Castles & Cathedrals

A 2023 Documentary directed by Oliver Halmburger. Audio in French with subtitles in English, Italian, German, Spanish and French (click on CC for subtitles). Part architectural genius, part kitsch fairytale, Neuschwanstein Castle is closely linked to the tragic fate of Ludwig II of Bavaria (1845-1886). The "Mad King" poured his heart and soul into this unique construction which looks back nostalgically to the Middle Ages. A focus on the history of a building filled with dreams and legends which has become an icon of Germany around the world.

A 2020 History Documentary Series narrated by Paul Bandey. Audio in English with optional English subtitles. Besieged Fortresses Series 1: Built at strategic points, and fitted with impressive fortifications, fortresses are thought to be impenetrable. Episode 1: La Rochelle. It's hard to believe that 400 years ago, this popular seaside destination was the scene of one of the bloodiest sieges in the history of France, and for the Catholic King, Louis XIII, it was the last stronghold needing to be abolished before he could reign fully over the country. Episode 2: https://rumble.com/v6yq60m-besieged-fortresses-the-siege-of-orleans-joans-fortress-episode-2.html

Episode 2: It is the most striking event in the Hundred Year War. Between 1428 and 1429, Orleans was subject to a violent and pitiless siege. Hidden away in the extraordinary walled enclosure, for 7 months, the French resisted an English army that was bent on conquering this strategic city on the Loire River. Episode 3: https://rumble.com/v6yq8dc-besieged-fortresses-the-daunting-fortress-of-richard-the-lionheart-episode-.html

Episode 3: In the 12th century, relations between the English monarchy and the kings of France were hostile. Although both forces fought together in the Holy Land on the Third Crusade, the alliance fell apart upon their return when Philip II, King of France, betrayed Richard the Lionheart by taking back part of Normandy. To protect his rich and strategic lands, the English king decided to build an impregnable castle to bar the route along the Seine, thus asserting his supremacy in Normandy. The kingdom had to be protected at all costs, and there was no time to lose. Construction began in October 1197, and in less than two years, his men had completed a huge fort on the banks of the Seine using innovative architecture. This colossal project took up a quarter of the annual budget of the English crown. Looking at the finished structure, King Richard used the French word “Gaillard” to describe the castle’s strength. With its monumental dimensions, the building acquired the name which would send a shiver down the spine of more than one enemy. Yet only four years later, France’s King Philip besieged the site at the head of an army of 6,000 men, determined to take control of this stone monolith, despite its incredible defenses. Besieged Fortresses:Legendary Battles 2: https://rumble.com/v6yrljw-besieged-fortresses-legendary-battles-2-acre-clash-of-the-titans-1189-episo.html

A 2022 History Documentary Series narrated by Paul Bandey. For optional English subtitles (click on CC). Crusading knights and Ottoman armies battle for control of four of the medieval world's greatest fortresses. Built at strategic points, and fitted with impressive fortifications and ingenious systems to counter attacks, fortresses are thought to be impenetrable. And yet, certain skillful warlords have successfully stormed them. How did they manage this? By recounting how some of the most remarkable sieges - between the 12th and 16th centuries - played out, this series revisits the construction of these megastructures and reveals the different strategies used to lay or to endure a siege. Thanks to CGI, dramatized scenes, and with the help of key experts, it immerses us in the compelling confrontation between the construction genius of the military strategists and the ingenuity of some exceptional warriors. Episode 1: When Saladin invades Jerusalem, Philip Augustus and Richard the Lionheart put their rivalry aside to fight for Saint-John of Acre, a highly strategic port in the Holy land. At the head of 25,000 men, the former enemies take on the Sultan in the first battle of the Third Crusade. Episode 2. https://rumble.com/v6yromm-besieged-fortresses-legendary-battles-2-rhodes-the-ultimate-battle-1522-epi.html

Episode 2: Despite an overwhelming force of 180,000 men, the Ottomans, led by Soliman are unable to shake the fortifications of Rhodes. They then organize a massive maritime blockade and an underground mining mission. Will it be enough to infiltrate the island and defeat the Knights Hospitaller? Episode 3: https://rumble.com/v6yrpda-besieged-fortresses-legendary-battles-2-the-great-siege-of-malta-1565-episo.html

Episode 3: Suleiman the Magnificent, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, wants total control of the Mediterranean Sea. Only the island of Malta, home to the militant order of the Knights Hospitaller, stands in his way. In their fortress, 1700 Christian knights now face an armada of 300 galleys and 35,000 men. Episode 4: https://rumble.com/v6yrqr8-besieged-fortresses-legendary-battles-2-constantinople-the-emperors-last-st.html

Episode 4: Constantinople, the jewel of the Byzantine Empire, has stood for a thousand years. Now, Sultan Mehmed II leads an army, and a stunning new superweapon, against this last remnant of Christianity in the East. But Emperor Constantin XI knows his fortress and will fight to the death to keep it.