Greece Against Rome

The Fall of the Hellenistic Kingdoms 250-31 BC

By: Philip Matyszak

Narrated by: 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

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.

Complex

Very in depth hard even for someone who knows history well. A lot of unfamiliar empires and names makes it challenging comprehend, but you get the general zeitgeist without remembering every detail.

Tough to listen to

Hi. The subject and content is great. The narrator’s voice is awful to listen to.

Greek influnce on Middle East

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

Great Stuff

Love Maty's writing, this is a great hellenistic overview and intro to the interactions between the hellenes and the late roman republic...between the times of Alexander to ~50bce, Actium, death of the seleucids, etc