Empire Games

This series explores the greatest empires in a way that has never been fully investigated. Each episode highlights and exposes the political intrigue, personal vendettas, family mayhem, acts of vengeance and the ever-evolving tension, turmoil and chaos that shaped these civilisations and led to their destruction from within. In the 15th century, the Aztec ruler Moctezuma I consolidated power in Central America through skilful political alliance, marriage and murder. Within a few generations, a king that shared his name, Moctezuma II, would see the utter ruination of the Aztec Empire. Ancient enmity with their vassal states led to devastating betrayal. The Spanish - those strange bearded men in steel clothes astride huge four-legged beasts - cleverly played tribe against tribe and destroyed an empire.

This series explores the greatest empires in a way that has never been fully investigated. Each episode highlights and exposes the political intrigue, personal vendettas, family mayhem, acts of vengeance and the ever-evolving tension, turmoil and chaos that shaped these civilisations and led to their destruction from within. Rome's Gaelic Wars are remembered as the stepping stone Julius Caesar used to assume absolute power in Rome. But what of the point of view of the many Celtic tribes that rose in opposition to the invader? We'll explore this incredible conflict from a totally new perspective. These were not faceless barbarians but skilled warriors and brilliant politicians. Chief among them was Vercingetorix, the great leader who united them all and met his end in Rome, a human spoil of war paraded through the forum for the glory of Caesar.

This series explores the greatest empires in a way that has never been fully investigated. Each episode highlights and exposes the political intrigue, personal vendettas, family mayhem, acts of vengeance and the ever-evolving tension, turmoil and chaos that shaped these civilisations and led to their destruction from within. Born in 624 CE, Wu Zhao became the concubine of Emperor Taizong. Her entry into the palace would begin one of the most dramatic periods in Chinese history. She would ultimately rule as the Empress Wu and expand Chinese military and political control in Central Asia and the Korean peninsula. Court intrigue raged during her reign and she successfully undermined constant attempts to usurp her power. In the end, however, ill health and conspiracy would combine to force her abdication. The former rulers seized control and the second Zhao dynasty began and ended with her.