New York Times Bestseller. The creator of the award-winning podcast series "The History of Rome" and "Revolutions" brings to life the bloody battles, political intrigues, and human dramas that framed 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 larger world characterized by petty tyrants, barbarian chieftains, and despotic kings. Over the centuries, Rome's model of cooperative and participatory government remained remarkably resilient and unmatched in ancient history. In 146 BC, Rome finally emerged as the strongest power in the Mediterranean. However, the success of the Republic proved to be its downfall. The republican system was unable to cope with the vast empire that Rome now ruled: growing economic inequality.