The Romans For Dummies
1. Edition November 2006
464 Pages, Softcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
Short Description
Interest in ancient Rome is on the rise due to the success of films such as the Academy Award-winning Gladiator and the HBO series Rome, which is now filming a second season that will air in 2007. Filled with fun facts and fascinating historical tidbits, this friendly guide takes readers on a wild ride through Roman history, covering the rise and fall of both the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire. After chronicling the ups and downs of Roman history, the book offers special chapters on various aspects of Roman society, from everyday life, the army, roads, and geography to art, entertainment, science, and religion.
"A must for anyone interested in the Roman Empire and its impact on world history."
--Tony Robinson star of Blackadder and Time Team
Explore one of the most exciting eras in ancient history
This entertaining and informative guide introduces readers to the amazing world of ancient Rome and its emperors, epic wars, awesome architecture, heroes, and villains. With a complete rundown of Roman history alongside fascinating insights into the lives of everyday Romans, readers will discover the amazing people and events involved in the rise and fall of one of the greatest of all ancient civilisations and how its influence can still be felt around the world today.
Discover:
* How the Romans came to rule the world
* The lastinglegacy of Roman society, culture, economics, and industry around the world
* The good, the bad, and the very bad Roman rulers
* Roman religion, beliefs, and worship
* How the Romans enjoyed themselves
Part I: Romans â?" The Big Boys of the Ancient World.
Chapter 1: The Romans: Shaping Their World and Ours.
Chapter 2: Itâ?(tm)s the Cash That Counts: Roman Social Classes.
Chapter 3: Stairway to the Stars: The Greasy Path to Power.
Chapter 4: Rural Bliss â?" Roman Dreamland.
Chapter 5: When We Were Soldiers.
Part II: Living the Good Life.
Chapter 6: The Urban Jungle.
Chapter 7: Making the Roman Machine Work.
Chapter 8: Entertainments: Epic and Domestic.
Chapter 9: Divine Intervention.
Part III: The Rise of Rome.
Chapter 10: Kings? No, Maybe Not â?" Republicans.
Chapter 11: This Town Isnâ?(tm)t Big Enough for All of Us â?" Seizing Italy.
Chapter 12: Carthage and the First Two Punic Wars.
Chapter 13: While Weâ?(tm)re at It â?" Letâ?(tm)s Conquer Everywhere Else, Too.
Part IV: When Romans Ruled the World.
Chapter 14: Reform and Civil War.
Chapter 15: Daggers Drawn â?" The Fall of the Republic.
Chapter 16: Augustus and the Caesars â?" Plots, Perverts, and Paranoia.
Chapter 17: The Five Good Emperors.
Part V: Throwing the Empire Away.
Chapter 18: More Civil War, Auctioning the Empire, and Paranoid Lunatics.
Chapter 19: The Age of the Thug â?" The Third Centuryâ?(tm)s Soldier Emperors.
Chapter 20: East Is East and West Is West: Diocletian and Constantine.
Chapter 21: The Barbarians Are Coming! The End of Rome.
Part VI: The Part of Tens.
Chapter 22: Ten Turning Points in Roman History.
Chapter 23: Ten Interesting and Occasionally Good Romans.
Chapter 24: Ten (Mostly) Bad Romans.
Chapter 25: Ten of Romeâ?(tm)s Greatest Enemies.
Chapter 26: Ten (or So) Great Roman Places to Visit.
Index.