At a time of political chaos Charlemagne creates a united Europe – only for his family to rip it apart as sons turn on their father and brother fights brother. In telling the course of his travels through Europe and Asia David takes the audience from the magnificent mosques of legendary Samarkand to archaeological digs at medieval English castles, colourful picnics in Georgia, the ancient walls of Constantinople and joins in a traditional horseback buzkashi tournament in Uzbekistan.

Through political guile, masterful deal-making and war Attila the Hun built an empire that spanned Europe – only for his sons to lose it all within fifteen years.

In the 10th century Edgar is crowned the first King of the English. But after his death murder, incompetence and a scheming stepmother result in the End of Empire.

Timur (Tamerlane the Great) is the clan leader who will conquer Central Asia, create architectural wonders – and leave behind a quarrelling, violent family who lose it all.