Leading the Middle Kingdom: Eight emperors and how they shaped China

Episode 12: The past is prologue 29.08.2025 25:49 ↓

For our final podcast, join me as we look back on the lives of our emperors and what their history might say about modern China.

Episode 11: Fall 22.08.2025 22:13 ↓

This time we look at the fall of the Chinese empire and the last emperor, Puyi.

Episode 10: Twilight 15.08.2025 30:13 ↓

This week we look at the woman who steadied the empire after the shocks of the Opium Wars and ruled China in all but name for half a century

Episode 9: Humiliation 09.08.2025 24:29 ↓

This time we look at the life of the Daoguang Emperor and the humiliation of the opium wars.

Episode 8: Outsider 05.08.2025 31:14 ↓

Foreign takeover or merging of two cultures? This time we look at Kublai Khan - the first non-Chinese emperor.

Episode 7: Interlude - the An Lushan Rebellion 01.08.2025 29:09 ↓

This time we take a step away from our emperors to look at the aftermath of Wu Zetian’s rule and the effect the An Lushan rebellion had on the country.

Episode 6: Disruption 20.07.2025 27:32 ↓

Wu Zetian was unique amongst all the Chinese emperors - the only woman to assume the title. Join me as we take a look at the life of this extraordinary woman.

Episode 5: Flourishing 12.07.2025 28:46 ↓

Join me as we look at the founder of one of China’s golden ages - Tang Taizong

Episode 4: Interlude 03.07.2025 12:40 ↓

Join me as we take a short break from our emperors to look at the war of the Three Kingdoms.

Episode 3: Expansion 30.06.2025 25:35 ↓

Join me this time as we look at the man who nearly doubled the size of his empire - Han Wudi.

Episode 2: Foundation 26.06.2025 31:58 ↓

Join us for this episode, where we learn more about the man who became the first emperor of a unified China.

Episode 1: Foreward 22.06.2025 29:10 ↓

Let’s begin our journey through two thousand years of Chinese history by looking at the state of the country before the advent of the first emperor.