In this captivating conversation, historian Simon Sebag Montefiore delves into the extraordinary life of Peter the Great, who towered at 6'8 and dramatically reshaped Russia. Discover how his chaotic rise to power was marred by extravagant debauchery, including dwarf-throwing and wheelbarrow races. Montefiore also explores Peter’s ambitious military campaigns and his monumental project of founding Saint Petersburg. With a complex legacy filled with triumph and tragedy, Peter's reign laid the groundwork for modern Russia.
Peter the Great modernized Russia, expanded its borders and built St. Petersburg from a swamp.
Peter the Great engaged in drunken debauchery and enjoyed activities like dwarf-throwing and wheelbarrow racing.
Peter the Great invaded neighboring countries, defeated Sweden, and expanded Russian territories, leading to the establishment of the Russian Empire.
Deep dives
Peter the Great's rise to power and the founding of St. Petersburg
Peter the Great builds up his army and defeats the Swedes, establishes the city of St. Petersburg and expands Muscovy's territory.
Peter the Great's relationship with his wife Catherine
Peter the Great falls in love with Martha Shafironska, who becomes his wife Catherine and his confidante.
Peter the Great's military campaigns
Peter the Great invades Ukraine and Poland, defeats Charles XII of Sweden, and expands Russian territories, leading to the establishment of the Russian Empire.
The torture and execution of Alexei, Peter the Great's son
Peter the Great tortures and executes his son Alexei for treason and fails to secure a healthy male heir.
Peter the Great's expansion into Central Asia and Persia
Peter the Great sends expeditions to Central Asia and Persia in an attempt to expand Russian territories to the south and establish trade with India.
A giant of Russian history, and a giant of a man. Peter the Great, standing at 6'8, established Russia as the world power that it is today and is famously one of Vladimir Putin's inspirations. He expanded Russia's borders, modernised the state, and built St Petersburg from a swamp. Yet with all this, he still found time for drunken debauchery of the most absurd level; he enjoyed dwarf-throwing, wheelbarrow racing, and creating the position of Archdeacon Fuck-Off for his ministers. Listen as William and Anita are once again joined by Simon Sebag Montefiore to discuss the quite unbelievable life of Peter the Great, the first emperor of Russia.