The Rise of Rome

By: The Great Courses, Gregory S. Aldrete

Narrated by: Gregory S. Aldrete

The Roman Republic is one of the most breathtaking civilizations in world history. Between roughly 500 BCE to the turn of the millennium, a modest city-state developed an innovative system of government and expanded into far-flung territories across Europe, Northern Africa, and the Middle East. This powerful civilization inspired America's founding fathers, gifted us a blueprint for amazing engineering innovations, left a vital trove of myths, and has inspired the human imagination for 2,000 years.

How did Rome become so powerful? This mystery has vexed historians from the ancient Greek writer Polybius to 21st century scholars. Today, removed as we are from the Roman Republic, historians also wonder what it was like to be a Roman citizen in that amazing era. Beyond the familiar names of Romulus, Caesar, Octavian, Brutus, and Mark Antony, what was life like for the ordinary people? And what did the conquered peoples think of this world power?

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

©2018 The Teaching Company, LLC; 2018 The Great Courses

Another series of awesome lectures

10/10 Would listen again. I’ve started to listen to Great Courses while at work, and it’s reignited my passion for history. I will continue to listen voraciously for as long as I can find new material.

Excellent story teller

Nothing compares to the history of ancient Rome, especially the Punic wars. Could’ve been slightly more detailed for my personal taste, but this is still valuable for all ranges of students.

a really good look at rome.

i like these lectures and this one was one of the better ones. i highly recommend.

A good 30,000 foot view of the rise and fall of Rome

This was my first read/listen to anything regarding the history of Rome. I think this is a great beginning point for anyone getting into reading and learning about the history of Rome. It doesn’t bog you down terribly with names and dates, but focuses on the Roman people as a whole as well; diving into the culture and experiences of the body of Rome. These lectures have definitely inspired me to read more in depth lectures. Highly recommend!

Good lecture

This is great lecture and extremely informative. If you are looking for info on early Rome then this is for you