Pax

War and Peace in Rome's Golden Age

By: Tom Holland

Narrated by: Tom Holland

Length: 14 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

The definitive history of Rome’s golden age—an ultimate superpower at the pinnacle of its greatness

The Pax Romana has long been shorthand for the empire’s golden age. Stretching from Caledonia to Arabia, Rome ruled over a quarter of the world’s population. It was the wealthiest and most formidable state in the history of humankind.

Pax is a captivating narrative history of Rome at the height of its power. From the gilded capital to realms beyond the frontier, historian Tom Holland shows ancient Rome in all its glory: Nero’s downfall, the destruction of Jerusalem and Pompeii, the building of the Colosseum and Hadrian’s Wall, the conquests of Trajan. Vividly sketching the lives of Romans both ordinary and spectacular, from slaves to emperors, Holland shows that Roman peace was the fruit of unprecedented military violence.

A stunning portrait of Rome’s glory days, this is the epic history of the Pax Romana.

©2023 Tom Holland (P)2023 Basic Books

Excellent!

Listening to Tom Holland makes you smarter. This was a good one on a fascinating subject.

A living narrative

Tom Holland is delightful. The most shocking and revealing aspect of this book might lie in the dimension of myth. Just as this dimension would have been inseparable from the lives of the Romans, so too is it inseparable from Holland’s telling. Practicalities, power, and politics intermingle with the divine — each directing and guiding the other. In this divine interaction, chronological events begin to Breathe.

I walk away fuller, richer, and glad to have listened. Thank you, Tom!

Tom Holland delivers like a Triumphant Caesar once again…

This addition to his narrative of Roman history is a masterpiece of storytelling, even after having knowledge of the main events of this period, Tom Holland will make connections that delight and surprise. If one is interested in the era of Rome at its climax, look no further, this book belongs in the pantheon of great Roman histories.

History in a narrative form that keep the reader interested

Myth pervaded my understanding of The Romans. This volume help me understand the reality of times. The expanse of their rule, the strategies of how to maintain it, the corruption, glory, barbarity, and magnitude of the efforts needed and the vulnerability of it all. Unthinkable wealth and material accomplishment beyond any we could expect from their limited tools, machines, technology, and scientific understanding. What is similar to today is the variations in morality, deviousness, corruption, plotting and scheming, honor and duplicity, and lesson upon lesson of what to do and not do to rule an empire in peace and war. So many terms and sayings spring from these times when a vast empire dominated the world and yet how fragile and tenuously that rule was is presented in the narration. The narration is entertaining and sophisticated. One has to wonder how much is speculation and how large the gaps in fact versus guesswork are as the narrative flows as if none exist at all. Worth listening to several times to really grasp the facts but one listening gives the audience a much greater understanding of the time and the many lessons they have for us. Lifts the veils on many of the fairy tale images one may have of that time that will likely never be seen again on earth.

Narrative History at its Finest

Tom Holland is a master of narrative history, detailing the events of Ancient Rome with the same drama and intrigue as could be expected in a thriller novel. Rubicon and Dynasty (his previous two books on Rome) are both great but Pax may be my favorite out of the three. Holland’s sophisticated prose and diction are present as ever here but the overall narrative is easier to follow. Unlike Rubicon and Dynasty, however, he narrates his own work in Pax. Initially I was speculative of the result as his voice doesn’t carry quite the gravitas of his past narrators. However, his enunciation is clear and his infliction is subtly engaging—even when listening at 2X narration speed. Ultimately, I came to enjoy this book even more by hearing Holland himself tell the story of Pax Romana. A fine addition to any history enthusiast’s library.

Storytelling

The Roman’s always win. Tom Holland is an incredible Weaver of primary sources. Part of a three part series, but does not seem limited or incomplete. 

Stunningly Good, Of Course!

Pax is a delicious journey through the apex of Roman power, all the while hinting at its eventual downfall and transformation.I could not have enjoyed this book more, simply because the author, Tom Holland, provided the deft and thoughtful narration. This book is so good and comprehensive, I will be listening to it more than once. The author helps us see clearly, the foundational aspects of Roman civilization and its culture, as recognizable and yet wildly different from our own. Exquisitely written and narrated.

Brilliant

Thrilling account. Beautifully written. Holland does it again. Highly recommended to anyone interested in history.

Outstanding

I loved the detail about the trends and morals of the Roman Empire. I am looking forward to future books on the empire and early Rome as well!

Interesting and informative

As always, Holland delivers an enjoyable, interesting, informative and accessible look into a slice of the past