Plot Synopsis

Using the latest analysis of ancient documents, EUROPE'S LAST WARRIOR KINGS is a three-part docuseries that reveals a story of lust for power and wealth, a fight for culture and belief, a tale of family feuds and betrayals that changed Europe. A thousand years ago a Viking, a Norman, and a Saxon fought for glory -- the crown of one small island on the edge of Europe. Within a single year, two would be killed in battle, leaving just one of them victorious...rich and powerful beyond his wildest dreams. Now, in this series, military historian Dan Snow explores the political intrigues and family betrayals that led to was, while traveling to the locations where the story happened -- places like Caen, Norway, Stamford Bridge and Saint-Valery-Sur-Somme, along with Hastings and Westminster Abbey. Entering a world of Viking longboats and axe-wielding warriors he'll conduct key experiments to get to grips with supplies, transport and most importantly of all, weapons, to piece together this extraordinary story and bring a brutal ancient world to life in episodes of vivid drama. On Monday, April 16, 2018 at 8pm ET/PT, Smithsonian Channel presented the U.S. premiere of this series. The three episodes include:

"Prelude to War" (U.S. premiere: Monday, April 16, 2018 at 8pm): When King Edward the Confessor dies without an heir, it triggers a bitter race to succeed him as King of England. Earl Harold (Adam James) is on the spot and takes the crown. But in Normandy, Duke William (Ed Stoppard) believes the throne has been promised to him and decides to invade. Meanwhile in Norway, the Viking King Harald Hardrada, also fancies himself as King of England, and he too puts together an invasion force. Very soon, England will be under attack.

"England Under Attack" (U.S. premiere: Monday, April 23, 2018 at 8pm): King Harold of England (Adam James) has to take on two invasion forces. First, his brother Tostig attacks the south coast. He is repelled, but there is more to come. Later in the year, a vast Viking invasion force led by King Harald Hardrada of Norway (Clive Russell) lands in the north of England. Harold rushes to Stamford Bridge to fight for his kingdom and for his life. Meanwhile, Duke William of Normandy (Ed Stoppard) is ready to invade, but storms keep his invasion fleet trapped in port.

"The Battle of Hastings" (U.S. premiere: Monday, April 30, 2018 at 8pm): After months of being trapped in port in northern France, the winds finally change and Duke William (Ed Stoppard) leads his vast invasion fleet across the Channel. But King Harold (Adam James) is 300 miles away in the north having defeated the Vikings. He has to rush back south, gather a new army, and head to Hastings to take on this new invasion. The two armies will meet at Battle in Sussex on 14th October 1066. And the outcome will change the shape of England and Europe forever