The Romans succeeded in less than fifty-three years in subjecting almost the whole inhabited world of their rule. This book tells the story of the rise of Rome from its origins as a cluster of villages to the foundation of the Roman Empire by Augustus and its consolidation in the first two centuries AD. It also discusses some aspects of the later Empire and its influence on western civilizations, not least through the adoption of Christianity. Chapters dealing with social and political history are interspersed with chapters on literature, philosophy, and the arts: the conquests of Rome; Roman Emperors; Plautus, Terence, Virgil and Roman literature; Roman historians such as Tacitus and Livy; Stoicism and Scepticism; and Roman art and architecture are among the topics dealt with. The historical framework of the book is reinforced by maps and chronological charts; there are bibliographies and a full index; and the book is profusely and aptly illustrated with colour and black-and-white illustrations.

An illustrated history of Imperial Rome over five centuries. What began as an attempt by the Roman Senate to deny Julius Caesar the Consulship led to his assassination by the Senate and the institutional conversion of Rome from a Republic to one of the greatest empires the world has seen.

In less than fifty-three years, Rome subjected most of the known world to its rule. This authoritative and compelling work tells the story of the rise of Rome from its origins as a cluster of villages to the foundation of the Roman Empire by Augustus, to its consolidation in the first two centuries CE. It also discusses aspects of the later Empire and its influence on Western civilization, not least of which was the adoption of Christianity. Packed with fascinating detail and written by acknowledged experts in Roman history, the book expertly interweaves chapters on social and political history, the Emperors, art and architecture, and the works of leading Roman poets, historians, and philosophers. Reinforcing the book's historical framework are maps, diagrams, a useful chronology, and a full bibliography. Taken as a whole, this rich work offers an indispensable resource on the history of one of the world's greatest empires.

From the epic poems of Homer to the glittering art and architecture of Greece's Golden Age to the influential Roman systems of law and leadership, the classical world has established the foundations of our culture, as well as many of its enduring achievements. Astonishingly in-depth in its coverage of the entire 1000-year history of the classical world and richly illustrated, The Oxford History of the Classical World offers the general reader the definitive companion to the Graeco-Roman world, its history, and its achievements. The first volume, Classical Greece and the Hellenistic World, covers the period from the eighth to first centuries B.C., a period unparalleled in history for its brilliance in literature, philosophy, and the visual arts. It also treats the Hellenization of the Middle East by the monarch established in the area conquered by Alexander the Great. The second volume, Classical Rome, covers early Rome and Italy, the expansion of the Roman republic, the foundation of the Roman Empire by Augustus, its consolidation in the first two centuries A.D., and the later Empire and its influence on Western civilization.

The Oxford Illustrated History of the World is the story of humanity itself, from earliest times to the present day, and the changes--good and bad--which have shaped our world.

Noted classical historian Peter Salway provides a rich account of Britain's centuries under Roman rule. Salway notes that Britain was a place of fascination for the Romans--a fascination he brings to life with hundreds of beautiful illustrations and a thorough, authoritative narrative. 24 pages of color plates; halftones and line drawings.

Kevin McGeogh approaches the centuries-long story of Rome thematically, exploring its geography, history, economics, social structures, material culture, and intellectual achievements. The book not only addresses such topics as historical personalities, forms of government, and religion, but also coinage, administrative organization, festivities, the art of leisure, death and burial rituals, and much more. Each chapter provides an up-to-date summary of our knowledge of Roman civilization, making this book an indeal introduction to this fascinating and complex culture.

New history richly illustrated in colour and aimed at the general reader.

The legacy of the Hellenistic world is vast -- it ranges from architecture to philosophy, literature, and the visual arts to military strategy and science.This beautifully illustrated study covers the period from the eighth century BC, which witnessed the emergence of the Greek city-states, to the conquests of Alexander the Great and the establishment of the Greek monarchies some five centuries later.Chapters dealing with political and social history are interspersed with chapters on philosophy and the arts, including Homer, Greek myth, Aristotle and Plato, Greek dramatists such as Sophocles and Aristophanes, and the flourishing of the visual and plastic arts.