Twilight Cities

Lost Capitals of the Mediterranean

De: Katherine Pangonis

Narrado por: Katherine Pangonis

WINNER OF THE 2024 SOMERSET MAUGHAM AWARD

Its name means 'centre of the world', and since the dawn of history the Mediterranean Sea has formed the shared horizon of innumerable cultures. Here, history has blurred with legend. The glittering surface of the sea conceals the remnants of lost civilisations, wrecked treasure ships and the bones of long-drowned sailors, traders and modern refugees.

Of the many cities that dot this ancient coastline, Tyre, Carthage, Syracuse, Ravenna and Antioch are among the oldest and most intriguing. All are beautifully situated, and for layers of history and cultural riches they are rivalled only by their sister cities of Rome, Istanbul and Jerusalem. Yet their fates have been remarkably different. Once major power centres, all five have declined into relative obscurity. Nevertheless, their entwined history takes in Alexander the Great, Nebuchadnezzar, Archimedes and the Roman, Byzantine, Arab and Norman conquests, and their greatness still lingers for those who seek it out.

To bring these mysterious lost capitals to life, historian Katherine Pangonis sets out on a voyage from the dawn of civilisation on the Lebanese coast to a modern-day Turkey wracked by the devastation of the 2023 earthquake. Combining on the ground research with spellbinding storytelling skills, here is a revelatory new story of the Mediterranean, and a powerful reflection on the sometimes fleeting glory of empires.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Katherine Pangonis (P)2023 Orion Publishing Group Limited

Reseñas de la Crítica

Luminous . . . Both ­sophisticated and delightfully wide-ranging (Daisy Dunn)

Pangonis's combination of familiar and unfamiliar places is one of the great attractions of the book . . . This is a vividly written book to savour and enjoy, whether criss-crossing the Mediterranean or lounging in an armchair dreaming of it (David Abulafia)

Outstanding listening experience

Bought this book for a train trip between Transylvania and Berlin (through Budapest and Vienna) and was hoping it would last me the whole trip, but the amazing and engaged narration and the beautifully written and informative contents of the book led me to finish it within two days.

Each section of the book walks us through the history of each city from the foundation all the way to modern days. It is very comprehensive without being too vague. Very well balanced and paced.

Strongly recommend!

Well researched literature

I was familiar enough on the history of Carthage but was very intrigued to learn more about Tyre, Syracuse and Ravenna. A thoroughly enjoyable listening. Quality time is well invested within anything this author publishes.