A Short History of Ancient Rome

By: Pascal Hughes

Narrated by: John Hopkins

Brought to you by Penguin.

Experience the sights, sounds and smells of the Roman world, and meet its most intriguing and influential characters, as this immersive account brings 1000 years of history to life.

Immerse yourself in the dramatic and thrilling thousand-year story of Ancient Rome. Combining impeccable research with action packed storytelling, this riveting short history explores the inception, expansion and ultimate fall of one of the greatest empires the world has ever known.

Walk Rome’s bustling streets, witness the fearsome exploits of its all-conquering army and step into the opulent corridors of its palaces and pioneering building projects. Follow Hannibal as he crosses the snowcapped Alps with elephants in tow, shadow Julius Caesar as he ponders whether to cross the Rubicon river, and look on as Cicero delivers an impassioned speech to the Senate.

In a Bacchanalian feast of despotic rulers, colossal conquests, visionary women, gladiator games and the daily life of Roman citizens and subjects, A Short History of Ancient Rome charts the dramatic twists
and turns of the kingdom, the republic, the empire and its decline, as you navigate this crucial period in history.

© Pascal Hughes 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025

Critic reviews

Packed with more detail and colour than many books twice its size, Hughes brings the epic story of Rome vividly to life (Paul Cooper)

A vibrant story of ancient Rome's triumphs and tragedies, bringing life to the men and women whose deeds and legacies shaped the western world. (Dr David Gwynn)

AMAZING

What a amazing book, written great and narrated equily! Highly recomended to all history fans! Cant wait for more from the author!