Ancient history Books

Book SynopsisIn 264 BC, a Roman army was poised to cross from southern Italy into Sicily. They couldn't know that this crossing would be Rome's first step on its journey from local republic to vast and powerful empire. At the beginning of the three dramatic centuries that make up this book's narrative, Rome had no emperor and limited global influence; by the book's end, Hadrian was set to pass into history as one of the greatest emperors, whose territories stretched from England to Turkey. In David Potter's masterful history of this period, we trace the process of cultural, political and civic transformation which led to the creation of a monarchy and the acquisition of territory, via wars with Hannibal, the destruction of Carthage, Augustan Empire-building and Hadrian's famous wall, all of which contributed to the most successful multi-cultural state in the history of Europe. This is a lively, scholarly approach to an essential era.Trade ReviewA highly readable history of a fascinating period * BBC History Magazine *Potter has written a characteristically crisp, vibrant, and provocative new account of a turbulent and fascinating period in Roman history. Highly recommended. -- Carlos Noreña, author * Imperial Ideals in the Roman West *Combines a sweeping narrative with impressively detailed analysis of the factors behind Rome's imperial conquests and internal turbulence. An invaluable resource. -- Catherine Steel, Professor of Classics, University of GlasgowAs a portrait of an old and vast representative republic deteriorating into an autocracy, Potter's book is easily, even alarmingly, lucid. * Open Letters Review *Potter presents this epic tale afresh with insight, erudition and remarkable detail. His approach stands out for its clear-eyed exposure of the bloodshed, suffering and persistent strife that led eventually to the Republic's self-destruction and the unexpected emergence of Pax Romana. Here is a book that should jolt generous admirers of ancient Rome to rethink their viewpoint. -- Richard Talbert, Kenan Professor of History, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

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Book SynopsisThe eagerly awaited second volume of The Desert Songs Trilogy, Seventeen Spoons, takes readers on an unforgettable journey alongside the beloved religious icon, Joseph, as he navigates the tumultuous path of gaining power and breaking away from his family''s traditions.Seventeen Spoons delves into the life of Joseph, the youngest and most favored son in the tribe of Jacob. With prophetic dreams, special treatment, a divine connection, and an unshakable confidence, his youth is marked by distinction and envy. While his brothers exclude him, Joseph finds solace and wisdom among the women of the tribe. Instead of becoming a shepherd like his brothers, he becomes a man of the tents, devoted to prayer and study. Though he swiftly masters reading and writing, he must also navigate the complex emotions surrounding him—jealousy, anger, love, and his own feelings of curiosity, affection, and grief. Joseph''s ascension to being crowned Second-in-Command of all Egypt is fraught with dramatic power shifts. Through it all, he must balance the traditions and lessons of his childhood with the demands of ruling a mighty kingdom, fulfilling his destiny as a revered leader.

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Book SynopsisExplores the critical battle of Carrhae, a fascinating tale of treachery, tactics, and topography in which Rome experienced one of its most humiliating defeats.The Battle of Carrhae is from a heady moment in Roman history that of the clever carve-up of power between the ''First Triumvirate'' of Caius Iulius Caesar, Cnaeus Pompeius Magnus and Marcus Licinius Crassus (the Roman general who had famously put down the Spartacan revolt). It is a fascinating tale of treachery, tactics, and topography in which Rome experienced one of its most humiliating defeats at the hands of the Parthians, not far from a trade-route town hunkered down on the fringes of the arid wastes of northern Mesopotamia, sending shock waves through the Roman power structure. In this work, classical historian Dr Nic Fields draws out the crucial psychological and political factors (including Crassus'' lust for military glory and popular acclaim) that played a key role in this brutal battle. DesTrade ReviewThe author has produced a thoroughly researched profile of this humiliating defeat of one of the Triumvirate and the loss of most of a Roman army. He combines a knowledge of the classical sources (as usual, few in number and reliability) with a grasp of the military issues at both strategic and tactical level. -- Chris Jarvis * Miniature Wargames *Complemented by excellent illustrations and maps plus photographs where appropriate I thoroughly enjoyed this excellent book. * Amy Rumour Service *Table of ContentsORIGINS OF THE CAMPAIGN OPPOSING COMMANDERS Marcus Licinius Crassus Surena OPPOSING FORCES Crassus’ army Surena’s army THE BACKGROUND TO WAR Departing Rome The setting THE BATTLE OF CARRHAE Into Parthia The day of battle The Roman retreat The death of Crassus The reasons why AFTERMATH Cicero in Cilicia Bloodshed at home Roman renegade Marcus Antonius’ adventure Augustus the avenger ABBREVIATIONS BIBLIOGRAPHY INDEX

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Book SynopsisThis illustrated study lifts the veil on the gladiators of ancient Rome, who provided a bloody spectacle for the people of the Eternal City and its vast empire. By the start of the Principate in 27 BC, the gladiator games were a long-standing part of the social and political life of Rome and its sprawling empire. In the wake of reforms enacted by Augustus, the games continued to be at the heart of Roman culture and politics during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. While prominent citizens harnessed the opportunities offered by the gladiator games to enhance their own reputations and reward their clients, the emperors soon assumed a near-monopoly on the provision of games; several even entered the arena themselves, most notoriously Commodus. In the quest for novelty, prisoners, criminals and women came to participate in this grisly sport'. Only after the adoption of Christianity as the state religion in AD 380 did armed combat between gladiators enter a decline, an

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Book SynopsisThe first official companion book to HISTORY® network’s hit series Ancient Aliens®: a powerful journey through human history that explores fascinating unanswered questions about the origins of our civilizations.

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Book Synopsis'Philosophy begins in wonder.'                                      --PlatoHave you ever wondered about the development of civilization? What topics were discussed in the days of Ancient Greece? This collection of thoughts from Plato, Aristotle, and other masters of philosophy will lead your mind on a journey of enlightened exploration into ethics, morality, law, medicine, and more. With an introduction by a distinguished scholar of classic literature, this beautiful Canterbury Classics bonded-leather volume with gilded edges and specially designed endpapers is sure to be a favorite keepsake edition in your library.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"It is hard to overstate the attractions of this translation. In a rhythm sinewy and flexible, with language that is precise, lyrical and fresh, Lombardo's Iliad pulses with all the power and luminosity of the Greek. He shows extraordinary sensitivity to the images and aural effects of the ancient poem. There are brilliant touches on every page. . . . Altogether this is as good as Homer gets in English." —Richard P. Martin, Princeton University"The most daring, rapid and colloquial translation of Homer's Iliad that I know. [Lombardo's] taut and punchy verse conveys admirably and accurately the excitement and desperation of the battle, the urgency of the commanders, the occasional flashes of humor, the passion of Homer's narrative and the vivid and subtle humanity of his characters." —Richard Janko, University College, London"Lombardo's Iliad should be required for every History of Civilization class in America!" —David R. Wilson, Brigham Young University"[R]emarkably true to the centrality of performance in Homer, the varied pacing and tone, the clarity, speed, narrative drive, and moments of breathtaking beauty." —Rachel Hadas, Rutgers University"Homer has been well served in recent years by good translators. But this reviewer predicts that the dominant translation for the 21st century will be this masterful version by Stanley Lombardo. . . . In her extremely useful Introduction, Murnaghan lucidly summarizes and makes available for the student and general reader the results of complex scholarship on Homer, and she offers sensitive guidance for reading the Iliad as a work that documents the triumph of the human spirit and not merely as a war poem." —Leon Golden, CHOICE"Accessible as Lombardo's translation is, it is rendered even more so by the superb Introduction by Sheila Murnaghan, which provides a rich but lucid discussion of the classical context of the epic. This handsome, superbly done Iliad will be enjoyed by everyone. Highly recommended." —T. F. Merrill, Library Journal

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Book SynopsisOne of them was a military genius; one murdered his mother and fiddled while Rome burned. Six of their number were assassinated, two committed suicide, and five of them were elevated to the status of gods. They have come to be known as the 'twelve Caesars' - Julius Caesar, Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, Nero, Galba, Otho, Vitellius, Vespasian, Titus and Domitian. Under their rule, Rome was transformed from a republic to an empire, whose model of regal autocracy would survive in the West for more than a thousand years.In The Twelve Caesars, Matthew Dennison offers a beautifully crafted sequence of imperial portraits, triumphantly evoking the luxury, licence, brutality and sophistication of imperial Rome at its zenith.Trade ReviewUnputdownable... These histories from 2,000 years ago are riveting in their insight, their black humour and their sheer readability, give or take a few highbrow verbal flourishes. Matthew Dennison fleshes out their gaudy history with boisterous scholarship. * Daily Mail *Dennison's series of impressionistic pen portraits are compelling and imaginative. * Sunday Times *Matthew Dennison is one of those rare marvels, a historical biographer whose work has reached the bestseller lists... Each story is told with humour and personal interpretations of the facts. Then there's the glory of the language: Dennison is in love with the English language, and it shows. * Independent *The author's prose style - epigrammatic, swift, and spiced with humour - is like Tacitus in translation. Which is meant as a compliment. His relish for his material shines infectiously through his sentences. -- Thomas Hodgkinson * Spectator *Dennison's approach combines thoughtful reflection and analysis with gossipy irreverence in a bewitching cocktail... hugely entertaining. * Daily Express *Unputdownable... These histories from 2,000 years ago are riveting in their insight, their black humour and their sheer readability, give or take a few highbrow verbal flourishes. Matthew Dennison fleshes out their gaudy history with boisterous scholarship. * Daily Mail *Gossipy and insightful, making for an enjoyable introduction to this power­-hungry crowd * Financial Times *

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Book SynopsisCicero (106-43 BC) was the greatest orator of the ancient world and a leading politician of the closing era of the Roman republic. These three dialogues here are among the most accessible of Cicero's philosophical works.Trade ReviewVery accessible... provides much thought-provoking material... will appeal both to those who are already well-versed in philosophy and to those who come new to this discipline. * Marion Gibbs, Classics for All *Table of ContentsIntroduction Note on the Text Select Bibliography A Chronology of Cicero TUSCULAN DISPUTATIONS Book 1 Book 2 Preface to Book 3 Preface to Book 4 Book 5 ON OLD AGE ON FRIENDSHIP Appendix: Two Letters to Friends Explanatory Notes

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Book SynopsisA major new history of the eastern Roman Empire, from Constantine to 1453.In recent decades, the study of the Eastern Roman Empire, also known as Byzantium, has been revolutionized by new approaches and more sophisticated models for how its society and state operated. No longer looked upon as a pale facsimile of classical Rome, Byzantium is now considered a vigorous state of its own, inheritor of many of Rome''s features, and a vital node in the first truly globalized world.The New Roman Empire is the first full, single-author history of the eastern Roman empire to appear in over a generation. Covering political and military history as well as all the major changes in religion, society, demography, and economy, Anthony Kaldellis''s volume is divided into ten chronological sections which begin with the foundation of Constantinople in 324 AD and end with the fall of the empire to the Ottoman Turks in the fifteenth century. The book incorporates new findings, explains recent interpretive Trade ReviewA brilliant reinvestigation of a millennium and more of Byzantine History; the first complete treatment for a generation drawing on impeccable scholarship and offering so many new insights. * Peter Heather, author of Christendom: The Triumph of a Religion, AD 300-1300 *Kaldellis's new narrative history of the medieval eastern Roman ('Byzantine') empire offers a highly readable, insightful, and provocative interpretation of one of the longest-lived state formations in the historical record. How and why it lasted so long lies at the heart of the book and the answers offered will challenge many long-held assumptions about the eastern Roman world and the civilization it embodied. * John F. Haldon, author of The Empire that Would Not Die: The Paradox of Eastern Roman Survival, 640-740 *A compelling and authoritative overview of a millennial empire, filled with unfamiliar and revealing details, that shows how its initial deep foundations enabled Byzantium's extraordinary longevity. Kaldellis's combination of structural analysis, mastery of original sources, and admirable synthesis of challenging issues make this a brilliant guide. * Judith Herrin, author of Ravenna: Capital of Empire, Crucible of Europe *Utilizing an impressive scope of recent research, Kaldellis refutes older views of the Roman state as despotic. Forty-two of 91 emperors may have come to power through violence, but the shared assumptions of subjects and rulers conferred on it lasting endurance... Outstanding in every aspect. * Library Journal *No one would describe this massive work as light reading, but I was struck by how almost every page offered a new insight or a fascinating fact. Any reader with an abiding interest in the subject will find this book to be a worthwhile investment. * Mike Markowitz, The NYMAS Review *The book includes fifteen well-executed and detailed maps, and numerous monochrome photographs, including coins, manuscript illustrations, works of art, and surviving buildings from the Empire's long history...Any reader with an abiding interest in the subject will find this book to be a worthwhile investment. * Mike Markowitz, The NYMAS Review: A Publication of The New York Military Affairs Symposium *The most important book about the history of Western civilization published this year-and for many years-is Anthony Kaldellis' magnum opus, The New Roman Empire: A History of Byzantium. * Hadley Arkes, Claremont Review of Books *The author does the job well, I believe, and needs to be taken seriously. * Usman Butt, Middle East Monitor *[Kaldellis'] book is a tremendous achievement of labour, scholarship and historiographical judgment. It will surely become the new standard work on its subject, not to mention a deserving candidate for book prizes. The many maps of changing political boundaries are among the best I have come across. * Tony Spawforth, Classics for All *A tremendous achievement of labour, scholarship and historiographical judgment. * Tony Spawforth, Classics for All *A tremendous achievement of labour, scholarship and historiographical judgement. * Tony Spawforth, Classics for All *Table of ContentsPreface Abbreviations List of Maps List of Images Part One: A New Empire New Rome and the New Romans The scaffold of society and personality of government From Christian nation to Roman religion Part Two: Dynastic Insecurities and Religious Passions The first Christian emperors of the east (324-361) Competing religions of empire (337-364) Toward an independent east (364-395) The city and the desert: Cultures old and new Part Three: The Return of Civilian Government The ascendancy of the political class (395-441) Barbarian terrors and military mobilization (441-491) Political consolidation and religious polarization (491-518) Part Four: The Strain of Grand Ambitions Chalcedonian repression and the eastern axis (518-531) The Sleepless Emperor (527-540) War everywhere and plague (540-565) The price of overextension (565-602) Part Five: To the Brink of Despair The great war with Persia (602-630) Commanders of the Faithful (632-644) A contest of wills (641-685) Part Six: Resilience and Recovery Life and taxes among the ruins An empire of outposts (685-717) The lion and the dragon (717-775) Reform and consolidation (775-815) A new confidence (815-867) Part Seven: The Path towards Empire A new David and Solomon (867-912) A game of crowns (912-950) The apogee of Roman arms (950-1025) A brief hegemony (1025-1048) Part Eight: A New Paradigm The walls close in: Losing Italy and the east (1048-1081) Crisis management, the Komnenian way (1081-1118) Good John and the Sun King: A second apogee (1118-1180) Disintegration and betrayal (1180-1204) Part Nine: Exile and Return "A new France": Colonial occupation Romans west and Romans east (1204-1261) Union with Rome and Roman Disunity (1261-1282) Territorial retrenchment and cultural innovation (1282-1328) Part Ten: The Struggle for Dignity at The End Military failure and mystical solace (1328-1354) The walls close in (1354-1402) The cusp of a new world (1402-1461) Glossary State Revenues and Payments to Foreign Groups, Fifth-Seventh Centuries Bibliography

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Book SynopsisWhat is history and how should it be written? This important new anthology, translated and edited by Professor John Marincola, contains all the seminal texts that relate to the writing of history in the ancient world.The study of history was invented in the classical world. Treading uncharted waters, writers such as Plutarch and Lucian grappled with big questions such as how history should be written, how it differs from poetry and oratory, and what its purpose really is. This book includes complete essays by Dionysius, Plutarch and Lucian, as well as shorter pieces by Pliny the Younger, Cicero and others, and will be an essential resource for anyone studying history and the ancient world.Runner-up in the 13th Aldo and Jeanne Scaglione Prize for a Translation of a Scholarly Study of Literature.an excellent tool for the study of ancient historiography at all levels, and it is bound to become a standard point of reference in the future Bryn Mawr Classical ReviewTrade Reviewan excellent tool for the study of ancient historiography at all levels, and it is bound to become a standard point of reference in the future -- Lisa Irene Hau * Bryn Mawr Classical Review *

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Book SynopsisPopular history at its very best, thought-provoking and accessible. Underpinned by serious research, and written with panache, it summons up a vanished world' SUNDAY TELEGRAPHThis is an astonishing new account of Alexander the Great one of the most important figures of the ancient world, whose earlier years have until now been a mystery. Alexander the Great's story often reads like fiction: son to a snake-loving mother and a battle-scarred father; tutored by Aristotle; a youth from the periphery of the Greek world who took part in his first campaign aged sixteen, becoming king of Macedon at twenty and king of Asia by twenty-five; leading his armies into battle like a Homeric figure.Each generation has peered through the frosted glass of history and come to their own conclusion about Alexander, be it enlightened ruler, military genius, megalomaniac, drunkard or despot. Yet the first two decades of his life have until now been a mystery a matter of legend and myth. This extraordinary hTrade Review‘The Young Alexander is popular history at its very best, thought-provoking and accessible. Underpinned by serious research, and written with panache, it summons up a vanished world.’Sunday Telegraph, FIVE STARS ‘As a colourful and learned evocation of the great conqueror’s shaping boyhood it’s a wonderful read’Daily Mail ‘Lively … Alex Rowson has produced an absorbing re-creation of the early years’The Times ‘Securely anchored to archaeological sites – so evocatively described I was tempted to pack my bag and grab my passport on more than one occasion – and suffused with well-researched historical detail. There is no reason why history cannot double as entertainment, in fact there’s an argument to be had that it should. Rowson achieves this in spades’Archaeology Worldwide

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Book SynopsisThe Roman centurion, holding the legionaries steady before the barbarian horde and then leading them forward to victory, was the heroic exemplar of the Roman world. This was thanks to the Marian reforms, which saw the centurion, although inferior in military rank and social class, superseding the tribune as the legion''s most important officer. This period of reform in the Roman Army is often overlooked, but the invincible armies that Julius Caesar led into Gaul were the refined products of 50 years of military reforms. Using specially commissioned artwork and detailed battle reports, this new study examines the Roman legionary soldier at this crucial time in the history of the Roman Republic from its domination by Marius and Sulla to the beginning of the rise of Julius Caesar.Table of ContentsIntroduction Chronology Recruitment Training Appearance Equipment Conditions of service Belief and belonging On Campaign The experience of battle Aftermath Glossary Further reading, websites etc Index

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Book SynopsisAeschylus is the first of the great Greek playwrights, and the four plays in this volume demonstrate the remarkable range of Greek tragedy. Persians is the only surviving tragedy to draw on contemporary history, the Greeks'' extraordinary victory over Persia in 480 BC. The Persians'' aggression is inhuman in scale, and offends the gods, but while celebrating the Greek triumph, Aeschylus also portrays the shock of the defeated with some compassion. In Seven Against Thebes a royal family is cursed with self-destruction, in a remorseless tragedy that anticipates the grandeur of the later Oresteia. Suppliants portrays the wretched plight of the daughters of Danaus, fleeing from enforced marriage; as refugees they seek protection, and must plead a moral and political case to gain it. And in Prometheus Bound, Prometheus is relentlessly persecuted by Zeus for benefitting mankind in defiance of the god.Christopher Collard''s highly readable new translation is accompanied by an introduction that sets the plays in their original context, and together with the notes considers theatrical and poetic issues, as well as details of content and language. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World''s Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford''s commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.Trade ReviewExcellent...as scholarly and reliable as anyone could wish for...clear and judicious. * Mark Griffiths, Times Literary Supplement *Table of ContentsIntroduction ; Note on the Text ; Bibliography ; Chronology ; PERSIANS ; SEVEN AGAINST THEBES ; SUPPLIANTS ; PROMETHEUS BOUND ; Maps ; Explanatory Notes ; Index

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Book SynopsisComprised of relevant selections from the writings of four ancient historians, this volume provides a complete narrative of the important events in the life of Alexander the Great.Trade ReviewThe translations . . . are rendered in clear, modern style. Romm's Introduction is fresh, mature, and insightful--one of the best brief synopses of Alexander's life and impact this reviewer has read in recent years. . . . Romm's carefully selected and well-translated passages from Arrian provide a vivid and cohesive narrative of the highlights of Alexander's career. Wherever there is a major discrepancy among our ancient sources, or wherever an alternate version seems to enrich Arrian's account, Romm relegates the variant source to his notes, thereby providing the enhancement without disrupting the main narrative. He has thus preserved the flow of Arrian's narrative, while also providing a commentary that alerts the reader to some of the pitfalls that mark any attempt to understand the course of Alexander's achievements. I highly recommend this work as a pedagogical component in the teaching of basic courses on Alexander. And even some battle-hardened advanced students, scholars of the Macedonian monarchy, and history buffs would benefit by the insights of Romm's introductory essay and the notes accompanying Arrian's text. --Eugene N. Borza, The Classical OutlookA refreshing new work which will no doubt open up a number of possibilities for undergraduate instruction. Romm has produced a comprehensive and well-organized reader. --Charles M. Muskiet II, Villanova University

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Book SynopsisWhere are the tombs of Alexander the Great or Cleopatra? Both rulers were buried in Egypt, but their tombs have never been found despite years of intensive research and excavation. Yet we have tantalizing clues. Searching for the Lost Tombs of Egypt describes the quest for these and other great missing' tombs those we know existed, but which have not yet been identified. It also discusses key moments of discovery that have yielded astonishing finds and created the archetypal image of the archaeologist poised at the threshold of a tomb left untouched for millennia. In this gripping account, Chris Naunton explains the mysteries of the missing tombs and presents all the evidence, skilfully unravelling the tangled threads surrounding the burials of the heretic pharaoh Akhenaten and his son Tutankhamun, and the burial place of Imhotep, architect of the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, among others. Could other such tombs lie undiscovered in the Valley of the Kings? In fact, the Valley almost certainly does guard hidden treasures. Amazing finds of unsuspected tombs continue to occur there and elsewhere in Egypt, making headlines worldwide all are covered in this book. As well as immersing the reader, step by step, in the action of the search and the thrill of discovery, the book also explores the reasons why tombs remain such a central part of both the popular perception of Egyptology and the continuing allure of ancient Egypt.Trade Review'An absolutely essential book for those of us captivated by ancient Egypt’s enduring stories, and the modern quest to uncover its remaining secrets. Chris Naunton brilliantly walks the line between scholar and storyteller, balancing his deep knowledge with that tantalizing call to adventure which will keep you spellbound' - Dallas Campbell, broadcaster and author'Highly readable … there is much to recommend here' - BBC History Magazine'As well as immersing us in the action of the search and the thrill of discovery, this book also explains why tombs remain such a central part of both the popular perception of Egyptology and the continuing allure of ancient Egypt' - Timeless Travels'A joyous book that has at its heart a love for ancient Egyptian history and a desire to share that with people … Naunton balances between popular narratives and current research to provide a thoroughly enjoyable book' - Journal of History and Cultures

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Book SynopsisAlthough comprised of many distinct tribes and groupings, the Celts shared a distinctive culture that dominated much of Europe for centuries. They enjoyed a formidable reputation as fierce and brave warriors, skilled horsemen and fine metalworkers. In 390 BC an alliance of Celtic tribes defeated a Roman army at the River Allia and went on to sack Rome and thenceforth the Romans lived under their threat. In the early third century BC a Celtic army swept into Macedonia and Greece, won a major victory at Thermopylai and ransacked the sacred sanctuary at Delphi. Such was their warlike prowess that, when not fighting their own wars, they were sought after as mercenaries by many armies, serving as far afield as southern Egypt. When the Romans invaded Gaul (France and Belgium) and the British Isles, Celtic armies resisted them fiercely. Gabriele Esposito studies this fascinating warrior culture, their armies, strategy, tactics and equipment (they invented the horned saddle and chainmail, and British armies were the last in Europe to use chariots on the battlefield). Dozens of colour photographs of reenactors help bring these magnificent warriors back to life.

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Book SynopsisFor four centuries Britain was an integral part of the Roman Empire, a political system stretching from Turkey to Portugal and from the Red Sea to the Tyne and beyond. Its involvement with Rome started long before the Conquest launched by the Emperor Claudius in 43 AD, and it continued to be a part of the Roman world for some time after the final break with Roman rule. Bringing together archaeological investigation and historical scholarship, Peter Salway explores some of the key issues arising from this period in Britain''s history, discussing the question of identity at this time and analysing the importance of widespread literacy in Roman Britain. Covering the period from Julius Caesar''s first forays into Britain and Claudius'' subsequent conquest, as well as Britain under the later Roman Empire, Salway outlines the key events of this time period, providing a focus on society in Roman Britain, and offering a thoughtful consideration of the aftermath of Roman rule.In the new edition of this Very Short Introduction, Peter Salway makes a number of essential updates in light of recent research in the area. He looks at issues of ethnicity, ''Britishness'', and post-colonialism, provides alternative theories to the end of the Roman period in Britain, and draws parallels between the history of Roman Britain and a wide range of other periods, territories, and themes, including the modern experience of empires and national stereotypes. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade ReviewYou can't beat this fact-packed guide. * Kate Whiting, Northern Echo *This book is a concise, clear and readable history of Roman Britain across four centuries ... it has much to offer both the general reader and the expert. * Rupert Jackson, Classics for All *Table of ContentsList of illustrations ; List of maps ; 1. The beginnings of British history ; 2. The Roman conquest ; 3. Britain under the late empire ; 4. The end of Roman rule ; Further Reading ; Chronology ; Index

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Book SynopsisTrade Reviewplenty here to savour ... Tacitus was not just a fine writer, he was also a senior Roman politician. * Max Davidson, The Daily Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisA warriors face the strong brows inlaid with red garnets, the nose and mouth gilded and its surface tinned a silvery colour this is how the Sutton Hoo helmet once appeared to those who saw it. This book explains how it was discovered together with other priceless treasures including a ship in the great mound at Sutton Hoo, Suffolk.

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Book SynopsisCastles are among the most visited tourist sights in Britain and Ireland, and the book will act as a companion and historical guide.

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Book SynopsisA fascinating and detailed exploration of one of the most famous warships of the Ancient world - the trireme - and its tactical employment by the opposing sides in the 5th-century BC Graeco-Persian Wars.You may be familiar with the Athenian trireme but how much do you know about the ram-armed, triple-oared warships that it dueled against at the battles of Artemision, Salamis and the Eurymedon River? How similar or different were these warships to each other? And why did the Persians rely on Phoenician vessels to form much of their navy? Much attention has been devoted to the Greek trireme, made famous by modern reconstruction with only passing notice given to the opposing Persian navy's vessels in illustrated treatments. Join us on the Aegean as, for the first time, we reveal a rarely attempted colour reconstruction of a trireme in Persian service. Compare the form, construction, design, manoeuvrability, and tactical deployment of the opposing triremes, aided by stunning illusTable of ContentsIntroduction Chronology Design and Development Technical Specifications The Combatants Combat Statistics and Analysis Aftermath Glossary and Abbreviations Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisGabriele Esposito presents an overview of the military history of the Germanic peoples of this period and describes in detail the weapons and tactics they employed on the battlefield. He starts by showing how, from very early on, the Germanic communities were heavily influenced by Celtic culture. He then moves on to describe the major military events, starting with the first major encounter between the Germanic tribes and the Romans: the invasion by the Cimbri and Teutones. Julius Caesar's campaigns against German groups seeking to enter Gaul are described in detail as is the pivotal Battle of the Teutoburg Forest, which effectively halted Roman expansion into Germany and for centuries fixed the Rhine as the border between the Roman and Germanic civilizations. Escalating pressure of Germanic raids and invasions was a major factor in the collapse of the Western Roman Empire. The author's analysis explains how Germanic warriors were able to crush the Roman military forces on several occasions, gradually transformed the Roman Army itself from the inside and, after the fall of the Empire, created new Romano-Germanic Kingdoms across Europe. The evolution of Germanic weapons, equipment and tactics is examined and brought to life through dozens of colour photos of replica equipment in use.

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Book SynopsisA pulse-pounding historical adventure from master of the genre Robert Low, perfect for fans of Conn Iggulden and Simon Scarrow.Drust, Kag and co are in the Alps, battered, bruised and fighting for their lives. Some things never change.On the hunt for a rogue Roman officer, something goes terribly wrong and they are left stranded in the mountains, their escape route cut off. Only then does the true danger of their mission reveal itself.Caught in the crossfire not just of the mountain tribes, but of the vicious power politics of Rome, they must use all their cunning and guile to save themselves from death’s icy clutches...The gripping final instalment of the extraordinary, brutal, visceral historical epic series.

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Book Synopsis Euclid's Elements of Geometry was a book that changed the world. Trade Review Praise for The Book of Wonders ‘An astonishingly readable and informative history of the greatest mathematical bestseller of all time, from ancient Greece to dark energy. The writing is vivid and the stories are gripping. Highly recommended!’Ian Stewart, author of Significant Figures ‘Benjamin Wardhaugh is an excellent storyteller and his collected short story approach to the history of The Elements works splendidly… simultaneously educational, entertaining and illuminating … A highly desirable read for all those, both professional and amateur, who interest themselves in the histories of mathematics, science and knowledge … over almost two and a half millennia’Thony Christie, The Renaissance Mathematicus ‘A fascinating tour through 2300 years of reading, re-imagining, & responding to perhaps most important textbook ever written’ Seb Falk, author of The Light Ages Praise for Benjamin Wardhaugh’s Gunpowder and Geometry ‘Meticulous yet lively biography, even those who have never heard of its subject could hardly disagree’ Sunday Times ‘Wardhaugh graphically describes the conditions Hutton escaped from and the importance of Newcastle and its coal to the changes taking place in Britain in the second half of the eighteenth century . . . like something from the pages of a Jane Austen novel . . . Wardhaugh has done a good job of rescuing Hutton from obscurity and setting the man and his achievements in the context of their times . . . This account of how “the pit boy turned professor” became “one of the most revered British scientists of his day” is well worth reading’ Literary Review

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Book SynopsisMarcellus military exploits were largely unmatched by any other aristocrat of Roman Middle Republic. As a young soldier in the First Punic War, he won a reputation for his skill in single combat. In his first consulship, he earned a triumph for defeating a Gallic tribe, no small feat in and of itself, and also slew the Gallic chieftain Britomartus in single combat. Consequently, he earned the spolia opima, an honor, according to Roman antiquarians, that had only been earned twice before, once by Romulus himself. He went on to defeat the hitherto-invincible Hannibal in a small battle around the central Italian city of Nola, and subsequently led an army to subdue and plunder the powerful city of Syracuse in an epic 2 year siege (despite the ingenius defensive measures of the inventor Archimedes). Yet, despite his undeniable success as a warrior and commander, Marcellus met with considerable political opposition at Rome. Marcellus career not only makes exciting reading, but gives an excel

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Book SynopsisFirst appearing around the mighty River Nile in the fourth millennium BC, Ancient Egypt is one of the great wellsprings of human civilization. Egyptian culture developed around a complex system of religious rituals tied to the agricultural seasons, with the pharaoh a living deity at the centre. Mighty pyramids, tombs and monuments were built to celebrate the pharaohs, many of which can still be seen in all their splendour today. Arranged chronologically, Ancient Egypt offers a compact photographic guide, from the 4000 BC Naqada culture to the end of the Ptolemy dynasty with the suicide of Cleopatra in 30 BC. In between, discover the Narmer Palette, a 31st century BC stone tablet that records the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt by King Narmer; learn about Amenhotep the Magnificent, during whose reign Egypt reached the peak of its artistic and international power; marvel at the massive, rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel, dedicated to Pharaoh Ramesses II (the Great), marking

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Book SynopsisJohn Julius Norwich presents a sweeping tour of forty great cities that shaped the ancient world and its civilizations - and which in turn have shaped our own. The cities of the ancient world built the foundations for modern urban life, their innovations in architecture and politics essential to cities as we know them today. But what was it like to live in Babylon, Carthage or Teotihuacan? From the first cities in Mesopotamia to the spectacular urban monuments of the Maya in Central America, the cities explored here represent almost three millennia of human history. Not only do they illustrate the highest achievement of the cultures that built them, but they also help us understand the rise and fall of these ancient peoples. Eminent historians and archaeologists with first-hand knowledge of each site give voices to these silent ruins, bringing them to life as the teeming, state-of-the-art metropolises they once were.Trade Review'Gorgeous ... a pleasure to peruse' - Minerva'Informative and thought-provoking' - EDP WeekendTable of ContentsUruk • Ur • Hattusa • Troy • Babylon • Nineveh • Persepolis • Pergamum • Jerusalem • Petra • Ephesus • Palmyra • Memphis • Thebes • Amarna • Carthage • Alexandria • Meroé • Leptis Magna • Aksum • Knossos • Mycenae • Athens • Akragas • Paestum • Rome • Pompeii • Nîmes and the Pont du Gard • Trier • Mohenjo-Daro • Linzi • Xianyang • Pataliputra • Anuradhapura • Caral • La Venta • Monte Albán • Teotihuacan • Tikal • Palenque

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Book SynopsisStudies the first half of Sidonius' fifth book of letters from a philological, literary and historical perspective

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Book SynopsisThe purpose of this book is to take what we think we know about the Roman Conquest of Britain from historical sources, and compare it with the archaeological evidence, which is often contradictory. Archaeologists and historians all too often work in complete isolation from each other and this book hopes to show the dangers of neglecting either form of evidence. In the process it challenges much received wisdom about the history of Roman Britain. Birgitta Hoffmann tackles the subject by taking a number of major events or episodes (such as Caesar's incursions, Claudius' invasion, Boudicca's revolt), presenting the accepted narrative as derived from historical sources, and then presenting the archaeological evidence for the same. The result of this innovative approach is a book full of surprising and controversial conclusions that will appeal to the general reader as well as those studying or teaching courses on ancient history or archaeology.

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Book SynopsisRestall and Solari explore Maya identity, politics, culture, and indigenous views of the universe from ancient times to the present. With the Maya historically subdivided and misunderstood in so many ways, the pursuit of what made them "the Maya" is all the more important.Table of ContentsChapter 1 Maya Genesis Chapter 2 The Divine King Chapter 3 The Writing Rabbit Chapter 4 A Day in the Life Chapter 5 Maya "Mysteries" Chapter 6 Conquests Chapter 7 Colonizations Further Reading Index

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Book Synopsis''That was how things stood in the city at the time. With no one in charge, murders were taking place almost every day and the elections could not be held.''Books 36-40 of the Roman History by Cassius Dio (born ca. 163 CE), covers 69-50 BCE, the last twenty years before the Roman Republic collapsed in a long series of civil wars, leading to the monarchy of the emperors. Although Dio''s history was written over 250 years later, it provides the fullest surviving account of this crucial period in Roman history and is a key source of information on many of the chief developments. Dio fashions his account of these years to foreshadow the coming civil war, exposing the violence and corruption of the political life of the time, and portraying the gradual eclipse of the great general Pompey by his younger rival Caesar.Robin Waterfield''s lively and up-to-date translation is accompanied by an introduction by John Rich, which sets Dio''s work in its context and explores both literary and historiTable of ContentsIntroduction Translator's Note Select Bibliography Structure A Chronology of Events ROMAN HISTORY, BOOKS THIRTY-SIX TO FORTY Appendix: Roman Names; Roman Money and Measures of Distance; The Roman Calendar Explanatory Notes Glossary Index of Proper Names

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Book SynopsisAlexander * Demosthenes * Phocion * Eumenes * Demetrius * Pyrrhus * Agis and Cleomenes * Aratus * Philopoemen * FlamininusThis selection of ten Lives traces the history of Hellenistic Greece from the rise of Macedon and Alexander''s conquest of the Persian empire to the arrival of the Romans. Plutarch''s biographies of eminent politicians, rulers, and soldiers combine vivid portraits of their subjects with a wealth of historical information; they constitute a uniquely important source for the period. We see how Greek politics changed as Macedon''s power grew, and we learn of the warlords who followed Alexander. Resistance to Macedon is reflected in the Lives of Demosthenes and Aratus, and that of Agis and Cleomenes, two revolutionary kings of Sparta. The volume concludes with the emergence of Rome in Greek affairs, and the life of Flamininus, the Roman general who defeated Philip V of Macedon.Plutarch''s elegant style combines anecdote and erudition, humour and psychological insight, consummately translated by Robin Waterfield and introduced by Andrew Erskine. These Lives from the Hellenistic period complement Greek Lives and Roman Lives in Oxford World''s Classics. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World''s Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford''s commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.Trade ReviewWith a chronology and maps, this is a practical and helpful book for the student of the Hellenistic period * Ray Morris, Classics for All Reviews *Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION; SELECT BIBLIIOGRAPHY; CHRONOLOGY; MAPS; ALEXANDER; DEMOSTHENES; PHOCION; EUMENES; DEMETRIUS; PYRRHUS; AGIS AND CLEOMENES; ARATUS; PHILOPOEMEN; FLAMININUS; TEXTUAL NOTES; EXPLANATORY NOTES; INDEX OF PROPER NAMES

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Book SynopsisA portrait of one of the ancient world’s first political celebrities, who veered from failure to success and back againTrade Review“Romm has long been one of the most energetic interpreters of ancient Greek history for a nonspecialist readership. . . . Romm knows how to tell a story; . . . his narrative of the epic siege of Rhodes is the most exciting I have ever read. . . . For anyone new to this tangled but thrilling period of history, Romm’s whirlwind Demetrius is now the place to start.”—Peter Thonemann, Wall Street Journal“This colorful biography of Demetrius, the vain and ambitious Macedonian monarch who sought to reunite Alexander the Great’s kingdom in the years after his death, explores his rich inner life and reveals an ancient world of violence and intrigue.”—New York Times Book Review“Romm offers a sensitive and well-judged account which will appeal to anyone wishing to contemplate what the 18th-century German naturalist Georg Forster called ‘the “incomprehensible force” in human nature that drives history’s conquerors, and their crimes.’”—Antony Spawforth, Literary Review“With great erudition, and elegance, Romm tells the story of the years after the death of Alexander the Great, revealing an ancient world whose politics, intrigue, and penchant for war will seem familiar to modern readers.”—Annette Gordon-Reed, Harvard University“Romm brilliantly sketches the life, character, and achievements of Demetrius the Besieger, the most charismatic and unstable of the Successors of Alexander the Great—and one of the most formidable.”—Robin Waterfield, author of Creators, Conquerors, and Citizens: A History of Ancient Greece“Romm’s gripping, sensitive biography traces the zigzagging career of Demetrius, cavalry commander at nineteen and notorious besieger of cities, as he strives to seize power as Alexander’s successor but ultimately languishes in luxury as a royal captive.”—Adrienne Mayor, author of The Poison King and The Amazons

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Book SynopsisBritain has been inhabited by humans for over half a million years, during which time there were a great many changes in lifestyles and in the surrounding landscape. This book, now in its second edition, examines the development of human societies in Britain from earliest times to the Roman conquest of AD 43, as revealed by archaeological evidence. Special attention is given to six themes which are traced through prehistory: subsistence, technology, ritual, trade, society, and population. Prehistoric Britain begins by introducing the background to prehistoric studies in Britain, presenting it in terms of the development of interest in the subject and the changes wrought by new techniques such as radiocarbon dating, and new theories, such as the emphasis on social archaeology. The central sections trace the development of society from the hunter-gatherer groups of the last Ice Age, through the adoption of farming, the introduction of metalworking, and on to theTrade ReviewPraise for the first edition:'Excellent and readable, and informed by a love of the land.' – Financial Times'A lively up-to-date introduction.' – Oxbow News'Darvill's book provides a pleasing introduction to the story of British prehistory.' – TLS'Tim Darvill has shown that there is always a place for a well-written account of the subject that makes effective use of modern approaches.' – British Archaeological NewsTable of Contents1. Right Here! Right Now! Prehistory in the Present 2. Before the Flood: Early Hunter-gatherer Societies to 13,000 BC 3. Tales from Topographic Oceans: Post-glacial Hunter-gatherers 13,000–4000 BC 4. Blood on the Tracks: Hunter-farmers 4000–3200 BC 5. Rise Up Like the Sun: Early Chiefdom Societies 3200–2000 BC 6. Dark Sides of the Moon: Agrarian Societies 2000–800 BC 7. Brothers in Arms: Tribes and Chiefdoms 800–100 BC 8. On the Threshold of a Dream: Living Beside the Roman Empire 100 BC–AD 50 9. Let it Be: Patterns of Society and Change. Bibliography and Further Reading

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Book SynopsisFrom the Gracchi to Nero is an outstanding history of the Roman world from 133 BC to 68 AD. Fifty years since publication it is widely hailed as the classic survey of the period, going through many revised and updated editions until H.H. Scullardâs death. It explores the decline and fall of the Roman Republic and the establishment of the Pax Romana under the early Principate. In superbly clear style, Scullard brings vividly to life the Gracchiâs attempts at reform, the rise and fall of Marius and Sulla, Pompey and Caesar, society and culture in the late Roman Republic, the Augustan Principate, Tiberius and Gaius, Claudius and Nero, and economic and social life in the early Empire.Trade Review'Many things made and make From the Gracchi to Nero a great book: The lengthy chronological table in the front is ideal for study. Scullard's presentation is balanced and unprepossessing. The work breathes an air of confident, competent scholarship, and the extensive notes give a veritable snapshot of a great generation of English scholarship on Rome ...'– John Noël Dillon, University of Exeter, Bryn Mawr Classical ReviewPraise for the previous edition:'Still the best introduction to Roman history.'– Miriam Griffin, University of Oxford'The fundamental modern work of reference for teachers, sixth-formers and university students still ... the best and most reliable modern account of the period.' – Tim Cornell, University of Manchester'The most balanced, succinct account of the two most turbulent and written-about centuries of Roman history – the single best introduction to that period for students.' – G.H.R. Horsley, University of New EnglandTable of ContentsPrefacesForeword to the Routledge Classics edition1. Rome at the Cross-Roads2. The Gracchi3. The Rise and Fall of Marius4. The Rise and Fall of Sulla5. The Rise of Pompey6. Pompey and Caesar7. The Domination of Caesar8. The Second Triumvirate9. Economic and Social Life in Italy and theIXProvinces in the Late Republic10. Art, Literature and Thought in the Late Republic11.The Augustan Principate12. Frontiers and Provinces13. Tiberius and Gaius14. Claudius and Nero15. Economic and Social Life in the Early Empire16. Art, Literature and Religion in the Julio-Claudian Period.BibliographyIndex

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Book SynopsisThis new edition of Aspects of Roman History 31 BC- AD 117 provides an easily accessible guide to the history of the early Roman Empire. Taking the reader through the major political events of the crucial first 150 years of Roman imperial history, from the Empire's foundation under Augustus to the height of its power under Trajan, the book examines the emperors and key events that shaped Rome's institutions and political form. Blending social and economic history with political history, Richard Alston's revised edition leads students through important issues, introducing sources, exploring techniques by which those sources might be read, and encouraging students to develop their historical judgement. The book includes: chapters on each of the emperors in this period, exploring the successes and failures of each reign, and how these shaped the empire, sections on social and economic history, including the core issues of slavery, social Trade Review'This book is intended to provide an introductory overview of Roman Imperial history to students with little experience in its study.' - Oxon Book Review "...I would commend this revised edition of Aspects of Roman History 31 BC—AD 117 to anyone interested in engaging young (or enquiring) minds with the transformative history of the early imperial period, provoking an exchange of views in relation to the historical and intellectual significance for our age of a range of ideas and issues first promulgated under the aegis of post-republican Roman rule, or in need of arguments speaking to the relevance of studying Roman history in the digital century.." -Peter Keegan, Macquarie University, Australia "This new edition of Alston's contribution to Routledge's "Aspects of Classical Civilisation" series is an extraordinarily useful book for any student of the ancient Roman Empire… Summing Up: Highly recommended." -J.A.S. Evans, emeritus, University of British Columbia, Canada in CHOICE "...An essential book for any serious student of the Roman Empire, this will also prove interesting to armchair historians." - The NYMAS Review Table of ContentsList of illustrations Preface List of abbreviations 1. Rome Before Augustus 2. Augustus 3. Tiberius (AD 14–37) 4. Gaius Caligula (AD 37–41) 5. Claudius (AD 41–54) 6. Nero (AD 54–68) 7. Civil wars (AD 69–70) 8. Vespasian and Titus (AD 70–81) 9. Domitian (AD 81–96) 10. Nerva and Trajan (AD 96–117) 11. Society 12. The economy 13. Administration and Government 14. The Roman army and military policy 15. Family and Gender 16. Religion 17. Romanisation Glossary Further reading Index

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Book SynopsisDirk Booms is a curator of Roman archaeology at the British Museum. He has special interests in Roman architecture, sculpture, glass and inscriptions and is co-author of Roman Empire: Power and People (British Museum Press, 2013).Table of Contents1. Who put up inscriptions and why? • 2. The Latin language and its Latin script • 3. How to read inscriptions • 4. Imagery and inscription • 5. The art of the stone cutters • 6. Inscriptions today

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Book SynopsisHuman remains can answer all sorts of questions about our ancestors - what sort of diet they ate, what age they lived to, what sort of living conditions they experienced and how they died. The Neolithic is the earliest period from which significant numbers of human burials survive in Britain. This book looks at the history of the study of such burials and how new scientific techniques have massively expanded what we know about our Neolithic ancestors. As well as the treatment of the dead, issues such as health and subsistence are considered, along with evidence of conflict and also the extent to which the people of Neolithic Britain can be considered a distinct population. This is the only book specifically dedicated to human remains from the Neolithic and fills an important gap left by other books on the period.

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Book SynopsisThe story of the most famous revolt of the ancient world, and its legendary leader, Spartacus the Gladiator.Trade ReviewA thrilling account * INDEPENDENT *

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Book SynopsisThe Word Study Reference Bible includes 2,000 easy-to-use word studies with select Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek words explained in every chapter of the Bible. The new edition now includes the Topic-By-Topic articles to help with a practical framework for scripture and the Study the Book feature with notes on major themes and teaching of the Bible.

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Book SynopsisThe KJV Word Study Reference Bible balances deep study of the biblical languages with clear application to help transform the way you live. Uncover a wealth of meaning in Scripture with more than 2000 Greek and Hebrew word studies.Bring the words of Scripture to life and discover the richness and significance of the original languages of the Word of God. The KJV Word Study Reference Bible includes in-text subheadings and 2,000 easy-to-use word studies with select Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek words explained in every chapter from Genesis to Revelation. By looking into these ancient texts, we are able to read scripture as it was originally written and passed on from generation to generation. In addition, this Bible’s Topic-by-Topic studies give a practical framework for understanding scripture, along with more hel

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Book SynopsisThe KJV Word Study Reference Bible balances deep study of the biblical languages with clear application to help transform the way you live. Uncover a wealth of meaning in Scripture with more than 2000 Greek and Hebrew word studies.Bring the words of Scripture to life and discover the richness and significance of the original languages of the Word of God. The KJV Word Study Reference Bible includes in-text subheadings and 2,000 easy-to-use word studies with select Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek words explained in every chapter from Genesis to Revelation. By looking into these ancient texts, we are able to read scripture as it was originally written and passed on from generation to generation. In addition, this Bible’s Topic-by-Topic studies give a practical framework for understanding scripture, along with more hel

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