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The Storm Before the Storm

The Beginning of the End of the Roman Republic

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The Storm Before the Storm

Written by: Mike Duncan
Narrated by: Mike Duncan
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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 Audio
Ancient Politics & Government Rome Inspiring Italy Military Ancient History Eastern Roman Empire

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Excellent

Mike Duncan is a fantastic author. Great book, loved the history of rome podcast. #Audible1

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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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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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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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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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Mike Duncan amazing as usual

If you love Roman history and audiobooks there is no other choice. Check out the podcast he does as well.

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well worth the time & money

I simply loved every minute if it. Well narrated and easy to follow, this is a must for anyone interested in understanding the fall of the republic and rise of the princepts.

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Interesting account of a tumultuous time in history, if a bit dry

Historical account of the few hundred years prior to the rise (and fall) of the Roman emperors - a period of Roman history I knew little about.
Rife with political intrigue, infighting, backstabbing, betrayal and murder - and plenty of proof that humans haven’t really changed all that much in 2,000 yrs.
Sometimes hard to follow as an audiobook, since many of the protagonists have VERY similar names (ALL ending in -ius), though this is hardly the fault of the author.
The tone is a bit inconsistent - I found some sections are a bit dry and emotionless - interestingly, the ones most described by primary sources. The parts more lacking in historical record lead the the author to give his own opinions and inferences on what the protagonists motivations might have been, which I actually found more interesting.

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The best of Mike Duncan

In the genesis of our podcasting age, Mike Duncan was a pioneer who took on the daunting task of telling the history of Rome.  This book is a beautiful summation of the preparatory history that leads to Julius Caesar and the Roman Empire proper.  The building blocks of the Empire, the rise of the Roman Republic and the tension of beurocracy and violence are carefully enumerated.  Mike Duncan brings the chaos of nearly 700 years of history into an engaging study.  Bravo Mike and looking forward to what ever project comes next.

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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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