People

1431–1503

Alexander VI, born Rodrigo Borgia, was pope from 1492 until 1503. A skilled administrator and politician, he also became notorious for nepotism, openly advancing his children […]

4 series · 7 books

6 BCE–57

Aulus Plautius was the Roman general who led the invasion of Britain under Emperor Claudius in AD 43. His command marked the beginning of sustained Roman […]

4 series · 7 books

born 1161

Baldwin IV ruled the crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem from 1174 to 1185 while suffering from leprosy. Despite worsening illness, he led armies against Saladin and won […]

3 series · 7 books

1883–1945

Benito Mussolini was the founder of Italian Fascism and dictator of Italy from 1922 until his fall in 1943. His regime suppressed opposition, pursued imperial expansion, […]

5 series · 7 books

c. 2nd century BCE–43

Cunobeline was a powerful king in pre-Roman Britain, ruling the Catuvellauni and associated territories in the early first century AD. His coinage and political reach show […]

2 series · 7 books

1861–1928

Douglas Haig, 1st Earl Haig was the commander-in-chief of the British Expeditionary Force for much of the First World War. He directed major offensives on the […]

1 series · 7 books

1506–1552

Edward Seymour, 1st Duke of Somerset, was the brother of Jane Seymour and uncle of Edward VI. On Henry VIII’s death he became lord protector and […]

3 series · 7 books

1832–1914

Frederick Roberts was a British Army commander associated with imperial campaigns in India, Afghanistan and South Africa. His military reputation was built on rapid operations, public […]

3 series · 7 books

1320–1378

Galeazzo II Visconti was a lord of Milan and member of the Visconti dynasty in the fourteenth century. His rule formed part of the expansion of […]

2 series · 7 books

1155–1183

Henry the Young King was the eldest surviving son of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. Crowned during his father’s lifetime in 1170, he possessed the […]

5 series · 7 books