Ancient Civilizations Audiobooks | History

"The Wars of the Jews (or The History of the Destruction of Jerusalem, or as it usually appears in modern English translations, The Jewish War - original title: Phlauiou Iôsêpou historia Ioudaïkou polemou pros Rhômaious bibliona) is a book written by the 1st century Jewish historian Josephus. It is a description of Jewish history from the capture of Jerusalem by the Seleucid ruler Antiochus IV Epiphanes in 164 BC to the fall and destruction of Jerusalem in the First Jewish-Roman War in AD 70. The book was written about 75, originally in Josephus's "paternal tongue", probably Aramaic, though this version has not survived. It was later translated into Greek, probably under the supervision of Josephus himself. The sources of knowledge that we have of this war are Josephus's account and from the Talmud (gittin 57b) and in midrash Eichah. (Summary by Wikipedia)"

Flavius Josephus (Author), Various Readers (Narrator)

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Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome

E. M. Berens (Author), Various Readers (Narrator)

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Coriolanus

"Coriolanus is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608. Coriolanus is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608. The play is based on the life of the legendary Roman leader, Gaius Marcius Coriolanus. Performed and recorded by the wonderful Richard Burton and cast."

William Shakespeare (Author), Richard Burton (Narrator)

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Conflicts That Shaped Pharaonic Egypt

"Professor of Egyptology and director of the Yale Egyptological Institute John C. Darnell delves into the history of Ancient Egypt from the Predynastic Period through the end of the New Kingdom. In these lectures, Professor Darnell shows that, despite common perceptions, Pharaonic Egyptian civilization existed within a multicultural society subject to disparate geological environments-and that its strength lay in the balancing of contrasting groups and goals."

John Darnell (Author), John Darnell (Narrator)

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Empire of Ancient Greece

"Empire of Ancient Greece is an informative introduction to this cornerstone of Western civilization. The Greeks invented and developed everything from logic and democracy to rhetoric, drama, and philosophy. Empire of Ancient Greece chronicles the remarkable legacy of the Greeks, as well as the diversity of their societies - from the thriving democracy of Athens to the militarism of Sparta to the oligarchy of Thrace. It explores the conditions that made it possible for the ancient Greeks to develop a culture that set the foundation for our intellectual lives today, and explains why Greek power eventually declined. Everyday life in ancient Greece, from the wealthy citizens who grappled in the Olympic arena to the farmers who found 50 different ways to use olive oil, is also examined. Connections in our own world to the ancient Greeks are numerous, including the Olympics, much of our classical literature, the scientific method, architecture, and many English words. The book is published by Chelsea House Publishers, a leading publisher of educational material."

Jean Kinney Williams (Author), B.J. Harrison (Narrator)

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[German] - Athen und Jerusalem: Antike Bildung in frühchristlich-lukanischen Erzählungen

"Ende des 1. Jahrhunderts: In den frühchristlichen Hausgemeinden fanden sich auch Gebildetere und sozial Arriviertere ein. Denen erzählt Lukas in seinem Evangelium und der Apostelgeschichte die judeo-christliche Tradition neu, indem er zahlreiche Reminiszenzen an hellenistische Bildung einstreut, um besseren Kreisen seiner Zeit den christlichen Glauben attraktiv erscheinen zu lassen. Paulus wird so unterschwellig zum zweiten Sokrates, die Erhöhung des auferstandenen Jesus zur Apotheose. Jesus und Paulus propagieren Spruchgut, das sich auch bei Thukydides findet, und im urchristlichen Zusammenleben erfüllen sich sozialutopische Träume griechisch-hellenistischer Literaten. Selbst bei der Weihnachtsgeschichte vermögen hellenistische Leser die politisch gefärbte Hirtendichtung der Zeit zu assoziieren. Lässt Lukas die athenische Eule im Kreuz nisten? Und handelt er sich damit Probleme ein?"

Peter Lampe (Author), Peter Lampe (Narrator)

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The Grandeur That Was Rome: Roman Art and Archaeology

"Common perceptions of Ancient Rome are plentiful, whether they take the form of crazy emperors hosting lavish feasts, scenes of chariot races and gladiatorial combat, or processions of conquering armies. But that is only half the story. In this enlightening lecture series, Professor Jennifer Tobin presents a sweeping portrait of Rome, including the lofty developments of senatorial government, historical writing, stunning art and architecture-and even the origins of long-lived customs such as the Roman tradition of carrying a bride over the threshold."

Jennifer Tobin (Author), Jennifer Tobin (Narrator)

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The Ides: Caesar’s Murder and the War for Rome

"Sixty killers, wearing the purple-trimmed togas of Roman senators, unsheathed their hidden daggers to stab the most feared and powerful man in the Empire. Hundreds of their colleagues ran screaming from the Theater of Pompey the Great, proclaiming the bloody deed to the thousands of citizens who clogged the streets outside. It was the most public of crimes. Yet, two millennia after the murder of Julius Caesar, many questions remain unanswered. Was Brutus a treasonous villain or a hero of Rome? Were the killers motivated by noble sentiment or venality? Why did so many of Caesar's formerly loyal lieutenants take part in the murder? InThe Ides, celebrated author and classical researcher Stephen Dando-Collins transports listeners to the streets, palaces, and gathering places of ancient Rome to experience a richly detailed, convincingly accurate, and stunningly suspenseful account of Caesar's final days. He traces the conspiracy that brought the conqueror down, from a surprising holiday meeting between Cassius and Brutus to its chaotic conclusion and beyond. Drawing deeply from ancient manuscripts, Dando-Collins documents Caesar's campaign to persuade the Senate, which had already declared him a 'living god,' to appoint him king of Rome before his planned departure on a military mission on March 19, 44 BC. He reveals why many Romans already considered Caesar a tyrant and why Brutus, who may well have been Caesar's illegitimate son, felt a special obligation to depose this man who would be king. This compelling history follows the mercurial Cassius and even-tempered Brutus as they carefully feel out potential coconspirators, knowing that one wrong choice could be their last. It reveals the dramatic lengths to which Brutus' wife Porcia went to prove he could trust her with his secret; why Caesar, even as the killers paced in restless anticipation of his arrival, canceled the Senate session he had called—and how a close associate convinced him to change his mind. Complete with a thoughtful analysis of why the plotters failed in their aim to restore the Republic and a chilling account of the deadly power struggles that continued for years after Caesar's death,The Idesis a must-have for anyone fascinated with the Roman Empire, military history, and an incredible story well told."

Stephen Dando-Collins (Author), Bronson Pinchot (Narrator)

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[German] - Alte Geschichte: Julius Caesar und das Ende der römischen Republik

"Julius Caesar und Alexander der Grosse Caesar soll Alexander um dessen militärische Erfolge schon in jungen Jahren beneidet haben: Doch selbst wenn das wohl eine spätere Erfindung war, so waren jedenfalls Caesars Ambitionen ebenso außergewöhnlich wie seine Talente. Der Systemumbruch von der Republik zur Monarchie in Rom ist eng verknüpft mit seinem Wirken. Caesars Aufstieg und der Weg in den Bürgerkrieg Die Karriere Caesars verlief in den gängigen Bahnen, unkonventionell war aber seine hohe Einsatz- und Risikobereitschaft. Als Caesar 59 v. Chr. Konsul wurde, erkannte er die Chance zur eigenen Machterweiterung und nutzte sie gnadenlos aus. Er verletzte dabei grundlegende Spielregeln der Politik und verprellte die Hüter der althergebrachten Ordnung. Der Bürgerkrieg, der 49 v. Chr. ausbrach, hatte seinen Ursprung bereits in den Verwerfungen zehn Jahre zuvor. Caesars Alleinherrschaft und der Untergang der Republik Im Bürgerkrieg setzte sich Caesar militärisch durch. Danach stand er unangefochten an der Spitze des römischen Gemeinwesens. Seine Standesgenossen aus der Führungsschicht erwarteten von ihm die Wiederherstellung der Republik und den Rücktritt. Er aber machte unmissverständlich klar, dass das für ihn nicht in Frage kam. Kurz darauf wurde er ermordet."

Martin Jehne (Author), Martin Jehne (Narrator)

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Alexander of Macedonia: The World Conquered

"Alexander the Great is the most famous king and conqueror known in the ancient world. In his lifetime, he was given honors equal to those of the gods. After his death, he became a legend and the 'Alexander Romance' became the best-selling fiction of the medieval world. Esteemed Professor Robin Lane Fox has made the study of Alexander of Macedon the focus of his brilliant career. In these lectures, Professor Fox answers questions about Alexander that have percolated throughout history: Why did Alexander succeed? What was he like? How did he change the world and its history?"

Robin Lane Fox (Author), Robin Lane Fox (Narrator)

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[German] - Der Fluch der Pharaonen - Moderne Wissenschaft enträtselt einen jahrtausendealten Mythos

"'Der Tod wird den mit seinen Schwingen erschlagen, der die Ruhe des Pharaos stört.' Diese Inschrift trug ein geheimnisvolles Tontäfelchen, das Forscher in der Vorkammer des Grabes von Tut-ench-Amun fanden. Niemand ahnte, dass dreizehn der zwanzig Wissenschaftler des Forschungsteams bald nicht mehr am Leben sein würden. Die Inschrift gilt seitdem als verschollen, doch die Vorstellung eines uralten, tödlichen Fluchs hält die Menschheit nach wie vor in Atem."

Philipp Vandenberg (Author), Uli Krohm (Narrator)

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Hebrews, Greeks and Romans: Foundations of Western Civilization

Timothy B. Shutt (Author), Brian Keeler (Narrator)

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Ancient Civilizations Audiobooks in History

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