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Rome and the Barbarians

Written by: Kenneth W. Harl, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Kenneth W. Harl
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Publisher's Summary

The history of the Romans as they advanced the frontiers of Classical civilization is often told as a story of warfare and conquest - the mighty legions encountering the "barbarians." But this only tells one side of the story.

Who were the Celts, Goths, Huns, and Persians met by the Romans as they marched north and east? What were the political, military, and social institutions that made Rome so stable, allowing its power to be wielded against these different cultures for nearly three centuries? What role did those institutions themselves play in assimilating barbarian peoples?

These 36 engaging lectures tell the story of the complex relationship between each of these native peoples and their Roman conquerors as they intermarried, exchanged ideas and mores, and, in the ensuing provincial Roman cultures, formed the basis of Western European civilization.

You'll study the institutions that made Rome so extraordinary, as well as the extraordinary figures - both Roman and barbarian - whose names have been familiar to us for so long. You'll learn about Augustus, Constantine I, Diocletian, Gaius Julius Caesar, Nero, Attila the Hun, as well as a myriad of figures whose names are less familiar to us.

But these lectures deliver far more than personal snapshots, as compelling as those may be. Professor Harl brings to life the institutions that shaped both Rome and her relationship with, and assimilation of, the barbarians at her constantly expanding frontiers. You'll come away with a new appreciation of how our Western world came to be and detailed knowledge about the individuals from royalty to "barbarian" who played key roles in that process.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2004 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2004 The Great Courses

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Loads Of Information. Effective Delivery.

Tulane University History Professor Kenneth W. Harl uses an admirably "off-the-cuff" lecturing technique: sticking to his outline, but frequently interjecting "aside" statements like "..that's where we get the word "politics", by the way.." that are clearly not part of the text [he also includes far too many "Uhh.." and "Umm.." pauses, but the end result of his lecturing style is that he gives an impression of authoritativeness - he really knows his stuff (and creates a genuine sense of being in a Lecture Hall)].
This recording is packed with information valuable to anyone curious about Ancient Civilizations.. and brought back memories of furiously scribbling notes in a darkened classroom during undergrad.

The narration technique (simulating a didactic lecture) ensures maintained interest -  and Dr. Harl's diction, cadence, timbre, and tone are admirable - but the methodology also makes the delivery feel a little too "loose" at times (Besides frequently going off topic, Harl occasionally abandons the chronological matrix indispensable to a History course). Fortunately, the excellent appended PDF keeps listeners on point and blunts confusion.

Overall - despite a couple of deficiencies - Harl is an effective speaker and the production values for this course are exemplary. Well done, The Great Courses/Audible Originals.

Altogether, this is a 9 out of 10 star audiocourse. I feel quite fortunate that I was able to download it as a 'Plus' (included) selection.. because 'Rome and the Barbarians' would rate a Credit if they asked for one.

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Incredibly informative

This is the third Great Courses that I’ve listened to in which Professor Harl is the narrator and I can’t recommend it enough as well as his series on Vikings and the Crusades as well.

I very much enjoy the style, how he outlines what he’ll go over, and the way he tackles each subject. Very well done and informative.

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