Killer Kings

In 1509, Henry VIII ascended to the throne, inheriting a stable and prosperous England. As king, his reign was marked by tyranny, executions, and six tragic marriages, transforming both England and its church.

Caligula, also known as Gaius, ruled as Roman emperor from AD 37 to AD 41. In his brief reign, his image dramatically shifted from a promising ruler into a murderous tyrant, ultimately leading to his assassination.

Crowned King of England in 1199, Bad King John I earned his reputation for his abuse of power, military failings and extortion, along with his cruel behavior. His notoriety later inspired his portrayal as a villain in literature.

Ivan the Terrible was the grand prince of Moscow and ruled as the first Tsar of all Russia from 1547 until his death in 1584. His transformation of Russia came at the cost of immense bloodshed of its people.

Nero came to power at just 16 in AD 54. Soon, his blood-soaked and turbulent reign made him one of Rome's most infamous rulers, leading during the Great Fire of Rome and notoriously ordering the death of his mother.

Herod the Great was the King of Judea under Rome from 37 to 4 BC. He advanced his kingdom through his grand building projects, but his reign was marked by paranoia and ruthless executions.