Mike Duncan, "The Storm Before The Storm"

From 509 BCE to its conquest of the Mediterranean, the Roman Republic was a model of stability. As it grew, however, it became unwieldy and fell prey to the bad influences of the tyrants and chieftains it absorbed. Focusing on the pivotal years from 180 to 133 BCE, Duncan examines a society in crisis. Romans of that period faced rising economic inequality, political polarization, rampant corruption, and endemic social and ethnic prejudice. Then, Rome fell. Did it have to? Could it have reformed and regained its former strength? Parsing the Roman experience for lessons applicable to the U.S. today, Duncan tells the story with the wit and command familiar to audiences of his “History of Rome” podcast, named Best Educational Podcast at the 2010 podcast awards.
www.politics-prose.com/book/97...
Founded by Carla Cohen and Barbara Meade in 1984, Politics and Prose Bookstore is Washington, D.C.'s premier independent bookstore and cultural hub, a gathering place for people interested in reading and discussing books. Politics and Prose offers superior service, unusual book choices, and a haven for book lovers in the store and online. Visit them on the web at www.politics-prose.com/
Produced by Tom Warren

[@BubblewrapHighway]

What a guy. The History of Rome podcast and all the others i've heard have tempered my anger, watered my compassion and amplified my joy.

[@castellamedia]

Man he should have plugged that guitar song in before that "Hello"

[@Moepowerplant]

"Hullo... And welcome...! ...to this book event."

[@oneuniverse5687]

Mike you are extremely helpful to my understanding of history and both your podcasts The History of Rome and Revolutions are top-tier and the best history podcasts. Excellent talk here as well.

[@fourthaeon9418]

its weird having a face to the voice.

[@varungupta7562]

All these years and it’s been Titus pullo all along

[@shooterrick1]

Just bought the audiobook version. After finishing History of Rome for like the fifth time I just wanted to get more, and decided to listen to the free sample. It was very similar to the podcast, and I just bought the whole book right there and then. Fantastic work, Mr. Duncan. The book is fantastic.

[@juliovnobre]

great talk and good questions from the crowd! just finished listening to the audiobook version (which he reads himself btw) left me thinking a lot, highly recommend everything this man does!

[@mns8732]

juliovnobre I concur, double kudos!

[@hmpdahak714]

If somehow your a fan of mike and have never heard his podcast (The History Of Rome. Can be found on any podcast app) i recommend it 10/10.

[@MrMooemoney]

Great fan of this mans work

[@SoniaDill]

I am a huge fan! Congrats for your book, Mike. Am awaiting the next one anxiously!

[@sup3rkangkong]

great talk mike.

[@moviehoofd]

Good talk, good book! Can't wait for his book on lafayette!

[@obediencetoflow4653]

I’m happy your dream came true! How wonderful for your reader. Admittedly, I’ll be ordering the book. I just watched History of Rome, twice!

[@kaarlimakela3413]

A break-down of norms, due to cynical demagogues ... all around minute 35 ... sheesh ... teach history! How will we know if we are repeating it if we don't know it? Here's to the good-hearted reformers in any age!

[@jackbharucha1475]

Nero the Best of the Worst

[@badomaji]

So it's the parable of the talents? They encourage you to use, develop, express the talents you have in the service of God, rather than hide them for yourself? If you are recognized for these great talents you become a subject, slave, to a violent and greedy bully?

[@dakkefernet8585]

How could you not mention the northern invasions as a cause for roman farmers to unite? And of course unity succeeds but later snowballs as always.