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…
- 53 mins
- 01 May 2024
BBC Sounds - Real Dictators - Available Episodes
Real Dictators
Real Dictators explores the hidden lives of history's tyrants. Narrated by Paul McGann.
Episodes (47 Available)
- Oliver Cromwell Part 2: Civil War Across the Realms
The English Civil War. Cromwell proves himself to be an outstanding military commander.
- 53 mins
- 24 Apr 2024
- Oliver Cromwell Part 1: The Rise of Ironsides
Say “Oliver Cromwell” today and certain things come to mind. What is the real story?
- 59 mins
- 17 Apr 2024
- Julius Caesar Part 3: Murder in the Senate
Caesar's rule is popular. With the Ides of March approaching, conspirators hatch a plot.
- 46 mins
- 10 Apr 2024
- Julius Caesar Part 2: Rendezvous with Cleopatra
Caesar's epic invasion of Gaul eventually drives him into the arms of Queen Cleopatra.
- 48 mins
- 03 Apr 2024
- Julius Caesar Part 1: The Roman Dictator
Politician, writer, warrior, & lover. Julius Caesar became the absolute ruler of Rome.
- 52 mins
- 27 Mar 2024
- 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?
- 45 mins
- 20 Mar 2024
- Enver Hoxha Part 1: The Albanian School Teacher
Enver Hoxha ran Albania as an extraordinarily repressive Stalinist dictatorship
- 60 mins
- 13 Mar 2024
- Attila the Hun Part 2: The Scourge of God
Attila rampages through Gaul... Will the prophecy of the sword of Mars be realised?
- 46 mins
- 06 Mar 2024
- Attila the Hun Part 1: The Sword of Mars
Attila will become a terrifying icon. Who was he, according to those who observed him?
- 53 mins
- 28 Feb 2024
- Kim Jong-il Part 3: Nuclear Armed
Installed as leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-il builds a far-reaching and tragic state.
- 48 mins
- 21 Feb 2024
- 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...
- 44 mins
- 14 Feb 2024
- 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.
- 50 mins
- 07 Feb 2024
- Turkmenbashy Part 2: Putin, Taliban, Internet Shutdown
Niyazov rules one of history's most surreal regimes, a North Korea 2.0.
- 52 mins
- 31 Jan 2024
- Turkmenbashy Part 1: Soviet Stooge, Hermit Tyrant
In the rubble of the Soviet Union, Turkmenistan is born... its unusual leader, Niyazov.
- 50 mins
- 24 Jan 2024
- Mao Zedong Part 3: The Cultural Revolution
As Mao's Cultural Revolution unfolds, his health deteriorates, and what of his legacy?
- 43 mins
- 17 Jan 2024
- Mao Zedong Part 2: The ‘Great Leap Forward’
As Mao clinches power, his Great Leap Forwards drives millions across China to the edge.
- 48 mins
- 10 Jan 2024
- 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.
- 45 mins
- 03 Jan 2024
- Herod the Great Part 2: Murders in the Family
Herod takes Jerusalem, murders family members, and what of his acts in the Nativity?
- 45 mins
- 27 Dec 2023
- Herod the Great Part 1: Ruler of Galilee
King Herod - the original pantomime villain. Who really was this iconic figure?
- 50 mins
- 20 Dec 2023