Heroes and Villains

Season 1

The story of some of the most remembered characters who transformed the world. Produced by the BBC, based in true facts, with the support of modern historians. This documentary tells how Napoleon, Spartacus, Richard Lionhearth, Atila, Shogun and Cortes printed their names in the books of history.

Where to Watch Season 1

6 Episodes

Napoleon
E1
NapoleonThe little known story of how Napoleon Bonaparte first emerged from obscurity and entered the national consciousness. A life and death struggle both on and off off the battlefield.
Attila the Hun
E2
Attila the HunExploring the myth of the crude Attila. Part genius, part psychopath, Attila is unlike the other Huns. A calculating, ruthless gambler, his one goal is conquest - and he's set his sights on Roman cities to test out his brilliant new siege tactics.
Spartacus
E3
SpartacusThe story of Spartacus.
Cortes
E4
CortesThe story of Hernan Cortes and the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire.
Richard the Lionheart
E5
Richard the LionheartThe story of Richard I of England and the Third Crusade.
Shogun
E6
ShogunDrama-documentary about the Samurai general Tokugawa Ieyasu, a towering figure of Japanese history. He overthrew the governing dynasty of Japan and became the Shogun - the supreme military leader - of Japan. Ieyasu's rise to power climaxes in the biggest Samurai battle in history, with 160,000 soldiers fighting for the future of Japan. On the way, there is a story of love for a reckless son, a politician in drag, a night time Ninja attack, suicide and betrayal.