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  • Rubicon

  • The Triumph and Tragedy of the Roman Republic
  • By: Tom Holland
  • Narrated by: Mark Meadows, Tom Holland
  • Length: 15 hrs and 9 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (90 ratings)

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Rubicon

By: Tom Holland
Narrated by: Mark Meadows, Tom Holland
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Publisher's Summary

The Roman Republic was the most remarkable state in history. What began as a small community of peasants camped among marshes and hills ended up ruling the known world. Rubicon paints a vivid portrait of the Republic at the climax of its greatness - the same greatness which would herald the catastrophe of its fall.
It is a story of incomparable drama. This was the century of Julius Caesar, the gambler whose addiction to glory led him to the banks of the Rubicon, and beyond; of Cicero, whose defence of freedom would make him a byword for eloquence; of Spartacus, the slave who dared to challenge a superpower; of Cleopatra, the queen who did the same.

Tom Holland brings to life this strange and unsettling civilization, with its extremes of ambition and self-sacrifice, bloodshed and desire. Yet alien as it was, the Republic still holds up a mirror to us. Its citizens were obsessed by celebrity chefs, all-night dancing and exotic pets; they fought elections in law courts and were addicted to spin; they toppled foreign tyrants in the name of self-defence. Two thousand years may have passed, but we remain the Romans' heirs.

SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2004 SAMUEL JOHNSON PRIZE

SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2003 HISTORY BOOK OF THE YEAR AT THE BRITISH BOOK AWARDS

©2003 Tom Holland (P)2019 Hachette Audio UK
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

Critic Reviews

'The Book that really held me, in fact, obsessed me, was Rubicon . . . This is narrative history at its best. Bloody and labyrinthine political intrigue and struggle, brilliant oratory, amazing feats of conquest and cruelty' Ian McEwan, Books of the Year, Guardian

'Re-evaluating Rome for a new generation' Robert Harris, Sunday Times

'Marvellously readable' Niall Ferguson

What listeners say about Rubicon

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A wonderful, comprehensive view of the decline of the Republic

Tom Holland, as ever, weaves a terrific narrative of the decline and fall of the Roman Republic (the more interesting period of Rome).
From the Gracchi attempted reforms all the way to Octavian ascending to August and absolutely everything in between, this is a must for a Roman enthusiast.
Tom Holland is an expert on all civil wars, from Sulla vs Marius to Cpt America vs Iron Man

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  • K-2
  • 24-09-2022

A well narrated (hi)story

In this book the author summarises the history of the Roman Republic with special focus on what cause its falling. It is narrated in a very engaging way, showing all the details that caused the Republic fall and the protagonistsat every step: the Graccai, Mario & Sulla, Pompey, Crassus and Cesar, and finally Augustus. An excellent book for those who love Roman history.

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