Behind the iron gates of a gladiator school in Capua, modern-day Italy, a storm in brewing. A group of slaves ready themselves for the most important fight of their lives. Revolutions that Changed History IV: The Third Servile War
Today they are united. They have nothing to lose … Their pursuit for liberation has the power to topple an empire. ibid.
‘The slave rebellion in Rome was a massive upsurge of discontent and revolutionary fervour.’ ibid. comment
‘Spartacus has attained such legendary status that it’s surprising how little we know about him.’ ibid.
‘200 of them planned to escape, but their plan was betrayed and only 78, who realised this, managed to act in time and get away.’ ibid. Plutarch
Enraged slaves were attempting to push back against the powers that be. ibid.
Everyone in this documentary is living in self-exile from Iran. If they return under the current regime, they could face imprisonment. Some could even receive the death penalty. Rage Against the Regime: Iran I, BBC 2024
In 1979 a revolution took place in Iran, bringing an end to its monarchy. For 45 years the Islamic Republic has ruled the country with strict Islamic laws. The supreme leader has absolute authority. ibid.
These are the people who decided to take a stand. ibid.
As soon as you’re in the spotlight you’re standing out and confronting them; you are a big problem. Rage Against the Regime: Iran II, comment
You can’t force me to heaven if I don’t want to go. ibid.
Setting yourself on fire is actually easier than living in Iran as a woman. ibid.
8th March 1979 when women take to the streets because the Islamic Republic wants to to control their body. ibid.
Women in Iran are required to wear the hijab in public. Morality police are deployed to enforce the law. Anyone caught breaking it can be punished with a fine, prison or flogging. ibid.
The first ‘Girl of Revolution Street’, Vida Movahed, is charged with ‘promotion corruption and depravity’. She is fined an jailed. Over the following months, dozens of Iranian women repeat this act. Authorities make at least 39 arrests. The Supreme Leader describes the protesters’ cause as a ‘trivial issue’. ibid. caption
We gave our eyes for freedom. ibid.
Her name is Mahsa Amini, and she was just 22. She was arrested by the morality police in Tehran. ibid. BBC news
Eyewitnesses say she [Mahsa] was beaten up in the police van. ibid.
They started shooting people with shotguns. People were dying. ibid. comment
We’ve seen terrible things that will not be erased from our minds. ibid.
The light of two lanterns softly illuminates the the tower of the Christ Church in Boston. It’s April 18th 1775, and this is the very signal American colonists have anxiously awaited. The British are coming. Revolutions that Change History V: The United States
Now comes the necessary time to defend their cause … The Battle of Lexington was the first of many that came to define the American Revolutionary War. ibid.
The 18th century saw the slow burn of revolutionary fervour take hold in the minds of America’s greatest thinkers. ibid.
In a town meeting Adams rallies colonists to resist tea taxation. ibid.
At the call of these committees, delegates unite for the momentous First Continental Congress in September 1774. ibid. historian
From the Carolinas to Canada a surge of patriotic rage fuels the insurgent forces. ibid.
Plumes of thick tobacco smoke fill the room of an apartment in St Petersburg, Russia. A group of impassioned war veterans and intellectuals have secretly gathered to discuss the future of their country. Revolutions that Changed History VI: The Decembrist Revolt
‘This is the moment whre Russian society recognises that this system is totally antiquated.’ ibid. comment
‘The Decembrist revolt happened quickly. It was a race against the clock. The plotters seized an opportunity that they didn’t expect.’ ibid.
The unequal distribution of land between the rich and poor leaves little room for the emergency of a middle class. ibid.
As Napoleon nears the outskirts of Moscow, a thick haze of smoke falls upon the troops. ibid.
The retreat turns into a disastrous ordeal for the French army. ibid.
Intoxicated with a lust for liberty, the chant rings through the streets of St Petersburg, an unforeseen omen of the chaos to come. ibid.
The rebel army stomps across icy group in unison until they reach Senate Square. ibid.
A hail of grapeshot rains upon the rebel troops. ibid.