Pax: War and Peace in Rome's Golden Age cover art

Pax: War and Peace in Rome's Golden Age

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Pax: War and Peace in Rome's Golden Age

By: Tom Holland
Narrated by: Tom Holland
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About this listen

 THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

'Holland, who co-hosts the podcast The Rest Is History, is at his best when having fun with Rome's bloody history' The Times

'A book for lovers of traditional, grand sweep narrative history' Sunday Times

The definitive history of Rome's golden age - antiquity's ultimate superpower at the pinnacle of its greatness

The Pax Romana has long been revered as a golden age. At its peak, the Roman Empire stretched from Scotland to Arabia, and contained perhaps a quarter of humanity. It was the wealthiest and most formidable state the world had yet seen.

Beginning in 69AD, a year that saw four Caesars in succession rule the empire, and ending some seven decades later with the death of Hadrian, Pax presents a dazzling history of Rome at the height of its power. From the gilded capital to realms beyond the frontier, historian Tom Holland portrays the Roman Empire in all its predatory glory. Vivid scene follows vivid scene: the destruction of Jerusalem and Pompeii, the building of the Colosseum and Hadrian's Wall, the conquests of Trajan. Vividly sketching the lives of Romans both ordinary and spectacular, from slaves to emperors, Holland demonstrates how Roman peace was the fruit of unprecedented military violence.

A stunning portrait of Rome's glory days, this is the epic history of the pax Romana.©2023 Tom Holland (P)2023 Hachette Audio UK Ancient Rome Ancient History Italy Mythology Ancient Greece

Critic Reviews

A sweeping, colourful history of Rome at its swaggering, superpower zenith by The Rest is History podcaster and bestselling author. Hail Caesar! Hail Tom Holland! (Robbie Millen)
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Another master piece by Tom Holland the master storyteller. History in narrative form brings the ancient world to life in one’s mind.

Excellent!

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Really entertaining tales of the politics, places and private lives of the Romans. Intiguing history and great narration.

Great tales of Rome

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From start to finish this was an enthralling book. Having Tom read his own material added to the story that was Rome.

Could not put it down

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Great to hear the author read his own book.

I really enjoyed the time spent in Pompeii.

Solid ending to a wonderful trilogy

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