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  • The Eagle and the Lion

  • Rome, Persia and an Unwinnable Conflict
  • By: Adrian Goldsworthy
  • Narrated by: Mark Elstob
  • Length: 20 hrs and 23 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (12 ratings)

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The Eagle and the Lion

By: Adrian Goldsworthy
Narrated by: Mark Elstob
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Publisher's summary

The epic story of the imperial rivalry between two of the greatest empires of the ancient world—Parthian and Persian—and how they rose and eventually fell.

The Roman empire shaped the culture of the Western world against which all other great powers are compared. Stretching from the north of Britain to the Sahara, and from the Atlantic coast to the Euphrates, it imposed peace and prosperity on an unprecedented scale.

However, the exception lay in the east, where the Parthian and then Persian empires ruled over great cities and the trade routes to mysterious lands beyond. This was the place Alexander the Great had swept through, creating a dream of glory and conquest which tantalized Greeks and Romans alike. Caesar, Mark Antony and a long succession of emperors longed to follow in Alexander's footsteps. All failed. Only here did the Roman empire slow down and eventually stop because it was unable to go any further.

Following seven centuries of conflict that, ultimately, neither Rome nor Persia would win, The Eagle and the Lion delves into the clash, context and journeys of these entities of great power and the people caught in their wider struggle.

©2023 Adrian Goldsworthy (P)2023 W. F. Howes Ltd
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History
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What listeners say about The Eagle and the Lion

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Excellent history of two of the great empires of history.

Through centuries of conflict and coexistence, the balance of power was maintained between the Roman and the Parthian/ Persian Empires in Asia Minor and the Middle East, as neither empire was ever able—nor it seems ever wanted — to completely take over and destroy the other. They both came to a tragic and sudden end in mere decades at the hands of the Arab Muslim armies of the 7th century. Adrian Goldsworthy takes us on an enlightening read through the history between these great states.

Highly recommended!

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Good Goldsworthy, Not greatest

Thrilled to learn more about the Persian/ Parthians. Goldsworthy says himself at the start that the book can be repetitive, in that the Romans and Parthians are the focus and their conflicts are similar over the centuries. But the curveballs that come up and the characters that come out, keep your reading into the next conflict. Give it a go. If you’d liked Caesar and How Rome Fell you’ll like this one, too. I’m glad I own it.

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4 people found this helpful

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A great listen!

Coming from a big Adrian Goldsworthy fan, this book is one of his very finest. While detailed, the pace & flow made for an easy, informative & enjoyable listen.

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Author needs geography lesson.

Somewhat interesting read, but author’s expertise and focus is on the Roman side. His knowledge of Iranian history, even when it comes to basic geography is frustrating.

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1 person found this helpful