Ancient Justice
We're embarking on a captivating journey through the crimes and punishments of ancient civilisations; each episode brings to life compelling stories about history or our ancestors.
Director: Brian Quigley
Gunpowder Plot & The Nika Riot
Catholic conspirators led by Robert Catesby plotted to blow up Parliament and kill King James I; Guy Fawkes was caught guarding the gunpowder, and an anonymous letter foiled the plan.
Assassination Of Julius Caeser & The Murdered Kings
Julius Caesar was stabbed 23 times by senators; this episode explores murdered royals, including Danish King Erik IV, Pharaoh Ramesses III, and Persian King Darius III, all betrayed by near-allies.
Spartacus' Slave Rebellion & Execution of Hypatia
Gladiator Spartacus led 70,000 slaves in rebellion against Rome in 73 B.C.E. / B.C., ending with 6,000 crucifixions; philosopher Hypatia was murdered in 415 C.E. / A.D. during religious conflict.
Louis d'Orleans & The Slaying Of Alcibiades
Duke Louis d'Orléans was ambushed and killed in 1407 by rival John the Fearless, who claimed tyrannicide; Athenian general Alcibiades switched sides repeatedly before Persian assassins killed him.
Murder of King Alboin & The Bamberg Betrayal
Lombard King Alboin forced his wife to drink from her father's skull, leading her to conspire in his murder; German King Philip of Swabia was killed in 1208 by Count…
Trial of Gilles De Rais & The Black Dinner
War hero Gilles de Rais was tried and executed in 1440 for murdering over 100 children; at the 1440 Black Dinner, the young Douglas brothers were invited to dine with…
Blood in the Cathedral & The Dowagers' Final Stand
The Pazzi family attacked the Medicis during Easter Mass in 1478, killing Giuliano; Byzantine Empress Maria of Antioch was strangled in 1182 after her cousin Andronikos incited massacre.
Arrow in the Forest & Death of the Last Shogun
King William Rufus was struck by an arrow while hunting in 1100; Japan's last Minamoto shōgun Sanetomo was assassinated by his nephew outside a shrine in 1219.
Murder of Darnley & Execution at the Temple Steps
Scottish King Consort Darnley survived an explosion in 1567 but was then smothered; Cleopatra's sister Arsinoë IV was murdered at the Temple of Artemis by Mark Antony's soldiers, violating sacred…
Assassination of Caracalla & Murder at Corfe Castle
Emperor Caracalla was stabbed by conspirators led by Praetorian Prefect Macrinus; King Edward was murdered at Corfe Castle in 978, with suspicion falling on his stepmother Queen Aelfthryth.
