Slovakia Today, English Language Current Affairs Programme from Slovak Radio

On the occasion of the 280th anniversary of the birth of Móric Beňovský, we explore the extraordinary life of the 18th-century soldier, traveller and author who journeyed from Central Europe to Kamchatka, across the Pacific and eventually to Madagascar, where he claimed the title of “Ampansakabé,” or “King of Kings.” How much of his remarkable story is historical fact, and how much is legend? What do his memoirs reveal — and conceal — about the man behind the myth? We discuss Beňovský’s life, ambitions, expeditions to Madagascar, colonial context and enduring place in Slovak history with Miroslav Musil, diplomat, historian, author and traveller, who has spent decades researching Beňovský and following his footsteps around the world.