Ancient Biography

We all know the founder of Rome, but do we know much about the widely-proclaimed second founder of Rome? The monarchy, tyranny, and victorious battles of Marcus Furius Camillus, the second founder, are documented in Plutarch’s Parallel Lives. After the destruction of Veii, Camillus returned to Rome as a pompous victor and dictator, causing quite a stir when he refused to follow the wishes of the senate when it came to dealing with Veii. Sensing banishment was in his future, Camillus’s time in Rome was much less bloody than many of his predecessors.

One of the more hotly contested lives documented in Plutarch’s Parallel Lives, the Life of Dion investigates the intense politics of the tyrant of Syracuse. Starting out in politics, he initially was one of Dionysus’ most trusted advisors. But after Dionysus expressed that he no longer wanted to be a tyrant, which went against the advisement of Dion, his most trusted advisor was banished.

While names like Nero, Caligula, Hadrian, and Constantine grab all the attention with their exploits, Marcus Aurelius tends to sit more in the historical background of the Roman Empire. In many ways, he is a lesser known emperor even though his written works have stood the test of time. Marcus, a prolific writer and formidable scholar, was perhaps the first to fulfill Plato’s dream of the philosopher king.

One of the world’s greatest conquerors that ever was, Alexander the Great never lost a battle and built one of the largest empires. Discover his military brilliance and what lead to his early death. After listening to this audiobook, in an hour or so, you will know everything about the life and legacy of Alexander the Great!

He was the first emperor of one of the greatest empires ever known to man. He commanded unmatched authority in the ancient world and was always one step ahead of his opponents. He had an intellect and a sharp wit that could cut down his foes just as easily as the steel of his sword. The life of Octavian - later known as Augustus - was rich and full. Although he lived and died over 2,000 years ago, this founder of the Roman Empire is as intriguing as ever.

Spartacus has passed into legend as an enduring symbol of righteousness in his noble battle for the freedom of man. This transcendent icon did not appear from the aether and had plenty of inspiration from the brave and often forgotten figures that stood before him. The actions of Spartacus and his rebellion against the Roman Republic offer a unique look into the details of commercial slavery in Rome, and its long-lasting effects on the evolution of a nation.

A little over 2000 years ago a man named Julius Caesar changed the world. Even if you have never heard of him, his lasting legacy has no doubt had an impact on your life. Even the very calendar that you use is based upon the system he created, with the month of July bearing his name. So who was this man that single-handedly changed the course of history? This audiobook follows the life and legacy of the man whose life stood between Republic and Empire.

Alongside Plato, Aristotle is, without question, one of the most influential ancient Greek philosophers and arguably the greatest icon of ancient thought. His life and work expanded rapidly and extensively across the ancient world, helped in part by the fact he tutored Alexander the Great. He was a recognized and celebrated intellectual force during all of antiquity and the Middle Ages. Furthermore, after Aristotle, Greek thought and political influence began a rapid decline.

In this entry of Parallel Lives, Plutarch tells the true story of Lysander, the great Spartan leader. Lysander led a fleet of Spartan ships to victory against the Athenians in the battle at Aegospotami. History also credits him with forcing the Greeks to surrender at the end of the Peloponnesian War.

Néron : l'excellence de ses conseillers (Sénèque et Tacite) n'a pas suffi à empêcher l'émergence d'un empereur fou, criminel et pervers. Il fit assassiner sa propre mère, et causa la mort de sa femme Poppée ; il ordonna qu'on torture et exécute ses rivaux ; après l'incendie de Rome, il sut aussi dévier la colère du peuple en lui offrant un autre objet de suspicion : les chrétiens. Leur persécution fut épouvantable : jetés aux lions, ou crucifiés et brûlés vifs en guise de flambeaux, ils furent le bouc émissaire de tout un peuple.

Gengis Khan e Attila sono sicuramente due tra i condottieri più conosciuti di tutti i tempi: il primo è stato capace di creare il più vasto impero mai visto sulla faccia della terra, il secondo invece con i suoi Unni fece tremare Roma e, a tutt’oggi, incarna il mito del barbaro violento e distruttore. Stiamo parlando di due icone che fanno parte dell’immaginario collettivo mondiale e che hanno scritto con il sangue pagine e pagine di storia sui campi di battaglia di mezzo mondo.

Gaio Giulio Cesare è il personaggio più famoso della storia di Roma antica, nonché uno dei più noti condottieri di tutti i tempi. In suo onore vennero chiamati "Cesare" gli imperatori di Roma, gli imperatori tedeschi e gli zar russi. Eppure Cesare non fu mai imperatore o re. Nel corso degli ultimi, tempestosi anni della Roma repubblicana, fu cinque volte console, pontefice massimo per quasi vent'anni e dittatore.

Caligula : tyran épouvantable et énigme irrésolue. Après un début de règne prospère et paisible, cet Empereur fut pris d'un revirement soudain, pour se montrer d'une cruauté allant jusqu'au sadisme. Il commit l'inceste avec ses sœurs, menaça de nommer son cheval consul pour humilier ses opposants politiques, accumula assassinats et exils avec un plaisir non dissimulé, tout en menant des projets d'une extravagance incroyable.

Originally published in 1883 as part of the historian’s larger work Beacon Lights of History, Volume IV: Imperial Antiquity, this book covers the life, the times, and the philosophy of Marcus Aurelius (121-180). The 17th emperor of Rome preserved and protected the Empire, mainly by keeping the Parthians in the East and the Northern barbarians at bay. More sage than soldier, he ruled wisely and set a noble example in a wicked age.

This small audiobook provides two insightful biographical glimpses into the life and ideas of one of the great thinkers in Roman Catholic history. Sound interesting? The authors thinks so too! Listen to Giordano Bruno and Infinity and learn about Christianity and history.

This deep dive into the word of God addresses kids’ toughest Bible questions with theologically sound answers in a way that is relatable and engaging. It’s filled with fun facts, debunking of common misconceptions, and explanations of biblical and theological concepts. This audiobook will not only answer a kid’s Bible questions big and small, but it will also encourage spiritual conversations and a lifelong love of learning about the glory and wonder of faith, the Bible, and God.

In the first authoritative biography of Alexander the Great written for a general audience in a generation, classicist and historian John C Martin tells the remarkable life of the great conqueror. The celebrated Macedonian king has been one of the most enduring figures in history.

Apart from Jesus, there is no character more vividly presented in the gospels than Peter. To talk of Saint Peter is to talk about a man of action. There is a good reason why he is the apostle with the most mentions in the Gospels, and the most referred to in the New Testament (a total of 195 times). In comparison, John, the next most popular disciple, barely reaches 29 references. It is at decisive moments which require a categorical reaction where the leader of the Twelve shines.

Toward the end of the Hundred Years War between France and England, as Merlin predicted, a great warrior emerged, uniting a beleaguered nation and leading it to improbable victories. It was said this warrior was a messenger of God. And it may have been, for a country was saved and a kingdom restored. This great leader of men, this messenger who united a nation, was a 17-year-old maiden named Joan.

Few mixtures are as toxic as absolute power and insanity. When nothing stands between a leader's delusion whims and seeing them carried them out, all sorts of bizarre outcomes are possible. Whatever their background, these rulers show that dynastic politics made sure that a rightful heir always got on the throne - despite that heir's mental condition - and that power can destroy a mind worse than any mental illness.