By: Adrian Goldsworthy
Narrated by: Derek Perkins
Length: 17 hrs and 47 mins

After spending considerable time immersed in the world of fiction, I felt the need to delve into substantive non-fiction. While my familiarity with the rise of Rome meant that much of the content wasn’t entirely new to me, the book nonetheless bridged gaps in my understanding of how Rome achieved its dominance.

One particularly intriguing aspect was the revelation that Roman imperators who embarked on conquests were not provided with specialized training. Unlike contemporary military leaders, who undergo extensive preparation, these Roman commanders were expected to innately possess the requisite skills and knowledge for leadership and victory. It is remarkable to consider that their competence was largely assumed, relying heavily on their aristocratic upbringing and the experiential knowledge gained through their political and military careers.