Joseph Stalin Part 1: The Young Bank Robber

How did a man from the Georgian frontier of the Russian Empire plot a route to power?

• 45 mins

Joseph Stalin Part 2: The Secretary Becomes Dictator

Stalin thrives in the chaos post WW1 but his rise to leadership does not go unchallenged.

• 50 mins

Joseph Stalin Part 3: Hitler Attacks

Hitler invades Russia, and Stalin's legacy is bound up with a bloody fight to the death.

• 45 mins

Francisco Macías Nguema Part 1: The Forgotten Dictator

Macías' rule in Equatorial Guinea is a blood-curdling story of opportunism & paranoia.

• 50 mins

Francisco Macías Nguema Part Two: Hiding in the Jungle with all the Money.

Macías purges the professional class; his reign worsens when he declares himself God.

• 40 mins

Saddam Hussein Part 1: Son of the Alleyways

In the spring of 1937, a baby is born... 'Saddam', meaning ‘one who confronts’.

• 45 mins

Saddam Hussein Part 2: Enforcer, Frontman, Mafia Godfather

Saddam makes his move to consolidate power, appointing friends and relatives.

• 45 mins

Saddam Hussein Part 3: Oil and the Ayatollah

Saddam clashes with Iran's new leader, and with his personality cult, he's ready for war.

• 45 mins

Saddam Hussein Part 4: The First Gulf War

US forces are deployed as Iraq invades Kuwait. At home, it's a chance to undermine Saddam.

• 43 mins

Saddam Hussein Part 5: The War on Terror

In the aftermath of 9/11, Bush & Blair send troops into Iraq. But, Saddam vanishes...

• 49 mins

Herod the Great Part 1: Ruler of Galilee

King Herod - the original pantomime villain. Who really was this iconic figure?

• 50 mins

Herod the Great Part 2: Murders in the Family

Herod takes Jerusalem, murders family members, and what of his acts in the Nativity?

• 45 mins

Mao Zedong Part 1: Peasant’s Son, Communist Rebel

In 1893, Mao is born. As a child on his family farm, he will consume books & ideas.

• 45 mins

Mao Zedong Part 2: The ‘Great Leap Forward’

As Mao clinches power, his Great Leap Forwards drives millions across China to the edge.

• 48 mins

Mao Zedong Part 3: The Cultural Revolution

As Mao's Cultural Revolution unfolds, his health deteriorates, and what of his legacy?

• 43 mins

Turkmenbashy Part 1: Soviet Stooge, Hermit Tyrant

In the rubble of the Soviet Union, Turkmenistan is born... its unusual leader, Niyazov.

• 50 mins

Turkmenbashy Part 2: Putin, Taliban, Internet Shutdown

Niyazov rules one of history's most surreal regimes, a North Korea 2.0.

• 52 mins

Kim Jong-il Part 1: Birth of North Korea

We trace Kim Jong-il's rise to power and the founding of the state of North Korea.

• 50 mins

Kim Jong-il Part 2: Time to Make a Movie

After World War II, young Kim Jong-il and North Korea grow up side by side...

• 44 mins

Kim Jong-il Part 3: Nuclear Armed

Installed as leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-il builds a far-reaching and tragic state.

• 48 mins

Attila the Hun Part 1: The Sword of Mars

Attila will become a terrifying icon. Who was he, according to those who observed him?

• 53 mins

Attila the Hun Part 2: The Scourge of God

Attila rampages through Gaul... Will the prophecy of the sword of Mars be realised?

• 46 mins

Enver Hoxha Part 1: The Albanian School Teacher

Enver Hoxha ran Albania as an extraordinarily repressive Stalinist dictatorship

• 60 mins

Enver Hoxha Part 2: Stalin’s Shadow, Europe’s North Korea

Isolated Albania sinks into an economic mire while Hoxha's health fades. What will give?

• 45 mins

Julius Caesar Part 1: The Roman Dictator

Politician, writer, warrior, & lover. Julius Caesar became the absolute ruler of Rome.

• 52 mins

Julius Caesar Part 2: Rendezvous with Cleopatra

Caesar's epic invasion of Gaul eventually drives him into the arms of Queen Cleopatra.

• 48 mins

Julius Caesar Part 3: Murder in the Senate

Caesar's rule is popular. With the Ides of March approaching, conspirators hatch a plot.

• 46 mins

Oliver Cromwell Part 1: The Rise of Ironsides

Say “Oliver Cromwell” today and certain things come to mind. What is the real story?

• 59 mins

Oliver Cromwell Part 2: Civil War Across the Realms

The English Civil War. Cromwell proves himself to be an outstanding military commander.

• 53 mins

Oliver Cromwell Part 3: To Kill a King…

With the King in captivity, Cromwell takes a bold step. His Majesty must be put on trial…

• 53 mins