
The Roman Empire
A Captivating Guide to the Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire Including Stories of Roman Emperors Such as Augustus Octavian, Trajan, and Claudius
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
$0.99/mo for the first 3 months

Buy for $6.95
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Duke Holm
About this listen
Explore the captivating history of the Roman Empire.
The Roman Empire was one of the most powerful forces the world has ever seen. But this isn’t just the story of conquest or the incredible system of institutions that made it possible.
The Roman Empire is not yet another boring historical topic. On the contrary, it wakes our imagination, scares us, and entertains us.
This is the story of the fascinating men and women - the emperors, their wives, parents, brothers, sisters, and children - who gave the empire its characteristic charm. Some of them, like Marcus Aurelius and Antoninus Pius, were virtuous and wise; others - like Caligula, Commodus, and Caracalla - were monstrous, insane predators whose thirst for blood and sexual habits were beyond believable.
This is the story of the most important people and events between the two crucial events - the rise of Augustus in the first century BC and the final sack of Rome in the late fifth century AD.
Some of the topics covered in this audiobook include:
- From the Republic to the Empire: The rise of Octavian
- The age of Augustus
- The Julio-Claudian dynasty after Augustus: From Tiberius to Nero
- Civil war and the year of the four emperors (AD 68-69)
- The Flavians
- The Nerva-Antonine dynasty: The five good emperors (and a couple of not-so-good ones)
- Some new emperors
- Crises, civil wars, and divisions: The long and painful decline
- Two Empires: East and West
- And a great deal more you don't want to miss out on!
Get the audiobook now to learn more about the Roman Empire!
©2018 Captivating History (P)2018 Captivating HistoryListeners also enjoyed...
-
The Roman Republic: A Captivating Guide to the Rise and Fall of the Roman Republic, SPQR and Roman Politicians Such as Julius Caesar and Cicero
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Duke Holm
- Length: 2 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When we think of ancient Rome, the first notion that comes to mind is the one of the empire, followed by the image of a mighty emperor, his legions, colossal buildings, and the Gladiators (or the rhetoric and poetry, depending on your preferences). Some may recall the image of a “unified” Europe under a single sovereign - the emperor of Rome. However, Rome did not become remarkable at this considerably late phase. In fact, many historians see the history of Rome under the Emperors as a long, gradual decline. It was during the republic that Rome gained an empire.
-
-
SERIOUSLY bad, 3rd grade reading level.
- By Jake on 02-26-19
-
Alexander the Great
- A Captivating Guide to the King Who Conquered the Persian Empire and Babylon, Including His Impact on Ancient Greece and Rome
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Jason Zenobia
- Length: 3 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Alexander of Macedon was only 33 years old when he died, leaving behind him a sprawling empire of impressive size, which encompassed dozens of different people groups, religions, cultures, customs, and - of course - problems. Naturally, Alexander is well-known as a figure, but how well do we really know him? How much of his fascinating story is true, and how much is mere legend?
-
-
Nothing like in school
- By Lynda on 08-21-21
-
Mesopotamian Cities
- A Captivating Guide to Eridu, Uruk, Ur, Akkad, Assur, Lagash, Babylon, Nippur, Nimrud, and Nineveh
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Jay Herbert
- Length: 5 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Dynasties, city empires, gods, and legends - all of these were first developed in the lush region of Mesopotamia thousands of years ago, but how did one strip of land become home to some of the most impactful empires in history? Discover a time when mankind was trying to make sense of the world around them but managed to create mighty empires that still maintain an influence on our lives today. Learn about the lives of the rulers, artisans, and warriors who introduced literacy, farming, and sophisticated warfare to the ancient world.
-
-
Overall good but
- By DM on 11-12-23
-
Tiberius
- A Captivating Guide to the Life of Ancient Rome's Second Emperor and How He Ruled the Roman Empire
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Colin Fluxman
- Length: 1 hr and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
If you want to discover the captivating life of Tiberius, then pay attention.... Compared with the preceding rulers, Julius Caesar and Augustus, the name does not ring out with the same fame and pomposity. Shakespeare wrote no plays about Tiberius; his name does not echo in the history books with the same awe-inspiring prominence. Even his successors, Caligula and Nero, are more famous than he was.
-
-
good stroy on Tiberius
- By George Bettasso on 06-17-21
-
Ancient History
- A Captivating Guide to Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Duke Holm, Timothy Burke
- Length: 6 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Three captivating manuscripts in one audiobook: Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, and Ancient Rome.
-
-
Think about our ancient cultures
- By fiona on 11-02-18
-
The Byzantine Empire
- A Captivating Guide to Byzantium and How the Eastern Roman Empire Was Ruled by Emperors Such as Constantine the Great and Justinian
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Duke Holm
- Length: 2 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Byzantine Empire was founded during the chaotic third century. It was the time when revolts and civil wars were common, and Roman emperors merely lasted for a year. Despite being one of the most captivating historical periods of all time, the Byzantine Empire is a lesser known one.
-
-
Written like a highschool student phoning it in.
- By Kindle Customer on 02-24-20
-
The Roman Republic: A Captivating Guide to the Rise and Fall of the Roman Republic, SPQR and Roman Politicians Such as Julius Caesar and Cicero
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Duke Holm
- Length: 2 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When we think of ancient Rome, the first notion that comes to mind is the one of the empire, followed by the image of a mighty emperor, his legions, colossal buildings, and the Gladiators (or the rhetoric and poetry, depending on your preferences). Some may recall the image of a “unified” Europe under a single sovereign - the emperor of Rome. However, Rome did not become remarkable at this considerably late phase. In fact, many historians see the history of Rome under the Emperors as a long, gradual decline. It was during the republic that Rome gained an empire.
-
-
SERIOUSLY bad, 3rd grade reading level.
- By Jake on 02-26-19
-
Alexander the Great
- A Captivating Guide to the King Who Conquered the Persian Empire and Babylon, Including His Impact on Ancient Greece and Rome
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Jason Zenobia
- Length: 3 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Alexander of Macedon was only 33 years old when he died, leaving behind him a sprawling empire of impressive size, which encompassed dozens of different people groups, religions, cultures, customs, and - of course - problems. Naturally, Alexander is well-known as a figure, but how well do we really know him? How much of his fascinating story is true, and how much is mere legend?
-
-
Nothing like in school
- By Lynda on 08-21-21
-
Mesopotamian Cities
- A Captivating Guide to Eridu, Uruk, Ur, Akkad, Assur, Lagash, Babylon, Nippur, Nimrud, and Nineveh
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Jay Herbert
- Length: 5 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Dynasties, city empires, gods, and legends - all of these were first developed in the lush region of Mesopotamia thousands of years ago, but how did one strip of land become home to some of the most impactful empires in history? Discover a time when mankind was trying to make sense of the world around them but managed to create mighty empires that still maintain an influence on our lives today. Learn about the lives of the rulers, artisans, and warriors who introduced literacy, farming, and sophisticated warfare to the ancient world.
-
-
Overall good but
- By DM on 11-12-23
-
Tiberius
- A Captivating Guide to the Life of Ancient Rome's Second Emperor and How He Ruled the Roman Empire
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Colin Fluxman
- Length: 1 hr and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
If you want to discover the captivating life of Tiberius, then pay attention.... Compared with the preceding rulers, Julius Caesar and Augustus, the name does not ring out with the same fame and pomposity. Shakespeare wrote no plays about Tiberius; his name does not echo in the history books with the same awe-inspiring prominence. Even his successors, Caligula and Nero, are more famous than he was.
-
-
good stroy on Tiberius
- By George Bettasso on 06-17-21
-
Ancient History
- A Captivating Guide to Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Duke Holm, Timothy Burke
- Length: 6 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Three captivating manuscripts in one audiobook: Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, and Ancient Rome.
-
-
Think about our ancient cultures
- By fiona on 11-02-18
-
The Byzantine Empire
- A Captivating Guide to Byzantium and How the Eastern Roman Empire Was Ruled by Emperors Such as Constantine the Great and Justinian
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Duke Holm
- Length: 2 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Byzantine Empire was founded during the chaotic third century. It was the time when revolts and civil wars were common, and Roman emperors merely lasted for a year. Despite being one of the most captivating historical periods of all time, the Byzantine Empire is a lesser known one.
-
-
Written like a highschool student phoning it in.
- By Kindle Customer on 02-24-20
-
Ottoman Empire: A Captivating Guide to the Rise and Fall of the Ottoman Empire, the Fall of Constantinople, and the Life of Suleiman the Magnificent
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Desmond Manny, Duke Holm
- Length: 5 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Incredible facts about this Ottoman Empire still surprise anyone who starts discovering those stories. You’ll find out that, for quite a while, this Islamic state was effectively ruled by women, and that’s just the beginning.
-
-
Narrators do not know how to pronounce words
- By Cynthia Clough on 11-08-23
-
The Hellenistic Age
- A Captivating Guide to an Era of Mediterranean History That Took Place Between the Death of Alexander the Great and the Rise of the Roman Empire
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Jason Zenobia
- Length: 4 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Hellenistic age brought a great deal of change in the ancient world. However, the era was destined to end in 31 BCE with the Battle of Actium. Octavian’s Roman forces defeated Mark Antony and Cleopatra’s Ptolemaic fleet, thus securing the rise of the Roman Empire. While the Hellenistic age lasted only for a brief period in humanity’s rich history, its influence on culture, science, and philosophy has resonated with the world ever since.
-
-
An admirable but difficult to love book
- By Kelli Pierce on 12-25-19
-
Ancient Greece
- A Captivating Guide to Greek History Starting from the Greek Dark Ages to the End of Antiquity
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Duke Holm
- Length: 1 hr and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The culture and events of Greece were so influential they have a significant effect on modern-day people all over the world. The ancient Greeks gave birth to democracy, a political system frequently used and considered by some as the best form of government. Great minds from Greece also made incredible and vital discoveries such as the water mill, the basics of geometry and using medicine to cure illness. The ancient Greek philosophers laid the groundwork for a whole new field of thought and study.
-
-
A nice introduction to Ancient Greek history.
- By Alexander B. Talbot on 04-02-18
-
The Roman Empire: From Augustus to the Fall of Rome
- By: Gregory S. Aldrete, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Gregory S. Aldrete
- Length: 12 hrs and 41 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Roman Empire: From Augustus to the Fall of Rome traces the breathtaking history from the empire’s foundation by Augustus to its Golden Age in the 2nd century CE through a series of ever-worsening crises until its ultimate disintegration. Taught by acclaimed Professor Gregory S. Aldrete of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, these 24 captivating lectures offer you the chance to experience this story like never before, incorporating the latest historical insights that challenge our previous notions of Rome’s decline.
-
-
Gregory S. Aldrete is a treasure
- By Laurel Tucker on 02-04-19
By: Gregory S. Aldrete, and others
-
Ancient Rome: A Captivating Introduction to the Roman Republic, the Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire, and the Byzantine Empire
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Timothy Burke
- Length: 3 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Roman civilization is probably the single most important civilization in the history of the planet. Its expansion defined Europe. Its constitution shaped societies from Russia in the east to the United States and Latin America in the west. Not even its conquerors were immune to the superior Roman culture. In this new captivating history book, you’ll learn all you need to know about Roman institutions and politics.
-
-
Waste of time
- By Dale Hastert on 10-11-18
-
The Roman Games: A Captivating Guide to the Gladiators, Chariot Races, and Games in Ancient Rome
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Jason Zenobia
- Length: 3 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
If you want to discover the history of the Roman Games, then pay attention...What were the Roman games? What was it like for gladiators in the arenas of ancient Rome? How thrilling was it to see chariot races on the Roman race track? Were the condemned really thrown to lions at the Circus Maximus? These are a few of the questions that will be explored in this audiobook. The Romans were known for their extensive civilization, but at the heart of Roman power was a penchant for the Roman games.
-
-
Fascinating!
- By P. A. Martin on 01-08-22
-
Augustus
- A Captivating Guide to the First Emperor of Rome and How He Ruled the Roman Empire
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Colin Fluxman
- Length: 1 hr and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The life of Augustus is historically important because his leadership marked out a new era in the story of the Roman world - an era that would see the expansion of the Roman Empire across the Mediterranean and beyond. However, the influence of the Roman Empire extended much farther than its territory and had a profound effect on the development of Western culture.
-
The Romans
- A Captivating Guide to the People, Emperors, Soldiers and Gladiators of Ancient Rome, Starting from the Roman Republic Through the Roman Empire to the Byzantine Empire
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Jason Zenobia
- Length: 3 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It is probably the greatest story in all history: how the people in a tiny village on the Tiber River took over the entire known world of its day and developed brilliant literature, buildings, armies, roads, and laws that we still talk about thousands of years later. Discover the glorious history of Rome.
-
-
Captivating Is The Right Word
- By BILL CHRISTENSEN on 11-18-23
-
Assyrian History: A Captivating Guide to the Assyrians and Their Powerful Empire in Ancient Mesopotamia
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: David Patton
- Length: 3 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Of all the famous civilizations to emerge from Mesopotamia, a list that includes the Akkadians, the Sumerians, and the Babylonians, it’s the Assyrians who deserve the fame and glory. The empire they constructed over the course of some 1,200 years survived constant attacks, a few defeats, and the famed Dark Age, known as the Bronze Age collapse, to become one of the largest and most expansive empires the world has ever seen.
-
-
Cringe wording, a narration that cannot pronounce
- By Shane on 09-23-19
-
Suleiman the Magnificent: A Captivating Guide to the Longest-Reigning Sultan of the Ottoman Empire
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Desmond Manny
- Length: 1 hr and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
During his reign, Suleiman the Magnificent guided the Ottoman Empire through its golden age of trade and expansion. His reign changed the face of the world and the lives of millions of people, and his name echoes down to us in the present day. Suleiman the Magnificent was unlike any other sultan before or after him, and this audiobook explains why.
-
-
Disappointed
- By Maria T. Fagnan on 10-24-19
-
The Mughal Empire
- A Captivating Guide to the Mughal Empire in South Asia and the Impact the Mughals Had on the History of India
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Jason Zenobia
- Length: 3 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Mughal Empire, also known as the Moghul Empire, lasted for about three centuries, and at its peak, it covered 3.2 million square kilometers, from the outer borders of the Indus Basin in the west to the highlands of Assam and Bangladesh in the east, and from Afghanistan and Kashmir in the north to the Deccan Plateau in the south. The Mughal Empire also took the territories of what used to be known as Hindustan in the northern Indian subcontinent.
-
-
The Empire of the far east and time
- By Kiaf on 03-14-25
-
Mesopotamia: A Captivating Guide to Ancient Mesopotamian History and Civilizations, Including the Sumerians and Sumerian Mythology, Gilgamesh, Ur, Assyrians, Babylon, Hammurabi and the Persian Empire
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Richard Savage, Desmond Manny, Duke Holm, and others
- Length: 21 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Taken together, the civilizations of Sumer, Assyria, and Persia have helped form the modern makeup of Mesopotamia, western Asia, and the world. However, to really understand why things are the way they are, it’s important to break up this historical timeline and spend some time learning about each society. Only by doing this will you be able to fully appreciate the powerful impact these ancient peoples had on our modern world.
-
-
“Divulian”?
- By SBrown on 03-20-19
What listeners say about The Roman Empire
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 01-06-20
Just an Overview
Not so deep, just a good overview with several gaps. Performance with a good, warm voice, but with several mispronunciatons.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Joseph D.
- 06-16-21
Quick enjoyable history lesson.
This book has a lot of information and now had me more interested in some areas in the Roman history that I would like to take a closer look at. Definitely a great listen.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Chris
- 08-31-18
Inaccurate, poorly researched, haltingly performed
This is less a useful, intersectional, and compact dissection of the Roman Empire, and more a terrible watered-down and historically incorrect list of names and dates. I almost instantly lost any interest in the arguments of the author-- more so poor repetitions of other, better researched secondary sources --and instead became fascinated by what serpentine nonsense would come next. If this book were written so poorly on purpose, it would be a House of Leaves-tier work of satire and parody. This is a high school term paper allowed far too many pages.
The performer was okay. He clearly struggled with getting through sentences in one take, likely due to the sheer magnitude of grammar and spelling errors present in the book itself.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!