Real Dictators

Real Dictators explores the hidden lives of history's tyrants. Narrated by Paul McGann.

Sounds,135 episodes

Episodes

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Papa Doc Part 2: Haiti’s Dictator vs JFK
The horrors of the regime are impossible to ignore & so JFK decides to lay down a marker.
22 May 2024,37 mins
Papa Doc Part 1: The Voodoo Tyrant
François Duvalier, known as Papa Doc, wielded twin powers of state violence and voodoo.
15 May 2024,47 mins,
Oliver Cromwell Part 4: The Conquest of Ireland
Cromwell becomes Lord Protector, but the Stuart monarchy couldn’t be restored, could it?
08 May 2024,62 mins,
Oliver Cromwell Part 3: To Kill a King…
With the King in captivity, Cromwell takes a bold step. His Majesty must be put on trial…
01 May 2024,53 mins
Oliver Cromwell Part 2: Civil War Across the Realms
The English Civil War. Cromwell proves himself to be an outstanding military commander.
24 Apr 2024,53 mins
Oliver Cromwell Part 1: The Rise of Ironsides
Say “Oliver Cromwell” today and certain things come to mind. What is the real story?
17 Apr 2024,59 mins
Julius Caesar Part 3: Murder in the Senate
Caesar's rule is popular. With the Ides of March approaching, conspirators hatch a plot.
10 Apr 2024,46 mins,
Julius Caesar Part 2: Rendezvous with Cleopatra
Caesar's epic invasion of Gaul eventually drives him into the arms of Queen Cleopatra.
03 Apr 2024,48 mins
Julius Caesar Part 1: The Roman Dictator
Politician, writer, warrior, & lover. Julius Caesar became the absolute ruler of Rome.
27 Mar 2024,52 mins
Enver Hoxha Part 2: Stalin’s Shadow, Europe’s North Korea
Isolated Albania sinks into an economic mire while Hoxha's health fades. What will give?
20 Mar 2024,45 mins
Enver Hoxha Part 1: The Albanian School Teacher
Enver Hoxha ran Albania as an extraordinarily repressive Stalinist dictatorship
13 Mar 2024,60 mins
Attila the Hun Part 2: The Scourge of God
Attila rampages through Gaul... Will the prophecy of the sword of Mars be realised?
06 Mar 2024,46 mins
Attila the Hun Part 1: The Sword of Mars
Attila will become a terrifying icon. Who was he, according to those who observed him?
28 Feb 2024,53 mins
Kim Jong-il Part 3: Nuclear Armed
Installed as leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-il builds a far-reaching and tragic state.
21 Feb 2024,48 mins
Kim Jong-il Part 2: Time to Make a Movie
After World War II, young Kim Jong-il and North Korea grow up side by side...
14 Feb 2024,44 mins
Kim Jong-il Part 1: Birth of North Korea
We trace Kim Jong-il's rise to power and the founding of the state of North Korea.
07 Feb 2024,50 mins
Turkmenbashy Part 2: Putin, Taliban, Internet Shutdown
Niyazov rules one of history's most surreal regimes, a North Korea 2.0.
31 Jan 2024,52 mins
Turkmenbashy Part 1: Soviet Stooge, Hermit Tyrant
In the rubble of the Soviet Union, Turkmenistan is born... its unusual leader, Niyazov.
24 Jan 2024,50 mins
Mao Zedong Part 3: The Cultural Revolution
As Mao's Cultural Revolution unfolds, his health deteriorates, and what of his legacy?
17 Jan 2024,43 mins,
Mao Zedong Part 2: The ‘Great Leap Forward’
As Mao clinches power, his Great Leap Forwards drives millions across China to the edge.
10 Jan 2024,48 mins,
Mao Zedong Part 1: Peasant’s Son, Communist Rebel
In 1893, Mao is born. As a child on his family farm, he will consume books & ideas.
03 Jan 2024,45 mins
Herod the Great Part 2: Murders in the Family
Herod takes Jerusalem, murders family members, and what of his acts in the Nativity?
27 Dec 2023,45 mins,
Herod the Great Part 1: Ruler of Galilee
King Herod - the original pantomime villain. Who really was this iconic figure?
20 Dec 2023,50 mins
Saddam Hussein Part 5: The War on Terror
In the aftermath of 9/11, Bush & Blair send troops into Iraq. But, Saddam vanishes...
12 Dec 2023,49 mins,
Saddam Hussein Part 4: The First Gulf War
US forces are deployed as Iraq invades Kuwait. At home, it's a chance to undermine Saddam.
06 Dec 2023,43 mins,
Saddam Hussein Part 3: Oil and the Ayatollah
Saddam clashes with Iran's new leader, and with his personality cult, he's ready for war.
29 Nov 2023,45 mins,
Saddam Hussein Part 2: Enforcer, Frontman, Mafia Godfather
Saddam makes his move to consolidate power, appointing friends and relatives.
22 Nov 2023,45 mins,
Saddam Hussein Part 1: Son of the Alleyways
In the spring of 1937, a baby is born... 'Saddam', meaning ‘one who confronts’.
15 Nov 2023,45 mins,
Francisco Macías Nguema Part Two: Hiding in the Jungle with all the Money.
Macías purges the professional class; his reign worsens when he declares himself God.
08 Nov 2023,40 mins,
Francisco Macías Nguema Part 1: The Forgotten Dictator
Macías' rule in Equatorial Guinea is a blood-curdling story of opportunism & paranoia.
01 Nov 2023,50 mins,