The Storm Before the Storm
The Beginning of the End of the Roman Republic
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Narrated by:
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Mike Duncan
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Written by:
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Mike Duncan
About this listen
The creator of the massively popular, award-winning podcast series The History of Rome brings to life the story of the tumultuous years that set the stage for the fall of the Roman Republic.
The Roman Republic was one of the most remarkable achievements in the history of civilization. After its founding in 509 BCE, the Romans refused to allow a single leader to seize control of the state and grab absolute power. The Roman commitment to cooperative government and peaceful transfers of power was unmatched in the history of the ancient world.
But by the year 133 BCE, the republican system was unable to cope with the vast empire Rome now ruled. Almost as soon as they had conquered the Mediterranean, Rome became engulfed in violent political conflicts and civil wars that would destroy the Republic less than a century later.
Chronicling the years 133-80 BCE, The Storm Before the Storm is a rollicking deep dive into the bloody battles, political machinations, and human drama that defined a dangerous new political environment - a stark warning for modern listeners about what happens to a civilization driven by increasing economic inequality, political polarization, and ruthless ambition.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.
©2017 Mike Duncan (P)2017 Hachette AudioYou may also enjoy...
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What listeners say about The Storm Before the Storm
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- Scott Elson
- 2018-09-13
Excellent
Mike Duncan is a fantastic author. Great book, loved the history of rome podcast. #Audible1
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- Guillaume Poirier
- 2020-02-17
Brilliant
Duncan's book is both a wonderful narration of a period of history that always lacked attention and a magnificent case study of how republics die. A must read.
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- Kyle A Thompson
- 2021-01-17
To the point
A succinct account of the fall of the Republic. Could have used an analysis at the end of why imperial power was so solid to match the analysis of why the Republic became so weak, but otherwise very good.
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- Festivas
- 2018-11-11
Strong storytelling makes the Classics accessible.
I wonder if we have a new mash-up word for Mr. Duncan's book. Classissible, perhaps?
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- Gary
- 2022-06-23
Awesome
Absolutely devoured this in <4days, and will listen again.
More quality content from Mike Duncan, as he continues to weave the tangled threads of history into a cohesive narrative, enjoyable to history buffs and newbies alike.
Mike has been producing accessible history content for a decade and a half. Many listeners will find their way here from his popular podcasts "The History of Rome" and "Revolutions", both of which are highly recommended, if you enjoyed this book.
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- willem n. kooman
- 2021-02-17
Very well explains the history & those involved.
Really well written as well as narrated, a great read my husband - willem bought this book I will also browse others by the author.
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- Trent T
- 2019-01-07
Entertaining, Interesting, Educational
Mike Duncan and his podcast "The History Of Rome" is what got me into podcasts and audiobooks, so I was delighted to hear him return to Rome with this book. It offers a very detailed account of a period of Roman history that often only gets a cursory glance. There's an amazing amount of detail in this book, and Mike Duncan delivers it masterfully. I definitely recommend it to those who love Roman history.
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- Anonymous User
- 2021-04-09
Truly one of the best
Mike Duncan is a fantastic author and narrator. This book is a fantastic way to digest a part of history and get context for many of the historical references we use everyday but don’t fully understand. It’s also just a great book to relax to while still having an intellectual part to chew on. I’ve loved his podcasts and his book is of the same quality. Easily a 10/10
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- Matt Reid
- 2019-01-03
Mike Duncans narrative adventure
Mike Duncans telling of the rise of the populari uprisings in early rome is excellent
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- Josh
- 2022-07-04
Mike Duncan fan
Mike Duncan fan so perhaps biased but I loved this. (spoiler alert) the sullan terror is well terrifying. bleak but that's history
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