Famous Romans

By: J. Rufus Fears, The Great Courses

Narrated by: J. Rufus Fears

These 24 lectures retell the lives of the remarkable individuals - the statesmen, thinkers, warriors, and writers - who shaped the history of the Roman Empire and, by extension, our own history and culture.

Among the fascinating gallery of individuals whose lives, ideas, actions, and legacies you'll explore are Hannibal (who caused the Second Punic War personally, much as Adolf Hitler caused World War II), Augustus (who, beginning at the age of just 19, brilliantly followed a doctrine of ruthless expediency in order to rescue Rome from a century of civil war), and Marcus Aurelius (that most noble and philosophic of rulers who may have hastened the Empire's decline by tolerating the wicked cruelty of his heir).

Professor Fears divides his presentation into three "turning point" epochs in Roman history: Rome's war with Hannibal (the Second Punic War); Caesar and the end of the Roman Republic; and the imperial era between Augustus and Marcus Aurelius.

As he presents the great figures of each period, he makes them seem personal and immediate. As you study these and many other significant Romans, you'll probe fundamental questions about the political and cultural history of Rome. What was the impact of Greek civilization on the Romans? Why did the Roman people, at the height of military, political, and economic power, abandon their republican liberty for the dictatorship of Caesar and his successors? What made the 2nd century A.D. one the most creative periods in world history? And why did the central figures of Roman history hold so much appeal for America's Founding Fathers?

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

©2001 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2001 The Great Courses

Interesting, though arbitrary selection

Interesting overview of the lives and historical background of certain Roman and even non Roman famous persons. Somewhat arbitrary selection that covers non Roman figures such as Hannibal, Epictetus and the like. The entertaining, though at times a bit histrionic performance, e is mostly directed to young listeners.

Fantastic journey through the philosophy and lives of Romans

Professor Fears provides education, insight, and inspiration through descriptions that are animated, graphic, poignant, moral, provocative, and startlingly contemporary to 2020 politics and the challenges our democracy and public health systems face. This body of work is timeless and will be for decades to come. Thank you!

Excellent like usual

Dr Fears is his usual entertaining and full of knowledge. Listen to these lectures, well worth your time.

Great series

listened to this one 3 times now and better every time. My favorite professor in the great courses series.

My favorite Roman history course

I'm not saying it's the best, but it's my favorite. I've read Roman history books with lots of facts, and also stories about famous Romans which are attractive but losing perspective. Professor Fears did a wonderful job giving dramatic stories, providing adequate backgrounds and perspective, and finally, explained why they are wonderful from the perspective of their own characters. I like what he said: the purpose to read history and biography is to make us better human beings.