Welcome to the Captains of History Podcast, where we explore the lives of the remarkable leaders who have shaped our world. Once, the Great Man Theory dominated historical discourse, with Thomas Carlyle declaring, ”The history of the world is but the biography of great men.” Today, many emphasize the power of economic, social, and political trends and forces over individual actions. But the truth lies in between. While trends shape history, the impact of extraordinary individuals cannot be ignored. Join us as we delve into the stories of history’s greatest leaders. Our title, Captains of History, is inspired by Winston Churchill’s words on Helmuth von Moltke the Younger, a ”good, harmless, respectable, ordinary man” who faced immense pressures that even the greatest captains of history might have blanched at. We cover a wide range of influential figures: from mighty kings and conquerors to humble leaders who made significant impacts, and captains of industry, science, and philosophy. Journey with us from ancient Sumer to the Second World War, the Roman Empire to the Renaissance, the Qin Dynasty to the Communist Revolution. Discover the heroes and villains, the triumphs, and downfalls of humanity’s most influential figures. Tune in to Captains of History for a captivating journey through time, where the lives of great leaders come alive. This is history as it was meant to be told.