Books matching: ancient rome history
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- #1
Mary Beard's 'SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome' is a comprehensive exploration of Rome's history, from its founding myths to the extension of Roman citizenship by Caracalla in 212 AD. The book delves into the lives of both the powerful leaders and the ordinary citizens, providing insights into the politics, social structures, and daily life of ancient Rome. Beard's narrative style is engaging and thought-provoking, challenging traditional accounts of Roman history and offering a fresh perspective backed by evidence and research.
OUR HISTORY OF ancient Rome begins in the middle of the first century BCE, more than 600 years after the city was founded. It begins with promises of revolution, with a terrorist conspiracy to destroy... - #2
'The Twelve Caesars' by Suetonius is a historical account of the lives of twelve Roman emperors, showcasing their strengths, weaknesses, and the brutal realities of their time. The book delves into the personal lives and day-to-day experiences of these emperors, providing insights into their accession, vices, virtues, superstitions, omens, and cruelties. Suetonius' writing style is described as entertaining, filled with humor, wit, and sarcasm, making history come alive with amusing anecdotes and vivid descriptions of the Roman rulers.
1. He lost his father at the age of fifteen. During the next consulship, after being nominated to be the next flamen of Jupiter, he broke an engagement, made for him while he was still a boy, to marry... - #3
'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves is a historical fiction novel written in the form of an autobiography of the Roman Emperor Claudius, depicting the ruthless tale of greed, backstabbing, political intrigue, and murder within the imperial court of ancient Rome. The book follows Claudius' journey from being an overlooked and stuttering member of the imperial family to becoming the third Caesar to rise to emperor, all while navigating through the complexities of Roman society and the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and Caligula.
The narrative is presented in a first-person perspective by Claudius, who is portrayed as an intelligent and reliable narrator, providing insights into the increasingly brutal and mad reigns of his predecessors. The book captures the lurid details of power struggles, betrayals, and relationships within the Roman elite, offering readers a captivating blend of historical facts and fiction set against the backdrop of ancient Rome's political intrigue and societal dynamics.
I, TIBERIUS CLAUDIUS DRUSUS NERO GERMANICUS This-that-and-the-other (for I shall not trouble you yet with all my titles), who was once, and not so long ago either, known to my friends and relatives an... 'The Storm Before the Storm: The Beginning of the End of the Roman Republic' by Mike Duncan delves into the generation of politics preceding the collapse of the Roman Republic. Through a well-researched narrative, the author explores the intricacies of Roman history, specifically focusing on the period leading up to the transition from a republic to an empire. Duncan's writing style is praised for being accessible to a broad audience, making the historical content engaging and understandable even for readers unfamiliar with the fall of the Roman Republic.
- #5
'The History of Rome' by Livy is a detailed account of the early periods of Rome, covering the periods from 750 BCE, the 7 kings Monarchy period, and up through the establishment of the Republic. The book starts with myths and legends about the founding of Rome, then delves into the history of the kings of Roma and the founding of the republic, the conflicts with Rome's neighbors in Italy, and culminates in the sack of the city by the Gauls. Livy's writing is described as dense and historiographical, yet easy to read and enjoyable, providing a vivid and exciting account of historical events.
Tom Holland's 'Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World' delves into the influence of Christianity on Western civilization. The book explores how Christian values have shaped societal norms, morals, and ethics throughout history. Holland argues that many beliefs and values that are now considered universal actually have Christian origins, even in a post-Christian era. He discusses the positive impact of Christianity on society, while also addressing the darker aspects of Christian history, such as colonialism and slavery. Through a non-religious lens, Holland traces the history of Christianity, highlighting its revolutionary ideas and enduring influence on the Western world.
- #7
'The First Man in Rome' by Colleen McCullough is a detailed and immersive historical fiction novel set in the late 100s BC, focusing on the rise of Gaius Marius, a seven-time Roman consul. The book delves into the political intrigue, historical events, and character-driven drama of the Roman Republic. McCullough's meticulous research is evident in the recreation of the Roman world, with detailed maps, glossaries, and pencil drawings of key characters. The story unfolds through multi-threaded plotlines and a wide array of characters, requiring readers to navigate through the complexity of Rome's political landscape.
The writing style in 'The First Man in Rome' has been described as dense and detailed, with a focus on historical accuracy and vivid recreation of ancient Rome. The narrative is filled with background information provided through epistles, which can be tiring at times. Despite some criticisms of the writing being slow and ponderous, the book presents a rich tapestry of Roman life, military campaigns, and political struggles, making it an educational and engaging read for those interested in the Roman Republic.
Having no personal commitment to either ofthe new consuls, Gaius Julius Caesar and his sons simply tacked themselves onto the procession which started nearest to their own house, the procession of the... 'The Great Sea: A Human History of the Mediterranean' by David Abulafia is an expansive historical gem that covers the full course of human history on the Mediterranean. Abulafia treats the Great Sea as the Liquid Continent, showcasing how trade, cultural exchange, and empire-building were key forces shaping civilizations around the Mediterranean. The book delves into the empires, cities, religions, and individuals that have influenced the great sea, providing a detailed account of the Mediterranean's rich history. Abulafia's writing style is engaging and informative, offering a wealth of information that brings together swaths of history that are typically in separate silos, providing a better context for historical events and actions.
In the long period of the Lower and Middle Palaeolithic (‘Old and Middle Stone Age’), navigation across the Mediterraneanwas probably rare, though some present-day islands were accessible across land ...- #9Julianby:
'Julian' by Gore Vidal is a historical novel that delves into the life of Roman Emperor Julian the Apostate, who attempted to restore the worship of the old gods and rebuke Christianity. The book provides a sympathetic yet critical portrayal of Julian, highlighting his struggles with ambition, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Through a narrative framed as Julian's memoirs with commentary from his associates, the novel explores themes of politics, religion, and personal ambition in the context of the fourth-century Roman Empire.
Vidal's writing style in 'Julian' is praised for its ability to transport readers back in time to ancient Rome, immersing them in the political intrigue and tensions of the era without overwhelming detail. The book offers a unique perspective on Roman history, presenting Julian as a complex character who grapples with philosophical ideals, religious conflicts, and the challenges of leadership. Overall, 'Julian' is lauded for its engaging storytelling, vivid depiction of historical events, and thought-provoking exploration of themes relevant to both past and present societies.
I was non-committal. Nowadays, one never knows who is a secret agent. Also, I was not particularly surprised at the news. When Theodosius fell ill last winter and the bishops arrived like vultures to ... Robert Hughes' 'Rome: A Cultural, Visual, and Personal History' is a sweeping exploration of the Eternal City, delving into its rich history, art, and culture. The book offers a grand tour of Rome, immersing readers in its historical significance while providing cutting remarks on the political landscape. Hughes' writing style is described as highly entertaining, blending the grand sweep of Roman history with original information and commentary, making the book an informative and illuminating read for those with scant knowledge of art history.
Although nobody can say when Rome began, at least there is reasonable certainty of where it did. It was in Italy, on the bank of the river Tiber, about twenty-two kilometers inland from its mouth, a d...