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)

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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)

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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)

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Gladiators: History and Background of Roman Slave Fighters

Gladiators were highly trained warriors who fought to the death for the entertainment of the Roman public. These brutal battles took place in large arenas throughout the Roman Republic and Empire, where gladiators would engage in combat with other fighters, wild animals, or even condemned criminals. The fights were often bloody and merciless, designed to showcase the might and martial prowess of the Roman world. While some gladiators volunteered, seeking fame and fortune in the arena, many were slaves or prisoners of war who were forced to fight. The life of a gladiator was harsh and dangerous. Those who entered the arena did so at great personal risk, as their fights often meant risking their lives for the entertainment of the masses. Even voluntary gladiators, known as 'auctorati,' gambled with their personal safety and social standing. They had little to no rights and were subject to the whims of their owners or sponsors. Gladiators who survived and fought well could gain fame and admiration, but their lives were fraught with physical injury and emotional isolation. The training they underwent was grueling, often conducted in harsh conditions at special training schools known as 'ludi,' where they were forced to endure relentless drills and punishments. Gladiators were not only fighters but also symbols of Roman martial virtues. Through their valor and resilience in the arena, they represented Rome's ideals of strength, honor, and discipline. Their performances were often immortalized in Roman art and artifacts, with their images appearing on coins, pottery, and sculptures. Despite the grim nature of their lives, gladiators could gain popular admiration for their ability to fight bravely or die with honor. Some even became beloved figures in Roman culture, celebrated in both elite and everyday art.

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

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Flavian Dynasty: The Era of Roman Construction and Restoration

The Flavian dynasty, which ruled the Roman Empire from AD 69 to 96, is remembered as a period of remarkable transformation, spanning the reigns of Emperor Vespasian and his two sons, Titus and Domitian. This dynasty emerged during a time of political instability, marked by the tumultuous civil war of 69, often referred to as the Year of the Four Emperors. The Roman Empire was in turmoil after the deaths of emperors Galba and Otho, and the brief rule of Vitellius, who assumed the throne in mid-69. However, Vitellius' reign was soon contested by legions in the Eastern provinces, who declared Vespasian their emperor. This marked the beginning of the Flavian rise to power. The Second Battle of Bedriacum was a pivotal moment, securing the Flavian cause and leading to their eventual triumph. On December 20, 69, Vespasian entered Rome and, the following day, was officially declared Emperor by the Senate, establishing the Flavian dynasty. Despite its relatively brief reign, the Flavian dynasty witnessed several notable events that shaped Roman history. One of the most significant challenges of Titus' rule was the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79, which buried the cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum, and others under layers of ash and lava. This catastrophic event, along with the subsequent fires and pestilence that ravaged Rome in 80, deeply affected the empire. On the military front, Titus' most enduring legacy was the brutal siege of Jerusalem in 70, following the Jewish revolt that began in 66. The city was destroyed, and its temple, a symbol of Jewish religious and cultural identity, was looted and razed. The military campaigns of the Flavians also extended beyond the Mediterranean; Gnaeus Julius Agricola, during his command in Britain (77–83), achieved remarkable victories that expanded Roman influence in the British Isles.

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

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Julius Caesar: The Famous Roman Emperor Who Transformed the Republic

Gaius Julius Caesar remains one of the most influential and recognizable figures in history. A brilliant military commander and astute statesman, Caesar played a decisive role in the events that led to the collapse of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire. His life and career were marked by political ambition, military conquests, and transformative reforms that forever changed the Roman world. Born into a patrician family, Caesar rose to prominence in Roman politics through strategic alliances and persuasive rhetoric. In 60 BC, he formed the First Triumvirate with Marcus Licinius Crassus and Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, known as Pompey. This informal political alliance dominated Roman politics for several years, enabling Caesar to secure the consulship in 59 BC. The Triumvirate sought to advance the interests of the Populares, a political faction advocating for the rights of the common people, in opposition to the Optimates, the conservative faction of the Roman Senate. Powerful senators such as Cato the Younger and orator Cicero resisted Caesar’s growing influence, leading to increased political tensions. To solidify his power, Caesar launched a series of military campaigns known as the Gallic Wars from 58 BC to 51 BC. These campaigns significantly expanded Roman territory, bringing Gaul (modern-day France and Belgium) under Roman control. Caesar's military success earned him wealth, popularity, and the unwavering loyalty of his legions. His invasion of Britain and the daring construction of a bridge over the Rhine River showcased his strategic prowess and ambition. These victories, however, unsettled Pompey, who grew increasingly aligned with the Senate following Crassus’ death in 53 BC. Fearing Caesar’s rising power, the Senate ordered him to disband his army and return to Rome as a private citizen.

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

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Gaius Marcus: The Controversial General Who Led the Roman Armies to Victory

Gaius Marius was one of the most influential military commanders and statesmen of the late Roman Republic. Born into a well-off, provincial Italian family in Arpinum, Marius rose from relatively humble beginnings to become a key figure in Rome’s transformation from a republic to an empire. Known for his military prowess and political savvy, Marius served as consul an unprecedented seven times, a record that set him apart from other Roman leaders. His career began in earnest during the Siege of Numantia in 134 BC, where he gained valuable military experience under the command of Scipio Aemilianus. Marius was not born into the traditional aristocracy of Rome but quickly ascended through the ranks of Roman politics. In 119 BC, he was elected as tribune of the plebs, where he passed significant legislation that aimed to curb the influence of the aristocracy in Roman elections. His political career continued to build momentum as he was elected praetor in 115 BC and later became the governor of Further Spain, where he fought against bandit forces. Marius’s personal life also intertwined with the leading families of Rome—he married Julia, the aunt of the future dictator Julius Caesar, cementing ties with one of Rome’s most powerful clans. Marius’s most famous military achievements came in the course of the Jugurthine War in Numidia, which he brought to a successful conclusion in 107 BC. That same year, he was appointed to command Roman forces in the war against the Germanic tribes, the Cimbri and Teutones, who threatened Rome’s existence. He was elected consul for the second time in 104 BC, a post he would hold consecutively for five years. His victories at the battles of Aqua Sextiae in 102 BC and Vercellae in 101 BC cemented his reputation as one of Rome’s greatest military leaders, and he was hailed as the “third founder of Rome,” a title that reflected his role in securing the republic’s future.

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

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Marcus Aurelius: A Roman Emperor, Philosopher, and Author

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus was a Stoic philosopher and the Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 CE. He is remembered as the last of the Five Good Emperors, a term coined by Niccolò Machiavelli over a thousand years later, and as the final ruler of the Pax Romana, the long period of relative peace and stability that the Roman Empire experienced from 27 BCE to 180 CE. Throughout his political career, Marcus held the position of Roman consul in 140, 145, and 161, marking his steady ascent to power. Born during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, Marcus was the son of Marcus Annius Verus, a praetor, and Domitia Calvilla, a wealthy heiress. His father passed away when he was only three years old, leaving him to be raised primarily by his mother and grandfather. Recognizing Marcus' potential, Hadrian ensured his future by naming his uncle, Antoninus Pius, as heir following the unexpected death of Hadrian’s initial choice, Aelius Caesar, in 138 CE. As part of this arrangement, Antoninus was required to adopt both Marcus and Aelius' son, Lucius Verus. When Hadrian died later that year, Antoninus became emperor, and Marcus was positioned as his successor. Over the following decades, Marcus received an extensive education, studying Greek and Latin under renowned scholars such as Herodes Atticus and Marcus Cornelius Fronto. In 145 CE, he married Antoninus' daughter, Faustina the Younger, solidifying his connection to the imperial family. Upon Antoninus Pius’ death in 161, Marcus ascended to the throne alongside his adopted brother, Lucius Verus, marking the first time in Roman history that the empire was ruled by co-emperors. His reign was defined by continuous military conflicts.

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

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Mithras: The Fictional God Who Was Worshipped by the Romans

Mithraism was a Roman mystery religion centered around the god Mithras, also referred to as the Mithraic mysteries. While the Roman version of Mithras was inspired by the Iranian worship of the Zoroastrian god Mithra, the iconography and practices associated with Roman Mithras diverged significantly from their Persian counterparts. The degree of continuity between Persian and Greco-Roman rituals is a subject of ongoing debate among scholars. Mithraism flourished from the 1st to the 4th century CE, particularly among the soldiers of the Roman Empire. The worship of Mithras involved a complex system of initiation, with seven distinct levels that initiates progressed through. This initiation process was accompanied by ceremonial feasts, and those who joined the religion were called *syndexioi*, meaning 'joined by the handshake.' These initiates gathered in vast numbers within underground shrines known as *mithraea*. The religion likely originated in Rome, but its influence spread throughout the western Roman Empire, reaching as far as Roman Africa, Numidia, and Roman Britain. Mithraism also had a lesser presence in Roman Syria in the east, though it was never as widespread in that region. In the early centuries of the Roman Empire, Mithraism and early Christianity were seen as competing religious systems, with Christians later persecuting Mithraists during the 4th century. Over time, Mithraism was gradually repressed and eventually eradicated from the Roman Empire by the end of the 4th century.

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

Audiobook

Punic Wars: Events and Background of the Wars between Ancient Rome and Carthage

The Punic Wars were a series of three major conflicts fought between the Roman Republic and the ancient city-state of Carthage from 264 BC to 146 BC. These wars were pivotal in shaping the balance of power in the ancient Mediterranean, ultimately resulting in the complete destruction of Carthage and the rise of Rome as the dominant power in the region. The first war, known as the First Punic War, began in 264 BC, centered around the strategic island of Sicily. According to the Greek historian Polybius, it was “the longest and most bitterly waged battle in history.” The conflict ignited when Rome’s growing imperial ambitions clashed with Carthage’s established control over the island. Carthage, a formidable maritime power with a vast network of colonies across the western Mediterranean, saw Sicily as vital to its prosperity. Rome, a land-based power with a strong army but a comparatively weak navy, sought to challenge Carthage’s dominance at sea. Over the course of the war, naval engagements dominated, and the conflict resulted in significant losses for both sides. Despite initial setbacks, Rome ultimately prevailed after 23 years of intense fighting, inflicting severe losses on the Carthaginian fleet and forcing Carthage to pay massive reparations. The island of Sicily became Rome’s first province, marking a significant step in the Republic’s expansion. The end of the First Punic War also saw the outbreak of the Mercenary War within Carthage’s borders, a revolt by Carthaginian soldiers who had not been paid, further weakening the empire.

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

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Pompeii: History of the Roman Pleasure Resort That Got Buried in Ashes

Pompeii was an ancient Roman city situated near modern-day Naples in the Campania region of Italy, within what is now the comune of Pompei. It thrived as a bustling urban center until the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. This violent explosion buried Pompeii, along with the neighboring cities of Herculaneum and several luxurious villas in the surrounding countryside, including those at Boscoreale and Stabiae, beneath a thick blanket of volcanic ash and pumice. The depth of this sudden entombment ranged from four to six meters (13 to 20 feet), sealing the city and its inhabitants in a chilling moment of suspended animation. When excavations began centuries later, Pompeii revealed itself as an unprecedented time capsule of Roman life. The city was preserved in remarkable detail, offering a rare and invaluable glimpse into the daily routines, architectural styles, and cultural expressions of its people. However, the early excavations, conducted with rudimentary methods, often led to the destruction of crucial evidence. Despite these losses, Pompeii remains one of the most well-documented archaeological sites, providing scholars with insights into the lives of Romans that would have otherwise been lost to history.

Kelly Mass (Author), Kelly Fraser (Narrator)

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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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