Greece Against Rome

The Fall of the Hellenistic Kingdoms 250-31 BC

De: Philip Matyszak

Narrado por: Gareth Richards

The acclaimed ancient world historian examines the centuries-long decline of Greek powers in the face of the growing Roman threat.

Towards the middle of the third century BC, the Hellenistic kingdoms were near their peak. In terms of population, economy, and military power, each was vastly superior to Rome, not to mention in fields such as medicine, architecture, science, philosophy, and literature. But over the next two and a half centuries, Rome would eventually conquer these kingdoms while adopting so much of Hellenistic culture that the resultant hybrid is known as "Graeco-Roman."

In Greece Against Rome, Philip Matyszak relates this epic tale from the Hellenistic perspective. At first, the Romans appear to be little more than another small state in the barbarian west as the Hellenistic powers are consumed by war amongst themselves. It is a time of assassinations, double crosses, dynastic incest, and warfare. By the time they turn their attention to Rome, it is already too late.

©2020 Philip Matyszak (P)2022 Tantor

Greek influnce on Middle East

A great overview of the influence of Helenism in the Mediterranean world and beyond. Well read.

A lot of information

A lot of research and information in this book. Not a page turner but interesting if you are into this time period. Sometimes difficult to follow if you don’t picture the geography the author is referring to. Probably would be more interesting if I had gotten or followed maps as the story developed.

Really enjoyed the book and snark

Definitely Philip Matyszak is now one of my favorite authors. I really enjoyed this story and his snark and humor throughout.

Philip if you are reading this please release an audiobook version for your rise of Hellenism book. I would really like to listen to that to get a complete picture of Hellenism.

Great overview of important history

Really helps describe what happened in the transition from Greek to Roman Empire and its rise to power. Important values and stories and lessons to be learned from the Hellenistic age.

Interesting

Matystak takes the reader through a detailed account of the clashes that the three empires that resulted from Alexander the Great's conquest engaged in with Rome. It's a fascinating book and made me wonder if one of the reasons for Rome's success is that they elected their consuls and thus avoided the problem of a great ruler's son not being as capable as dad was. If you're interested in the expansion of Rome or Alexander's successor states, this is a worthwhile book.