Napoleon: The Man and the Myths17 Jun 2015

Episode 3

Vaulting ambition, a politically calculating marriage, endless battles across Europe, a Russian campaign that cost the lives of half a million French troops - there is much for which history can criticise Napoleon.

But historian Andrew Roberts defends Napoleon against these charges and makes the case for him as a man more sinned against than sinning - though the retreat from Moscow, vividly described, left Napoleon's army in dismal disarray with many men succumbing to deaths from disease and cold and suicide.

As a result, Napoleon was exiled to Elba. Although of course, he would return.

The programme is partly recorded on location in Paris.

Simon Russell Beale is the voice of Napoleon.

Produced by Victoria Ferran and Susan Marling A Just Radio Production for BBC Radio 4.

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Episoder(5)

Episode 5

What does history make of Napoleon? Exiled to St Helena, where it was hoped by the British that he would be forgotten, he in fact remained - and remains - a figure of fascination.For Europeans, he is ...

19 Jun 201513min

Episode 4

The battle of Waterloo changed the future of Europe and sealed Napoleon's fate. But why did such a successful and experienced commander as Napoleon lose that battle, 200 years ago today?Historian Andr...

18 Jun 201513min

Episode 2

It's said that France became a police state under Napoleon. He wanted to know everything about his growing empire and, despite the revolution, crowned himself as Emperor to rule over it.Historian Andr...

16 Jun 201513min

Episode 1

Napoleon was savaged by British caricaturists during his lifetime. They loved to portray him as 'little Boney' - a short, uncouth, villainous, Corsican upstart. In this programme, historian Andrew Rob...

15 Jun 201513min