10 Shows & Movies Similar to Medieval Dead (2013)

Description: Though set in ancient Rome, this series shares with 'Medieval Dead' a meticulous attention to historical detail and the brutal realities of pre-modern life. Both explore the military, political, and social structures of their respective eras, offering viewers a deep dive into history.

Fact: One of HBO's most expensive series at the time. Won multiple Emmy Awards. The show's cancellation led to a condensed second season.

Description: Like 'Medieval Dead', 'The Tudors' delves into the political and personal intrigues of a pivotal historical period. Both highlight the brutality and sophistication of medieval and early modern Europe, with 'The Tudors' focusing on Henry VIII's court, a subject often explored in historical documentaries.

Fact: Stars Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Henry VIII. The show condenses historical timelines for dramatic effect. Won several awards for its production design and performances.

Description: 'The Borgias' parallels 'Medieval Dead' in its examination of power, corruption, and religion in the late medieval period. Both explore the darker aspects of history, with 'The Borgias' dramatizing the infamous papal family's rise and fall, a topic ripe for archaeological and historical investigation.

Fact: Created by Neil Jordan. Stars Jeremy Irons as Pope Alexander VI. The show was praised for its lavish sets and costumes.

Description: While 'Marco Polo' is set in a different region, it shares with 'Medieval Dead' a fascination with the medieval world's grandeur and brutality. Both highlight the cultural exchanges and conflicts of the era, with 'Marco Polo' focusing on the Mongol Empire's opulence and warfare, akin to the archaeological explorations in 'Medieval Dead'.

Fact: One of Netflix's most expensive series at the time. Features Benedict Wong as Kublai Khan. The show was canceled after two seasons due to high production costs.

Description: 'Vikings' shares with 'Medieval Dead' a focus on the Viking Age, exploring their raids, culture, and impact on Europe. Both productions highlight the archaeological evidence of Viking settlements and battles, blending historical facts with dramatic storytelling. The visceral combat scenes and attention to period details in 'Vikings' mirror the forensic approach of 'Medieval Dead'.

Fact: Created by Michael Hirst, who also wrote 'The Tudors'. The show's protagonist, Ragnar Lothbrok, is a legendary Norse figure. Filmed in Ireland, the series used authentic Viking ship replicas.

Description: 'The White Queen' aligns with 'Medieval Dead' in its portrayal of the Wars of the Roses, a period rife with political intrigue and battlefield archaeology. Both emphasize the human stories behind historical events, with 'The White Queen' offering a dramatized perspective on the women who shaped history, complementing 'Medieval Dead's' forensic approach.

Fact: Based on Philippa Gregory's 'The Cousins' War' novels. Stars Rebecca Ferguson, later famous for 'Mission: Impossible'. The series was criticized for historical liberties but praised for its strong female leads.

Description: 'Reign' shares with 'Medieval Dead' a focus on the personal and political dramas of medieval royalty, though with a more romanticized tone. Both touch on the lives of historical figures like Mary, Queen of Scots, offering different perspectives—'Reign' through drama, 'Medieval Dead' through historical analysis.

Fact: Stars Adelaide Kane as Mary, Queen of Scots. The show blends historical events with fictionalized elements. Known for its anachronistic costumes and music, which sparked debate.

Description: Similar to 'Medieval Dead' (2013), 'The Last Kingdom' delves into the gritty and brutal aspects of medieval warfare and politics. Both shows emphasize historical accuracy in their depiction of battles, armor, and societal structures. The themes of survival, loyalty, and the clash of cultures (Saxons vs. Danes) resonate with the archaeological and historical investigations in 'Medieval Dead'.

Fact: Based on Bernard Cornwell's 'The Saxon Stories' series. The protagonist, Uhtred, is a fictional character inspired by historical figures. The show was praised for its authentic portrayal of 9th-century England.

Description: Like 'Medieval Dead', 'Knightfall' explores the mysteries and military campaigns of the medieval period, particularly the Knights Templar. Both delve into the religious and political intrigues of the time, with 'Knightfall' dramatizing the Templars' downfall, a topic often examined in historical documentaries like 'Medieval Dead'.

Fact: Features Tom Cullen as the lead, a disgraced Templar knight. The show includes real historical events like the fall of Acre. It was criticized for some historical inaccuracies but praised for its action sequences.

Description: This miniseries, like 'Medieval Dead', explores the architectural and societal developments of the Middle Ages. Both highlight the intersection of religion, power, and everyday life in medieval Europe. 'The Pillars of the Earth' focuses on cathedral building, a topic that would interest fans of 'Medieval Dead's' archaeological lens.

Fact: Based on Ken Follett's bestselling novel. Features Eddie Redmayne in an early role. The story spans several decades, showing the evolution of a fictional town.