In this final episode of their series on Peter the Great, Tom and Dominic delve into the last years of his reign, exploring his complex character, his relentless drive to modernize Russia, and the tragic fate of his son, Alexei. They discuss Peter's fascination with the grotesque, his efforts to transform St. Petersburg into a modern European capital, and the dark side of his personality, including his violent temper and paranoia. The hosts detail the events leading to Alexei's exile, his eventual return to Russia under false pretenses, and his brutal torture and death at the hands of his own father, highlighting the themes of autocracy, suspicion, and the suppression of dissent. They conclude by reflecting on Peter's legacy as a transformative but also deeply flawed figure who shaped the course of Russian history and whose influence continues to be felt today.
