Helen, and welcome to the storm before the storm.

Chapter 1 – The Beasts of Italy

Ten years ago today, I posted my first episode of the history of Rome.

I thought it would be a fun hobby that would last about 18 months, and then I would get

on with my life.

Instead, the show ran for five successful years.

Then I took a gamble, let the history of Rome come to its natural conclusion, and moved

on to revolutions, not really knowing if my audience would follow me.

But you did, and apparently I need not have worried about that, and I am coming up on

my fourth anniversary at revolutions.

Then two and a half years ago, I was offered the opportunity to go back to my roots and write

a book about Roman history, which was a thrilling opportunity, not just because it would

tick right a book off my life's to-do list, which has been there since I was about eight

years old.

It also gave me the opportunity to go back and see my old friends, because though I ended

the history of Rome and went and made new friends in the world of modern revolutions,

my love for Roman history has never subsided, and it was great fun to go hang out with

the old gang again.

So what you're about to hear is Chapter 1 of the Storm Before the Storm, the beginning

of the end of the Roman Republic by Mike Duncan Fourth Coming October 24, 2017 from

Public Affairs.

It is available for pre-order right now at your favorite local bookstore, or you can

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