Rubicon: The Triumph and Tragedy of the Roman Republic (Extract)

Published: June 13, 2024, 11:10 p.m.

To coincide with the re-release of Rubicon in audiobook, now with Tom Holland himself narrating it, we have the book\u2019s introduction for you to enjoy.\nRubicon is a story of incomparable drama. This was the century of Julius Caesar, the gambler whose addiction to glory led him to the banks of the Rubicon, and beyond; of Cicero, whose defence of freedom would make him a byword for eloquence; of Spartacus, the slave who dared to challenge a superpower; of Cleopatra, the queen who did the same.\nRubicon\u2019s re-released audiobook, narrated by our very own Tom Holland, is OUT NOW in the UK.\n\xa0_____\n\nThe Roman Republic was the most remarkable state in history. What began as a small community of peasants camped among marshes and hills ended up ruling the known world. Rubicon paints a vivid portrait of the Republic at the climax of its greatness \u2013 the same greatness which would herald the catastrophe of its fall.\xa0\nIt is a story of incomparable drama. This was the century of Julius Caesar, the gambler whose addiction to glory led him to the banks of the Rubicon, and beyond; of Cicero, whose defence of freedom would make him a byword for eloquence; of Spartacus, the slave who dared to challenge a superpower; of Cleopatra, the queen who did the same.\n\nTom Holland brings to life this strange and unsettling civilization, with its extremes of ambition and self-sacrifice, bloodshed and desire. Yet alien as it was, the Republic still holds up a mirror to us. Its citizens were obsessed by celebrity chefs, all-night dancing and exotic pets; they fought elections in law courts and were addicted to spin; they toppled foreign tyrants in the name of self-defence. Two thousand years may have passed, but we remain the Romans\u2019 heirs.\n\n\n*The Rest Is History LIVE in 2024*\xa0\nTom and Dominic are back onstage THIS SUNDAY, at Hampton Court Palace in London! Buy your tickets here: therestishistory.com\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices