Audiobooks narrated by Christopher M. Bellitto

Alexander the Great: General, Leader, God?

"Who was Alexander the Great? Was he a brilliant, ambitious conqueror or a self-obsessed leader who put his men in harm's way? A divine figure or a god in his own mind? In this audio course, join acclaimed historian Christopher Bellitto to explore this famously complex figure. Alexander the Great (ca. 356-323 BCE) was a Macedonian general who brought Greek civilization to the edge of modern-day India. After studying the Iliad, he believed himself to be Achilles reincarnated, imitating the hero of the epic poem in his own military campaigns. Even before he died barely into his thirties, the legends surrounding him were larger than life. In this compelling new audio course, you'll explore the history and lore surrounding this real man and mythic figure, often by consulting the ancient sources themselves. With Prof. Bellitto, you'll trace Alexander's conquests from Macedonia to Asia, assessing his military prowess and leadership skills along the way. You'll also explore questions about his alleged divinity, his ideas for mixing Greek culture with peoples he overwhelmed, and whether or not he planned to build an empire. Analyzing primary sources as well as context from contemporary historians, you'll discover wildly different accounts of the same events in Alexander's life. This course is part of the Learn25 Collection."

Christopher M. Bellitto (Author), Christopher M. Bellitto (Narrator)

Audiobook

Charlemagne, the Holy Roman Empire, and the Carolingian Renaissance

"The relationship between church and state is a powerful thread stitching the medieval era to modern history. Through this captivating course on Charlemagne, you can follow it back to its fascinating inception in the Holy Roman Empire. Join one of the world’s leading Church historians, Professor Christopher Bellitto, in this journey. You will begin this series by unpacking the long history of theocracy outside of Christianity before moving into the often fraught relationship between pope and prince. You’ll gain historical context by first exploring the legacy of the Roman emperor Constantine and then trace how Christianity converted Europe in the early Middle Ages. Next, you’ll turn to the transformation Charlemagne attempted by around 800, when he was crowned Holy Roman Emperor. Charlemagne regulated the Carolingian Empire using the Roman imperial structure, setting the stage for tremendous power struggles in the centuries to come. As you learn how the relationship between popes and emperors played out thereafter, you’ll journey through medieval, reformation, and modern European history. Discover the transformative impact of the Carolingian Renaissance on writing, art, and university learning. Considered an heir to Constantine, Charlemagne came to see himself as an anointed partner—even superior, as defender of the faith—with the papacy. This self-conception is central to the course. A dynamic and lucid presenter, Christopher Bellitto delivers each lecture with illuminating context. Join his classroom today. This course is part of the Learn25 Collection."

Christopher M. Bellitto (Author), Christopher M. Bellitto (Narrator)

Audiobook

The History of the Catholic Church: Tradition and Innovation

"Take an unforgettable journey through the entire span of the Catholic Church’s existence. In this essential course, The History of the Catholic Church: Tradition and Innovation, acclaimed historian and award-winning professor Dr. Christopher Bellitto (Ph.D., Fordham University) breathes new life into two millennia of history. The chronicle of Catholicism can seem daunting: full of names, dates, places, and phrases. Getting ahold of such a rich and diverse history requires guidance and a skillful approach. In this brilliant survey course, you’ll explore traditions of belief and innovate ways to describe, share, and live that faith. With Dr. Bellitto as your guide, you’ll look at the major periods of Church history: early, medieval, reformation, and modern. As you take this journey, you’ll examine changes and continuities across the centuries. In “Early Church,” you’ll see how a small group of believers spread the faith in a hostile pagan world. Then, in “Medieval Church,” you’ll see how popes and kings, bishops, and local lords fought to control the Church as believers in the pews and plazas rediscovered the human Jesus of the gospels. Meanwhile, religious life adapted as Christianity encountered new cultures. “Reformation Church” considers how the Church recovered from its late medieval controversies and bridged the gap between science and religion. Finally, “Modern Church” explores how Vatican II has transformed Catholicism as it strides into its third millennium. Dynamic and insightful, this course is a must-have resource. By understanding the history of the Church, you will understand its fascinating past as it journeys into the future. This course is part of the Learn25 collection and includes a free PDF study guide."

Christopher M. Bellitto (Author), Christopher M. Bellitto (Narrator)

Audiobook

From Desert Asceticism to Vatican II: The 2,000 Year History of Christian Reform

"Take a fascinating journey through the history of Church renewal and reform with celebrated historian Christopher M. Bellitto. From the age of the apostles to Vatican II, the Catholic Church has evolved and invigorated itself. At first glance, the words "reform" and "renewal" in this context might bring to mind Vatican II and the idea of aggiornamento-"updating." But the history of reform is nearly as old as the Church itself. In this riveting, 18-lecture audio course, you will discover how the Church has revitalized itself while remaining rooted in unchanging truths throughout the millennia. Thoughtful Christians will explore the importance of balancing the past and the future, revolution and evolution, and innovation and tradition. After Prof. Bellitto provides an overview of the study of reform and renewal, he will reveal how these elements developed in the early Church, where the first monastic communities emphasized personal reform. You will then explore the Middle Ages, looking at such events as the Carolingian Renaissance, the Gregorian Revolution, and the Church councils. After encountering Martin Luther, various Protestant reforms, and the Council of Trent, you will focus on Vatican II, examining its importance for modern-day reform. Gain brilliant insights into the history of Church renewal in this essential course. This course is part of the Learn25 collection and includes a free PDF study guide."

Christopher M. Bellitto (Author), Christopher M. Bellitto (Narrator)

Audiobook

John Paul II: Understanding His Life, Faith and Legacy

"John Paul II was truly a pope for the ages. Join celebrated Church historian Christopher M. Bellitto as you embark on a fascinating journey through Saint John Paul II’s life and legacy. John Paul II: Understanding His Life, Faith and Legacy takes you on a behind-the-scenes look at the pope''s life, powerful writings, and ideas of faith, both specifically for Roman Catholicism and the world at large. The first non-Italian pope in hundreds of years, John Paul II was also the first truly global pope, capturing the hearts of the faithful worldwide during his long reign. In these 6 masterful audio lectures, you will focus on the most powerful and enduring themes of John Paul II''s papacy. After reviewing his early life, you will place him within the history of the papacy. You will then explore how his teaching, his preaching, and the way he balanced faith and reason changed the Church. You will also explore John Paul II''s groundbreaking relationship with Judaism, looking at the ways he promoted interreligious dialogue and spiritual friendship with our Jewish brothers and sisters. In light of Pope John Paul II''s canonization, this insightful course will help you understand the key aspects of his remarkable life, faith, and works. This course is part of the Learn25 collection and includes a free PDF study guide."

Christopher M. Bellitto (Author), Christopher M. Bellitto (Narrator)

Audiobook

Roman History 101: From Republic to Empire

"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."

Christopher M. Bellitto (Author), Christopher M. Bellitto (Narrator)

Audiobook

Ancient Greece 101: Greek History, Myth, and Civilization

"Join award-winning historian Christopher Bellitto on this gripping journey through centuries of Greek history. Ancient Greece was one of the most fertile civilizations in history, and its influence on Western philosophy, theology, and civilization is undeniable. Now, you can discover the fascinating legacy of ancient Greece through entertaining and enlightening lectures. With Prof. Bellitto, you will gain a deeper understanding of what made ancient Greece so unique: its polis and democracy, its great battles and personalities, its soaring artistic and literary achievements. You’ll also explore dark corners of this civilization, such as its treatment of women and slaves. You will travel from the walls of Troy to the theatres of Athens, from the Delphic oracle to the Spartans’ stand at Thermopylae, from Socrates’ trial and Alexander the Great’s long journeys to the moment where Rome conquered Greece. You’ll begin by asking where ancient Greece fits on a broad canvas of world history, geography, and chronology viewed from a wide-angle lens. You will move forward in time, stopping often to explore closely important moments, topics, and themes. You will cover the most essential events in ancient Greece as you travel through millennia of history. Join Prof. Bellitto on this fascinating journey today. This course is part of the Learn25 collection and includes a free PDF study guide."

Christopher M. Bellitto (Author), Christopher M. Bellitto (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Protestant and Catholic Reformations

"Why are we so fascinated by the reformations? The very word 'reformation' is shrouded in conflict, bringing to mind new beginnings, partisan church politics, and the dawn of a modern world vision. Indeed, when you hear it, you probably think of a single event—Martin Luther posting The Ninety-Five Theses on the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg in 1517. The truth, however, is much more nuanced—and interesting—than that. Join award-winning historian, Prof. Christopher M. Bellitto, Ph.D., in The Protestant and Catholic Reformations, a fascinating journey through Church history. Through 12 audio lectures, you will uncover multiple Protestant and Catholic reformations before and after Luther and the Council of Trent. You’ll discover not only religious movements, but also the political, social, economic, and cultural contexts of centuries that changed the world. You will start by looking at the reformations in a broad European and even global perspective. Next, you will follow the Roman Catholic Church as it faced the Avignon papacy and then the Great Western Schism, when two and then even three popes competed for supremacy. You will then explore the theological questions raised by such figures as Erasmus, Luther, John Calvin, and Henry VIII, looking at the variety of ensuing Protestant reforms. Finally, you will see how religious wars transformed Europe and how Roman Catholicism rebounded. The Protestant and Catholic Reformations is an educational and entertaining course that will give you invaluable insight into the lessons and legacies of the reformations. You don''t want to miss this exciting learning experience. This course is part of the Learn25 collection and includes a free PDF study guide."

Christopher M. Bellitto (Author), Christopher M. Bellitto (Narrator)

Audiobook

Picking Popes: Conclaves, the Papacy, and the Catholic Church

"The election of a pope doesn''t happen often, but when it does, the whole world—believers and non-believers—stops to watch. The first question is: what happens now? The answer is surprisingly straightforward: there is a system in place that is followed step by step. But then the questions tumble one after the other: Why do the cardinals have the exclusive right to pick the popes? How did the 'bad' Renaissance Medicis get chosen? What were the longest and shortest conclaves? If everything is supposed to be so secretive, how do we know so much about past conclaves—or is this just rumor and gossip, propaganda and punditry? Can a pope be deposed? Have any resigned or been assassinated? What if a pope becomes incapacitated—who''s in charge then? This concise, three-segment audio series by award-winning Catholic historian Christopher Bellitto is designed to thoughtfully answer your questions. In Picking Popes, Dr. Bellitto reviews the colorful history of picking popes, conclaves, and cardinals. You''ll find plenty of anecdotes and analyses from a history professor who works with the media during papal transitions. You’ll get an inside look at one of the most intriguing tasks of the world''s oldest and longest-surviving monarchy—the papacy—which, surprisingly, is led by a man who is voted into power by his peers. This course is part of the Learn25 collection and includes a free PDF study guide."

Christopher M. Bellitto (Author), Christopher M. Bellitto (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Crusades 101: Holy Knights, Epic Battles, and Sacred Land

"Examine the profound impact of the Crusades with acclaimed Church historian and bestselling author Christopher Bellitto. Few events have affected the course of civilization as profoundly as the Crusades, a centuries-long period of violent conflict and competition between Islam and Christianity. The Crusades brought destruction and violence to the third monotheistic faith of Judaism as well. Resurfacing frequently in present-day political conversations about clashes between faiths and cultures, the troubling legacy of the Crusades is undeniable. In this masterful audio course from award-winning professor Christopher Bellitto, you'll examine the five major crusading movements from multiple perspectives, gaining a deeper knowledge of what the Holy Land means to Jews, Christians, and Muslims. You'll also explore the concepts of "just war" and jihad that dominated during the Middle Ages. Along the way you'll learn about Crusade arts, letters and architecture; military orders like the Templars and Hospitallers; and the state of Christian-Muslim relations today. Simply put, to understand the Crusades is to gain profound insight into the historical course of civilization and the profound contradictions of religious war and human nature itself. You'll be in good hands with Prof. Bellitto, known for his ability to bring clarity to complex historical events. Don't miss the opportunity to learn with him today. This course is part of the Learn25 collection and comes with a free PDF study guide."

Christopher M. Bellitto (Author), Christopher M. Bellitto (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Middle Ages 101: Medieval History and Life

"Heralded as one the world’s most compelling Church historians, Chris Bellitto transports you into the heart of a strange and wonderful world—the world of medieval Europe. Explore some of the most powerful theological ideas, economic tensions, and political struggles that shaped Western civilization. This series traces western European civilization—with detours to the East—from the transformation of the Roman Empire to a thousand-year medieval period that started slowly before 1000, flowered for 300 years, and then declined sharply with the Black Death and social revolts until Constantinople fell in 1453 and Columbus sailed in 1492. Explore Charlemagne''s renaissance, agricultural and commercial revolutions, new types of religious life introduced by spiritual masters from Benedict to Francis, dynastic wars, and courtly literature. You will treasure this course as a timeless resource for understanding the people and events that have shaped faith, art, medicine, literature, and government. Encounter famous historical and literary figures such as Mohammed, Augustine, Richard the Lionhearted, and King Arthur, in their own historical context. You''ll understand how the Middle Ages fit within the broader historical timeline of Europe and the rest of the world. This course promises to delight and amaze you. This course is part of the Learn25 collection and includes a free PDF study guide."

Christopher M. Bellitto (Author), Christopher M. Bellitto (Narrator)

Audiobook

Audiobooks Narrated by Christopher M. Bellitto

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