No era in world history has fascinated us more than that of the Roman Empire, especially when it was at its height. The period known as the Pax Romana is generally agreed to have occurred between Octavian's defeat of Mark Antony at Actium in 27 B.C. to the death of Marcus Aurelius in A.D.180. During this 227-year period, most of the sharp military conflict was confined to the periphery of the empire, though the civil war kicked off during the Year of the Four Emperors in 68/69 was a glaring exception to this "universal" peace. Palace intrigues, political purges, betrayals, family squabbles, social decay and degeneracy amid splendor, architectural excellence, literary triumphs, and military superiority: all of this and more leap from the pen of J. B. Bury. Follow along as the Golden Age of Roman civilization unfolds. Emperor by emperor, good and bad, we experience the arc of history during some of Rome's most dramatic and enduring episodes.

At the time of his death in 1927, J. B. Bury was easily the most honored English historian of his era. The plaudits for his intellectual and forensic ability continue to this day.

Listeners are encouraged to refer to the accompanying PDF file of maps, plans, and genealogical tables.

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