European history: the Romans Books

Book SynopsisIF YOU DON''T KNOW SIMON SCARROW, YOU DON''T KNOW ROME!UNDER THE EAGLE is the gripping first novel in Simon Scarrow''s bestselling EAGLES OF THE EMPIRE series. A must read for fans of Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden. Praise for Simon Scarrow''s compelling novels: ''Gripping and moving'' The TimesAD 42, Germany. Tough, brutal and unforgiving. That''s how new recruit Cato is finding life in the Roman Second Legion. He may have contacts in high places, but he could really use a friend amongst his fellow soldiers right now.Cato has been promoted above his comrades at the order of the Emperor and is deeply resented by the other men. But he quickly earns the respect of his Centurion, Macro, a battle-hardened veteran as rough and ready as Cato is quick-witted and well-educated. They are poles apart, but soon realise they have a lot to learn from one another.On a campaign to Britannia - a land of utter barbarity - an enduring fTrade ReviewPraise for Simon Scarrow: 'I really don't need this kind of competition... It's a great read' -- Bernard CornwellA satisfyingly bloodthirsty, bawdy romp...perfect for Bernard Cornwell addicts who will relish its historical detail and fast-paced action. Storming stuff * Good Book Guide *Scarrow's [novels] rank with the best * Independent *Gripping... ferocious and compelling, it is a story of blood, romance and sacrifice * Daily Express *Rollicking good fun * Mail on Sunday *[Simon Scarrow] blends together historical facts and characters to create a book that simply cannot be put down... Highly recommended * Historical Novels Review *

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Book SynopsisAD 43. Time is running out for Emperor Claudius's invasion force in Britannia. The second novel in Simon Scarrow's bestselling Eagles of the Empire series, which includes BRITANNIA, CENTURION and INVICTUS.Trade ReviewPraise for Simon Scarrow's novels: 'I really don't need this kind of competition... It's a great read' * Bernard Cornwell *Scarrow's [novels] rank with the best * Independent *Gripping and moving * The Times *A satisfyingly bloodthirsty, bawdy romp...perfect for Bernard Cornwell addicts who will relish its historical detail and fast-paced action. Storming stuff * Good Book Guide *Ferocious and compelling * Daily Express *A Rome full of HOUSE OF CARDS treachery... Roman soldiering at its very best - even by Scarrow's high standards - in this winning chunk of historical fiction * Sunday Sport *Rollicking good fun * Mail on Sunday *A fast-moving and exceptionally well-paced historical thriller * BBC History Magazine *

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Book SynopsisThe home of trusted Latin dictionaries for everyday language learning.A handy and affordable Latin to English and English to Latin dictionary for everyday use, including guidance on Latin grammar and insights into Roman culture. The clear layout allows for fast and easy access when you most need it. Ideal for use at home, in the office or in the classroom.More than 60,000 words and phrases and 80,000 translations.Extensive coverage of Latin for school exams, general reference and legal requirements. Contains a useful supplement of Latin verb conjugations, noun declensions, verbal nouns and adjectives, and irregular verbs making this the ideal revision aid. There is helpful coverage of Latin numbers, dates, money and measures and a list of key events in Roman history.

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Book SynopsisWalk a day in a Roman’s sandals ... What was it like to live in one of the ancient world’s most powerful and bustling cities – one that was eight times more densely populated than modern day New York? In this entertaining and enlightening guide, bestselling historian Philip Matyszak introduces us to 24 characters who lived and worked there. In each hour of the day we meet a new character – from a senator to a slave girl, a gladiator to an astrologer, watchmen to washerwomen – and discover the fascinating details of their daily lives.

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Book SynopsisTRAITORS OF ROME: THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERAn enthralling Cato and Macro adventure from bestselling author Simon Scarrow. Not to be missed by readers of Conn Iggulden and Bernard Cornwell. AD 56. Battle-hardened veterans of the Roman army Tribune Cato and Centurion Macro are garrisoned at the eastern border, aware that their movements are constantly monitored by spies from dangerous, mysterious Parthia. But the enemy within could be the deadliest threat to the Legion ... and the Empire. There''s a traitor in the ranks. Rome shows no mercy to those who betray their comrades, and the Empire. But first the guilty man must be discovered. Cato and Macro are in a race against time to expose the truth, while the powerful enemy over the border waits to exploit any weaknesses in the Legion. The traitor must die ... Praise for Simon Scarrow''s bestselling novels: ''Blood, gore, political intrigue...A historicaTrade ReviewPraise for Simon Scarrow's novels: 'Gripping... ferocious and compelling * Daily Express *A new book in Simon Scarrow's long-running series about the Roman army is always a joy * The Times *A new book in Simon Scarrow's long-running series about the Roman army is always a joy * Independent *I really don't need this kind of competition... It's a great read -- Bernard Cornwell

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Book SynopsisGibbon's Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, published between 1776 and 1788, is the undisputed masterpiece of English historical writing which can only perish with the language itself. Its length alone is a measure of its monumental quality: seventy-one chapters, of which twenty-eight appear in full in this edition. With style, learning and wit, Gibbon takes the reader through the history of Europe from the second century AD to the fall of Constantinople in 1453 - an enthralling account by 'the greatest of the historians of the Enlightenment'. This edition includes Gibbon's footnotes and quotations, here translated for the first time, together with brief explanatory comments, a precis of the chapters not included, 16 maps, a glossary, and a list of emperors.

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Book SynopsisIF YOU DON''T KNOW SIMON SCARROW, YOU DON''T KNOW ROME!THE EAGLE AND THE WOLVES is the gripping fourth novel in Simon Scarrow''s bestselling Eagles of the Empire series. Perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden. ''A new book in Simon Scarrow''s long-running series about the Roman army is always a joy'' The TimesBritannia, AD 44. Occupation is never easy. The enemy is butchering their supply convoys, their garrison town is starving and the truce with the locals is uneasy at best. Young Cato, newly promoted, and veteran centurion Macro are ordered to train the Wolves and the Boars, two cohorts of barbarian Britons, and introduce them to the brutal drills of the Roman Imperial Army. Macro is confident they''ll win the natives over, but Cato worries about putting weapons into the hands of potential rebels.Ultimately, only one thing matters: is there a difference between the enemy at their gates, and the allTrade ReviewPraise for Simon Scarrow's novels: 'I really don't need this kind of competition... It's a great read' -- Bernard CornwellScarrow's [novels] rank with the best * Independent *Ferocious and compelling * Daily Express *Gripping and moving * The Times *A satisfyingly bloodthirsty, bawdy romp...perfect for Bernard Cornwell addicts who will relish its historical detail and fast-paced action. Storming stuff * Good Book Guide *A Rome full of HOUSE OF CARDS treachery... Roman soldiering at its very best - even by Scarrow's high standards - in this winning chunk of historical fiction * Sunday Sport *Rollicking good fun * Mail on Sunday *A fast-moving and exceptionally well-paced historical thriller * BBC History Magazine *

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Book SynopsisAt its height the Roman Empire stretched across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, maintained by an army of modest size but great diversity. In popular culture these soldiers are often portrayed in a generic fashion,but continuing research indicates significant variations in Roman armour and equipment not only between different legions and the provincially-raised auxiliary cohorts that made up half of the army, but also between different regions within the empire. With reference to the latest archaeological and documentary evidence Dr D''Amato investigates how Roman Army units in the Western provinces were equipped, exploring the local influences and traditions that caused the variations in attire.Table of ContentsIntroduction/ Chronology/ The borders and the Roman army/ Distribution of the Roman army in the Western Provinces of Europe and North Africa: legiones, auxilia, numeri, vexillationes/ Table of identified units/ Arms, equipment and clothing in the Western Provinces: Belgica, Britannia, Aquitania, Gallia Lugdunensis, Gallia Narbonensis, Germania Inferior, Germania Superior, Raetia, Alpes Poeninae, Alpes Maritimae, Alpes Cottiae, Italia, Sicilia, Sardinia; Noricum, Pannonia, Dalmatia, Tarraconensis, Baetica, Lusitania; Africa, Mauretania Tingitana, and Mauretania Caesariensis/ Bibliography

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Book SynopsisTable of ContentsIntroduction /Chronology /Historical background /Organization of the Late Roman Navy /Warships and boats /Fighting on the sea: Roman naval tactics during the Late Empire /Employment in war /Glossary /Bibliography

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Book SynopsisThis intriguing book describes the Romans'' formidably warlike enemies in modern Romania and Bulgaria their ''most illustrated'' opponents, thanks to friezes on Trajan''s Column and carvings on Trajan''s Adamklissi monument.Formidable warriors, able to field tens of thousands of infantry and cavalry and led by a military aristocracy, the Dacians and Getae presented a real threat to Rome''s north-eastern frontier. They inflicted several defeats on Rome, crossing the Danube to invade the province of Moesia, and later stubbornly resisting counter-invasions from their strong mountain fortresses.Historians believe that the Dacians and Getae were essentially the same group of tribes during successive periods, related to Thracian tribes from territory south of the Carpathian Mountains, but their exact relationship in place and time is a subject for debate. Those called the ''Getae'' by ancient Greek sources were actively expanding by at least the 4th century BC; somTrade Reviewwell-produced, extensively illustrated and carefully edited little book. * Army Rumour Service *Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION SELECT CHRONOLOGY THE GETAE AND DACI IN ANCIENT SOURCES SOCIAL STRUCTURES ARMIES CAMPAIGNS APPEARANCE MILITARY EQUIPMENT AND USE SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY PLATE COMMENTARIES INDEX

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Book SynopsisOvid's Metamorphoses gains its ideal twenty-first-century herald in Stanley Lombardo's bracing translation of a wellspring of Western art and literature that is too often treated, even by poets, as a mere vehicle for the scores of myths it recasts and transmits rather than as a unified work of art with epic-scale ambitions of its own. Such misconceptions are unlikely to survive a reading of Lombardo's rendering, which vividly mirrors the brutality, sadness, comedy, irony, tenderness, and eeriness of Ovid's vast world as well as the poem’s effortless pacing. Under Lombardo's spell, neither Argus nor anyone else need fear nodding off.The translation is accompanied by an exhilarating Introduction by W. R. Johnson that unweaves and reweaves many of the poem’s most important themes while showing how the poet achieves some of his most brilliant effects.An analytical table of contents, a catalog of transformations, and a glossary are also included.Trade ReviewStanley Lombardo successfully matches Ovid's human drama, imaginative brio, and irresistible momentum; and Ralph Johnson’s superb Introduction to Ovid's 'narratological paradise' is a bonus to this new and vigorous translation that should not be missed. Together, Introduction and text bring out the delightful unpredictability of Ovid's 'history of the world' down to his times.--Elaine Fantham, Giger Professor of Latin, Emerita, Princeton UniversityLombardo's translation is the most readable I’ve seen. . . . Its language is modern, accessible, and unpretentious. . . . I can imagine reading all the way through this version with students. I also admire the catalog of transformations . . . and, as usual, an Introduction by Ralph Johnson is worth the price of the book.--Margaret Musgrove, University of Central OklahomaA superb teaching text. The translation is readable, witty, and very accessible to today’s students. The glossary is useful, and Johnson’s essay is a great introduction to Ovid.--John Makowski, Loyola University, Chicago

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Book SynopsisIs the world better off without Christianity?Combining narrative with keen critique of contemporary debates, author and historian John Dickson gives an honest account of 2,000 years of Christian history that helps us understand what Christianity is and what it''s meant to be.To say that the Christian Church has an image problem doesn''t quite capture it. From the Crusades and the Inquisition to the racism and abuse present in today''s Church--both in Catholic and Protestant traditions--the institution that Christ established on earth has a lot to answer for. But the Church has also had moments throughout history when it has been in tune with Jesus'' teachings--from the rise of charity to the invention of hospitals.For defenders of the faith, it''s important to be able to recognize the good and bad in the church''s history and be inspired to live aligned with Christ. For skeptics, this book is a thought-provoking introduction to the idea that Chr

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Book SynopsisGorgeous Collector's Edition. Ancient Rome began as a village of humble dwellings on the Palatine and grew to be one of the mightiest and most successful empires of human history, before collapsing in the West under invasions of barbarian nations attracted by Rome's wealth and land, over a thousand years later. The legacy of Rome continues in the languages of modern Europe, in the calendar and the alphabet we use, and in the religion called Christianity which remains the dominant faith throughout the Western world. In this book you'll find thrilling stories of the legendary founding of Rome, its conquest of Italy and its victory over the Carthaginians, the rise of the Republic and the Empire, the recruitment and training of men for the legions, how the city's aqueducts worked, the destruction of Rome in the Great Fire, and the extraordinary lives of the most famous Caesars. Flame Tree Collector's Editions present the foundations of speculative fiction: authors, myths, tales and history without which the imaginative literature of the twentieth century would not exist, bringing the best, most influential and most fascinating works into a striking and collectable library. Each book features a new Introduction and a Glossary of Terms or lists of Ancient Leaders.

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Book SynopsisThe story of one of the most brilliant, flamboyant and historically important men who ever lived.''A superb achievement'' LITERARY REVIEW''Combines scholarship with storytelling to bring the ancient world to life: in his masterly new CAESAR he shows us the greatest Roman as man, statesman, soldier and lover'' Simon Sebag Montefiore''Magnificent'' DAILY TELEGRAPHFrom the very beginning, Caesar''s story makes dazzling reading. In his late teens he narrowly avoided execution for opposing the military dictator Sulla. He was decorated for valour in battle, captured and held to ransom by pirates, and almost bankrupted himself by staging games for the masses. As a politician, he quickly gained a reputation as a dangerously ambitious maverick. By his early 30s he had risen to the position of Consul, and was already beginning to dominate the Senate. His affairs with noblewomen were both frequent and scandalous.His greaTrade ReviewGoldsworthy's magnificent biography places Caesar in the context of the Roman world and shows why we return to the great man * DAILY TELEGRAPH *Goldsworthy is renowned as a military historian, but his coverage here of messy late Republican politics is also authoritative and clear. He gives us a colourful sense of the wider world and Roman society at this time, and above all, the commanding, unmistakeable presence of the timelessly fascinating man himself * INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY *Adrian Goldsworthy's account of this extraordinary period is a superb achievement. He writes at length and in detail, but with a light touch, never allowing the complexities to obscure the sharpness of the story line...It is a model of the way ancient biographies should be written * LITERARY REVIEW *Goldsworthy is the one of the new generation of young classicists who combine scholarship with storytelling to bring the ancient world to life: in his masterly new CAESAR he shows us the greatest Roman as man, statesman, soldier and lover -- Simon Sebag MontefioreThe analysis of Caesar's generalship is predictably excellent, the account of the Gallic wars, in particular, has rarely been bettered * SPECTATOR *This admirable biography... is so lucid, so comprehensive and so balanced -- Allan Massie * DAILY TELEGRAPH *A compelling biography of Julius Caesar, charting his fantastically eventful life * FINANCIAL TIMES *Goldsworthy is a fine military historian and his account of the Gallic Wars is exemplary * INDEPENDENT *[Goldsworthy] is careful and judicious in his analyses, seeking to integrate the man of action, the scholar, the showman, the lover, legal reformer, town planner * THE TABLET *Adrian Goldsworthy's 519-page work certainly does justice to the scale of his subject, and the evidence is masterfully assembled -- Boris Johnson * MAIL ON SUNDAY *Richness of detail illuminates to great effect the risk-taking, self-promotion and sheer force of will that fuelled Caesar's extraordinary career * BBC HISTORY MAGAZINE *A thorough and wide-ranging biography of a legendary figure * DAILY EXPRESS *Highly enjoyable... [Goldsworthy] writes well, and with real authority -- Simon Heffer * COUNTRY LIFE *Goldsworthy's magnificent biography places Caesar in the context of the Roman world and shows why we return to the great man. -- Toby Clements * Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisThe first full-scale history of Theoderic and the Goths in more than seventy-five years, tracing the transformation of a divided kingdom into a great powerTrade Review“Hans-Ulrich Wiemer’s Theoderic the Great: King of Goths, Ruler of Romans is a monumental exploration of the life and times of this remarkable leader. It is the most important treatment of its subject since Wilhelm Ensslin’s 1947 biography, and since Mr. Wiemer’s book (here in John Noël Dillon’s fluid English translation) surpasses its predecessor in breadth and sophistication, the author can claim the laurel of having written the best profile of Theoderic we have.”—Kyle Harper, Wall Street Journal“Thanks to John Noël Dillon’s magnificent translation, which came out this year, Theoderic’s world, in all its complexity, can now be reached by an Anglophone audience.”—Samuel Rubenstein, Engelsberg Ideas, “Books of the Year 2023”“[A] meticulously researched and superbly presented argument. . . . This is a book which offers much to inspire any reader and gives Theoderic the foundation he emphatically deserves.”—David M. Gwyn, History Today“An intellectual feast. A sobering portrait of a much caricatured king, sensitive to the many resonances of his Roman and Gothic worlds.”—Douglas Boin, author of Alaric the Goth“So much more than biography, this masterly survey is a window into an entire world at a moment of extreme change, when the western Roman empire had fallen and the future was unwritten. An indispensable book.”—Michael Kulikowski, author of The Tragedy of Empire: From Constantine to the Destruction of Roman Italy“The English translation of Hans-Ulrich Wiemer’s path-breaking study of Theoderic the Great is most welcome. This is a major new view of Theoderic that shows his importance to Gothic and Roman worlds. John Noël Dillon’s translation is excellent.”—Michele Renee Salzman, author of The Falls of Rome: Crises, Resilience, and Resurgence in Late Antiquity“This meticulously researched, lucidly written, and beautifully translated book goes in search of the nature and legacy of Theodoric’s reign in Italy. Wiemer explores concepts of migration, tolerance, cultural segregation, and the twilight of empires.”—Julia Hillner, author of Helena Augusta: Mother of the Empire“This beautifully written and immensely useful book offers a lively narrative that readers will find invaluable, and a pleasure to read.”—Kate Cooper, author of Queens of a Fallen World

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Book SynopsisHannibal is “an exciting biography of one of history’s greatest commanders…a thrilling page-turner” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) about the brilliant general who successfully crossed the Alps with his war elephants and brought Rome to its knees, and who is still regarded today as one of the greatest military strategists in history.Hannibal Barca of Carthage, born 247 BC, was one of the great generals of the ancient world. His father, Hamilcar, imposed Carthaginian rule over much of present-day Spain. After Hamilcar led the Carthaginian forces against Rome in the First Punic War, Hannibal followed in his father’s footsteps. From the time he was a teenager, Hannibal fought against Rome. He is famed for leading Carthage’s army across North Africa, into Spain, along the Mediterranean coast, and then crossing the Alps with his army and war elephants. Hannibal won victories in northern Italy by outmaneuvering his Roman adversaries and defeated a larger Roman army at the battle of Cannae in 216 BC. Unable to force Rome to capitulate, however, he was eventually forced to leave Italy and return to Carthage when a savvy Roman general named Scipio invaded North Africa. Hannibal and Scipio fought an epic battle at Zama, which Hannibal lost. Many Carthaginians blamed Hannibal, who was exiled until his death. Hannibal is still regarded as a military genius. Napoleon, George Patton, and Norman Schwarzkopf, Jr. are only some of the generals who studied and admired him. His strategy and tactics are still taught in military academies. “With wonderful energy…archeologist and historian Patrick Hunt distills his survey of literature about the Second Punic War into a brightly dramatic story that covers virtually every anecdote connected with Hannibal” (The Christian Science Monitor). “Hunt’s story of the doomed general, whose exploits are more celebrated than those of his vanquishers, will appeal to any reader interested in military history or strategy” (Publishers Weekly).Trade Review“Patrick Hunt's Hannibal is a rare combination of impeccable scholarship and good writing. Knowing what the author knows, this biography could have been 900 pages long; instead it hits the scales at below 300, the perfect fighting weight for one of history's most lethal combatants.” -- Robert L. O’Connell, author of The Ghosts of Cannae"The book is particularly illuminating in discussing Hannibal’s famous crossing of the Alps in 218 B.C. . . . Hunt excels in his descriptions of battles.” -- Thomas E. Ricks * The New York Times Book Review *"An exciting biography of one of history's greatest commanders. . . . A thrilling page-turner about one of history's most brilliant strategists and tacticians." * Kirkus Reviews (starred review) *“Patrick Hunt is one of the world’s greatest experts on Hannibal. He brings that magnificent commander to life, with verve and in detail, in this wonderful book. Hannibal is must reading for all students of military history.” -- Barry Strauss, Cornell University, author of The Death of Caesar: The Story of History’s Most Famous Assassination“From opening anecdote to closing argument, Hunt’s biography engages fully with both Hannibal the legend and Hannibal the man—telling us what can and should be known about the man while acknowledging the ambiguities and contradictions of the legend. Was Hannibal a military genius or a lucky gambler, a self-propelled comet or the instrument of fate, a figure of terror or of pathos? All of these, and much more.” -- Steven Saylor, author of the New York Times bestseller Roma: The Novel of Ancient Rome“Hannibal relates the famous general’s story with wonderful energy. . . . Archeologist and historian Patrick Hunt distills his survey of literature about the Second Punic War into a brightly dramatic story that covers virtually every anecdote connected with Hannibal.” * The Christian Science Monitor *"Hannibal, thoroughly researched and written in an engaging style, tells the story of this remarkable military strategist. Over the past 25 years, Patrick Hunt has walked every battlefield and trekked over 30 of the probable Alps passes that Hannibal may have used. . . . The reader is treated to a ‘you are there,’ action-packed historical adventure." -- Major General Robert B. Ostenberg, U.S. Army (Ret.)

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"An original and remarkably complete portrait ... give[s] a marvellous picture of the evolution, complexity, and decline of the ancient city."--James E. Packer, Journal of Roman Archaeology "Magnificent ... an impressive monument of historical outreach."--T. P. Wiseman, Journal of Roman Studies

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Book SynopsisA copiously illustrated guide to the monarchs of the British Isles and Ireland from pre-Saxon times to the present, complete with concise genealogical charts and details of key historical events.The book is divided into five sections, together with a Compendium at the end.Part One, presents information about Pre-Saxon rule, including details about ancient British chiefs, Roman rulers and the Roman Conquest. Part Two provides information about Scotland, Ireland and Wales, with sections on Robert I and the Wars of Independence, The Union of the Crowns, the Princes of Wales and the High Kingship of Ireland.Part Three discusses the Saxons, Normans and Plantagenets. Part Four gives details about the Tudors and Stuarts. Part Five presents an in-depth discussion of the houses from Hanover to Windsor.Parts Two to Five provide all the essential information you will need to know about Kings and Queens including details of birth, parents, accession to the throne, coronation, authority, personal sTrade Review‘A must-have resource for writers, teachers, everyone! Everything you need to know about the Kings and Queens of England is right here in this tiny volume. If you can’t keep your Edwards or Henrys straight, you need this pocket book’.Amazon

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Book SynopsisIF YOU DON''T KNOW SIMON SCARROW, YOU DON''T KNOW ROME!WHEN THE EAGLE HUNTS is the compelling third novel in Simon Scarrow''s bestselling Eagles of the Empire series. For fans of Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden. ''Scarrow''s [novels] rank with the best'' IndependentBritannia, AD 44. Cato, a thoughtful junior officer in the Roman army, and his commanding centurion, Macro, are simply pawns in Rome''s lust to conquer Britain. During the freezing winter, the two men and their legion fight the native savages in hand-to-hand battles that haunt Cato for days after.But in a place full of enemies, the most vicious are the Druids of the Dark Moon; brutal, merciless men who have captured the wife and children of General Plautius himself.So Macro and Cato are given a mission: to travel deep into enemy territory and recover the hostages. If they fail, the fate of the Roman army may just hang in the balance...Trade ReviewPraise for Simon Scarrow's novels: 'I really don't need this kind of competition... It's a great read' -- Bernard CornwellScarrow's [novels] rank with the best * Independent *Gripping and moving * The Times *A satisfyingly bloodthirsty, bawdy romp...perfect for Bernard Cornwell addicts who will relish its historical detail and fast-paced action. Storming stuff * Good Book Guide *Ferocious and compelling * Daily Express *A Rome full of HOUSE OF CARDS treachery... Roman soldiering at its very best - even by Scarrow's high standards - in this winning chunk of historical fiction * Sunday Sport *Rollicking good fun * Mail on Sunday *A fast-moving and exceptionally well-paced historical thriller * BBC History Magazine *

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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 SynopsisNiccolò Machiavelli provides a remarkably uncompromising picture of the true nature of power, no matter what era or by whom it is exercised. Part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library, a series of stunning, clothbound, pocket-sized classics with gold-foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover. This edition features an afterword by Oliver Francis.Drawing on examples from the ancient Greeks and Romans and from Machiavelli’s contemporaries, The Prince offers – some believed with satirical intent – advice on how a ruler should preserve his power, conduct and warfare, and maintain his reputation. Machiavelli not only influenced many of the great statesmen of his age, but was also one of the founding fathers of modern political thought. The Prince, written in 1513 and published in 1532, is one of the most famous pieces of writing of all time.Trade ReviewFew books have attracted such an influential readership as The Prince -- Michael Arditti * Telegraph *Machiavelli was showing how to achieve power and hold on to it -- Lesley McDowellAt a time when pious drivel, feckless rhetoric and fatal arrogance too often rule the affairs of us all, a realist dollop of Machiavellianism might well be added to the cauldron of post-modern statecraft -- Ronald K. L. Collins * Washington Independent Review of Books *

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Book SynopsisThis book presents the results of the first systematic archaeological study of Roman peasants. It examines the spaces, architecture, diet, agriculture, market interactions, and movement habitus of non-elite rural dwellers in a region of southern Tuscany, Italy, during the Roman period. Volume 1 presents the excavation data from eight non-elite rural sites including a farm, a peasant house, animal stall/work huts, a ceramics factory, field drains, and a site of uncertain function, here framed as individual chapters complete with finds analysis. Volume 2 examines this data synthetically in thematic chapters addressing land use, agriculture, diet, markets, and movement. The results suggest a different, more sophisticated Roman peasant than heretofore assumed. The data suggests that Roman peasants particularly in the first century BC/AD built specialized sites distributed throughout the landscape to maximize use of diverse land parcels. This has important implications for the interpretation of field survey data, the estimate of rural demographics from that survey, and assumptions about the long-term changes to human settlement. It also points to an important moment of agricultural intensification in this period, a contention beginning to be supported by other studies. The project also identified sophisticated systems of land use, including crop rotation and an important investment in animal agriculture. This work presents the first systematic data from Roman Italy for rural consumption, tracking the fine wares made at a production site to local sites nearby. This supports the largely theoretical problematizing of the so-called consumer city model and suggests the potential importance of rural aggregate demand. Movement studies, based on finds from the sites themselves, describe a more mobile population than anticipated, engaged in quotidian and long-distance movement patterns, supported by the small but steady stream of imports and exports into and out of this seemingly liminal region. The book concludes by addressing the implications of this new data for major questions in Roman social and economic history.Trade Review"This volume is the rich and complex publication of an even richer and more complex project...The Roman Peasant Project shows just how far archaeological evidence can be pushed, especially in collaboration with archaeological scientists, and how much farther it goes when all the separate strands of evidence are combined, and considered together, rather than occupying catalogues at the end of a volume. The work is a milestone in the history of Roman agriculture in Italy." * Bryn Mawr Classical Review *

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Book SynopsisA fully-outfitted edition of Prokopios' late Antique masterpiece of military history and ethnography--for the 21st-century reader."At last . . . the translation that we have needed for so long: a fresh, lively, readable, and faithful rendering of Prokopios' Wars, which in a single volume will make this fundamental work of late ancient history-writing accessible to a whole new generation of students." --Jonathan Conant, Brown UniversityTrade Review"[A] fluent and accurate rendering of an often complex text . . . of central importance to late Roman and Byzantine history. Prokopios will finally take his rightful place alongside historians of the ancient world such as Thucydides and Polybius." --John F. Haldon, Princeton University"Kaldellis is a gifted translator and a talented historian. . . [His] introduction situates the Wars very well, summarizing the latest scholarship, much of it Kaldellis' own. Kaldellis writes with authority on the author, his writings, and the armies of Justinian; he also directs the reader to the classical authors--Thucydides, Herodotus and Xenophon--whose methods and works shaped Procopius' narrative and from which he chose templates to structure his set pieces, most famously an account of the plague of 542. This is an impeccable work of the greatest value. Its many maps are superb. It will certainly be used by scholars, even those with good Greek, for its copious erudite notes, both historical and literary. Most impressive are the countless references to classical sources, making this also an elucidation of Byzantine learning in the sixth century." --Paul Stephenson, Radboud University Nijmegen"I used a pre-publication version of Anthony Kaldellis’s translation of Prokopios’ Wars last spring for my class at Georgetown on the reign of Justinian. We read the whole translation cover to cover, and the students benefitted greatly from having a single handy volume of the Wars (vs. having to buy all the Loebs or, worse, an abridged translation). Our unanimous conclusion in the class was that Kaldellis’s translation is accurate, readable, and authoritative. The notes are invaluable helps to understanding the details of the more technical sections, especially in their lucid explanations of the warfare, geography, and complex political machinations of the late Roman state. One great benefit of Kaldellis, over the Dewing translation, is that he sees clearly the elements of the Wars that could be stumbling blocks for students. He focuses his notes on what is most important to know so that they can read with fluency one of the great histories of the ancient world. Kaldellis obviously cares deeply, based on years of teaching experience, that students actually enjoy Prokopios, as much students in past generations have enjoyed Herodotus and Thucydides. In other words, Kaldellis’s translation puts Prokopios in his rightful historiographical company within the classroom. The maps are masterful and serve as a necessary and elucidating complement to the translation. Likewise, the diagrams of battles, crisp in-text images (of coins and monuments), and the lavish appendices, with genealogies and chronological lists of rulers, fill this volume to the brim with useful tools for both teacher and student. The index is also remarkably copious and detailed. All in all, this is a volume that is specifically designed, by a master of the discipline, to inspire students to relish Late Antiquity and Byzantium. I can think of no better single translation to hook readers on the captivating world of late antique historiography and, especially, on Prokopios as its most talented exemplar." --Scott Johnson, Georgetown University

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Book SynopsisA classicist best known for his translations of Homer, Sappho, Hesiod, and Callimachus returns to Roman poetry, offering a resonant new Aeneid.Trade ReviewAdapting words of the ancient critic Longinus, [Lombardo] refers to the intense light of noon of the Iliad, the magical glow of the setting sun in the Odyssey, and the chiaroscuro of the Aeneid, a darkness visible. This latter phrase is the title of a famous interpretation of the Aeneid by W. R. Johnson, who contributes a splendid essay to the translation. Whether recited or read, the present volume stands as another fine performance on Lombardo's part. Summing up: Highly recommended. --C. Fantazzi, CHOICELombardo . . . tends to let Virgil be Virgil, and so avoids imposing unwarranted interpretation on the unwary reader. . . . [W.R. Johnson's] introduction is masterful and illuminating. --Hayden Pelliccia, The New York Review of BooksCrisp, idiomatic, and precise, this is a translation for our era. The list of further reading, grounded in the writings of W.R. Johnson (who also wrote the Introduction) and Michael C. J. Putnam, suggests the context that informs the translation: here, as the translator says in the Preface, you will find an Aeneid that works more in the shadows than in the light. . . . This translation would be excellent for classroom use: not only would it incite fascinating discussions about issues of war and empire, but it also reads well aloud. . . . Together with Johnson's Introduction, this volume offers the Aeneid in terms that will resonate strongly with the general reader of today. --Sarah Spence, New England Classical Journal

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Book SynopsisEasily the most celebrated historical work in English, Gibbon's account of the Roman empire was in its time a landmark in classical and historical scholarship and remains a remarkable fresh and powerful contribution to the interpretation of Roman history more than two hundred years after its first appearance. Its fame, however, rests more on the exceptional clarity, scope and force of its argument, and the brilliance of its style, which is still a delight to read. Furthermore, both argument and style embody the Enlightenment values of rationality, lucidity and order to which Gibbon so passionately subscribed and to which his HISTORY is such a magnificent monument.

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Book SynopsisBy one of the foremost historians and translators in the field of Classics, Peter Green—an authoritative, modern translation of a long-neglected historian whose work covers the most vital century in ancient Greek history.Table of Contents Preface Abbreviations Introduction Diodorus Siculus: The Bibliothêkê Book 11: 480-451 BCE Book 12: 450-415 BCE Book 13: 415-405 BCE Book 14.1-34: 404-401 BCE Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisIn this pioneering study, Ralph W. Mathisen examines the "fall" in one part of the western Empire, Gaul, to better understand the shift from Roman to Germanic power that occurred in the region during the fifth century A.D.Trade ReviewI can warmly recommend Mathisen's latest book to all students of the western provinces in Late Antiquity. It is a well-planned, well-presented, lucid and illuminating work that confidently gathers together ideas that Mathisen and other scholars . . . have been floating for the last few years, and takes them to a very satisfying conclusion. In brief, Mathisen provides an excellent summary of recent research in his field . . . enlivened by his own interpretation of a number of important issues. * International Journal of the Classical Tradition *Table of ContentsPreface Introduction. The Barbarians in Gaul: In Search of an Identity Part One. Setting the Stage: Romans and Barbarians in Conflict Chapter One. The Aristocratic Background of Late Roman Gaul Chapter Two. Gaul, Italy, and Isolationism in the Fifth Century Chapter Three. The Barbarian Settlement: Impressions of Harassment, Interference, and Oppression Part Two. Immediate Responses: The Disruption of Old Institutions Chapter Four. The Intellectual Response: Conflicting Perceptions of the Barbarians Chapter Five. Gallic Traditionalists and the Continued Pursuit of the Roman Ideal Chapter Six. Flight and Dislocation, Emigrants and Exiles Chapter Seven. Between Romania and Barbaria: The Barbarian Alternative Chapter Eight. Conflicting Loyalties: Collaborators, Traitors, and the Betrayal of Territory Part Three. Coming to Terms with the Barbarians: The Restructuring of the Gallo-Roman Aristocracy Chapter Nine. The Acquisition of Church Office and the Rise of an Ecclesiastical Aristocracy Chapter Ten. The Pursuit of Literary Studies: A Unifying Element Chapter Eleven. Coming to Terms with the Barbarians Chapter Twelve. The Final Resolution: Aristocratic Options in Post-Roman Gaul Epilogue Appendix A. Roman Emperors Appendix B. Barbarian Rulers Glossary Abbreviations Notes Primary Bibliography Secondary Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThis pathfinding study looks at how homicide was treated in Roman law from the Roman monarchy through the dictatorship of Sulla (ca. 753–79 BC) to show how criminal law can reveal important aspects of the nature and evolution of political power.Trade ReviewOverall, this is an enjoyable and well-researched work, which offers an interesting hypothesis that I hope will be a useful addition to the wider debate on Roman law. As stated above, however, one of its greatest strengths is its consideration of the wider implications of homicide in Roman society. Accordingly, it sheds a fascinating new light on the wider issues of power in the republican period and beyond. * Bryn Mawr Classical Review *Table of Contents Abbreviations Preface Acknowledgments Introduction Chapter One: Killing and the King Chapter Two: Power of Life and Death: Pater and Res Publica Chapter Three: Killing and the Law, 509-450 B.C.E. Chapter Four: Murder Was Not a Crime, 449-81 B.C.E. Chapter Five: Capital Jurisdiction, 449-81 B.C.E. Chapter Six: License to Kill Chapter Seven: Centralization of Power and Sullan Ambiguity Epilogue Notes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisFocussing on how the Romans made Europe work as a homogenous civilisation and looking at why we are failing to make the EU work in modern times, this is an authoritative and amusing study from bestselling author Boris Johnson.In addition to his roles as politician, editor, author and television presenter, Boris Johnson is a passionate Roman scholar. The recent Dream of Rome' TV series saw him travelling throughout the Roman Empire in order to uncover the secrets of the governance of the empire, and the reasons behind why the Romans held such power and prestige for so long.Fiercely interested in Europe and the current issues facing the European Union, Boris Johnson will look at the lessons we could learn from the Romans and how we could apply them to our modern politics.Boris Johnson was the editor of the Spectator, MP for Henley and is now the new Shadow Minister for Education. He writes a column for the Daily Telegraph and lives in London and Oxfordshire with his wife and their childrTrade Review'As an introduction to the history of the Roman empire, this book is hugely stimulating. I read it in two sittings, completely gripped. If Ruth Kelly has an ounce of sense, she will make this book compulsory reading for every 16-year old in the country.' Toby Young, New Statesman 'History comes alive only when written from the heart and Johnson's is full of swashbuckling japes, bloodthirsty yells and energetic sideswipes.' Craig Brown, Mail on Sunday 'Written with all the wit and zest that have helped to make him Britain's favourite celebrity MP.' Tom Holland, Daily Telegraph 'Johnson has not been intimidated by dry classics masters: his style is bright, breezy, populist and pacy.' The Times 'Described with his special combination of sharp-eyed intelligence and golly-gosh exclamation…the sublime and the bizarre are richly represented in this portrayal of ancient Rome…a splendid romp through the Roman world.' Sunday Telegraph 'Lovers of Latin and ancient history unite! At long last there is a warm, funny, erudite introduction to the Roman empire…The success of “The Dream of Rome” lies in the modern twang of the author. It is an art Boris Johnson has to perfection…a marvellous reader-friendly account of Rome.' Independent

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Book SynopsisThe most famous and influential collection of legal materials in world history, now available in a four-volume English-language paperback edition.Trade Review"Definitive." * The Retainer *"A landmark." * Religious Studies Review *"Superb." * Texas Bar Journal *

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Book SynopsisFrom a small Iron Age settlement on the banks of the Tiber, Rome grew to become the centre of an Empire that dominated the Western world. Powerful in war, Rome was magnificent in peace, so that even today her poets, artists, philosophers and historians exert their influence over Western thought and civilisation.Michael Grant, the renowned classical historian, recreates the evolution of this astonishing city and community. He describes the individuals and events that made Rome a political and cultural conqueror, and defines the dramatic circumstances of her eventual decline and fall.

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThese five new translations . . . take to its logical, lively conclusion the long-held but oft-ignored reality that Plautus and Terence were writers for the stage. These versions have verve: playability, liveliness, accessibility, unlike anything on library shelves today. Of modern-day attempts at Plautus-inspired music, for example, only Stephen Sondheim has excelled the inspired zaniness of Douglass Parker’s lyrics. There is much virtue to be measured here. . . . After reading these plays we might spend considerable thought on the possibility that conservative translations in the style of Barsby are less authentic--if such a thing can be measured--than those of Berg and Parker. . . . This is a deceptively important book, meriting a wide, attentive readership. . . . [Berg and Parker's] theater-friendly versions offer a vision of the future of Roman comedy, both scholarly and popular. The profession will be well repaid to take an appreciative look. --David Frauenfelder, North Carolina State UniversityDeena Berg and Douglass Parker’s Plautus & Terence: Five Comedies is a fascinating postmodernist rendition of some of the most postmodernist--metatheatrical, self-referential, sophisticated, stylized--literature classical antiquity has to offer. The sparkling and eminently performable translations are a hard act to precede, but the translator’s delightful introductions are a worthy match for their subjects. . . . Highly recommended. --John Wright, Northwestern UniversityThis splendid sampling of Roman comedy is particularly welcome because Parker and Berg have combined the best known (and perhaps finest) comedies of Plautus and Terence (The Brothers Menaechmus, here 'Double Bind,' and Miles Gloriosus, here 'Major Blowhard,' and Adelphoe, 'The Brothers') with two rarer and rather special comedies: 'The Wild Wild Women,' Plautus' exuberant Bacchides, and 'The Mother-in-Law' (Hecyra), perhaps Terence's most modern comedy, important as evidence from ancient comedy for the evolution of the sentimental or psychological drama of everyday life. The translators are to be congratulated on their choices and their truly up-to-date versions; Parker is a veteran whose punning wit and swashbuckling idiom in his very actable Plautus scripts contrast nicely with the simple elegance of Berg's Terence." —Elaine Fantham, Princeton UniversityTable of ContentsMajor Blowhard = Miles Gloriosus. Double bind = Menaechmi. The wild, wild women = Bacchides / Plautus -- The mother-in-law = Hecyra. The brothers = Adelphoe / Terence.

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Book SynopsisThis essential document for the study of Roman history traces the story of Rome from Romulus and the foundations of Rome to the reign of the Emperor Tiberius. It is especially valuable to historians and students for its vivid eyewitness account of the dramatic years that saw the Roman Empire emerge from the chaos left by the shattered Republic.Rendered with the non-specialist in mind, the translation—the first English language translation in nearly ninety years—seeks to remain faithful to the original while avoiding technical and obscure jargon.The volume includes a substantial introduction to Velleius' life and times, and to the literary context of his historical work, as well as generous and detailed notes on the text, a bibliography, map, glossary of unfamiliar terms, and an index.Trade ReviewNo study of the Augustan or Tiberian age can (or should) now begin without taking account of what Velleius tells us. --David Potter, University of Michigan

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Book SynopsisIncluding names, dates, edition citations, and detailed summaries, the work combines the virtues of an encyclopedia with the critical intelligence readers have come to expect from Italy's leading Latinist, Gian Biagio Conte.Trade ReviewConte gives the sort of biographical and historical information that might be expected in a book of this type, but with a more sophisticated awareness of the fragility of much of it than one finds in many other text books. He also gives an unfailingly intelligent and interesting account of the works themselves... His mastery of the vast range of literature that he covers is remarkable. -- Jasper Griffin New York Review of Books It will quickly become not only the preferred textbook but the standard resource for mainstream evaluations of the major surviving Latin authors through the early Middle Ages... Conte covers this era by discussing the principle writers in Latin with a remarkably concise thoroughness. Reader's Review Conte has achieved a monumental feat most scholars would shrink from attempting... [With] its relish for forgotten or underrated authors and its tight focus on cultural significance, his history shows the restlessness many late 20th-century Latinists feel with the state of their subject. -- Emily Gowers London Review of BooksTable of ContentsForewordPrefaceAcknowledgmentsIntroduction: Literary History and HistoriographyPart 1: The Early and Middle RepublicsPart 2: The Late RepublicPart 3: The Age of AugustusPart 4: The Early EmpirePart 5: The Late EmpireAppendixesIndex of names

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Book SynopsisThe work of the Christian scholar Lactantius provides an ideal lens through which to study how Rome became a Christian empire. Elizabeth DePalma Digeser shows how Lactantius'' Divine Institutesseditious in its timeresponded to the emperor Diocletian''s persecution and then became an important influence on Constantine the Great, Rome''s first Christian emperor.The Making of a Christian Empire is the first full-length book to interpret the Divine Institutes as a historical source. Exploring Lactantius'' use of theology, philosophy, and rhetorical techniques, Digeser perceives the Divine Institutes as a sophisticated proposal for a monotheistic state that intimately connected the religious policies of Diocletian and Constantine, both of whom used religion to fortify and unite the Roman Empire. For Digeser, Lactantius'' writings justify Constantine''s own attitude of tolerance toward pagans and casts light upon other puzzling features of Constantine''sTrade ReviewIn this richly textured study... Digeser constructs a challenging and... convincing picture of the tumultous first decades of the fourth century CE.... Even though this work will appeal mostly to those interested in historical and theological developments of this period, Digeser has done all she can, especially through her thorough discussions of bibliography, to make it accessible to the widest possible audience. Highly recommended. * Choice *This book is a first-class piece of historical scholarship, one with something to say to the specialist but fully accessible to the more generally informed reader as well. * Speculum *To write a book like the present one, an author must be willing to believe that ideas make history—perhaps, indeed, that nothing changes history so much as an idea. * American Historical Review *Digeser offers a fresh reading of Lactantius's Divine Institutes, considering its historical, rather than essentially theological value in the political and philosophical contexts of the late roman empire... Clearly argued, Digeser's provocative study offers additional insights into the complexities of imperial-Christian relations in late Antiquity, particularly of Constantine's religious policy, and should appeal to any reader interested in this critical period of transition. * Religious Studies Review *Digeser seeks to answer the mystery of how the Roman Empire changed from persecution of Christianity to toleration in six short years (305–311)... She is at her best in tracing the parallels between Porphyry's attack on Christianity, Constantine's rhetoric of support, and the text of Lactantius's Divine Institutes. Her text sparkles as she demonstrates how different versions of monotheism... could be used in support of not only different theologies but also different modes of civil governance... Her book as well as the massive bibliography by Jackson Bryce bode well for a new look at Lactantius. * Theological Studies *Digeser... proffers an interesting and controversial analysis of the Divine Institutes of Lactantius in The Making of a Christian Empire. Historians of early Christianity will welcome this detailed treatment of the Institutes of Lactantius in the English language, and will appreciate this thorugh assessment of that work within the religious debates of the fourth century. * The Catholic Historical Review *The Making of a Christian Empire is original, challenging, and persuasive. Moreover, beyond contributing to our evolving understanding of the Constantinian age, Digeser's study also has the power to make us question anew the true nature of pagan inclusiveness and the origins of Christian intolerance. * Church History *

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Book SynopsisThe abundant Roman inscriptions to be found in British museums tell us much about the everyday life of the inhabitants of Roman Britain - about their hopes and fears, their work and their beliefs. Nor is a fluent command of Latin essential for understanding their meaning. As John Rogan shows, by learning a few basic rules and formulae anyone can become proficient at reading inscriptions, guide the reader through the steps necessary for deciphering them.

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Book SynopsisFrom the army of Marc Antony in the 1st century BC, Roman generals hired Oriental heavy armored cavalry to serve in their military alongside the legions. These troops, both from the northern steppes and the Persian frontiers, continued an ancient tradition of using heavy armor and long lances, and fought in a compact formation for maximum shock effect. They were quite distinct from conventional Roman light cavalry, and they served across the Empire, including in Britain. They became ever more important during the 3rd century wars against Parthia, both to counter their cavalry and to form a mobile strategic reserve.Displaying these impressive and imposing cavalry units using vivid specially commissioned artwork, this first book in a two part series on Roman Heavy Cavalry examines their use over the Imperial period up to the fall of Western Empire in the 5th century A.D.Table of Contents* Introduction * Origins of heavy armoured cavalry – Thracian allies, and steppe peoples * History and dispersal of units * Organization * Tactics * Weapons – spears, long swords, maces * Armour and clothing * Horse armour * Standards and flags * Representative battles and campaigns * Bibliography

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Book SynopsisA SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERWaterstone's Book of the Month, 2018Nominated for the 2017 Pen Hessell-TiltmanMail on Sunday's the Best Paperback, 2018A sweeping history of the city of Rome, seen through the eyes of its most significant sackings, from the Gauls to the Nazis and everything in between.No city on earth has preserved its past as Rome has. Visitors can cross bridges that were crossed by Julius Caesar and explore temples visited by Roman emperors. These architectural survivals are all the more remarkable considering the city has been repeatedly ravaged by roving armies.From the Gauls to the Nazis, Matthew Kneale tells the stories behind the seven most important of these attacks and reveals, with fascinating insight, how they transformed the city - and not always for the worse. A meticulously researched, magical blend of travelogue, social and cultural history, Rome: A History in Seven Sackings is a celebration of the fierce courage, panache and vitality of the Roman people. Most of all, it is a passionate love letter to this incomparable city.Trade ReviewGripping and ingenious... Kneale's account is a masterpiece of pacing and suspense. Characters from the city's history spring to life in his hands. * Sunday Times *A stirring portrait of a city at war... brings Rome's fractious past to life. * Observer *Utterly compelling, brilliant... Wonderfully moving and inspiring * Literary Review *Fascinating... A delight * The Times ‘Book of the Week’ *Ingenious and wholly enjoyable history of the city. * Daily Telegraph *Each of Matthew Kneale's seven chapters lovingly recreates the city... There is lots here that is fascinating. -- Catherine Nixey * The Times *A sumptuously produced volume * Shots Magazine *Remarkable... This is a history written by someone who understands and admires Rome, but also acknowledges its flaws and idiosyncrasies. * BBC History *

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Bjornlie’s translation is fluid and excellent. . . .this is a much-needed and masterfully crafted addition to the historical corpus, of interest to historians, Byzantinists, and scholars of the ancient world interested in the Ostrogothic Court, Justinian’s conquest of Ravenna, and the early Byzantine world." * Reading Religion *Table of ContentsIntroduction Italy in the Sixth Century Cassiodorus as Statesman and Author The Variae as an Epistolary Collection Nachleben The Variae in Translation Chronology of Key Events Indictional Years Relative to Cassiodorus’s Tenure in Public Offices Maps THE VARIAE Book 1 Book 2 Book 3 Book 4 Book 5 Book 6 Book 7 Book 8 Book 9 Book 10 Book 11 Book 12 Bibliography of Related Reading Index of Individuals Index of Concepts, Peoples, and Terms Index of Places

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis"Terrific . . . exactly the sort of collection we have long needed: one offering a wide range of texts, both literary and documentary, and that--with the inclusion of Sulpicia and Perpetua--allows students to hear the voices of actual women from the ancient world. The translations themselves are fluid; the inclusion of long extracts allows students to sink their teeth into material in ways not possible with traditional source books. The anonymous texts, inscriptions, and other non-literary material topically arranged in the 'Documentary' section will enable students to see how the documentary evidence supplements or undermines the views advanced in the literary texts. This is a book that should be of great use to anyone teaching a survey of the history of Ancient Rome or a Roman Civilization course. I look forward to teaching with this book which is, I think, the best source book I have seen for the way we teach these days." --David Potter, University of MichiganTrade Review"A useful cross-section of the literary and documentary evidence for ancient Roman history and society. An important new tool for teachers and students." --G. J. Oliver, Department of Classics, Brown UniversityEager to be immersed in the richness, diversity, and raw energy of how ancient Romans lived and thought? This most readable anthology is a revealing, seductive page-turner, hard to put down once opened. --Richard J. Talbert, The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillAn Impressive and well-chosen selection of key sources for the study of ancient Rome, rendered into lively and engaging English. Together they offer a panorama of republican and imperial life and letters. Highly recommended. --Nathan Rosenstein, The Ohio State University

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