
The Colosseum
Wonders of the World, Book 19
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Narrated by:
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Joan Walker
Byron and Hitler were equally entranced by Rome's most famous monument, the Colosseum. Mid-Victorians admired the hundreds of varieties of flowers in its crannies and occasionally shuddered at its reputation for contagion, danger, and sexual temptation. Today it is the highlight of a tour of Italy for more than three million visitors a year, a concert arena for the likes of Paul McCartney, and a national symbol of opposition to the death penalty. Its ancient history is chock full of romantic but erroneous myths. There is no evidence that any gladiator ever said "Hail Caesar, those about to die..." and we know of not one single Christian martyr who met his finish here.
Yet the reality is much stranger than the legend as the authors, two prominent classical historians, explain in this absorbing account. We learn the details of how the arena was built and at what cost; we are introduced to the emperors who sometimes fought in gladiatorial games staged at the Colosseum; and we take measure of the audience who reveled in, or opposed, these games. The authors also trace the strange afterlife of the monument - as fortress, shrine of martyrs, church, and glue factory. Why are we so fascinated with this arena of death?
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
©2005 Keith Hopkins and Mary Beard (P)2019 TantorListeners also enjoyed...




















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Narrator is Unbearable
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also: why not Mary Beard narrating?
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Really enjoyed this audio history & especially the beautifully crafted writing. It was somehow deeply satisfying to hear "BC" & "AD" in all the historical dates. Bravo. The brave new world terminology of "BCE & CE" ring so contrived and badly duct-taped to my old-fashioned ears.
Regarding the Narrator -- loved her! Super professional & smooth. But lots of respect to the previous reviewers criticizing her "caramel-filled bonbon voice" and "Benadryl" effect. Well said, and funny.
Still, this short & sweet dive into Roman history was excellent in my view. The writers' skill in word-crafting, wrapped up in the Benadryl voice, made 5 hours of dish-washing fly by.
Entertaining history tour with a smooth UK narrator
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Truth will out...
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The Colosseum
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