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Mike Duncan

The Storm Before the Storm: The Beginning of the End of the Roman Republic Paperback – October 16, 2018

by Mike Duncan (Author)

1,027 ratings

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The creator of the award-winning podcast series The History of Rome and Revolutions brings to life the bloody battles, political machinations, and human drama that set the stage for the fall of the Roman Republic.

The Roman Republic was one of the most remarkable achievements in the history of civilization. Beginning as a small city-state in central Italy, Rome gradually expanded into a wider world filled with petty tyrants, barbarian chieftains, and despotic kings. Through the centuries, Rome's model of cooperative and participatory government remained remarkably durable and unmatched in the history of the ancient world.

In 146 BC, Rome finally emerged as the strongest power in the Mediterranean. But the very success of the Republic proved to be its undoing. The republican system was unable to cope with the vast empire Rome now ruled: rising economic inequality disrupted traditional ways of life, endemic social and ethnic prejudice led to clashes over citizenship and voting rights, and rampant corruption and ruthless ambition sparked violent political clashes that cracked the once indestructible foundations of the Republic.

Chronicling the years 146-78 BC, The Storm Before the Storm dives headlong into the first generation to face this treacherous new political environment. Abandoning the ancient principles of their forbearers, men like Marius, Sulla, and the Gracchi brothers set dangerous new precedents that would start the Republic on the road to destruction and provide a stark warning about what can happen to a civilization that has lost its way.

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Editorial Reviews

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"Mike Duncan's popular podcast, The History of Rome and Revolutions, packed facts, dry humor and historical parallels into easily digestible 20-minute episodes. His new book, The Storm Before The Storm, focuses on the decades that led up to the fall of the Republic. From income inequality to questions about who does and doesn't deserve citizenship to the rise of populism, it's consistently surprising how the issues we're facing today were relevant two millennia ago. And if you're worried about those parallels, this book provides a dose of reassurance. We're divided, but hey, at least we're not laying siege to our political rivals' cities just yet!"―National Public Radio, Best Books of 2017

"The Storm Before the Storm is massively entertaining and relevant to our own time. All times, in fact. War, politics, money, power, corruption, and class warfare seem to overwhelm the republican Roman political system and the results are horrifying. Huge personalities like Marius and Sulla cast a large shadow, but forces beyond anyone's control seem to drive the narrative. A chilling reminder of what can happen in any republic. Masterfully told."―Dan Carlin, host of Hardcore History podcast

"Never has a book about history that's two millennia old been so timely. Duncan, in the sort of narrative prose that caused his podcasts to electrify history lovers everywhere, tells the story of the decay of Republican Rome-and its contemporary relevance drips off every page. The Storm Before the Storm has everything from vividly portrayed populist demagogues exploiting economic and social inequality to the failure of calcified republican institutions to adapt to changing circumstances. You'll learn as much about the problems we face today from this book as from any newspaper."

―Benjamin Wittes, editor-in-chief of Lawfare and senior fellow at the Brookings Institution

"Written with the humor and the storytelling instincts that made him such a popular podcaster, Duncan brilliantly answers a vital question that is rarely asked: What weakened the late Roman Republic enough that it collapsed under the ambitions of the Caesars? This is history as it should be-compelling, witty, and ultimately revealing."

―Lars Brownworth, author of In Distant Lands: A Short History of the Crusades

"Mike Duncan turns his talent for clear and engaging exposition to an underappreciated period of Roman history: the last days of the Republic, before the rise of Caesar and the agonizing civil wars that yielded the Roman Empire. Duncan's readable and witty style, and his eye for the telling detail and memorable anecdote, carry the reader through a gripping narrative."

―Peter Adamson, professor philosophy, LMU Munich, and host of History of Philsophy

"Remarkably engaging."

―Washington Post

"Written in Duncan's usual congenial style. He zeros in on Rome's polarization between 'optimates' (conservatives) and 'populares' (populists), the disintegration of participatory democracy, and the concomitant rise in inequality, uncivil discourse, and violence. The parallels with modern times, and particularly contemporary America, leap off the page."
―Huffington Post

"This companionable and sprightly book captures the political drama and human passion of that extraordinary story."
―New Criterion

"Marvelous... A highly enjoyable historical narrative that reads almost like a modern political thriller."

―New York Journal of Books

"A stark warning about what can happen to a civilization that has lost its way."

―Smithsonian Online

About the Author

Mike Duncan is one of the foremost history podcasters in the world and author of the New York Times bestselling book, The Storm Before the Storm. His award-winning series The History of Rome has generated more than ninety million downloads and remains one of the most popular history podcasts on the internet. Duncan has continued this success with his ongoing series Revolutions -- which so far has explored the English, American, French, and Haitian Revolutions. Since debuting in September 2013, Revolutions has generated more than forty-four million downloads.

Product details

ASIN : 1541724038
Publisher : PublicAffairs; Reprint edition (October 16, 2018)
Language: : English
Paperback : 352 pages
ISBN-10 : 9781541724037
ISBN-13 : 978-1541724037
Item Weight : 10.6 ounces
Dimensions : 5.5 x 1 x 8.25 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #8,579 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #4 in Ancient Roman History (Books)
- #51 in Political Commentary & Opinion
- #121 in Military History (Books)

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The Devolution of a Dysfunctional State and the seeds of the Imperium

Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2018

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Picture this. A venerable Republic assailed from within and without in a dangerous world. A breakdown of civic discourse. Economic inequality on a grand scale brought about by changing economic drivers. Bitterly partisan factions led by ambitious men and women who put personal gain and advancement above civic duty. A breakdown of traditional values in the face of a rapidly changing world. All of this and more comes vividly to life in the pages of Mike Duncan's "Storm Before the Storm: The Beginning of the End of the Roman Republic." This is a book that every American should read. Mr. Duncan doesn't draw clumsy analogies between our situation in U.S. and the late Roman Republic; he lets his narrative do that. This is not the tale of Julius Caesar, but of his predecessors setting the stage for him and his successors. The results are both striking and appalling.

120 people found this helpful

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Maelruanaidh

Dominoes to Dominus

Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2017

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After finishing the History of Rome podcast two years ago I have been craving more information in a medium as well crafted as Michael Duncan's perspective. This books fits into a niche time-period for many who yearn for more information about the late republic, if you've enjoyed Duncan's previous works (History of Rome and Revolutions podcasts) you will be duly delighted by this work.

Unfortunately despite the great content, there exist several quality control problems with the English rendition. Some words (such as ethnically and technically) have an "Ú" rather than the expected "hn" interjected into the spelling of the word. I've attached a few photos to clarify the issue. Hopefully this issue will be corrected with future releases, so others won't dismiss the content based on the lack of QA. I would love to give this book five stars based on the content, but seeing 4 errors within ~50 pages puts a damper on an otherwise gem.

118 people found this helpful

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Strong start and middle, but loses focus and cohesion towards the end

Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2017

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Ignoring the ubiquitous and distracting misprint, I largely enjoyed the work. Duncan's narrative style is engaging and provides the reader with much of the historical facts and context without dryly intoning it. In particular, the recounting of the Gracchi, and Sulla's tomfoolery were definite high points.

At times the narrative gets lost in the recounting of the political actors. As we follow careers from the legions to consul, only to have the individual die and the world move on, without adding much to the greater context.

By far the weakest points of the book come towards the end as Duncan's narrative becomes increasingly fragmented and clearly rushed with the end itself coming rather abruptly and with little synthesis.

I am not entirely sure what the author intended for me to take away from the read. While some would praise a historical work of nonfiction for not overanalyzing or moralizing-at times I was left feeling as though segments of the book had been surgically removed. While we are given fact and context, little is given in the ways of original analysis or commentary.

The history itself is highly relevant and the dilemma posed by the devolving mos maiorum leaves the reader with much to chew on.

All in all I think the greatest thing I can praise this book for is reigniting my curiosity and encouraging me to dive further into Roman and classical history, a subject that many authors are unable to bring to life and one which Duncan has a clear passion for.

98 people found this helpful

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Artratt

Masterful work of historical research / Paperback version has no flaws.

Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2019

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As for the physical product, the paperback edition that I purchased for my Mother-in-Law is well constructed and has high quality printing. The issue of a persistent typo from the first edition hardback is not present at all. That issue was trivial to my personal enjoyment of the book but for the gift I wanted to assure it had been fixed.

As for the quality of the book itself...
I don't want to sound like I'm exaggerating, but this is honestly the best book on Roman history I've ever read.
The material is thoroughly researched and very informative; while also being highly accessible and enjoyable to read. Duncan does an incredible job of transitioning his undeniable skill at podcasting into the written word, and I am already eagerly awaiting his next work.

For me, this book will be the yardstick against which all other history books I read for pleasure will be judged.

21 people found this helpful

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John S. Carter

Fear the Storm of the Masses

Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2018

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This is an easy read of the decline of the Republic of Rome from its creation thought the Civil war.One need not have a background in Roman history to gain a personal understanding as to how a Republic can fall from the inside.I only hope that Mr. Duncan will follow up on the history of this time with the rise of Julius Caesar.The term fall is really incorrect it was more of a failure to the a system that would not alter the traditions of its governmental system as it developed into a empire.This gave men who would promote their own agendas by appealing to those who had been rejected by the Old Guard/patricians.With generals who were able to motivate the army by persuading it that he would provide for its welfare ,were the Senate would not ,the army became loyal to he than to the people . If you ever wonder why certain founders feared a established military read how Marus used it ,then Sulla.Just reading the political sections of this the reader may find themselves wondering how close this nation is to what happened here.Julius mentored under both Marus and Sulla,then Octaviaus mentored under his Uncle Julius.Madison and other founders were students of Greek and Roman politics ,even though it was not termed that.Maybe our schools should teach this time before they teach this country's history.if they teach history at all .

22 people found this helpful

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A Parallel History?

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 3, 2019

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This book covers a little known period of Roman history from the fall of Carthage to the death of Sulla the Dictator. In general the story develops in chronological order and allows the reader to follow the crisis that eventually would envelope the Republic. This is a well written account that maintains interest from the preface to the epilogue. This is not boring, or stuffy, history.

The author has extensively trawled the works of the ancient writers and pieced together a fascinating narrative that is comprehensively cross-referenced. This was a period of massive change as the Roman Republic expanded into chaos and descended into civil war and eventually the formation of the Principate. This work records the facts that led to the fall of the Roman Republic, but offers very little insight apart from a brief comparison towards modern politics in the USA. The sources appear to have been taken at face value without questioning their motive, or accuracy. This does not distract from the flow of the story, or the ultimate outcome, but in my view reduces the work from five to four stars.

Overall this is a very interesting book and anyone reading it without prior knowledge of the fall of the Roman Republic would understand the basic reasons why it fell. The parallels to political life in Britain today are staggering!

5 people found this helpful

Djilly L.

Even better than the Podcasts

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 3, 2018

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Like most others I got introduced to Mike Duncan through his witty Rome podcast quite a few years ago. Although not my favourite ancient historical podcast it stands out because of the vast size, humour and completeness.

Frankly what I was always was a bit more depth to interesting elements of the expansive narrative.

So here he covers it. He not only manages to pick an extremely fascinting and crucial period in the republic history - that is rarely dealt with in such detail - Duncan also demonstrates he is an accomplished, compelling writer of popular-history.
And he passed my tube-nap-test!: I did not fall asleep once when reading his book on the way back home.

Loved to go over the Gracci and Sina stories again but appreciated all the detail about other more-obscure actors even more.

If my arm is twisted: its a book that stands firmly among Tom Holland and Goldsworthy but for that reason it lacks the fun and cynicism from the podcasts.

Looking very much forward to his next work, hopefully again about ancient history.

5 people found this helpful

Stijn De Smet

... fan of Mike Duncan's podcasts this was an absolute joy to read

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 16, 2017

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As a novice in Roman history and a fan of Mike Duncan's podcasts this was an absolute joy to read. Mike Duncan has proven with his podcasts that he can tell an enjoyable story which educates the listener on the ins and outs of complex political, economical and social upheavels in history and he has done it again with The Storm Before The Storm. A vast roster of characters are introduced in his book, yet I never felt overwhelmed by all the names and information that are provided in these pages. Each chapter has a logical beginning and ending which allowed me to end a chapter and come back a few days later without having to reread the last 50 pages to understand what's going on. The book was inspired by people asking for a comparison of the Roman civilization to our current, though Duncan does leave the reader to make his own conclusions and leaves it for us to decide if we are facing similar challenges. For that I am certainly grateful.

I wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone who enjoys Mike Duncan's podcasts and anyone who is interested in Rome's history. It might not be for the experienced reader with vast knowledge of the Roman republic. I was however annoyed by several misprints in the book, hopefully these will be ironed out in future releases.

5 people found this helpful

J. Pavier

Excellent focussed history

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 30, 2019

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Mike Duncan translates his accessible podcast style into a well-focussed historical narrative explanation of the deep structural problems that lurked within the Roman Republic, and gives us a thoroughly entertaining "prequel" to the Pompey/Caesar story. This book isn't about Julius Caesar and Mark Anthony. Octavius doesn't get a look in. This is about the Gracchi, Sullus, Marius and all those other political and military chancers who laid the foundation for the epic we already know is coming. Very enjoyable read.

2 people found this helpful

Nick

A great story well told .

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 30, 2017

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Been a fan of Mike Duncan's history podcasts for years. Now have greatly enjoyed his first book. This is very good narrative history. The exrordinary story of the rise of Rome to superpower and the simultaneous
collapse of all her political institutions is a great tale , well told with some extordinary characters who are vividly pictured here. Sulla and Marius , in particular emerge as men it is better to keep the right side of!Thanks Mike I hope this is the first of many.

4 people found this helpful

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