Audiobooks by Kelly Mass

Claudius: The Successful Roman Emperor Who Had Cerebral Palsy

Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, better known as Emperor Claudius, ruled the Roman Empire from 41 to 54 AD. Born in Lugdunum (modern-day Lyon, France), in 10 BC, Claudius was the son of Drusus and Antonia Minor, both prominent figures in the Roman elite. His birthplace marked a significant departure from previous emperors, as he was the first Roman Emperor born outside Italy. Though Claudius’ family was rooted in the ancient Sabine people, his upbringing would not follow the traditional path of an elite Roman, largely due to his physical infirmities. He suffered from a limp and mild deafness, conditions that led his family to deem him unfit for public life and dismiss him from military and political endeavors. Growing up in the shadows of more capable and ambitious relatives, Claudius was largely ignored by the Roman aristocracy. His health issues, though perhaps a result of childhood illness, kept him out of sight and out of mind during the brutal purges of Tiberius and Caligula. This absence from political life proved advantageous, as it spared him the many assassination attempts that claimed the lives of his more prominent family members. In a twist of fate, following the assassination of Caligula in 41 AD, the Praetorian Guard, upon finding him hiding in fear, declared Claudius the new emperor. As the only remaining adult male in his family, Claudius ascended to the throne, despite his perceived weakness. Despite initial doubts about his ability to rule, Claudius quickly proved to be a capable and intelligent administrator. He worked tirelessly to stabilize the Roman Empire, which had suffered under the excesses of Caligula’s reign. One of his first actions was to restore the empire’s finances, expanding the imperial bureaucracy to include freedmen, and re-establishing order in the imperial administration.

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

Audiobook

Constantine the Great: The Roman Emperor Who Made Christianity the Main Religion

Constantine I, often called Constantine the Great, was one of the most significant emperors of ancient Rome, reigning from 306 to 337 AD. Born in Naissus, in the province of Dacia Mediterranea (modern-day Niš, Serbia), he was the son of Flavius Constantius, a Roman army officer and a prominent figure in the Tetrarchy, and Helena, a woman of humble Greek origins. His father's position as one of the four emperors in the Tetrarchy was instrumental in shaping Constantine's early life and military career. Under emperors Diocletian and Galerius, Constantine demonstrated his military prowess, initially fighting against barbarian tribes and the Persians in the eastern provinces. In 305 AD, he was summoned to the West to aid his father in campaigns in Britain, where he earned further distinction. Following the death of his father in 306 AD, Constantine’s soldiers declared him emperor at Eboracum (modern York, England). Over the next two decades, he would overcome rival emperors, such as Maxentius and Licinius, in a series of civil wars, eventually becoming the sole ruler of the Roman Empire by 324 AD. His reign marked a period of significant transformation, both militarily and administratively. To strengthen the empire, Constantine initiated a series of reforms. He reorganized the imperial administration, separating civil and military powers to create a more efficient system of governance. Acknowledging the need for economic stability, he introduced the solidus, a new gold coin that helped curb inflation. This currency would become the standard for Byzantine and European economies for nearly a millennium. He also restructured the Roman army, creating specialized units that could respond swiftly to internal threats and barbarian invasions.

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

Audiobook

Emperor Nero: The Treacherous, Lustful, Cruel Emperor Who Killed His Own Mother

Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, the fifth and final emperor of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, ruled the Roman Empire from AD 54 to 68. He was thrust into the highest seat of power at the age of sixteen after being adopted by Emperor Claudius, his stepfather. While Nero enjoyed popularity among the lower classes and the Praetorian Guard, who benefited from his patronage, the Roman aristocracy and Senate viewed him with contempt. Ancient historians portray him as a tyrannical and self-indulgent ruler, notorious for his extravagance, cruelty, and disregard for tradition. His reign ended in disgrace when the Senate declared him a public enemy, leading to his suicide at the age of thirty. Born in AD 37 in the coastal town of Antium, Nero was the son of Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus and Agrippina the Younger, a great-granddaughter of Emperor Augustus. His father died when he was only two years old, and his mother soon remarried, securing a position of influence at the imperial court. When Agrippina married Emperor Claudius, she maneuvered to have her son adopted as his heir, ultimately sidelining Claudius’ biological son, Britannicus. Following Claudius’ suspicious death in AD 54—widely believed to have been orchestrated by Agrippina—Nero ascended the throne with the backing of the Senate and the powerful Praetorian Guard. In the early years of his reign, Nero was heavily influenced by a triad of advisers: his ambitious mother Agrippina, the philosopher and statesman Seneca the Younger, and the Praetorian prefect Sextus Afranius Burrus. Initially, the empire benefited from their guidance, as Nero enacted policies that were generally seen as moderate and pragmatic. However, as he grew older, he sought to rule independently, resenting the influence of his mother.

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

Audiobook

Saddam Hussein: Warmonger, Invader, Dictator, and Oil Trader

Saddam Hussein, the sixth president of Iraq, held power from July 16, 1979, until his downfall on April 9, 2003. A central figure in Iraq's political history, Saddam was a founding member of the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party, which advocated for a fusion of Arab nationalism and socialism, known as Ba'athism. The party's rise to power in Iraq was marked by the 1968 coup, often referred to as the 17 July Revolution, which saw the Ba'ath Party assume control. Saddam, a key figure in the party, was instrumental in establishing its dominance in Iraq. Saddam's path to the presidency was shaped by his political astuteness and ruthless consolidation of power. He became vice president under General Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr, who was severely weakened by ill health. At a time when numerous factions within the country threatened to destabilize the government, Saddam focused on building and strengthening the security forces that would enable him to suppress dissent. He carefully navigated the complexities of power struggles between the administration and the military, ensuring his influence over both the party and the state apparatus. His careful maneuvering eventually led to his formal assumption of power in 1979, though he had already been Iraq's de facto leader for several years. In the early 1970s, Saddam took aggressive steps to nationalize Iraq's most important industries, including the Iraq Petroleum Company and various independent banks. This move, though initially successful in securing Iraq's economic independence, led to long-term financial instability. The nationalization policies, combined with inflation and a series of bad loans, contributed to the eventual collapse of Iraq's financial sector. Nevertheless, Saddam's regime was buoyed by the economic boom fueled by Iraq's oil exports, which provided the government with significant wealth and the ability to fund state projects.

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

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Brian Boru: Biography of a Medieval King from Ireland

Brian Boru, one of medieval Ireland’s most celebrated figures, was an Irish king who played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s history. He is best known for ending the centuries-long dominance of the Uí Néill over the High Kingship of Ireland and resisting the Viking invasions that had threatened Irish sovereignty. Brian’s rise to power built upon the efforts of his father, Cennétig mac Lorcain, and his older brother, Mathgamain mac Cennétig, solidifying his place as one of Ireland’s most effective and unifying leaders. Brian’s initial ascent began as the King of Munster. From there, he expanded his influence, conquering Leinster and ultimately claiming the title of High King of Ireland. His legacy includes founding the O’Brien dynasty, which played a significant role in Irish history long after his death. During his time, Ireland’s population was fewer than 500,000, yet it was fragmented into more than 150 small kingdoms. Brian’s ability to unify such a fractured land set him apart as a leader.

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

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History of the Middle East: Various Aspects of the Region (6 in 1)

This book consists of 6 titles, all related to history stories and events from the Middle East, both modern and ancient: 1 - Darius the Great: Biography of the Persian Ruler during the Achaemenid Empire 2 - History of Iran: Events, Turning Points, Religion, and Empirical Conquests 3 - Islamic Golden Age: A History of Economic, Cultural, and Artistic Growth 4 - Osman I: Biography of the Founder of the Ottoman Dynasty 5 - Saddam Hussein: Warmonger, Invader, Dictator, and Oil Trader 6 - The Kurds: History of a Forgotten Ethnic Minority Get this discounted bundle of books now!

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

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History of Iran: Events, Turning Points, Religion, and Empirical Conquests

The history of Iran, once known as Persia in the Western world until the mid-twentieth century, is deeply intertwined with the history of a much broader region, referred to as Greater Iran. This expansive area stretches from Anatolia in the west to the borders of ancient India and the Syr Darya in the east, and from the Caucasus and Eurasian Steppe in the north to the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman in the south. This vast territory has been home to a series of powerful civilizations and empires, each contributing to Iran's rich and complex history. Iran's historical roots date back to around 7000 BC, with evidence of ancient settlements that make it one of the world's oldest continuous major civilizations. From the Early Bronze Age onward, the southwestern and western regions of the Iranian Plateau became integrated into the broader tapestry of the Ancient Near East. Early inhabitants such as the Elamites, followed by the Kassites, Mannaeans, and Gutians, played significant roles in shaping the region's cultural and political landscape. The Persians themselves are often regarded as the 'first historical people' by the philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, reflecting their pivotal role in the development of world history. In 625 BC, the Medes, a people native to the Iranian Plateau, succeeded in uniting Iran into a single nation and empire. This marked the beginning of the country's transformation into a major power. However, it was the Achaemenid Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great in 550 BC, that truly set Iran on the global stage. Under Cyrus, the Achaemenid Empire became the first true superpower in history, stretching across three continents—from the Balkans and North Africa to Central Asia.

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

Audiobook

Osman I: Biography of the Founder of the Ottoman Dynasty

Osman I, also known as Osman Ghazi, was the founder of the Ottoman dynasty and the ruler of the Kayi tribe, a key figure in the creation of one of history's most influential empires. The state he established, originally called the Ottoman Beylik or Emirate, grew from a small Turkmen principality in the late thirteenth century into a global power, dominating much of Southeastern Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa for centuries. While the empire he founded lasted until the end of World War I, the man himself remains shrouded in mystery. Due to the scarcity of historical records from Osman’s lifetime, much of what is known about him is based on oral traditions and legends that developed long after his death. There are no known contemporary written sources from his reign, and the Ottomans themselves did not document his life until the fifteenth century, over a hundred years after he passed away. This gap in documentation has made it difficult for historians to separate fact from fiction, with some scholars even describing the period of Osman's life as a 'black hole' of historical knowledge, unable to be reconstructed with certainty. The traditional accounts of Osman’s ancestry trace his lineage to the Oghuz Turks, specifically the Kay tribe. However, many historians believe that the stories surrounding his ancestry were fabricated later to legitimize the Ottoman dynasty’s rule. These narratives were likely developed as the dynasty sought to strengthen its claim to power and emphasize its noble heritage.

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

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The Kurds: History of a Forgotten Ethnic Minority

The Kurds are a distinct ethnic group native to the Middle East, primarily inhabiting the region known as Kurdistan, which stretches across parts of modern-day Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran. They are an Iranian ethnic group with a history that spans thousands of years. The geographical area traditionally inhabited by the Kurds is marked by hilly terrain, particularly south of Lake Van and Lake Urmia. The majority of Kurds speak dialects of the Kurdish language, with Northern Kurdish (Kurmanji) and Sorani being the most widely spoken. The origins of the Kurdish people are the subject of various speculations, one of the most prominent being that they are descendants of the ancient Carduchoi, a people mentioned in classical antiquity. Over the centuries, the Kurds have maintained a distinct cultural and linguistic identity, despite the multiple empires that have ruled over their lands. Notably, the Kurdish dynasties that governed parts of the region from the 10th to the 12th century—such as the Hasanwayhids, Marwanids, Rawadids, and Shaddadids—serve as the earliest recorded examples of Kurdish political power under Islamic rule. Following these dynasties, the Ayyubid dynasty, founded by the legendary Saladin, further entrenched Kurdish influence in the region, especially in the wider Islamic world.

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

Audiobook

Darius the Great: Biography of the Persian Ruler during the Achaemenid Empire

Darius I, more commonly known as Darius the Great, reigned as the third King of Kings of the Achaemenid Empire from 522 BCE until his death in 486 BCE. Under his rule, the empire reached its zenith, encompassing vast territories across Western Asia, parts of the Balkans (including Thrace, Macedonia, and Paeonia), the Caucasus, the Black Sea's coastal regions, Central Asia, the Indus Valley in the east, and portions of North and Northeast Africa, such as Egypt (Mudrâya), eastern Libya, and coastal Sudan. His reign marked a critical period of expansion and consolidation for the Persian Empire. Darius ascended to power through a complex and controversial process. He orchestrated the assassination of Bardiya, the rightful heir to the throne, whom he claimed to be an impostor named Gaumata. Once in power, Darius turned his attention to strengthening and expanding the empire. One of the defining episodes of his reign was his campaign against Greece. This effort aimed to punish Athens and Eretria for their involvement in the Ionian Revolt. Although his forces suffered a significant defeat at the Battle of Marathon, Darius achieved notable victories elsewhere. He successfully reasserted Persian control over Thrace, annexed Macedon, and subjugated the Cyclades and the island of Naxos. His campaign also saw the destruction of Eretria, a Greek city.

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

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Constantinople: History of the Byzantine Empire’s Gigantic Capital

Constantinople, a city that witnessed the rise and fall of empires, served as the capital for three significant civilizations: the Roman/Byzantine Empire (330–1204 and 1261–1453), the Latin Empire (1204–1261), and the Ottoman Empire (1453–1922). Following the Turkish War of Independence, the capital was moved to Ankara, marking a new chapter in Turkish history. In 1930, the city was officially renamed Istanbul, which remains the Republic of Turkey’s largest city and financial center today. It is also the largest city in Europe. In 324 AD, Emperor Constantine the Great made the fateful decision to transform the old city of Byzantium into a grand new capital, naming it 'New Rome' and consecrating it on May 11, 330 AD. This strategic move solidified the city’s place in history, becoming the heart of the Eastern Roman Empire, later known as the Byzantine Empire. Constantinople became a symbol of Orthodox Christianity, often referred to as the 'cradle of Orthodox Christian civilization.' The city's religious and cultural significance cannot be overstated; it was home to some of the most iconic architectural and religious sites in the Christian world. From the mid-fifth to the early-thirteenth century, Constantinople was Europe's largest, most affluent metropolis, a center of commerce, culture, and intellectual activity.

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

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Justinian I: Biography of the Byzantine Emperor, Justinian the Great

Justinian I, known to history as Justinian the Great, ruled as the Byzantine emperor from 527 until his death in 565. His reign is marked by a series of ambitious efforts to revive the grandeur of the Roman Empire, although many of these goals were only partially realized. This vision, known as the renovatio imperii or 'reinstatement of the Empire,' encapsulated his drive to restore Roman territories lost to barbarian invasions and to reassert imperial authority across the Mediterranean world. One of the most prominent aspects of Justinian's renovatio imperii was the partial reconquest of the western provinces of the fallen Roman Empire. His military campaigns, led by the brilliant general Belisarius, achieved remarkable successes. Belisarius swiftly captured the Vandal Kingdom in North Africa, establishing Byzantine control over the region. Shortly thereafter, he, along with other generals like Narses, waged a series of successful campaigns against the Ostrogoths in Italy, eventually reclaiming key territories such as Dalmatia, Sicily, Rome, and much of Italy. This marked the end of the Ostrogothic Kingdom, which had ruled for over fifty years. Additionally, under the leadership of the praetorian prefect Liberius, the Byzantines reasserted control over the Iberian Peninsula, establishing the province of Spania. These victories re-established Roman dominance in the western Mediterranean and brought in substantial annual revenues, estimated at over a million solidi.

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

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