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A paradise on earth, marvelous beaches, breathtaking landscapes, the castles of the Crusaders, multicultural traditions, and banking wealth likened to the "Switzerland of the Middle East." Lebanon in the early 1970s truly had everything to fulfill anyone's dreams, even those of a bankrupt like Felice Riva, who, after squandering the assets of the Vallesusa textile group, chose to enjoy golden hiding under the shade of the famous cedars, sipping cocktails on the terrace of one of the many luxury hotels overlooking the Corniche, Beirut's waterfront that for decades rivaled the French Riviera. Yet even the most beautiful paradise can turn into hell on earth. It takes little to unleash devastation, sometimes just a pretext. Or a quick shootout.

Living Through History,where we embark on a captivating journey through the events, people, and stories that have shaped the world in the 20th and 21st centuries. Join us as we unravel the intricate tapestry of modern history, exploring pivotal moments, cultural shifts, political revolutions, and technological breakthroughs that have defined our contemporary world. With expert interviews, firsthand accounts, and deep dives into archives, Living Through History offers a fresh perspective on the recent past, revealing the fascinating and sometimes surprising connections between yesterday and today. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about how we got to where we are now, this podcast will inspire your curiosity and deepen your understanding of the modern era.

Script: Federico Bettuzzi

Production: Giovanni Zorzi

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On January 31, 1968 according to the lunar calendar, the Year of the Monkey begins. And perfectly embodying the cunning and genius attributed in the Far East to this symbolic animal, General Võ Nguyên Giáp prepared a terrible surprise for the American, Australian and South Vietnamese soldiers: instead of the usual truce for the Tet anniversary, little after midnight a massive offensive starts which sees the regular troops from the North invading the regions close to the border. For months there was bitter fighting, in Hue and Khe Sanh in particular, marking a turning point in the Vietnam conflict.

Living Through History,where we embark on a captivating journey through the events, people, and stories that have shaped the world in the 20th and 21st centuries. Join us as we unravel the intricate tapestry of modern history, exploring pivotal moments, cultural shifts, political revolutions, and technological breakthroughs that have defined our contemporary world. With expert interviews, firsthand accounts, and deep dives into archives, Living Through History offers a fresh perspective on the recent past, revealing the fascinating and sometimes surprising connections between yesterday and today. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about how we got to where we are now, this podcast will inspire your curiosity and deepen your understanding of the modern era.

Script: Federico Bettuzzi

Production: Giovanni Zorzi

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.