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  • The Storm Before the Storm

  • The Beginning of the End of the Roman Republic
  • Written by: Mike Duncan
  • Narrated by: Mike Duncan
  • Length: 10 hrs and 13 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (539 ratings)

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The Storm Before the Storm

Written by: Mike Duncan
Narrated by: Mike Duncan
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Publisher's Summary

The creator of the massively popular, award-winning podcast series The History of Rome brings to life the story of the tumultuous years that set the stage for the fall of the Roman Republic.

The Roman Republic was one of the most remarkable achievements in the history of civilization. After its founding in 509 BCE, the Romans refused to allow a single leader to seize control of the state and grab absolute power. The Roman commitment to cooperative government and peaceful transfers of power was unmatched in the history of the ancient world.

But by the year 133 BCE, the republican system was unable to cope with the vast empire Rome now ruled. Almost as soon as they had conquered the Mediterranean, Rome became engulfed in violent political conflicts and civil wars that would destroy the Republic less than a century later.

Chronicling the years 133-80 BCE, The Storm Before the Storm is a rollicking deep dive into the bloody battles, political machinations, and human drama that defined a dangerous new political environment - a stark warning for modern listeners about what happens to a civilization driven by increasing economic inequality, political polarization, and ruthless ambition.

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

©2017 Mike Duncan (P)2017 Hachette Audio

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Brilliant, especially for beginners like myself

The author manages to be very informative while going slowly enough that a novice can follow. Amazing, exciting, I learned a lot.

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4 people found this helpful

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Brilliant Elaboration of History of Rome Podcast

Mike Duncan's narration was even better for this book than for his podcast (and that performance was enjoyable). It was delightful to have this particularly crucial period of Roman history covered. Thanks to Shakespeare, those not versed in Classical Greece and Rome know who Julius Caesar is, but few will understand how he rose to Dictator, prefacing Augustus and the Empire, without the history of the Gracchi, Marius, Sulla, latifundia, land reform, head count entrance into the army, popularity of generals, et al. I've listened to it twice already and intend to listen to it again in the future.

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3 people found this helpful

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Another epic piece of work

Another epic work from a great historian. This is well worth the time and effort of anyone interested in Roman history.

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A must have for ancient Roman history enthusiasts

If you've followed Mike Duncan's seminal podcast of the rise and fall of Rome then you won't be disappointed in this incredibly well written and orated book about the beginning of the end of the Roman Republic.

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the legacy of the history of rome

i first discovered the history of rome podcast on a cloudy day while i was walking home from campus .
i was scrolling on youtuob and i saw this video that used a map of latium as its back ground and it was just something about it that i cant even explain like a feeling of mystic and ever since then ive never looked back . i was already a big fan of history but the history of rome is more than just a podcast for history buffs it should be considered one of the greatest works of accademia ever and should be explored by everyone around the world.

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Mike Duncan amazing as usual

If you love Roman history and audiobooks there is no other choice. Check out the podcast he does as well.

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Mike Duncan Undefeated

After finishing the history of Rome podcast, I wanted to dive deeper into the late republic, and what better way to do that than with more Mike Duncan. An accessible and detailed recalling of the fall of the republic. Excellent listen.

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It’s ok…for an American

Probably the best Roman historical podcaster out there. Throughly enjoyed the book and the dive into the civil wars. Great explanation, great analysis, great subtle humour. I did things backwards and read hero of two worlds first. Both have been more than enjoyable, and I look forward to both being put into televison or movie formats.

Mikes reading is top tier as always. However, I know he’d never look at this complimentary review if I were to flatter him, so I had to take a different tact.

I look forward to any content from this author coming forward. He illuminates history for all to see and understand.

Thank you Mike!

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Interesting but a bit dry

It was a very interesting book and thank God for audio as I would never have been able to read this thing. Too many big words... LOL

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Mike Duncan fan

Mike Duncan fan so perhaps biased but I loved this. (spoiler alert) the sullan terror is well terrifying. bleak but that's history

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