Roman History 101

by Christopher M. Bellitto

No civilization is so intertwined with the history of Christianity, and the greater Western world, as Rome. Now, you are invited to explore ancient Rome’s legacy with award-winning professor and prolific author Christopher M. Bellitto.

In this fascinating audio course on the Roman monarchy, republic, and empire, you will explore the essentials of Roman civilization: the creation of a city at the center of world history, its political legacy, its architectural and cultural achievements, its treatment of women and slaves, and its tragic flaws.

You will begin by placing ancient Rome in world history by looking at its origins and contexts in terms of geography and chronology. You will then explore the overlooked monarchy that ran for over two centuries until it was replaced by a republic that slowly took over the Mediterranean for 500 years. You will follow Rome as it defeated Carthage in three Punic Wars, facing challengers like Hannibal.

As you travel from the Republic to the Empire to Rome’s eventual “fall,” you will encounter such infamous figures as Julius Caesar, Octavian, Marc Antony, Cleopatra, Caligula, and Nero. You will see how paganism, Judaism, and Christianity interacted, often violently, and how Christianity transformed a stumbling empire. Finally, you will ask whether Rome truly fell at all.

This course is part of the Learn25 collection and includes a free PDF study guide.

Genres: History, Audiobook, Nonfiction

Audiobook

Published December 5, 2012

Reviews

[Jade Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one seemed to be more about ideas and general context (which I already had a somewhat decent grasp on) than historical periods/events but it was still easily digestible and full of information nonetheless.

[Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to audio book. Whole “book” seemed more like a recorded lecture series with a conversational tone, sometimes seemingly drifting off onto asides that, while interesting and relevant, don’t seem like a polished written work. Not to mention, this author/professor clearly expects the listener to have covered his earlier courses (I see now options in Ancient Greece etc. ) and refers to “remember what I said about Greek xyz”…. Referring to what seem to be students in a series of courses we have all taken. No big deal, since I’m good with Ancient Greece, but if you need the background, you might want to start at the beginning with good author.

That said, my personal coverage of Roman history is for some reason very weak. This is a great place to begin forming a framework to build upon. I’m tempted to go into detail about what I knew before versus after, but … nah. Progress is made.

[Viktor Nilsson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dwells very well into the reasons for why things happened, and why historical actors did the things they did. Handles a few important topics separately, rather than telling history as "one damn thing after another" - an expression Bellitto uses to characterize a bad way of teaching history.

If you need to cram lots of facts about Rome, then this will not be your go-to source. But if you, like me, have a difficult time remembering all those "damn things", then this is a great listen. It gave me some context to help me understand and actually remember more of all those things. Well told and pedagogical.

[Ginny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. I did this as an audiobook and mostly listened to it while knitting. This seemed more like a history professor teaching a course - in a good way. No ridiculous British accent and just plain simple facts told by a knowledgeable person.

I’m on a quest to become more informed in just about everything. Right now my focus is on Ancient Rome. The amount of reading I would have to become knowledgeable in this area is definitely too much for me. There are so many other books to read - and listen to. But, I’m thirsty for more.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect refresher on the basics of Roman History with some very interesting comparisons and analogies which help put Roman History in context.

[Matthew C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Bellitto's lectures are engaging and informative (as much as possible within the time constraints of course)

[Renee Hood · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This series of lectures made me miss college history classes. I will definitely listen to more Dr. Bellitto.