Rome and Persia

The Seven Hundred Year Rivalry

By: Adrian Goldsworthy

Narrated by: Mark Elstob

Length: 20 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

The epic rivalry between the ancient world’s two great superpowers

The Roman empire was like no other. 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.

Its only true rival 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 region Alexander the Great had swept through, creating a dream of glory and conquest that tantalized Greeks and Romans alike. Tracing seven centuries of conflict between Rome and Persia, historian Adrian Goldsworthy shows how these two great powers evolved together. Despite their endless clashes, trade between the empires enriched them both, and a mutual respect prevented both Rome and Persia from permanently destroying the other.

Epic in scope, Rome and Persia completely reshapes our understanding of one of the greatest rivalries of world history.

©2023 Adrian Goldsworthy (P)2023 Basic Books

Another excellent work by Goldsworthy

Once you get past the chronology (which doesn’t read aloud particularly well) and the reader’s pronunciation (which frequently leaves something to be desired), this is a compelling tale of two great empires. I found it to be interesting, well-paced (after the start of the book), and even-handed. Recommended to lovers of ancient history,

“Soldier of Rome” for collegians.

Great explanation of Roman political interaction & intrigue with contiguous (and other) tribes, countries, provinces. But expect not “pilum” through an “oculus”.

He does it again

One of my favorite authors on one of the most important periods of our time. Very informative and the reader does an excellent job as well highly recommended.

History repeats itself

A lengthy and detailed analysis of an interesting relationship between two empires that existed for an incredibly long period of time. Well written and an enjoyable listen.

Great overview of vast and important period of history

Really excellent and detailed narrative of the relationship between Rome and Persia from late Republican period up to the fall of Sassanian Empure to Muslim conquest. Narrator was generally but mispronunciations were somewhat frequent.

MAPS NEEDED

Excellent except for the lack of maps. Professor could have provided a pdf with maps. All know the locations of general areas (Egypt, Constantinople, Arabia, (modern) Armenia; but we don’t know Roman borders at different times or the routes of armies. This is an odd omission for such an accomplished author. I would have rated higher with maps.

Superb

Adrian Goldsworthy is one of, if not the best, authors on Ancient Rome. This book is simply the latest in a long line of excellent books and audiobooks from Goldsworthy. The narration is excellent, the information thorough, and the topic fascinating.

I own this book not only in Audible but also in hard copy. I find the forward particularly value for students of history and students of Rome specifically.

The subject matter is well researched, despite the limited nature of the sources, especially on the Persian Empire. Goldsworthy not only compiles the most complete story of Rome interactions using those sources, but also guides the listener through the value of those sources and keeps his account anchored to the evidence, without any excessive speculation.

While I have never been disappointed by Goldsworthy’s work, this book was still surprisingly excellent, and that I think is an indication of the continued excellence of Mr. Goldsworthy. I highly recommend.

Adrian Goldworthy’s still worth reading!

My only complaint is the lack of thorough historical data about the Persian Empires (something he freely admits in the book). The result is that any narrative about Persia specifically is fragmented and hard to follow at times which explains why he wrote about Persia and Rome.

Still, it’s a very informative and interesting “reading” and an excellent addition to Goldworthy’s other histories.

Ruined by Narration

I've listened to a number of books by this author and they've all been fantastic. I have no reason to believe that this book is any different from the others, but I just can't get past the narration here.

The over-the-top tones and inflections might work for a character in a Shakespear play or something, but it's just ridiculous in this non-fiction. It's terrible; I can't finish.

Continuous dates range narration

This book is a chronological overload. No story just dates and date ranges and more dates. Awful.