Queens That Changed The World
So much of history is dominated by men. But some queens wielded extraordinary power, and ruled in ways that far surpassed their male counterparts. Back for series two, this illuminating history documentary series looks at queens such as Victoria, Elizabeth I, Eleanor of Aquitaine and Hatshepsut. It investigates what drove these women, how they asserted their authority and what they did to stay in power.
Watch Queens That Changed The World and more acclaimed documentaries on BBC Select today. Restrictions apply*.
Queens That Changed The World on BBC Select
Series 2:
Episode 1: The Last Queen of America: Charlotte
The princess of a small German duchy, Charlotte was catapulted into the spotlight when she married King George III. Through a 57-year reign, she was a strong and stabilizing presence, especially during the King’s periods of turmoil.
Episode 2: The Imperial Queen: Maria Theresa
When Maria Theresa inherited the Habsburg territories, she became the empire’s first ever female ruler, immediately having to fight off invasions. Through military grit and sweeping reforms, she secured her family’s legacy, and modernized the empire.
Episode 3: The Queen They Loved to Hate: Marie Antionette
Marie Antoinette has been described as history’s most misunderstood queen. Long famed for excess, extravagant fashion, and her indifference to the poor, recent historians have claimed there’s more to Marie Antoinette’s story than meets the eye.
Episode 4: The Defiant Queen: Lakshmibai
Lakshmibai, the Rani of Jhansi, ruled an Indian kingdom and took on the might of the British empire. Defending her son’s kingdom from the encroachments of the East India Company, the fierce fighter became a legend on the battlefield.
Episode 5: The Divisive Queen: Mary Queen of Scots
Mary Stuart became Queen of Scotland at six days old and later ruled a divided nation. After disastrous marriages and political turmoil, she fled to England, where Elizabeth I imprisoned her for 19 years before she was executed.
Episode 6: The Ruthless Queen: Agrippina the Younger
Agrippina the Younger was determined to win power for her son. She possessed one of the most powerful bloodlines in Roman history, descending from both Augustus and Julius Caesar. She attained her ultimate goals, only to be violently betrayed.
More documentaries you might like...
BBC Select Free Trial
BBC Select is available on Amazon Prime Video Channels and the Apple TV app. Start a 7-day free trial and watch a range of acclaimed documentaries from the BBC and beyond. Restrictions apply*.