Pax

War and Peace in Rome's Golden Age

By: Tom Holland

Narrated by: Tom Holland

The definitive history of Rome’s golden age—an ultimate superpower at the pinnacle of its greatness

The Pax Romana has long been shorthand for the empire’s golden age. Stretching from Caledonia to Arabia, Rome ruled over a quarter of the world’s population. It was the wealthiest and most formidable state in the history of humankind.

Pax is a captivating narrative history of Rome at the height of its power. From the gilded capital to realms beyond the frontier, historian Tom Holland shows ancient Rome in all its glory: Nero’s downfall, the destruction of Jerusalem and Pompeii, the building of the Colosseum and Hadrian’s Wall, the conquests of Trajan. Vividly sketching the lives of Romans both ordinary and spectacular, from slaves to emperors, Holland shows that Roman peace was the fruit of unprecedented military violence.

A stunning portrait of Rome’s glory days, this is the epic history of the Pax Romana.

©2023 Tom Holland (P)2023 Basic Books

Tom Holland delivers like a Triumphant Caesar once again…

This addition to his narrative of Roman history is a masterpiece of storytelling, even after having knowledge of the main events of this period, Tom Holland will make connections that delight and surprise. If one is interested in the era of Rome at its climax, look no further, this book belongs in the pantheon of great Roman histories.

Great book!

This is a lovely literary jaunt through the period known as the Pax Romana. This is a long way from the brusk lectures I’ve heard where “this date this happened, then this date that happened”. The book is filled with antidotes and personalized prospectives of the people covered, bring their stories to life.

Great consider narrative

Great narrative of Roman Empire. Easy to follow. Will listen again and again. Great. Excellent

Tom Holland is the perfect narrator for his works.

Excellent picture of the Peace of Rome brought by the Sword of Rome. Author is also the perfect narrator.

A living narrative

Tom Holland is delightful. The most shocking and revealing aspect of this book might lie in the dimension of myth. Just as this dimension would have been inseparable from the lives of the Romans, so too is it inseparable from Holland’s telling. Practicalities, power, and politics intermingle with the divine — each directing and guiding the other. In this divine interaction, chronological events begin to Breathe.

I walk away fuller, richer, and glad to have listened. Thank you, Tom!

Excellent!

Listening to Tom Holland makes you smarter. This was a good one on a fascinating subject.

Stunningly Good, Of Course!

Pax is a delicious journey through the apex of Roman power, all the while hinting at its eventual downfall and transformation.I could not have enjoyed this book more, simply because the author, Tom Holland, provided the deft and thoughtful narration. This book is so good and comprehensive, I will be listening to it more than once. The author helps us see clearly, the foundational aspects of Roman civilization and its culture, as recognizable and yet wildly different from our own. Exquisitely written and narrated.

Outstanding

I loved the detail about the trends and morals of the Roman Empire. I am looking forward to future books on the empire and early Rome as well!

Brilliant

Thrilling account. Beautifully written. Holland does it again. Highly recommended to anyone interested in history.

Interesting and informative

As always, Holland delivers an enjoyable, interesting, informative and accessible look into a slice of the past