Preview
  • Emperor of Rome

  • Ruling the Ancient World
  • By: Mary Beard
  • Narrated by: Mary Beard
  • Length: 14 hrs and 44 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (14 ratings)

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Emperor of Rome

By: Mary Beard
Narrated by: Mary Beard
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Publisher's summary

In her international best-seller SPQR, Mary Beard told the thousand-year story of ancient Rome. Now, she shines her spotlight on the emperors who ruled the Roman empire, from Julius Caesar (assassinated 44 BCE) to Alexander Severus (assassinated 235 CE).

Emperor of Rome is not your usual chronological account of Roman rulers, one after another: the mad Caligula, the monster Nero, the philosopher Marcus Aurelius. Beard asks bigger questions: What power did emperors actually have? Was the Roman palace really so bloodstained?

Emperor of Rome goes directly to the heart of Roman (and our own) fantasies about what it was to be Roman, offering an account of Roman history as it has never been presented before.

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

©2023 Mary Beard (P)2023 Profile Books Ltd
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History
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What listeners say about Emperor of Rome

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Mary Beard does it again!

This book presents a unique take on the governance of imperial Rome and on the Emperors who sought rule. Based on a lifetime of research and scholarship it brings into sharp focus the reality that every emperor no matter how gifted required the support of a large support network to govern effectively. Mary tells the story with her trademark wit and wisdom making for an entertaining and informative dive into a long neglected aspect of Roman history

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The description of the inner workings of the palace, society and rules that surround the emperors.

I've been a fan of Mary Beard ever since I came across one of her documentaries. The way she describes the Roman world is - to my untrained eyes - the most interesting way to learn about it. Although educational, this work is not a slog through the particulars of which emperor did what. Its a refreshing build-up, where you learn about 'why' the empire worked as it did, and what the people thought of themselves and their ruler.
On a personal note, it was the best motivation to get me out on long walks.

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Excellent - deep research and accessible analysis.

Mary Beard continues to present extraordinarily accessible summaries of Mary Beard continues to provide extremely accessible summaries and insights from classical history, with a bonus that she reads her own book which makes it even more enjoyable.

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