Ancient Rome: Discovering Lost Stories from Roman History

Secrets of the Forgotten Past

By: Matt Clayton

Narrated by: Jason Zenobia

Did you know that Augustus Caesar, the first emperor of Rome, was terrified of thunderstorms? This fear began in 26 BCE during his campaign in Spain. One day, after hearing a loud clap of thunder, Augustus saw a man near him get struck by lightning, leaving him shaken for life. From then on, Augustus believed he needed protection from the Roman god of lightning, Jupiter, and carried amulets and a seal skin everywhere he went.

This audiobook brings you the lesser-known moments that shaped Rome’s history. It doesn’t just focus on the powerful emperors; it also examines the people who worked behind the scenes and shaped the empire in their own way. From Julius Caesar’s personal worries to the mystery of the missing Ninth Legion, these stories reveal the real lives behind the famous Roman names.

Here’s what you’ll find inside:

• Caesar’s pirate adventure: How a young Julius Caesar was kidnapped and held for ransom by pirates.
• Agrippina the Younger’s power plays: How Agrippina carefully worked her way to the top in a dangerous political world.
• Eunus, the slave who saw the future: The story of a slave who led a rebellion and claimed he could tell prophecies.
• The secret cult of Mithras: Discover the strange and hidden religion that fascinated many Romans.
• Caligula’s wild rule: The eccentric and dangerous behavior of an emperor who eventually went too far.
• Gladiator battles: What types of fighters clashed in the brutal Roman games?
• Justinian’s silk smuggling: How Emperor Justinian secretly brought silkworms to Rome and changed its economy.
• And much, much more!

Ready to explore the hidden history of one of the greatest empires?

Download this audiobook to start your adventure into ancient Rome!

©2024 Matt Clayton (P)2024 Matt Clayton

So Intriguing and Unforgettable

I didn’t think I’d get so hooked on Roman history, but this book made it feel like I was discovering secrets no one else knew. It’s written in a way that’s easy to follow, and the stories are way more interesting than what I learned in school. It’s great if you’re curious about the parts of history that don’t always make it into the textbooks.

History That Actually Feels Human

This audiobook was a fun surprise. Instead of dry timelines, it dives into the strange fears, bold risks, and behind-the-scenes choices that shaped Rome. Hearing about emperors dealing with anxieties, scandals, and bad decisions made everything feel more real and relatable. The mix of famous figures and lesser-known characters kept things interesting, and each story felt just long enough to stay engaging without dragging. Listening during commutes quickly became a habit because there was always another unexpected detail waiting. A great pick for anyone who enjoys history with personality, curiosity, and plenty of moments that spark a “wait, really?” reaction.

Great for curious minds

I like weird facts and this book was full of them. The stories are short and easy to follow, this was not the kind of history I learned in school! I listened to this while doing chores, and the time went by fast. It made me want to look up more stuff about ancient Rome. I’d listen to more books like this for sure.

The Forgotten Side of Rome’s Glory

As someone who enjoys history but doesn't consider myself a scholar, Ancient Rome: Discovering Lost Stories from Roman History was a refreshing and engaging read. What I appreciated most was how the book brought lesser-known stories to life—these aren’t the typical tales you find in high school textbooks. Instead, it explores the forgotten corners of Roman history, from everyday life in the empire to intriguing accounts of lesser-known figures and events.

The writing style is clear and approachable, making it easy to follow even for readers new to Roman history. It kept me interested from beginning to end, and I walked away with a deeper appreciation for how complex and influential Roman civilization truly was. If you're looking for a book that goes beyond emperors and battles to show the humanity behind the empire, I highly recommend this one.

Very Cool History of Ancient Rome

For all history buffs out there, that are yearning to listen to an amazing audiobook that depicts the secrets and forgotten tales of the mighty ancient Roman empire, your journey has concluded. I was so addicted to listening to this book and was sad when I finished it. I had no idea that Julius Ceasar was kidnapped when he was younger and ransomed for money? This book has so much info that I had never heard before. From secret cults, slaves who became prophets, and the types of fighters that faced off in the Gladiator arenas, there is so much to learn and enjoy here.