Rubicon: The Triumph and Tragedy of the Roman Republic

This is essentially a political history of the last century or so of the Roman Republic, ranging from the exploits of Sulla to the rise to the top of Augustus, the first true emperor of Rome. 'Rubicon' is as evocative a title as any, but while Caesar figures prominently of course, it is not primarily about his fateful move in 49 BCE nor about his life and death in general. Instead it is a guide through the roller-coaster journey of Roman politics in the last century BCE, and on the whole it shows Roman politicians as unscrupulous, power-hungry and generally prepared to do anything to achieve their personal aims.

It's a cracking story and it is well told, putting into perspective events that most people will have heard of, like Caesar's 'invasions' of Britain and his later murder. The text moves along nicely, and it is very well read. Major events like wars with 'barbarians' and the Spartacus Slave Revolt are only touched on, and then only when they had an effect on the power politics of the day. Still it is an enjoyable eye-opener into how the Republic's politics worked, and if nothing else it makes even our own disreputable politicians look practically saint-like by comparison.

Not a bad book overall, but sounds more like a magazine article than a historical document. More concerned with chat, public opinion and political machinations that actually recounting the main events of the period in any great detail. Not that I mind that, I would just have liked more of the details on battles, commanders and purges etc.

Worth a listen

A gripping re-tell of the history of the last 100 years of the Roman Republic. Just enough detail and well-read.

I hoped for much from this book as it is a subject I have read several really good books about. I felt let down. It is dry and dusty. Gave it up several times to read something a bit more entertaining.