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Fall of Civilizations

Stories of Greatness and Decline

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Fall of Civilizations

By: Paul Cooper
Narrated by: Paul Cooper
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Summary

The landmark history book from the creator of the Top Ten podcast

Based on the highly acclaimed podcast with over 1 million subscribers, Fall of Civilizations brilliantly explores how a range of ancient societies rose to power and sophistication, and how they tipped over into collapse

Across the centuries, we journey from the great empires of Mesopotamia to those of Khmer and Vijayanagara in Asia and Songhai in West Africa; from Byzantium to the Maya, Inca and Aztec empires of the Americas; from Roman Britain to Rapa Nui. With meticulous research, breathtaking insight and dazzling, empathic storytelling, historian and novelist Paul Cooper evokes the majesty and jeopardy of these civilizations, and asks what it might have felt like for a person alive at the time as they witnessed the end of their world.

©2024 Paul Cooper (P)2024 Duckworth Books
Africa Ancient Civilisation Europe World Ancient History Middle East Imperialism Middle Ages Military Ancient Greece

Critic Reviews

'Paul Cooper's histories of fallen civilizations are brilliantly written: clear, compelling, and ultimately chilling as we are forced to accept the lost genius of ancient cultures and the inevitable ruination of our own. Full of fascinating detail and nuanced findings, you need to read this book' Cal Flyn, journalist and author of Islands of Abandonment

'An instructive, engaging and compelling epic which reveals the fragility of human existence: magnificent triumphs and lamentable tragedies, the civilized and the barbarian. A timely tour de force of historical storytelling' Ron Ramdin, author of The Making of the Black Working Class in Britain

Cooper draws parallels between fears for our own future and the colossal wrecks of fallen empires so that we may marvel at them and, perhaps, learn from them Tim Leach, author of- The Hollow Throne

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I thoroughly enjoyed this—perfect for easy listening while driving. It was both informative and interesting, keeping me engaged the entire time without being overwhelming. The content was clear, well-paced, and genuinely enjoyable. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for something insightful and relaxing to listen to on the go.

Highly recommended

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