European history: the Romans Books

Book SynopsisMary Beard's new book Emperor of Rome is available now Ancient Rome matters. Its history of empire, conquest, cruelty and excess is something against which we still judge ourselves. Its myths and stories - from Romulus and Remus to the Rape of Lucretia - still strike a chord with us. And its debates about citizenship, security and the rights of the individual still influence our own debates on civil liberty today. SPQR is a new look at Roman history from one of the world's foremost classicists. It explores not only how Rome grew from an insignificant village in central Italy to a power that controlled territory from Spain to Syria, but also how the Romans thought about themselves and their achievements, and why they are still important to us. Covering 1,000 years of history, and casting fresh light on the basics of Roman culture from slavery to running water, as well as exploring democracy, migration, religious controversy, social mobility and exploitation in the larger context of the empire, this is a definitive history of ancient Rome. SPQR is the Romans' own abbreviation for their state: Senatus Populusque Romanus, 'the Senate and People of Rome'.Trade ReviewFast-moving, exciting, psychologically acute, warmly sceptical -- Bryan Appleyard * Sunday Times *Vastly engaging ... a tremendously enjoyable and scholarly read. -- Natalie Haynes * Observer *Sustaining the energy that such a topic demands for more than 600 pages, while providing a coherent answer to the question of why Rome expanded so spectacularly, is hugely ambitious. Beard succeeds triumphantly ... full of insights and delights ... SPQR is consistently enlivened by Beard's eye for detail and her excellent sense of humour. * Sunday Times *Masterful ... This is exemplary popular history, engaging but never dumbed down, providing both the grand sweep and the intimate details that bring the distant past vividly to life * Economist *Ground-breaking ... invigorating ... revolutionary ... a whole new approach to ancient history -- Thomas Hodgkinson * Spectator *This book is a treasure, both as a fascinating read in itself and as a fine work of reference to correct our lazy misconceptions about an ancient world that still has much to instruct us today * Herald *Praise for Mary Beard: 'She's pulled off that rare trick of becoming a don with a high media profile who hasn't sold out, who is absolutely respected by the academy for her scholarship ... what she says is always powerful and interesting * Guardian *An irrepressible enthusiast with a refreshing disregard for convention * FT *Dynamically, wittily and authoritatively brings the ancient world to life -- Simon Sebag MontefioreWith such a champion as Beard to debunk and popularise, the future of the study of classics is assured * Daily Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES TOP TEN BESTSELLER & BEST HISTORY BOOK OF 2023 THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER A TELEGRAPH BEST HISTORY BOOK OF 2023 A BLOOMBERG BEST BOOK OF 2023 A PROSPECT BEST HISTORY BOOK OF 2023 BLACKWELL'S NON-FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR SHORTLISTED FOR THE WATERSTONES BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023 '[Mary Beard] has always had the sharpest eyes for telling detail and colourful anecdote' Sunday Times 'Britain's most famous classicist ... at the peak of her powers' The Times 'Extraordinary ... a deliciously varied tapestry of detail drawn from across nearly three centuries' Telegraph 'The reigning Queen of Classics' Spectator What was it really like to rule and be ruled in the Ancient Roman world? In her international best-seller SPQR, Mary Beard told the thousand-year story of ancient Rome. Now, she shines her spotlight on the emperors who ruled the Roman empire, from Julius Caesar (assassinated 44 BCE) to Alexander Severus (assassinated 235 CE). Emperor of Rome is not your usual chronological account of Roman rulers, one after another: the mad Caligula, the monster Nero, the philosopher Marcus Aurelius. Beard asks bigger questions: What power did emperors actually have? Was the Roman palace really so bloodstained? Emperor of Rome goes directly to the heart of Roman (and our own) fantasies about what it was to be Roman, offering an account of Roman history as it has never been presented before.Trade ReviewBritain's most famous classicist [is] at the peak of her powers ... Even more interesting than the insight into the imperial elite is the light the book sheds on the modern world -- Sathnam Sanghera * The Times *Lavishly illustrated ... erudite and entertaining ... Beard is so appealing and approachable that even the recalcitrant reader who previously gave not a single thought to the Roman Empire will warm to her subject -- Jennifer Szalai * New York Times *A beautiful book ... [Beard is] really good at thinking about some of the echoes between Roman politics and British politics, including today -- Rory Stewart * The Rest is Politics *The most famous historian of Rome sets the record straight -- Olivia B. Waxman * Time Magazine *[Mary Beard is] the best in the business -- Dan Snow * History Hit *Magisterial ... A beautifully written product of a lifetime of deep scholarly learning -- Martin Wolf * FT *Impressively detailed ... there's an immediacy to it all, as if the ancient world were not so long ago and easily understood -- 'Best History Books of 2023' * The Times *Mary Beard shows, through rich use of anecdote and decades of scholarship, what the traits and insecurities of the Roman emperors teach us about today -- 'The best history books of 2023' * Telegraph *A masterly group portrait, an invitation to think skeptically but not contemptuously of a familiar civilization ... Ms. Beard punctuates her erudite but easy prose with striking turns of phrase and arresting observations -- Kyle Harper * WSJ *An enthralling analysis of the wild stories that circulated about Rome's ruthless rulers ... Beard does a wonderful job of taking us into the maelstrom of fantasy, desire and projection that swirled around these rulers -- Kathryn Hughes * Guardian *There have been many fine books about the Romans this year ... but Mary Beard's Emperor of Rome still stands out ... she draws not just on a career's worth of classical-historical knowledge, but on a career's worth of thinking about how classical history itself - with its truths, lies and unknowns - should be approached. The result could be a manifesto for the discipline's future -- 'Books of the Year 2023: History' * Prospect *An erudite view on what it is to be an emperor on an everyday basis and how citizens experience life in an empire. As always with Beard, clichés are crushed. She debunks some of the most common myths about the Roman emperors, and her insights are relevant to our understanding of power and leadership today -- Romée de Goriainoff * Bloomberg *An extraordinary investigation into the gulf between the experience and the narrative of Roman autocracy ... Beard weaves a deliciously varied tapestry of detail drawn from across nearly three centuries -- Honor Cargill-Martin * Telegraph *Good emperors may not have been as virtuous as they were painted, nor bad ones so wicked ... all told in trademark exuberant Beard style ... Those familiar with her TV series can hear her voice in the way she writes, her passion for the subject oozing off the page -- Patrick Kidd * The Times *Chatty, fun, argumentative, fearless, and ferociously well-informed -- Robert McCrum * Independent *Fascinating ... hugely rewarding * Irish Times *Imposing, colourful, entertaining ... Distils a vast amount of scholarship into 410 pages * Irish Independent *Surprising and fascinating ... Explores what we can and can't know about the men who ruled the Roman Empire, and what the lurid stories about so many of them tell us about the anxieties and fantasies of Rome's ordinary citizens and the remarkable resilience of the regime -- Sam Leith * Spectator Book Club Podcast *For once, the horse races and the Circus Maximus, the true centre of Roman popular culture, get their rightful pride of place ... [The Roman emperors] were bringers of peace and insatiable conquerors, monsters on display and civilised citizens, gods and frightened mortals ... Beard's book is alert to these different layers of meaning -- Georgy Kantor * Critic *Endlessly entertaining ... A close-up examination of Rome's greatest or most notorious figures ... Beard is never afraid to hint of modern parallels with the world of Ancient Rome, which can superficially seem so remote from our own -- Christopher Hart * Mail on Sunday *A colourful tour of 30 emperors spanning over 250 years [through] the glitz and gore of Rome * Economist *[Mary Beard] has always had the sharpest eyes for telling detail and colourful anecdote * Sunday Times *Vividly brings to life the history of Ancient Rome -- Jackie Brown * Good Housekeeping *[Mary Beard is] the reigning Queen of Classics -- Harry Mount * Spectator *As always, Beard is a brilliant guide ... Emperor of Rome charts a very different path [to] imperial biographies -- Clifford Ando * TLS *Beard [is] the rock star scholar of Ancient Rome -- Jo Ellison * Financial Times *Eloquent, charming, exuberant ... [A] lively and engaging way of examining what the actions and "job description" of an emperor can reveal about the psychology of power -- Alexandra Pollard * i newspaper *An erudite view on what it is to be an emperor on an everyday basis and how citizens experience life in an empire. As always with Beard, clichés are crushed. She debunks some of the most common myths about the Roman emperors, and her insights are relevant to our understanding of power and leadership today -- Romée de Goriainoff, 'Best Books of 2023' * Bloomberg *It's vital to see these individuals not just as characters in macabre stories but as hard-working bureaucrats ... from the path to the top to the almost inevitable sticky end -- Matt Elton * BBC History Magazine *A national treasure ... combining accessibility with profound knowledge lightly worn -- Harry Sidebottom * Literary Review *A fascinating exploration of assumptions about how the emperors of Rome from Julius Caesar to Alexander Severus acceded to the throne, ruled over an empire [and] even became gods ... Beard has redefined what it meant to be an emperor of Rome -- Ming Kit Wong * Oxford Political Review *Praise for Mary Beard: 'An accomplished scholar and lively debunker...Beard informs and entertains without ever patronising her readers. What she touches turns to light * Independent *Mary Beard has pulled off that rare trick of becoming a don with a high media profile who hasn't sold out, who is absolutely respected by the academy for her scholarship ... what she says is always powerful and interesting * Guardian *Dynamically, wittily and authoritatively brings the ancient world to life -- Simon Sebag MontefioreAn irrepressible enthusiast with a refreshing disregard for convention * FT *

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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 SynopsisChiltern Publishing creates the most beautiful editions of the world?s finest literature. Your favorite classic titles in a way you have never seen them before; the tactile layers, fine details and beautiful colors of these remarkable covers make these titles feel extra special and will look striking on any shelf.Meditations, by Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, is one of thedefinitive texts on Stoicism.In MeditationsTaken from A.S.L Farquharson''s Translation.Aurelius shares his thoughts about the importance of logic over emotion and helps you to start training your mind to think rationally. By following Stoic teachings, you can live with purpose and die with dignity. Meditations shows how to become more self-disciplined, stop caring what people think, and withstand life''s emotional storms.

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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 SynopsisA beautifully produced account of the history and importance of Hadrian's Wall, by a bestselling author and expert on Ancient Rome. Located at the far-flung and wild edge of the Roman Empire, Hadrian's Wall was constructed by Emperor Hadrian in the 120s AD. Vast in size and stretching from the east to the west coast of the northern part of Britannia, it is the largest monument left by the Roman empire – all the more striking because it lies so far from Rome. Today, it is one of the most visited heritage sites in the country. Yet the story of the Wall is far more than the development of a line of fortifications and the defence of a troublesome imperial frontier. Generation after generation of soldiers served there, with their families as well as traders and other foreign and local civilians in and around the army bases. The glimpses of this vibrant, multinational community in Adrian Goldsworthy's masterly book bring the bare stones to life. Goldsworthy also considers why and how the wall was built, and discusses the fascinating history, afterlife and archaeology of this unique ancient monument.Trade ReviewGoldsworthy is an erudite guide... As an introduction to the history of the most impressive of ancient engineering achievements, Goldsworthy's book is entirely successful... The prefect companion to exploring the remains of the wall today * BBC History Magazine *A lucid, general introduction to the wall and its times... Goldsworthy is especially good at recreating the lives lived on it * Country Life *[Goldsworthy] provides a clear, concise guide to one of the favourite heritage sights of Britain and transports us back to the frontier life of the Roman Empire in another vital era of our history * Minerva Magazine *Goldsworthy brings Hadrian's Wall to life in this detailed and beautifully illustrated book * Westmorland Gazette *A lively introduction to the largest surviving Roman artefact on Earth * World of Cruising *A succinct and eminently sensible new account of Hadrian's Wall * The New Criterion *

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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 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 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 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 SynopsisThis textbook is endorsed by OCR and supports the specification for GCSE Ancient History (first teaching September 2017). It covers the whole of Component 2, both the compulsory longer Period Study and the three optional Depth Studies:Longer Period Study: The Foundations of Rome: From Kingship to Republic, 753440 BC by Paul FowlerDepth Study: Hannibal and the Second Punic War, 218201 BC by Paul FowlerDepth Study: Cleopatra: Rome And Egypt, 6930 BC by James Melville Depth Study: Britannia: From Conquest to Province, AD 43c. 84 by Christopher GrocockHow did reactions to the exploitation of women and the poor make Rome great? How did Rome survive a fourteen-year invasion? Was Cleopatra a great queen? What was the impact of Roman invasion on Britain's diverse and prosperous culture?This book raises these and other key questions. GCSE students and their teachers will explore the foundation of Rome, the rise of its empire, and its interactions with nTable of ContentsIntroduction How to Use This Book Period Study: The Foundations of Rome: From Kingship to Republic, 753–440 BC Depth Study Option 1: Hannibal and the Second Punic War, 218– 201 BC Depth Study Option 2: Cleopatra: Rome and Egypt, 69–30 BC Depth Study Option 3: Britannia: From Conquest to Province, AD 43–c. 84 Glossary Index

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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 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 SynopsisThis textbook supports the specification for AS and A-Level Ancient History (first teaching September 2017). It covers the whole of Component 2, both the compulsory Period Study and the three optional Depth Studies:Period Study: The Julio-Claudian Emperors, 31 BCAD 68 by Robert Cromarty and James HarrisonDepth Study: The Breakdown of the Late Republic, 8831 BC by Steve MatthewsDepth Study: The Flavians, AD 6896 by Robert Cromarty Depth Study: Ruling Roman Britain, AD 43c.128 by James HarrisonHow did Augustus change the Roman Constitution? Why was the Roman Republic doomed to fail? How did the Flavians re-invent the Imperial image? What was life like in Roman Britain?These are the sort of questions that you are required to consider for A-Level Ancient History. This textbook guides you through the use of power and politics in the Roman Senate and Imperial court from the Late Republic into the Principate. It considers individual ambition against theTable of ContentsIntroduction How to Use This Book Period Study: The Julio-Claudian Emperors, 31 BC–AD 68 Depth Study Option 1: The Breakdown of the Late Republic, 88–31 BC Depth Study Option 2: The Flavians, AD 68–96 Depth Study Option 3: Ruling Roman Britain, AD 43–c. 128 Glossary Index

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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 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 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 SynopsisMeditations is a timeless philosophical work that explores the depths of human existence and self-reflection. Translated into Tamil, this profound book by Marcus Aurelius offers readers a guide to inner peace and mindfulness. With its introspective passages and thought-provoking insights, this translation provides Tamil readers with a transformative journey of self-discovery and contemplation.

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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 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 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 SynopsisBetween the reigns of Augustus and Septimius Severus, the Eastern provinces of the Roman Empire frequently saw brutal fighting, most notably during the conquest of Dacia by Trajan, the suppression of the Great Revolt in Judea and intermittent clashes with Rome''s great rival Parthia. In these wars, Roman soldiers had to fight in a range of different climates and terrains, from the deserts of the Middle East to the islands of the eastern Mediterranean.Using full-color artwork, this book examines the variation of equipment and uniforms both between different military units, and in armies stationed in different regions of the Empire. Using evidence drawn from recent archaeological finds, it paints a vivid portrait of Roman army units in the Eastern provinces in the first two centuries of the Imperial period.Table of ContentsIntroduction - chronology /The Eastern frontiers – distribution of the Roman Army in the Eastern provinces /Legiones – Auxilia – Numeri & Cunei – Vexillationes & Cohortes Equitatae /Arms & Equipment: Dacia – Moesia Superior – Moesia Inferior – Macedonia – Epirus & Achaia – Thracia – Creta & Cyrenaica – Bythinia & Pontus – Asia – Galatia – Lycia & Pamphilia – Cilicia – Cappadocia – Syria – Cyprus – Judaea – Arabia – Egypt – Mesopotamia /Plate Commentaries /Select Bibliography

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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 SynopsisThe first three volumes of Gibbon's DECLINE AND FALL (the western empire) were published by Everyman in 1993. Volumes 4-6 complete the set which is now available for the first time in many years. This year is the bicentenary of Gibbon's death, which has been widely noticed in the press, but even after two hundred years his book is still an authoritative work on Roman history. What is more, it remains wonderfully readable: witty, elegant and intriguing, full of the author's own personality. The six-volume Everyman edition - the only complete one now available-prints the entire text of the book with all Gibbon's own notes, later editorial commentaries, maps, tables, descriptive tables of contents, indices, appendices and two magisterial essays on the author and his work by Hugh Trevor-Roper.

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Book SynopsisFor centuries, Rome was one of the world's largest imperial powers, its influence spread across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle-East, its military force successfully fighting off attacks by the Parthians, Germans, Persians and Goths. Then came the definitive split, the Vandal sack of Rome, and the crumbling of the West from Empire into kingdoms first nominally under Imperial rule and then, one by one, beyond it. Imperial Tragedy tells the story of Rome's gradual collapse. Full of palace intrigue, religious conflicts and military history, as well as details of the shifts in social, religious and political structures, Imperial Tragedy contests the idea that Rome fell due to external invasions. Instead, it focuses on how the choices and conditions of those living within the empire led to its fall. For it was not a single catastrophic moment that broke the Empire but a creeping process; by the time people understood that Rome had fallen, the west of the Empire had long since broken the Imperial yoke.Trade ReviewA fascinating account showing just what it was like to be a Roman emperor - the endless court politics, the shock of outside events, the need to bring in reforms, and, above all, the constant struggle to stay alive and keep your place on the throne. -- Jerry Toner, Fellow of Churchill College, CambridgeA tour de force history of the inner workings of the late Roman Empire. Kulikowski tells a vivid, compelling story of the humans who fought to control the machinery of the empire until the entire system could no longer hold. -- Kyle Harper, author * The Fate of Rome *Kulikowski pairs his comprehensive understanding of late Roman politics with an uncanny eye for spatial and material details as he reconstructs an empire in a downward spiral of self-destruction. Roman emperors and barbarian kings, pagan aristocrats and Christian bishops, loyal soldiers and self-serving condottieri are woven into the brilliantly dramatized story of The Tragedy of Empire. -- Noel Lenski, author * Constantine and the Cities *Michael Kulikowski tells the story of the Roman Empire from the fourth to the sixth century. He writes boldly and fluently about imperial politics, incorporating the latest scholarship yet avoiding getting bogged down in academic controversies. Highly recommended as an introduction to the political history of this period. -- Hugh Elton, author * The Roman Empire in Late Antiquity *Praise for Imperial Triumph 'This is a wonderfully broad sweep of Roman history ... fascinating -- Mary BeardA genuinely bracing and innovative history of Rome for a general audience. * TLS *This was an era of great change, and Mr. Kulikowski is an excellent and insightful guide to the process -- Adrian Goldsworthy * Wall Street Journal *Kulikowski's lively and engaging account brings clarity to the murky world of the late Roman Empire. It lets us understand the endless in-fighting between imperial hopefuls, the profound reforms of Diocletian, and the social transformation that expressed itself in Christianity. It explains the many forces which led to the western empire's disintegration and expertly guides us through a post-Roman world which was eventually to give rise to modern Europe. -- Jerry TonerKulikowski pairs his comprehensive understanding of late Roman politics with an uncanny eye for spatial and material details as he reconstructs an empire in a downward spiral of self-destruction. Roman emperors and barbarian kings, pagan aristocrats and Christian bishops, loyal soldiers and self-serving condottieri are woven into the brilliantly dramatized story of Imperial Tragedy. -- Noel Lenski, author * Constantine and the Cities *Insightful, coherent and articulate. * BBC History Magazine *Demonstrates impressive mastery of a vast and complex field -- Australian Book ReviewA breezy and animated, yet authorative look at this remarkable time ... sure to be of interest to anybody with a taste in character-driven history. * Military History Review *

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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 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 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 SynopsisWhen the volcano Vesuvius erupted 2,000 years ago, the city of Pompeii disappeared under the ash. Four hundred years ago, Pompeii was rediscovered. The ash had preserved Pompeii so well that buildings, mosaics, statues and other artefacts have survived to the present day. So step back in time and discover what life was like in the Roman times.This is a Band 06/Orange book in the Collins Big Cat reading programme which offers varied text and characters, with action sustained over several pages. This is an information book with a timeline of events on pages 22 and 23, from eruption to discovering the lost city in the present day, allowing children to recap and discuss. This book supports discussions around history and what homes were like a long time ago. This book has been quizzed for Accelerated Reader. For more guided reading books in this Collins Big Cat band, try Fire! Fire! (9780007186037) by Maureen Haselhurst.

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Book SynopsisBuild your child's reading confidence at home with books at the right levelFind out all about the creation of the Roman Empire, and the leader, lawyer and warrior who established it and built such a powerful kingdom. Seizing land and power Caesar became dictator before he met with a brutal end in 44BCE, though not before he'd made his mark. Brave hero or ferocious tyrant you decide.Topaz/Band 13 books offer longer and more demanding reads for children to investigate and evaluate.

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Book SynopsisNo mere legends or clichés ("Herculean task," "Pandora's box," "Achilles heel," etc.), these classic stories offer profound and manifold lessons, providing the first sustained attempt to answer fundamental human questions concerning "the good life," the burden of mortality, and how to find one's place in the world.Trade Review"In this marvelously wise and expansive book, Luc Ferry argues for the primacy of Greek myth. ... Ferry writes with warmth, wit, and energy; one could call his prose conversational, but it's rare to have a conversation quite this wonderful." -- Boston Globe "With Luc Ferry as a guide, our passage through the storied landscape of Greek mythology becomes a captivating lesson in philosophy." -- Le Monde (France) "Ferry's charm as a teacher bursts through on every page." -- Wall Street Journal "A marvelously wise and expansive book. ... Ferry writes with warmth, wit, and energy; one could call his prose conversational, but it's rare to have a conversation quite this wonderful." -- Boston Globe

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Book SynopsisThis is a narrative military history of the emperors Lucius Domitius Aurelianus (Aurelian', reigned 270-275) and Marcus Aurelius Probus (276-282) which also includes the other reigns between the years 268 and 285. It shows how these two remarkable emperors were chiefly responsible for the Empire surviving and emerging largely intact from a period of intense crisis. It was Aurelian who first united the breakaway regions, including Zenobia's Palmyra, and it was Probus who then secured his achievements.The reigns of Aurelian and Probus have been subjected to many studies, but none of these have approached the extant material purely from the point of view of military analysis. Most importantly, the previous historians have not exploited the analytical opportunities provided by the military treatises that describe the strategy and tactics of the period Roman army. It is thanks to this new methodology that Ilkka Syvänne has been able to reconstruct the military campaigns of these two soldier

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Book SynopsisThe Roman Empire rules the civilized world with an iron fist, seemingly all-powerful and limitless. And yet the power of Rome is secured not by its mighty legions but by small bands of warriors and agents fighting a secret war. Tasked by the Emperor to explore ancient temples, forgotten labyrinths, and beast-haunted caverns, they seek out artifacts hidden by the gods themselves, hunt creatures of myth, and face enemies that would use dark magic against the empire. Broken Legions is a set of fantasy skirmish rules for a war unknown to history, fought in the shadows of the Roman Empire. Various factions recruit small warbands to fight in tight, scenario-driven battles that could secure the mystical power to defend--or crush--Rome. A points system allows factions to easily build a warband, and mercenaries and free agents may also be hired to bolster a force. Heroes and leaders may possess a range of skills, traits, and magical abilities, but a henchman''s blade can be juTable of ContentsCore Rules/ Special Rules/ Equipment/ Magic & Miracles/ Scenarios/ Warband Rosters/ Free Agents & Hired Swords/ Monstrous Bestiary/ Campaign Advancement

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Book SynopsisImperial Triumph presents the history of Rome at the height of its imperial power. Beginning with the reign of Hadrian in Rome and ending with the death of Julian the Apostate on campaign in Persia, it offers an intimate account of the twists and often deadly turns of imperial politics in which successive emperors rose and fell with sometimes bewildering rapidity. Yet, despite this volatility, the Romans were able to see off successive attacks by Parthians, Germans, Persians and Goths and to extend and entrench their position as masters of Europe and the Mediterranean. This books shows how they managed to do it. Professor Michael Kulikowski describes the empire's cultural integration in the second century, the political crises of the third when Rome's Mediterranean world became subject to the larger forces of Eurasian history, and the remaking of Roman imperial institutions in the fourth century under Constantine and his son Constantius II. The Constantinian revolution, Professor Kulikowski argues, was the pivot on which imperial fortunes turned - and the beginning of the parting of ways between the eastern and western empires. This sweeping account of one of the world's greatest empires at its magnificent peak is incisive, authoritative and utterly gripping.Trade ReviewThis is a wonderfully broad sweep of Roman history. It tells the fascinating story of imperial rule from the enigmatic Hadrian through the dozens of warlords and usurpers who fought for the throne in the third century AD, to the Christian emperors of the fourth -- after the biggest religious and cultural revolution the world has ever seen. * Mary Beard, Professor of Classics at the University of Cambridge *A genuinely bracing and innovative history of Rome for a general audience. * TLS *This was an era of great change, and Mr. Kulikowski is an excellent and insightful guide to the process -- Adrian Goldsworthy * Wall Street Journal *Insightful, coherent and articulate. * BBC History Magazine *Demonstrates impressive mastery of a vast and complex field * Australian Book Review *A breezy and animated, yet authorative look at this remarkable time ... sure to be of interest to anybody with a taste in character-driven history. * Military History Review *A fascinating account showing just what it was like to be a Roman emperor - the endless court politics, the shock of outside events, the need to bring in reforms, and, above all, the constant struggle to stay alive and keep your place on the throne. * Jerry Toner, Fellow of Churchill College, Cambridge *Kulikowski's lucid narrative deftly navigates one of the most tangled periods of Roman imperial history. Triumphing over treacherous source material, he shows Rome's third century nightmare as part of a sequence of events that convulsed the whole of Eurasia. Imperial Triumph is a dramatic and a revealing history of cataclysm and recovery. * Greg Woolf, Director, Institute of Classical Studies, University of London *Kulikowski's great triumph is to present, in an engaging and lively manner, a new historical narrative with a clear, distinctive line of interpretation for the crucial and complex era of transformation from the world of the high empire to late antiquity. * R. W. Benet Salway, University College London *A lively, accessible, up-to-date account of the ancient world during the critical period of Rome's domination of her powerful and diverse empire. * Alan Bowman, Formerly Camden Professor of Ancient History, University of Oxford *Kulikowski provides an energizing depiction of the Roman Empire at its height. His light prose style masks a deep engagement with the period and the problems posed to the Empire from within and beyond its borders. * Hugh Elton, Trent University *An impressive book with an incisive fresh exposition of how Rome's rulers triumphantly remade their empire in response to relentless pressures over two-and-a-half centuries. A page-turner set on a vast physical canvas stretching from Scotland to Ethiopia and China. * Richard Talbert, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill *

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Edited by Philip Freeman, How to Run a Country is a brief introduction to Cicero's political philosophy... [I]t contains--in English and Latin--fragments from Cicero's books and speeches, as well as letters to friends and colleagues... [Cicero's] views on war and immigration will strike many readers as modern and sane."--Richard King, Australian "[A] delightful little book."--John Wilson, Christianity Today "[Freeman's] book is a collection of tidbits, of course, but if it sends its readers on a journey into Cicero's world it will have achieved Freeman's main purpose: the creation of citizen-readers who are a little bit more thoughtful about politics than they were before."--Brett Evans, Inside Story "Freeman frees the material from its context, selecting excerpts whose content is thought provoking on its own terms, and which demonstrate Cicero's outlook as a thinker in general. Freeman's book is an entry-point, an introduction; while it is simply too short ... to provide much traction for students in a typical college course, I certainly hope it will be successful in introducing Cicero to a wider audience."--Joanna Kenty, Bryn Mawr Classical Review "Organized by topic and featuring lively new translations, the book also includes an introduction, head notes, a glossary, and suggestions for further reading. The result is an enlightening introduction to some of the most enduring political wisdom of all time."--World Book IndustryTable of ContentsIntroduction vii How to Run a Country 1 *Natural Law 1 *Balance of Power 4 *Leadership 6 *Friends and Enemies 16 *Persuasion 24 *Compromise 30 *Money and Power 36 *Immigration 43 *War 46 *Corruption 49 *Tyranny 56 *Cicero's Epilogue: The Fallen State 66 Latin Texts 68 Passages Translated 115 Glossary 121 Further Reading 131

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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 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 Synopsis''A beautiful, beautiful book . . . archaeology is changing so much about the way we view the so-called Dark Ages [Williams] is just brilliant at bringing them to light'' Rory Stewart on The Rest is PoliticsFrom the bestselling author of Viking Britain, a new epic history of our forgotten past.As Tolkien knew, Britain in the Dark Ages' was a mosaic of little kingdoms. Many of them fell by the wayside. Some vanished without a trace. Others have stories that can be told.ELMET. HWICCE. LINDSEY. DUMNONIA. ESSEX. RHEGED. POWYS. SUSSEX. FORTRIU.In Lost Realms, Thomas Williams, bestselling author of Viking Britain, uncovers the forgotten origins and untimely demise of nine kingdoms that hover in the twilight between history and fable, whose stories hum with saints and gods and miracles, with giants and battles and the ruin of cities. Why did some realms like Wessex, Mercia, Northumbria and Gwynedd prosper while these nine fell?From the Scottish Highlands to the Cornish coastline, from the Trade Review PRAISE FOR LOST REALMS ‘Sceptical, scrupulous, written with wit and flair’Financial Times ‘This brilliant history of Dark Age Britain mixes serious scholarship with nods to pop culture, from Tolkien to The Wicker Man… Lost Realms is a joy to read’The Telegraph, FIVE STAR REVIEW ‘Williams makes a compelling guide as he steers us through the darkness’ Spectator ‘Williams has a fine command of the literary, administrative, religious and archaeological sources of early medieval Britain. He is a diligent scholar and a likeable writer’ Sunday Times ‘Rich and captivating’ TLS ‘The book is beautifully written, pushing at the very limits of our ability to understand the early medieval world’ British Archaeology ‘In recovering what he can of the near-vanished histories of Britain’s lost realms, Williams has done an admirable job, evoking the spirit of an age that was both chaotic and creative, from the ferment of which England and ultimately Britain emerged. It is a gift indeed to be reminded that Dumnonia, Lindsey, Fortriu, Hwicce, Elmet and Rheged – faint ghosts of places though they may now seem – made their own contributions to what we are today’ Literary Review 'Thomas Williams has blended a potent brew of mythic and material fragments to raise forgotten kings & queens (and their stories) from the grave. An historian not afraid of the dark and with eyes adapted to it – what he sees is assessed sagely and described beautifully'Christopher Hadley, author of Hollow Places

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Book SynopsisOne of the most feared weapons in the ancient world, the gladius was lethal both on the battlefield and in the arena. Literary sources tell of the terror it inspired, while archaeological evidence of wounds inflicted is testament to its deadly effect. By pulling together strands of literary, sculptural and archaeological evidence renowned expert M.C. Bishop creates a narrative of the gladius' development, exploring the way in which the shape of the short sword changed as soldiers and gladiators evolved their fighting style. Drawing together historical accounts, excavated artefacts and the results of the latest scientific analyses of the blades, this volume reveals the development, technology, training and use of the gladius hispaniensis: the sword that conquered the Mediterranean.Table of ContentsIntroduction / Development / Use / Impact / Conclusion / Bibliography / Index

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Book SynopsisIn Mortal Republic, prize-winning historian Edward J. Watts offers a new history of the fall of the Roman Republic that explains why Rome exchanged freedom for autocracy. For centuries, even as Rome grew into the Mediterranean's premier military and political power, its governing institutions, parliamentary rules, and political customs successfully fostered negotiation and compromise. By the 130s BC, however, Rome's leaders increasingly used these same tools to cynically pursue individual gain and obstruct their opponents. As the center decayed and dysfunction grew, arguments between politicians gave way to political violence in the streets. The stage was set for destructive civil wars--and ultimately the imperial reign of Augustus. The death of Rome's Republic was not inevitable. In Mortal Republic, Watts shows it died because it was allowed to, from thousands of small wounds inflicted by Romans who assumed that it would last forever.

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Book SynopsisThe Romans left a long-lasting legacy and their influence can still be seen all around us - from our calendar and coins, to our language and laws - but how much do we really know about them? Help is at hand in the form of Veni, Vidi, Vici, which tells the remarkable, and often surprising, story of the Romans and the most enduring empire in history.Fusing a lively and entertaining narrative with rigorous research, Veni, Vidi, Vici breaks down each major period into a series of concise nuggets that provide a fascinating commentary on every aspect of the Roman world - from plebs to personalities, sauces to sexuality, games to gladiators, poets to punishments, mosaics to medicine and Catullus to Christianity.Through the twists and turns of his 1250-year itinerary, Jones is a friendly and clear-thinking guide. In this book he has produced a beguiling and entertaining introduction to the Romans, one that vividly brings to life the people who helped create the world we live in today.Trade ReviewIt takes a man profoundly soaked in a subject to treat it lightly and still be not only witty but wise. Jones has an eagle's high eye for the history of Rome from Aeneas to Augustine and a pigeon's ground-level eye for the graffiti scratcher of Pompeii. * The Times *A rollicking guide to the Romans and their influence on us * Mail on Sunday *Jones spans all 1,200 years of Roman history with seemingly unstoppable enthusiasm... Informative, casually erudite but engagingly unstuffy, he makes the classical world feel both beguiling and fresh... The book is full of fascination -- Andrew Holgate * Sunday Times *Delightful and instructive... There is something to relish on every page -- Allan Massie * Spectator *Jones's brisk demotic style makes fresh the well-covered run of despots, gladiators, volcanic explosions and filthy satirists. Those who know little about the subject and want a no-frills, entertaining introduction to its rise & fall need look no further. * Literary Review *

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Book SynopsisYork is first and foremost a Roman city, and an extremely important one at that. This comprehensive, fully illustrated book is a unique and invaluable guide to York's Roman heritage, essential reading for all those with an interest in the city. Like Rome, its mother city, York was not built in a day. Nothing like it. The history of Roman York entails the unravelling of centuries of new development, refurbishment, military destruction, demolition and overbuilding, and this unravelling is essentially what this book is all about. To bring this story to life, The Making of Roman York has at its core a detailed walk around the city, with easy maps leading the reader effortlessly around the sites and sights, treading ancient Roman routes and footsteps.

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Book SynopsisEdward Gibbon's The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire is a monumental six-volume work that covers the history of the Roman Empire from the end of the 2nd century AD to the fall of Constantinople in 1453. The book is considered one of the greatest works of historical literature in the English language and has had a profound influence on the way we understand the ancient world. Gibbon's approach to history was heavily influenced by the Enlightenment, and he sought to apply reason and critical thinking to the study of the past. In the book, Gibbon examines the factors that led to the decline and eventual collapse of the Roman Empire, including political corruption, military overexpansion, economic instability, and the rise of Christianity. He also explores the complex relationships between the various peoples and cultures that inhabited the empire, from the barbarian invasions to the Byzantine Empire.

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Book SynopsisHistory of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire is a historical work written by Edward Gibbon that spans six volumes. Volume III of the series covers the period from the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian to the establishment of the Roman Empire. The volume discusses the rise of Islam and the Arab conquests, including the fall of the Sassanid Empire and the conquest of Syria, Palestine, and Egypt. Gibbon examines the emergence of the Frankish kingdom under Charlemagne, which eventually led to the establishment of the Holy Roman Empire. He also discusses the political and religious struggles of the period, including the iconoclastic controversy in the Byzantine Empire and the Investiture Controversy in Europe. Throughout the volume, Gibbon provides detailed accounts of the major events and characters of the period, and analyzes their impact on the development of Western civilization. Overall, History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire is considered a seminal work in the field of history, offering a comprehensive analysis of the rise and fall of one of the world's greatest empires.

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Book SynopsisBy offering fluent, accurate translations of extracts and fragments from a wide assortment of ancient texts, this volume allows a comprehensive overview of ancient Greek and Roman concepts of otherness, as well as Greek and Roman views of non-Greeks and non-Romans. A general introduction, thorough annotation, maps, a select bibliography, and an index are also included.Trade ReviewThis collection of translated excerpts from Greek and Latin authors, from the 8th c. BCE to the 3rd c. CE, brings together a wide range of texts, chosen from historians, epic poets, geographers, medical writers, satirists and others, marvelously illustrating the curiosity of Greeks and Romans about 'race' and 'ethnicity,' self and other. Since for ancient Greeks and Romans one essential element of identity and difference was customs, we learn a lot from these texts about sex and marriage, funerals, and warfare in the Mediterranean and surrounding lands. But the ancient authors also featured banalities such as clothing, horse bits, cooking, and even trash talking. The translations are fresh, accurate, and accessible. . . . In a brisk and smart Introduction [the editors] point out the absence of fixed words for race and ethnicity in classical antiquity even as they provide some good references for exploring the complexity of these modern concepts. --Mary T. Boatwright, Duke UniversityWill allow students to understand for themselves how ancient Greeks and Romans conceived of foreign populations and how they thought about issues of racial, ethnic, and cultural difference. --Jonathan Hall, University of ChicagoVery rich. . . . Following an introduction to classical environmental, genetic, and cultural theories of difference, the sources range over the many peoples of the ancient Mediterranean and beyond, from Egypt to Europe. The reach of this text—and its emphasis on the Greek and Roman views of the 'other'—will make it particularly useful for courses on ethnicity taught in Ancient Mediterranean Studies programs. --Molly Myerowitz Levine, Howard University

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