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When historians look at how dictatorships arise, they tend to cite the extraordinary personality of the leaders themselves. While there are a combination of factors that give rise to such a political situation, it is a widely held belief that dictators, in particular the very cruel ones, are different from regular people in some way.
That may be true, but dictators definitely have one thing in common with normal folk: they have a birthday and, therefore, a star sign. And astrologists will tell you that a dictator's star sign probably has a lot to do with their leadership style!
Intrigued? Check out this gallery to discover the star signs of the cruelest despots and dictators in history.
Francois Duvalier, otherwise known as Papa Doc, was the President of Haiti from 1957 to 1971. His autocratic regime indiscriminately tortured or killed its opponents.
Born on April 14, 1907, Papa Doc was an Aries. The first sign of the zodiac, Aries is known for being bold and brash, and sometimes that can manifest as ruthlessness.
Italy's Benito Mussolini was a principal founder of fascism, and over his lifetime he was responsible for evils untold.
Mussolini was born on July 29, 1883, and was, therefore, a Leo. We all know that Leos love to have the attention of the masses; here we have a case of that gone horribly wrong.
The USSR's Joseph Stalin was born a peasant, but forced his way to the top. Stalin's rule was characterized by famine, terror, and death.
Stalin's exact date of birth is actually unknown, but it is believed to have been in mid December. In the case of this Sagittarius, his wild nature crossed the line over into trouble.
Muammar al-Gaddafi was a Libyan revolutionary who ruled the country between 1969 and 2011. He was a controversial figure, condemned by many as a dictator who systematically violated human rights.
Gaddafi was born on June 7, 1942, which made him a Gemini. Given they are famous for their chameleon-like nature, perhaps it's not surprising people have different opinions on him.
Richard III of England ruled for a short period of two years towards the end of the 15th century. Despite his short reign, however, he managed to commit a multitude of wrongs.
Richard III was born on October 2, 1452, and was, as such, a Libra. He was the perfect example of a Libra's obsession with "keeping the peace" gone wrong.
Nicolae Ceaușescu was a Romanian dictator who served as leader of the Community Party from 1967 until his death in 1989. He was responsible for severe repression, human rights abuses, and genocide.
Ceaușescu's birthday was January 26, making him an Aquarian. Aquarius is known for being the quirkiest sign, a little difficult to read. This takes it to another level, of course.
The water signs are considered to be the most empathetic. That doesn't mean they're always benevolent, however, as these Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces dictators prove.
One of the very early dictators was, of course, Julius Caesar. As leader of the Roman Republic, he fought in a civil war and ran a very strict political regime.
According to the records we have, Julius Caesar was born on July 12, 100 BCE, which would make him a Cancer. It would seem the sweet and nurturing nature of this sign does have its limits.
Former President of the Republic of China (ROC), Chiang Kai-shek is another controversial historical figure. Some have criticized him for being a brutal dictator.
Kai-shek ruled the ROC for a whopping 46 years, which makes him one of the longest serving non-royal heads of state in the 20th century. Born on October 31, 1887, he was a Scorpio.
Robert Mugabe was the President of Zimbabwe between 1987 and 2017. His rule was characterized by economic mismanagement and widespread human rights abuses.
Robert Mugabe was born on February 21, 1924, and he was, therefore, a Pisces. Pisces are known for being prickly and stubborn, but this was an extreme case.
German dictator Adolf Hitler was responsible for initiating World War II in Europe in 1939 and was central to the perpetration of the Holocaust.
Hitler was born on the first day of the Taurus period: April 20. He is joined in the ranks of Taurus dictators by Saddam Hussein, the former President of Iraq.
Also known as Louis the Great or the Sun King, King Louis XIV was the ruler of France from 1643 to 1715. His regime was autocratic and regularly exerted its military strength.
The Sun King was born on September 5, 1638. As a Virgo, the former French ruler was probably rigorous and meticulous, but those efforts may have sometimes been misplaced.
Last up we have Kim Jong-un, current Supreme Leader of North Korea, who runs the country as a totalitarian dictatorship.
Born on January 8, 1982 or 1983 (facts about his past are hazy), it seems this autocratic leader is a Capricorn. For all their good traits, Caps do have a tendency to think they're above everyone else.
Sources: (Astroligion) (Astrology Zodiac Signs)
See more: Meet the wives of infamous dictators
Astrological profiles of historical dictators
Some may surprise you!
LIFESTYLE Astrology
When historians look at how dictatorships arise, they tend to cite the extraordinary personality of the leaders themselves. While there are a combination of factors that give rise to such a political situation, it is a widely held belief that dictators, in particular the very cruel ones, are different from regular people in some way.
That may be true, but dictators definitely have one thing in common with normal folk: they have a birthday and, therefore, a star sign. And astrologists will tell you that a dictator's star sign probably has a lot to do with their leadership style!
Intrigued? Check out this gallery to discover the star signs of the cruelest despots and dictators in history.