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Books matching: roman empire decline

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  1. #1

    The Beacon at Alexandria by Gillian Bradshaw
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    'The Beacon at Alexandria' by Gillian Bradshaw tells the story of Charis, a young noblewoman from the Eastern Roman Empire who disguises herself as a eunuch to pursue her dream of studying medicine in Alexandria during the declining years of the Roman Empire. Charis faces challenges as she navigates the world of medicine, political upheavals, and religious strife, all while maintaining her disguise and following her passion for healing. Set in the 370s, the novel provides a vivid portrayal of the cosmopolitan and rich learning environment of Alexandria, as well as the complexities of Roman society and the struggles of a woman seeking to practice medicine in a male-dominated world.

    Charis's journey is filled with political intrigue, early Christian theology, and a touch of romance, making it an entertaining adventure that delves into historical details such as medicines, diseases, treatments, food, clothing, and Roman politics. captures Charis's determination, intelligence, and courage as she faces societal expectations and challenges, ultimately finding her place as a respected physician amidst the backdrop of a crumbling Roman Empire.

    I’d found the bird at the bottom of the garden wall. It had a broken wing, and sat under the wall with its beak agape, panting. It didn’t stir itself much even when I picked it up. I guessed that some...

  2. 'Eagle in the Snow' by Wallace Breem is a historical novel set in the final days of the Roman Empire, focusing on General Maximus and Rome's last stand against invaders in Gaul. The book vividly portrays the bitterness, hardship, and helplessness of the major historical event, highlighting the emotional and action-packed elements of the story. Breem successfully transports readers to the 5th century Roman Empire, showcasing the struggles faced by General Maximus as he battles to keep the barbarians at bay along the Rhenus River.

    The narrative is told from Maximus' point of view, providing insight into the military strategy, the political intrigue of the time, and the sense of duty that drives the protagonist. The book delves into the Roman military tactics, logistics, and the challenges faced by soldiers on the front lines, creating a realistic and immersive reading experience for those interested in military and Roman history.

    YOU THINK I am lucky because I am old, because I knew a world that was not turned upside down. Perhaps you are right. As you, too, might have been lucky if the ice had only cracked. You don’t really k...

  3. #3

    SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome by Mary Beard
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    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...

  4. #4

    How Rome Fell: Death of a Superpower by Adrian Goldsworthy
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    'How Rome Fell: Death of a Superpower' by Adrian Goldsworthy provides an insightful history of Rome's fall, spanning from the Third Century catastrophes to the dissolution of the Western Empire. Goldsworthy's writing style is described as exceptional, combining scholarly depth with readability for a general audience. The book delves into internal strife as a key factor in Rome's decline, offering compelling evidence for the state's internal rot leading to its downfall.

    It has been common to name 476 as the year when the Roman Empire ended in the west. If so, then five centuries of imperial rule ended with a whimper. The event did not seem to be of massive importance...

  5. #5

    The Fall of the Roman Empire by Peter Heather
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    'The Fall of the Roman Empire' by Peter Heather provides a detailed account of the decline and fall of the Western Roman Empire. Heather delves into the changing nature of Rome, the conflicts with neighboring regions, and the incursions of various outsider groups collectively known as Barbarians. Through a narrative that covers a shorter time span, Heather offers analysis and explanation on the factors that led to the downfall of the empire, focusing on the impact of external pressures rather than internal weaknesses. also explores the role of key figures like Aetius in attempting to maintain imperial control amidst growing challenges.

    EARLY WINTER IN 54 BC: a typically wet, grey November day in eastern Belgium. In a Roman military camp on the site of modern-day Tongres, close to where the borders of Belgium, Holland and Germany now...

  6. #6

    The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon
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    The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon is a monumental six-volume work that traces the trajectory of Western Civilization from the height of the Roman Empire to the fall of Byzantium. Gibbon, a sterling prose stylist, offers a narrative voice that is dense yet rewarding, with a focus on the inexorable collapse of the Roman Empire and the influence of Christianity. The book is known for its magnificent scholarship, historical scope, and Gibbon's sharp wit.

    In the second century of the Christian æra, the empire of Rome comprehended the fairest part of the earth, and the most civilized portion of mankind. The frontiers of that extensive monarchy were guar...

  7. #7
    Foundation
    Book 1 in the series:Foundation

    Foundation - Foundation by Isaac Asimov
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    Foundation by Isaac Asimov is a classic science fiction novel that delves into the story of humanity's downfall and rise through the Foundation. Asimov's writing style captivates readers with intricate plot threads that twist together, focusing on the evolution of society guided by the science of psychohistory. The book spans years, highlighting key turning points in societal growth and development, with a primary focus on the Foundation as the protagonist and the theory of Hari Seldon shaping the future Empire.

    The narrative of Foundation is praised for its ability to parallel historical events like the fall of Rome, offering a compelling exploration of how an empire rises, falls, and rebuilds from the ashes. Asimov's storytelling is commended for its ingenious plot and fast-paced nature, despite minimal action. The book is lauded for its unique concept of predicting the future of society through psychohistory, engaging readers with themes of politics, societal evolution, and the inevitability of major events spanning multiple generations.

    TERMINUS–... Its location (see map) was an odd one for the role it was called upon to play in Galactic history, and yet as many writers have never tired of pointing out, an inevitable one. Located on ...

  8. #8
    Roma Mater
    Book 1 in the series:King Of Ys

    Roma Mater - King Of Ys by Poul Anderson
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    'Roma Mater' in the series 'King Of Ys' by Poul Anderson follows the story of Gratillonious, a Roman soldier who becomes the King of Ys after winning a duel against the previous king. The plot delves into the political and spiritual challenges faced by Gratillonious as he navigates the clash between different religions, including Mithras and Christianity. Set in a historical fantasy world, the book intricately weaves together elements of history, legend, and fantasy, providing a rich backdrop for the protagonist's journey.

    The writing style of 'Roma Mater' is described as heavily researched, with detailed footnotes explaining the authors' interpretations. offers a wealth of historical detail about the waning days of the Roman Empire and sets the stage for the rest of the series. Despite some readers finding the descriptive factors to be overly detailed at times, the story presents a fascinating blend of history, legend, and fantasy, making it an engaging read for those interested in a well-crafted narrative.


  9. Empires of the Word: A Language History of the World by Nicholas Ostler is an ambitious survey of how different languages have thrived or died out throughout world history. The book delves into the complexities of language spread and domination by empires, tracing the origins, evolution, and future of major languages and linguistic families. Ostler explores questions such as why some languages flourish while others decline, and why certain languages like Chinese or English have persisted over time. The book covers a wide range of languages from ancient civilizations to modern eras, speculating on the rise and fall of languages in the future.

    Ostler's narrative weaves together linguistics and history, providing insights into the unpredictable nature of language spread and the factors influencing the dominance of certain languages. From the impact of conquest, migration, economic power, and religion on language evolution to the complexities of language preservation and decline, the book offers a dense yet fascinating exploration of the history of languages and their influence on world civilizations.

    There are between six and seven thousand communities in the world today identified by the first language that they speak. They are not of equal weight. They range in size from Mandarin Chinese with so...

  10. "In the Shadow of the Sword" by Tom Holland is a detailed exploration of the origins of Islam, intertwined with the decline of the Roman and Persian empires in the Near East. The book delves into the rise of monotheism, tracing the development of religions such as Zoroastrianism, Judaism, and Christianity, and their impact on the political and military landscape of the time period. Holland's writing style, though at times sensational and jaunty, presents a lively survey of the historical events, from the Arab conquests to the formation of the Arab empire, challenging traditional assumptions about Islam's origins.

    The author weaves together narratives of various religions and empires, offering insights into the cultural, religious, and political landscape of the 8th and 9th centuries. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Holland explores the complexities of the birth of Islam, shedding light on the connections between different belief systems and their evolution during a tumultuous period in history.

    Yusuf As’ar Yath’ar, an Arab king celebrated for his long hair, his piety and his utter ruthlessness, had been brought to defeat. Leaving the reek of the battlefield, he rode his blood-flecked white c...

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