Empress of Ambition: Catherine the Great

This historical documentary from National Geographic recounts the final defeat of one of history's most compelling leaders. Napoleon Bonaparte's phenomenal rise to power came to an end by 1814, when an alliance of enemies triumphed over his forces and banished him to the island of Elba. But the French ruler refused to give up on his dream of world conquest, and he proceeded to organize an epic, history-defining battle from his island prison.

Explore the intriguing story of Peter the Great, the boy czar who moved Russia into the modern age in the 18th century. Stunning cinematography enhances the reenactments that trace the tragedies of his childhood, his triumphs on the battlefields and the paranoia that caused him to imprison his son. Part of National Geographic's Icons of Power series, this fascinating documentary sheds light on the life and reign of the complex ruler.

Drawing on present day experts and historical records, this program catapults viewers back to the tumult and high drama of the Tudor period to depict an astounding story of sexual intrigue and royal politicking.

England, 14th century. King Edward II falls in love with Piers Gaveston, a young man of humble origins, whom he honors with favors and titles of nobility. The cold and jealous Queen Isabella conspires with the evil Mortimer to get rid of Gaveston, overthrow her husband and take power…

A sumptuous and sensual tale of intrigue, romance and betrayal set against the backdrop of a defining moment in European history: two beautiful sisters, Anne and Mary Boleyn, driven by their family's blind ambition, compete for the love of the handsome and passionate King Henry VIII.

Years have passed since the Three Musketeers, Aramis, Athos and Porthos, have fought together with their friend, D'Artagnan. But with the tyrannical King Louis using his power to wreak havoc in the kingdom while his twin brother, Philippe, remains imprisoned, the Musketeers reunite to abduct Louis and replace him with Philippe.

When Queen Elizabeth's reign is threatened by ruthless familial betrayal and Spain's invading army, she and her shrewd adviser must act to safeguard the lives of her people.

The story of the ascension to the throne and the early reign of Queen Elizabeth the First, the endless attempts by her council to marry her off, the Catholic hatred of her and her romance with Lord Robert Dudley.

Paris, Kingdom of France, August 18, 1572. To avoid the outbreak of a religious war, the Catholic princess Marguerite de Valois, sister of the feeble King Charles IX, marries the Huguenot King Henry III of Navarre.