How did the Romans go from a small village on the banks of the Tiber to an imperial power that at its height encompassed some 64 million people across three continents? And how can we explain the decline and eventual collapse of this vast empire? This expanded new edition of David Potter's lively history tells the extraordinary story of Rome from its origins, through the Republic and Empire, to the period of its decline and fall.
In a narrative full of drama and unforgettable characters, the author describes the key events of Roman history and gives a fascinating account of the development of Roman life and culture. Informed throughout by the latest scholarship and archaeological evidence, it offers penetrating new insights that challenge the received wisdom of traditional histories.
As well as telling the story of Rome, this book is unique in engaging readers in the practice and interpretation of ancient history. A thought-provoking introduction discusses key sources for studying Roman history, and different methods scholars can use to reconstruct the past. The contributions of economics, archaeology, literary criticism, and anthropology to our understanding of the Roman world are explained.
An array of illustrations enriches this insightful history, and illuminates how such objects can deepen our understanding of Roman culture.
In a narrative full of drama and unforgettable characters, the author describes the key events of Roman history and gives a fascinating account of the development of Roman life and culture. Informed throughout by the latest scholarship and archaeological evidence, it offers penetrating new insights that challenge the received wisdom of traditional histories.
As well as telling the story of Rome, this book is unique in engaging readers in the practice and interpretation of ancient history. A thought-provoking introduction discusses key sources for studying Roman history, and different methods scholars can use to reconstruct the past. The contributions of economics, archaeology, literary criticism, and anthropology to our understanding of the Roman world are explained.
An array of illustrations enriches this insightful history, and illuminates how such objects can deepen our understanding of Roman culture.
Edition type: Second edition
Extent: 368 pp
Format: Hardback
Illustrations: 200
Publication date: 2016-01-11
Size: 25.2 x 19.0 cm
ISBN: 9780500251973
Introduction: Methods and Sources I The Formation of the Roman Identity (800-350BC) II War and Empire (350 - 133BC) III The Failure of the Roman Republic (113-59BC) IV The Transition from Republic to Principate (59BC - 70AD) V The Age of Stability (AD70-238) VI The Transformation of the Roman World (AD 238-410) VII The Endings of the Roman Empire (AD 410-642) Glossary, Recommended Reading, Index
Press Reviews
Ted Kaizer, University of Durham
Brian K. Harvey, Kent State University
Minerva
About the Author
David Potter is Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Greek and Latin at the University of Michigan. Among his other books are Life, Death and Entertainment in the Roman Empire and Emperors of Rome.
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