Architects of Evil: A Chronicle of History’s Most Destructive Figures

Architects of Evil

A Chronicle of History's Most Destructive Figures

From ancient empires to modern dictatorships, Architects of Evil examines fifty figures whose pursuit of power left lasting destruction.

Simon Ward considers conquest, repression and the systems that enable violence, while acknowledging disputes in historical evidence.

Fifty figures

Rulers, conquerors and political leaders across thousands of years.

Power and institutions

How authority, propaganda and obedience can enable persecution.

Ancient to modern

A broad historical journey through changing forms of organised violence.

Evidence and uncertainty

Attention to the limits of historical accounts and contested claims.