imperial rivalries and alliances fueled the conflict, though US President Wilson kept America out. Germany invaded France and Belgium but was stopped at the Battle of the Marne, leading to a stalemate of trench warfare. Britain blockaded Germany after winning the first naval battle at Heligoland Bight. In the East, Germany triumphed at Tannenberg and Masurian Lakes, while Austria-Hungary suffered heavy losses. Colonial forces clashed in Africa and the Pacific, with Japan capturing Tsingtao. By winter 1914, failed offensives and high casualties on all fronts crushed hopes of a short war. The first Christmas saw brief peace with football in No Man's Land.

Russia Part 1 traces the origins of modern Russia and Ukraine among Slavic tribes, Viking raiders, and the medieval kingdom of Kievan Rus. Mongol hordes brought death and destruction, but under the first Tsars, a strong Russian state slowly emerged. Смотреть по русски: • История России. Начало пути Mira este video en Español • Historia De Rusia - Parte 1 A note on 'Ivan the Terrible' - in Russia Ivan IV has the epithet 'Гро́зный', meaning 'Great' or 'Formidable'. So why is he called Ivan 'the Terrible' in this video? Because he was evil or useless? No, it is because 'Гро́зный' was first translated into English many years ago as 'Terrible', when the word commonly meant awesome or formidable (see definitions 3 & 4 here: http://www.dictionary.com/browse/terr.... And in English, Ivan IV has been known as Ivan the Terrible ever since.

Here’s a further condensed version: *World War One - 1915* highlights German Zeppelin air raids on Britain, and the Royal Navy's victory at the Battle of Dogger Bank. Germany began unrestricted submarine warfare, while on the Eastern Front, Germany defeated Russia at Masurian Lakes, but Russia captured 100,000 Austro-Hungarians at Przemyśl. Allied ships faced heavy losses in the Dardanelles, and troops, including ANZACs, were pinned at Gallipoli. On the Western Front, British offensives failed, and Germany used chemical weapons at Ypres. The Armenian Genocide began in April. The sinking of *Lusitania* outraged the US, prompting Germany to suspend attacks on passenger ships. Italy joined the war, attacking Austria-Hungary, and Allied offensives in France resulted in heavy losses. In the Balkans, Serbia was overrun by the Central Powers, with the Serbian army suffering catastrophic losses during its retreat.

World War One: 1916' covers the great battles of Verdun and the Somme on the Western Front, as well as Russia's Brusilov Offensive on the Eastern Front. In the Middle East, British forces surrender at Kut, while the Arab Revolt begins in the Hejaz. But unbeknownst to Arab leaders, the British and French have secretly agreed to carve up the Middle East after the war in the secret Sykes-Picot Agreement. The war's only great naval battle is fought at Jutland, while the Italians face crisis after the surprise Austro-Hungarian attack at Asiago. In the Balkans, Romania joins the war on the Allied side, but is soon overrun by the Central Powers. CORRECTION: 13.10 - Karl was the great-nephew, not the son, of Emperor Franz Josef I.

Here’s a revised version under 1000 characters: In *1917*, Germany reintroduces unrestricted submarine warfare, hoping to defeat Britain by cutting off food supplies. This leads to an American declaration of war. In Russia, revolution forces Tsar Nicholas II to abdicate, and the Provisional Government vows to continue the war. However, the Bolshevik Revolution leads to an armistice by year's end. On the Western Front, major battles include Arras (with Canada’s capture of Vimy Ridge), the Nivelle Offensive, Messines, and Third Ypres (Passchendaele). In November, Britain launches the first mass tank attack at Cambrai. In Italy, Germany's reinforcements lead to victory at Caporetto. In the Middle East, Britain wins at Kut, Baghdad, and Gaza, allowing them to enter Jerusalem. The Arab Revolt captures Aqaba, aided by TE Lawrence, but the Balfour Declaration complicates British promises to the Arabs about independence.

Here’s a further condensed version under 1000 characters: In 1918, Woodrow Wilson proposes his 'Fourteen Points' for peace. Russia exits the war with the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, freeing German troops for Ludendorff's Spring Offensive. Despite early success, it's halted at Amiens by British and Australian forces. In April, the Red Baron is killed. US troops arrive, winning at Cantigny and Belleau Wood. The Allies' Hundred Days Offensive breaks the Hindenburg Line, defeating Germany. In the Balkans, victory at Dobro Pole forces Bulgaria to surrender. In the Middle East, British forces win at Megiddo, occupying Damascus and Aleppo. The Ottoman Empire and Austria-Hungary soon sign armistices. Revolution in Germany leads to the Kaiser’s abdication, and an armistice on November 11. The 1919 Treaty of Versailles imposes harsh penalties on Germany, creating resentment later exploited by Adolf Hitler.

This is the story of the first day of the Somme Offensive, 1 July 1916 - the single bloodiest day in British military history. 57,000 British soldiers became casualties, most within a few hours of the initial attack. The offensive was part of a doomed attempt to break the deadlock of trench warfare. But behind the myths lies the story of an elaborately-planned battle, fought against a determined and experienced German enemy, and a struggle that was seen at the time as both unavoidable and necessary. The Battle of the Somme, of which 1st July was just the first, disastrous day, raged for another four months, and was vital not only in diverting German forces away from their assault on the French at Verdun, but in teaching Britain's 'citizen army' how to fight a modern war against the German army.

Here’s a condensed version under 1000 characters: Russia, emerging from the Time of Troubles, is liberated from Polish forces by Prince Pozharsky and Kuzma Minin. The Zemsky Sobor elects 16-year-old Mikhail Romanov as Tsar, starting the Romanov dynasty. Under the Romanovs, all peasants become serfs, and Patriarch Nikon's reforms split the Russian Orthodox Church. The Thirteen Years War (1654–67) brings Smolensk and Kiev under Russian control, while Stenka Razin leads a rebellion. In 1689, Peter the Great takes power, modernizes Russia, builds a navy, and reforms government, industry, and education. He wins major victories against the Ottomans and Sweden, including the famous Battle of Poltava. Later, Empress Anna sponsors Bering’s exploration of Alaska, and Empress Elizabeth leads Russia to victory in the Seven Years War. Catherine the Great seizes power after overthrowing her husband Peter III, expanding Russia and cementing her legacy.

The First Crusade was one of the most extraordinary, bloody and significant episodes in medieval history. It began with an appeal for aid from the Christian Byzantine Empire, threatened by the rising power of the Muslim Seljuk Turks. But when Pope Urban II preached a sermon at Clermont in 1095, the result was unlike anything ever seen before. The Pope offered spiritual salvation to those willing to go east to aid their fellow Christians in a holy war, and help liberate Jerusalem from Muslim rule. Knights and peasants alike signed up in their thousands, leading to the disastrous People's, or Peasants', Crusade, then to a much more organised and powerful Princes' Crusade. Their forces gathered at Constantinople, where they made an uneasy alliance with Byzantine Emperor Alexius I Comnenus. Entering Anatolia, they helped to win back the city of Nicaea, then won a decisive but hard-fought victory at Dorlyaeum, before marching on the great city of Antioch...

Part 2 of Epic History TV's story of the First Crusade continues with the Siege of Antioch. The Crusaders endure immense hardships outside the city walls, but finally take Antioch thanks to a ruse by Bohemond of Taranto. Against the odds, and inspired by their recent discovery of a relic believed to be the 'Holy Lance', the Crusaders then defeat the Seljuk army of Kur Burgha. After disagreements within the Crusader camp, the army finally moves on to Jerusalem in the spring of 1099. During a full-scale assault of the city walls, Godfrey of Bouillon's troops gain a foothold in the defences, and Crusader troops pour into the city. A bloodbath follows. Victory results in the creation of four Crusader states, but their existence is precarious, surrounded by hostile Muslim powers, who will one day return with a vengeance.

The incredible story of Alexander the Great and his conquest of the known world is brought to life with animated maps, images from Osprey Publishing and Total War game footage. In Part 1, we look at the background: Persia's invasion of Greece in 480 BC, the rise of Macedonia under King Philip II, and the formation of the Hellenic League. Following Philip's assassination, his 20 year old son Alexander inherited the kingdom and a formidable army. In 334 BC he used this army to launch a invasion of the Persian Empire, winning a crucial victory at the River Granicus.

Alexander the Great's astonishing military campaign against the Persian Empire is brought to life with animated maps, images from Osprey Publishing and Total War game footage. In Part 2, Alexander cuts the Gordian Knot, then defeats the army of Darius III at the Battle of Issus. He goes on to conquer the island-city of Tyre in a brutal siege, and seizes control of the rich and ancient land of Egypt, where he is recognised as the new pharaoh. He founds a new city at Alexandria, and at the oracle of Siwah, he is welcomed as son of Amun - king of the gods. King Agis of Sparta leads a rebellion against Macedonian rule back in Greece, but is crushed by Antipater, leaving Alexander free to continue his advance into the heartlands of Persia...

Alexander the Great has subjugated the Persian Empire west of the Euphrates, winning battles at the Granicus and Issus, capturing the city of Tyre and seizing control of Egypt. Now he heads east for a final showdown with Darius III, King of Kings, at Gaugamela. The great clash there will determine the fate of two empires, and win Alexander everlasting glory. But in the wake of victory, he faces the challenge of ruling over his new, sprawling empire, and dealing with usurpers and rebellion.

Alexander the Great has defeated King Darius at the Battle of Gaugamela, and now pursues the Persian usurper Bessus east into modern Afghanistan. He will face revolt, guerilla war and Scythian nomads, but finally he reaches the furthest point of the Persian Empire. He marries Roxana, daughter of a Bactrian lord, then continues his advance into modern Pakistan and India, where he clashes with King Porus of Pauravas at the Battle of the Hydaspes...

Watch the story of Magellan's voyage on Simple History

In 1793, amidst the French Revolution's Reign of Terror, France faced internal revolts and external threats, including the British occupation of Toulon, a key naval base. The inexperienced General Carteaux, with the aid of the young artillery officer Napoleon Bonaparte, was tasked with retaking the city. Bonaparte, recommended by Saliceti, quickly organized the artillery, despite shortages, and proposed a strategy focusing on capturing strategic forts to bombard the Allied fleet. After initial setbacks due to Carteaux's hesitation, the professional General Dugommier took command, endorsing Bonaparte's plan. In a fierce battle, Bonaparte's leadership helped secure French victory, leading to his promotion to Brigadier General. The fall of Toulon marked a turning point for the French Republic, with Bonaparte emerging as a significant military figure, setting the stage for his future prominence.

Napoleon crowned himself Emperor in 1804. Soon after, he faced the Third Coalition of European powers. His Grande Armée, using the new corps system, swiftly defeated Austria at Ulm and occupied Vienna. The decisive Battle of Austerlitz followed on December 2, 1805. Napoleon's strategy lured Allies into attacking his right while he struck their center on the Pratzen Heights. The French victory shattered the Coalition, forcing Austria to accept harsh terms. However, Britain remained undefeated at sea after Nelson's victory at Trafalgar. The battle showcased Napoleon's tactical brilliance and the effectiveness of his army's organization. It solidified French dominance on land, while Britain ruled the seas. This stalemate between the "whale and the elephant" set the stage for years of continued conflict in Europe. The war's impact was summed up by British PM Pitt: "Roll up that map of Europe, it will not be wanted these ten years.

Alexander the Great, becoming king at 20, expanded Macedonia's rule over Greece, crushed the Persian Empire, and ventured to India by his death at 32. Facing a mutiny at Opis, he harshly punished the leaders and delivered a dramatic speech, as recounted by historian Arrian, emphasizing his achievements and leadership, though the exact words are debated.

Fresh from his great victory at Austerlitz, Napoleon's next campaign saw him take on Prussia in the autumn of 1806. Prussia's army had been feared throughout Europe since the days of Frederick the Great, but in just 5 weeks of 'Napoleonic Blitzkrieg', the French Emperor showed that those days were long gone.

Napoleon brings his war against Russia and Prussia to an end with victory at Friedland, leading to the famous Tilsit conference, after which Napoleon stood at the peak of his power.

In 1808, Napoleon's rivalry with Britain led to an ill-fated intervention in Portugal and Spain, that sparked a nationalist revolt against the French. At Bailén Napoleon's Empire suffered its first major defeat, and though Napoleon himself then arrived in Spain to reassert French military dominance, he could not prevent the escape of Sir John Moore's small British army, after its defensive victory at Corunna on 16 January 1809. The British army would return, under new leadership, to play a major part in his downfall.

In 1809, with Napoleon and his best troops bogged down in Spain, Austria decided to try to get revenge for her humiliation at Austerlitz three years before. Archduke Charles led an invasion of France's ally Bavaria, but Napoleon raised fresh troops and transformed the strategic situation in four days of hard fighting along the Danube. But having taken Vienna, Napoleon's overconfidence led to a desperate battle at Aspern-Essling, resulting in his first major defeat as Emperor, and the death of his closest friend.

Alexander is played by Charlie Merriman, an actor who studied Ancient Greek and Latin at Cambridge University. With Barefaced Greek, he performs in plays and videos in Ancient Greek.

Six weeks after his bloody repulse at the Battle of Aspern-Essling, Napoleon led his reinforced army back across the Danube. The resulting clash with Archduke Charles's Austrian army was the biggest and bloodiest battle yet seen in European history, and despite heavy French losses, resulted in a decisive strategic victory for the French Emperor.

In 1809, as Napoleon fought the Austrians at Wagram, the war in Spain and Portugal continued to rage. The French had inflicted several heavy defeats on Spanish field armies, but now they faced a popular insurgency as well as a well-trained Anglo-Portuguese army led by British general Lord Wellington. The Peninsular War, as it became known, became Napoleon's 'bleeding ulcer', or his Vietnam, costing his empire nearly quarter of a million soldiers, in a war that looked increasingly unwinnable.

In 1812 French forces in Spain were severely overstretched, as Napoleon withdrew the best troops for his invasion of Russia. Wellington saw an opportunity to strike. First he secured the strategic fortress-cities of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz, both taken in bloody assaults, then advanced to Salamanca, where his Anglo-Portuguese army met Marshal Marmont's French army in one of the most decisive clashes of the Peninsular War.

In 1813, following his disastrous invasion of Russia, Napoleon faced a desperate battle to save his empire. His enemies were gaining in strength, as Prussia and Sweden joined the Sixth Coalition against him, while Russian armies advanced across Poland and into Germany. The French Emperor worked miracles to raise a new Grande Armée of young conscripts, leading them to victory at Lützen and Bautzen. But Napoleon knew everything might ultimately depend on Austria - which side would his father-in-law, Austrian Emperor Francis I, chose to support? The matter would be settled after a fateful and ill-tempered meeting in Dresden between Napoleon and Austrian foreign minister von Metternich...

In October 1813 Napoleon faced the combined might of the Sixth Coalition (Russia, Austria, Prussia, Sweden) near Leipzig, in what would prove to be the decisive battle of his career. Outnumbered, virtually encircled, Napoleon opted for a high-risk strategy of striking against Schwarzenberg's Army of Bohemia, before the other Coalition armies could come to his aid. The four-day Battle of Leipzig would be the largest and bloodiest battle in European history before the First World War, and one that changed the destiny of Europe.

Following his defeat in the giant Battle of Leipzig (Oct 1813), Napoleon's final defeat seemed only a matter of time. But when Coalition armies crossed the Rhine and invaded France, Napoleon - outnumbered 4 to 1 - began one of the most daring and brilliant campaigns in military history. However Napoleon's hope that his victories would cause a fatal split in the Coalition did not materialise, and eventually, Schwarzenberg and Blücher's dash for Paris would seal the fate of the Napoleonic Empire.

In 1812 Napoleon invaded Russia with the largest army Europe had ever seen, composed of troops from France as well as Poland, Germany, Italy and several other allied states. The campaign that followed saw the Russians use scorched earth tactics to deny the enemy supplies, while Napoleon advanced further and further into Russia, searching in vain for the decisive blow that would force Emperor Alexander to negotiate peace. Even after winning a costly victory at Borodino and occupying Moscow, Napoleon's invitation to negotiate received no response. Napoleon found himself 500 miles from friendly territory, outnumbered, poorly supplied, and with winter approaching. What followed was one of the most harrowing and disastrous events in military history - the Retreat from Moscow - in which Russian attacks, freezing weather and starvation virtually wiped out the once-proud Grande Armée.

In 1804 Napoleon created 18 'Marshals of the Empire', to serve as the senior officers of the Grande Armée. He created a further 8 before his abdication. A few were aristocrats, but others were the sons of shopkeepers or tailors. The most favoured became princes and kings. Among their ranks were legendary figures such as Marshals Lannes, Soult, Davout and Massena, but also much less well know figures like Pérignon, Brune and Moncey. Our series will explore the lives of all 26 Marshals, and rank them according to our own judgement of their achievements as Marshals.

This is Epic History TV's guide to building the perfect castle, based on the development of European medieval castles over 400 years of history. We trace the origins of the castle in the feudal system that emerged in France c.900 CE, and look at the early motte-and-bailey castle, used by the Normans to subjugate England and Wales in the 11th century. We then look at how castle's became stronger and more sophisticated, with the addition of stone curtain walls, massive keeps, towers (square, round and D-shaped), as well as powerful gatehouses, barbicans, machicolations and moats.

We delve into NASA's Apollo Program, sparked by President Kennedy's goal to land on the moon by 1969, amidst Cold War tensions with the Soviet Union. Key figure Werner von Braun, once of Nazi Germany's V2 program, led NASA's rocket development. After triumphs in Mercury and Gemini, tragedy struck with Apollo 1, where astronauts perished in a launch pad fire. NASA rebounded, redesigning for safety, and succeeded with Apollo 7. Apollo 8's historic moon orbit and the iconic 'Earthrise' photo set the stage for the first moon landing attempt in 1969.

In 1804 Napoleon created 18 'Marshals of the Empire', to serve as the senior officers of the Grande Armée. He created a further 8 before his abdication. A few were aristocrats, but others were the sons of shopkeepers or tailors. The most favoured became princes and kings. Among their ranks were legendary figures such as Marshals Lannes, Ney, Soult, Davout and Massena, but also much less well know figures like Pérignon, Brune and Moncey. Our series will explore the lives of all 26 Marshals, and rank them according to our own judgement of their achievements as Marshals.

The Saga of Ragnar details Ragnar's death and his final song, the Krákumál, which is both a death and life song. Ragnar, awaiting a feast in Odin’s hall, faces death with defiance, as expressed in the line "læjandi skalk deyja" ("laughing shall I die"). Similarly, King Hrolf’s saga, blending fact with fairy-tale, features the were-bear Bödvar Bjarki. The Jomsvikings’ downfall, tied to their boastful politics and the Battle of Hjörungavágr, contrasts with the more historical Battle of Stiklarstaðir, where the poet Thormod, mortally wounded, composes his final incomplete poem. Harald Hardrada, a patron of poetry, completes Thormod’s verse. The Viking belief in Valhalla, where fallen warriors feast eternally, reflects a prominent but not universal afterlife concept among Norse gods, as recorded by Snorri Sturluson.

In 1804 Napoleon created 18 'Marshals of the Empire', to serve as the senior officers of the Grande Armée. He created a further 8 before his abdication. A few were aristocrats, but others were the sons of shopkeepers or tailors. The most favoured became princes and kings. Among their ranks were legendary figures such as Marshals Lannes, Ney, Soult, Davout and Massena, but also much less well know figures like Pérignon, Brune and Moncey. Our series will explore the lives of all 26 Marshals, and rank them according to our own judgement of their achievements as Marshals.

We'll cover NASA's Apollo Program, from President Kennedy's lunar landing goal to the tragic Apollo 1 fire. Despite setbacks, NASA succeeded with Apollo 7 and Apollo 8, leading to the first manned orbit of the moon. In 1969, Armstrong, Aldrin, and Collins aimed to make history with the first lunar landing attempt.

In May 1813, as Napoleon launches a desperate bid to save his empire following the disastrous defeat in Russia, the situation in Spain is particularly precarious. French forces have been weakened to make up for the enormous losses in Russia. But Wellington's Anglo-Portuguese army, as well as the Spanish guerrillas, are stronger than ever. Wellington's advance into Spain will liberate Madrid a second time, and conclude with the final showdown of the Peninsular War - the Battle of Vitoria.

In the 6th century AD, during the reign of Emperor Justinian, the Roman Empire experienced an extraordinary resurgence, reconquering lands - including Italy, North Africa and Rome itself - that had been lost to the 'barbarians' a century before. Leading these campaigns, a brilliant Roman general named Flavius Belisarius - a skilled tactician, inspirational leader, pragmatic and humane.

The video covers the major events of Russia's two revolutions of 1917 - the February Revolution that ended Tsarist rule and the October Revolution that brought the Bolsheviks to power. It explains the causes of Tsar Nicholas II's unpopularity, including the role of Rasputin, Russia's involvement in World War One, and the events in Petrograd that led to the Tsar's abdication. It also discusses the Provisional Government's challenges, Prime Minister Kerensky's struggles, and the Bolshevik coup led by Lenin and Trotsky. The aftermath led to a brutal civil war and the formation of the Soviet Union in 1922.

In the 6th century AD, during the reign of Emperor Justinian, the Roman Empire experienced an extraordinary resurgence, reconquering lands - including Italy, North Africa and Rome itself - that had been lost to the 'barbarians' a century before. Leading these campaigns, a brilliant Roman general named Flavius Belisarius - a skilled tactician, inspirational leader, pragmatic and humane.

In 1956, an international crisis over control of the Suez Canal put Britain and France into direct conflict with President Nasser of Egypt, a proud Arab nationalist determined to stand up to foreign powers meddling in Egyptian affairs.

In the 6th century AD, during the reign of Emperor Justinian, the Roman Empire experienced an extraordinary resurgence, reconquering lands - including Italy, North Africa and Rome itself - that had been lost to the 'barbarians' a century before. Leading these campaigns, a brilliant Roman general named Flavius Belisarius - a skilled tactician, inspirational leader, pragmatic and humane.

This is the story of the Decembrists, a group of young Russian aristocrats and army officers, including decorated veterans of the Napoleonic Wars, who returned home after the conflict hoping Russia would embark on a course of modernising reform. Instead, Emperor Alexander turned his back on the liberal ideals of his youth. He opposed all attempts to reform Russia's autocratic government, or end its brutal system of serfdom. The Decembrists, organising themselves into secret societies and publishing their own draft constitutions for a future Russia, decided that the only way forward was by revolution.

In 1796, at the height of the Revolutionary Wars, Napoleon Bonaparte took command of French troops in Northern Italy. He was only 26 years old and had never commanded an army before. In a matter of weeks, he transformed shattered, demoralised troops into a powerful fighting force. But new challenges came his way: the Austrian General Wurmser, eager to strike at the advancing French, and the siege of Mantua, which tested the mettle of Napoleon's army. In this episode, we will see how Napoleon, faced with a powerful enemy, not only maintains his strategic superiority but also wins a landmark victory at Castiglione.

In 1796, at the height of the Revolutionary Wars, Napoleon Bonaparte took command of French forces in northern Italy. He was just 26 years old and had never commanded an army before. Within weeks, he had turned his ragged, demoralised troops into a ferocious fighting force, defeating the Austrians and knocking Piedmont out of the war. With success, Napoleon began to believe it was his destiny to shape the fate of nations. In this series, we follow Napoleon's first glorious campaign step by step.

In the 8th century Middle East, a new dynasty seized control of one of the world’s greatest empires – the Islamic Caliphate. Though little remembered in the west today, the Abbasids reigned for five centuries. They oversaw an era of Islamic military dominance... city-building… brilliant scholarship, and technological innovation. It has come to be remembered as Islam’s ‘golden age’. This is the story of the Abbasid Caliphate.

In 1796, at the height of the Revolutionary Wars, Napoleon Bonaparte took command of French forces in northern Italy. He was just 26 years old and had never commanded an army before. Within weeks, he had turned his ragged, demoralised troops into a ferocious fighting force, defeating the Austrians and knocking Piedmont out of the war. With success, Napoleon began to believe it was his destiny to shape the fate of nations. In this series, we follow Napoleon's first glorious campaign step by step.

In the 8th century Middle East, a new dynasty seized control of one of the world’s greatest empires – the Islamic Caliphate. Though little remembered in the west today, the Abbasids reigned for five centuries. They oversaw an era of Islamic military dominance... city-building… brilliant scholarship, and technological innovation. It has come to be remembered as Islam’s ‘golden age’. This is the story of the Abbasid Caliphate.

In 1796, at the height of the Revolutionary Wars, Napoleon Bonaparte took command of French forces in northern Italy. He was just 26 years old and had never commanded an army before. Within weeks, he had turned his ragged, demoralised troops into a ferocious fighting force, defeating the Austrians and knocking Piedmont out of the war. With success, Napoleon began to believe it was his destiny to shape the fate of nations. In this series, we follow Napoleon's first glorious campaign step by step.

November 1918. In western Europe, the four-year slaughter of World War One was drawing to an end.But across the former Russian Empire, a new conflict had broken out… a civil war that raged from central Europe to the Pacific, claiming an estimated nine million lives. Lenin, the Bolsheviks and their new Soviet Republic battled for survival against their many enemies – collectively known as the ‘Whites’. The Whites’ great hope: their newly-appointed ‘Supreme Ruler of Russia’, Admiral Alexander Kolchak. Kolchak was a war hero, a man of duty and discipline, who believed above all in service to ‘the motherland’. Millions looked to him to crush the Bolsheviks, avenge the murdered Tsar, and save Russia from chaos and collapse. This is the extraordinary tale of the life and death of Admiral Kolchak – Russia’s only ‘Supreme Ruler’.

In 1798, during the French Revolutionary Wars, General Napoleon Bonaparte sailed with a French army to Egypt. The plan was to conquer the wealthy Ottoman province and deal a major blow to British interests in the Mediterranean. What followed was a campaign featuring legendary battles, ruthless occupation and a brutal expedition into the Holy Land, marked by Napoleon's first major military setback, and some of his most controversial decisions.

In 1804 Napoleon created 18 'Marshals of the Empire', to serve as the senior officers of the Grande Armée. He created a further 8 before his abdication in 1814. A few were aristocrats, but others were the sons of shopkeepers or tailors. The most favoured became princes and kings. Among their ranks were legendary figures such as Marshals Lannes, Ney, Soult, Davout and Masséna, but also less well know figures like Pérignon, Brune and Moncey. Our series explores the lives of all 26 Marshals, and ranks them according to our own judgement of their achievements as Marshals.

n 1799, the young French Republic faced war with a coalition of European enemies, and an unpopular and corrupt government at home. In the midst of disorder, military hero Napoleon Bonaparte returns from his campaign in Egypt. He has built a formidable reputation, he is adored by the people, and is viewed as an essential ally for those vying for power. But Napoleon has his own ambitions, and on one famous day in November, he will take decisive action to make them a reality. This is the full story of the Brumaire Coup - a day that changed the course of French history.

In the years following independence, the newly-formed United States of America look westward for their expansion, hoping to conquer territory and sell off land to eager European settlers. Its first target is the vast, resource-rich 'Northwest Territory', stretching from the Appalachian Mountains to the Mississippi River. But this is not vacant land - thousands of native people from numerous tribes call these valleys and forests home, and will fight to protect it. As violence flares along the frontier and negotiations fail, President Washington and the US decide to take the territory by force... but they have fatally underestimated their enemy. This is the full story of the 'Northwest Indian War' and the Battle of the Wabash... America's first military defeat.

In the years following independence, the newly-formed United States of America look westward for their expansion, hoping to conquer territory and sell off the land to eager European settlers. Among their targets is the vast, resource-rich 'Northwest Territory', stretching from the Appalachian Mountains to the Mississippi River. But this is not vacant land - thousands of native people, across numerous tribes, call these valleys and forests their home, and they will fight to protect it. As violence along the frontier rises and negotiations fail, the federal government decides to take the territory by force... but they have fatally underestimated their enemy. This is the full story of the Battle of the Wabash... America's first military defeat.

Follow the epic saga of Napoleon's rise to power in one video: from his first success at Toulon as a young artillery captain, to his brilliant first campaigns in Italy, and his dramatic adventures across the sands of Egypt and Syria. In 1799 he seizes political power in the daring Brumaire Coup, before his legendary crossing of the Alps en route to the epic battlefield of Marengo.

In 1805, Napoleon is planning his move against the Third Coalition of Britain, Russia and Austria. He is determined to finally defeat Britain, and if he can manage to get the French army across the English Channel, his huge and experienced land forces would surely capture the island. Only the formidable British navy stands in his way. Britain has ‘ruled the waves’ for many years, but now faces the combined forces of France and her ally, Spain. Nevertheless, when the British fleet catches sight of their enemy off Cape Trafalgar, its commander, Admiral Nelson, will not hesitate to engage. Admiral Nelson is outnumbered, but he has a typically daring plan of attack. The fierce battle that follows will be etched in time - a fateful day for Nelson, but also one that will seal his status as a titan of naval history.

In the late eighteenth century, Britain has consolidated its global empire and now dominates North America. But in defeating her colonial rivals, she has also amassed huge national debts. To alleviate Britain’s financial woes, Parliament levies new taxes on its American colonies. But they have gravely miscalculated the response to ‘taxation without representation’. While some in the colonies remain loyal to their ‘motherland’, a growing number of settlers decry the measures and protest violently. American ties to the British Crown are weakening, enterprising attitudes are flourishing, and as tensions rise, a growing independent spirit will carry these patriots to the brink of war.

China is well known as one of the world’s largest and most powerful countries - a major player on the global stage, characterised by its distinctive culture and unyielding regime. Yet behind the China we see today lies a fascinating, complex and turbulent history - one that must be explored to truly understand the modern republic. We begin our series with the breakdown of a 250-year old imperial dynasty, revolutionary power struggles and a fleeting courtship with democracy. This is the rise of China.

In the wake of the Boston Tea Party, tensions between the American Colonies and British Government escalate rapidly. Desperate to reassert their authority, the British send troops to seize militia weapons in the town of Concord, Massachusetts. But the American rebels are ready for a fight. A violent showdown looms.

In 1925, a decade on from the downfall of its last emperor, China remains deeply divided. Its people are at the mercy of warlords and rival political factions. But a charismatic and ambitious Nationalist leader, Chiang Kai-shek, has a plan to unite the country by force. What follows is a decade of violence and turmoil, as Chiang’s Kuomintang Army takes on the warlords, then forces the Communists into an epic retreat, before facing a reckoning with foreign aggressors.