Introduction

Heroes and Villains is a 2007–2008 BBC Television drama series looking at key moments in the lives and reputations of some of the greatest warriors of history.

Each hour-long episode features a different historical figure, including Napoleon I of France, Attila the Hun, Spartacus, Hernán Cortés, Richard I of England, and Tokugawa Ieyasu.

The statements at the beginning of each episode read: “This film depicts real events and real characters. It is based on the accounts of writers of the time. It has been written with the advice of modern historians.”

In the United States the show was aired on The Military Channel and was called “Warriors”.

Outline of Series 01, Episode 03

Spartacus, sold as a gladiator, organises an escape and the Roman army is soon hunting him and his fellow escaped slaves. He and his men attack the Romans and other slaves soon arrive to join them which causes trouble between those who want revenge and Spartacus who wishes to flee to Gaul. After another attack by the Romans, they head for Gaul. Yet, after facing the Romans again and winning, Spartacus’s men convince him to attack rather than flee. The Romans, however, push them to the ocean and a final battle ensues.

Heroes and Villains Series

• Episode 01: Napoleon.
• Episode 02: Attila the Hun.
• Episode 03: Spartacus.
• Episode 04: Cortes.
• Episode 05: Richard the Lionheart.
• Episode 06: Shogun.

Production & Filming Details

• Directors: Nick Murphy, Tim Dunn, Nick Green, Andrew Grieve, Gareth Edwards, and Arif Nurmohamed.
• Writers: Clare Saxby, Tony Etchells, Nick Murphy, James Wood, Andrew Grieve, Lyall B. Watson, and Colin Heber-Percy.
• Historical Consultant: Professor Mary Beard (University of Cambridge).
• Production: BBC.
• Distributor: BBC (UK) and Military Channel (US).
• Release Date: 29 February 2008.
• Running time: 60 minutes.
• Country: UK and US.
• Language: English.

YouTube Link