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The Roman Empire: From Augustus to the Fall of Rome

By: Gregory S. Aldrete, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Gregory S. Aldrete
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Publisher's Summary

When Octavian, who took the title of Augustus as the first emperor of Rome, defeated Mark Antony to become the sole ruler of the Roman world, it was a major turning point in Western civilization. Not only did his decades-long rule completely transform the old Roman Republic into the Roman Empire, but it also profoundly shaped the culture and history of our world today. The Roman Empire: From Augustus to the Fall of Rome traces this breathtaking history from the empire’s foundation by Augustus to its Golden Age in the 2nd century CE through a series of ever-worsening crises until its ultimate disintegration.

Taught by acclaimed Professor Gregory S. Aldrete of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, these 24 captivating lectures offer you the chance to experience this story like never before, incorporating the latest historical insights that challenge our previous notions of Rome’s decline. You’ll examine the major events and familiar figures of the Roman Empire, including:

  • The political innovations of Augustus
  • The mental instability and cruel acts of Caligula and Nero
  • Writers such as Ovid, Horace, and Virgil
  • The stoic philosophy of Marcus Aurelius
  • Constantine’s startling conversion to Christianity

You’ll also look beyond the famous figures and delve deeply into the lives of ordinary Roman citizens. You’ll hear the messages they left on tombstones or scribbled on walls as graffiti; examine what life was really like for average city-dwellers and the hazards they faced every day; spend a day at Rome’s spectacular public entertainments, such as gladiator games and chariot races; and explore some of the city’s marvelous architectural and engineering works, including the Pantheon and the aqueducts.

We cannot truly understand ourselves unless we comprehend the vital influences of Rome on the modern world - and the lessons the empire can still teach us. The Roman Empire: From Augustus to the Fall of Rome is an excellent guide to one of the most important periods in world history.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2019 The Great Courses (P)2019 The Teaching Company, LLC

What listeners say about The Roman Empire: From Augustus to the Fall of Rome

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Wonderful and Fascinating Course

We are Romans too! Pervasive influence of Roman culture and literature is undeniable in modern civilisation.

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Enjoyable, except for the annoying voice

Randomly emphasising words, and pauses before every third word totally ruined this book for me. I found by playing at double speed it was more bearable. Other than the performance it was excellent.

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Definitely worth a listen!

The reading is shakey at first but he comes good quite quickly, definitely a good listen!

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Educational!

Very succinct! enjoyed it thoroughly. great place and the breadth of topics covered is amazing. I know so much about the Roman Empire now.

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Great Great Great!

This audiobook is an excellent listen for anyone with an interest in Ancient Rome. Highly recommend it.

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Great listen

Great listen on the Roman Empire. Obviously not everything can be covered in one book due to the length and variety of the history of the empire.

This book takes you on a coherent journey through time within the Roman Empire.

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Great series

The lecturer is personable and enthusiastic. He paces his speaking slowly and with regular emphases. He addresses the history of The Roman Empire with fantastic depth and insight.

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Detailed and Engaging

I focused on the period beginning 4th Century CE to suit my research. The author's presentation is entertaining, pacing the history with individual stories and accounts, while providing enough detail to satisfy a serious student of the subject.

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Fascinating

Perfect level of information and chapter separation for me to digest before bedtime. Loved it!

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Fascinating time in history!

I wasn’t so sure about the narrator at first but absolutely loved him by end - a great overview of many aspects of the Roman Empire. You won’t regret listening!

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