Killer Kings

The case against six formidable kings who have left an indelible mark on the world. This episode conders Henry VIII, who reigned from 1509 until his death in 1547. Henry is remembered for his six marriages, the brutal treatment of his spouses and separating the Church of England from papal authority.

The Roman Emperor Caligula, also known as Gaius, exploring his brief but brutal reign from AD 37 to 41, highlighting his initial popular policies - cutting taxes and pardoning exiles - which were followed by a descent into madness and tyrannical behaviour. This documentary delves into the historical context of his rule and the events surrounding his assassination.

Bad King John I - the Medieval Monster - was far worse in real life that the fictitious villain of the Robin Hood legend. Even before he was crowned King in 1199, he had a dreadful reputation. This was the Prince who, when he learned that his brother ‘Good King Richard’ the “Lionheart” had been imprisoned on return from crusade, decided to tell people he was dead so that he could rule instead.

Tsar Ivan IV Vasilyevich - Ivan the Terrible - was the first grand prince of Moscow from 1533 to 1547 and later ruled as the “Tsar of all Russia” until his death in 1584. Back in the 16th Century when the suffix Terrible was first bestowed on Ivan, it meant ‘awe-inspiring’, ‘powerful’ and ‘formidable’. By the end of his reign, most of his subjects probably felt the word as we understand it today was more apt.

On the night of 18 July 64 AD, a fire broke out and swept across Rome, ravaging the city for over six days. It would become known as the Great Fire of Rome and legend states the decadent and unpopular emperor Nero ‘fiddled’ whilst his city burned before him.

Despite being accused of murdering his own wife, children and countless other innocents, King Herod is still known as 'the Great'. Why?