The Roman Empire: From Augustus to the Fall of Rome

By: Gregory S. Aldrete, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Gregory S. Aldrete

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

Superior speaker

Of all the great courses books I have been through, Gregory Aldrete is of the top two speakers, without question. This is my favorite book so far on this subject.

Don't Miss

Professor Aldrete has created an interesting, well organized and very well delivered course. He covers the high points of history and life for the ordinary person. I appreciated his lectures on what lead to the fall of Rome, including the arguments that the date may not be what you thought it was! I bet Professor Aldrete's courses are "don't miss" even for non-history majors.

excellent course

Prof. Aldrete has created a fascinating and well-paced look at one of my favorite periods of history. He has a wonderful lecturing voice. I believe this would be accessible to anyone, regardless of your level of background knowledge of this period.

Big picture and fine details

I enjoyed the looks into the daily lives of Romans in addition to the big picture view of the empire.

Organised and fascinating

Organised and well explained. I learned so much. I love how he closes with the various arguments on what caused the fall of Rome and isn’t too prideful as to insist on one or another but to present the information and invites us to decide.
Hearing some of the stories and names from Pompeii made me wonder if J.K. Rowling was inspired by some of these for her Harry Potter series.
The only complaint I have isn’t probably something he can change. It is the inconsistency of his voice in tempo. Keeping the audio sped up helped overcome that. 1.3 was my favorite speed.