Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

Ancient and ArchaeologyΒ  permalink

Book on Rome

• Message 1.Β 

  Posted by Mark (U1347077) on Wednesday, 29th March 2006

  I am interested in learning more on the Roman Empire - I have a (very) basic knowledge of events and would like an intermediate level book. Its only for personal interest rather than a course so preferably one that is entertaining as well as informative.
  
  Any recommendations?

  Link to this forum: Book on Rome

  Report message1

• Message 2

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by ap Tom (U1380901) on Wednesday, 29th March 2006

  "The Roman Empire" by Colin Wells in the Fontana series on the Classical World is hard to beat as an introduction and overview of the subject. A good one for dipping into is "The Romans: an introduction" by Anthony Kamm (this includes Republican Rome and the roots of the city, but then that is helpful background stuff too).

  Link to this forum: Book on Rome

  Report message2

• Message 3

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by RainbowFfolly (U3345048) on Wednesday, 29th March 2006

  Hi Mahros,
  
  I have got to recommend Livy. "The Early History of Rome" (Books I-V) and "The War With Hannibal" (Books 21-30) are incredible. He may not be the most accurate historian (and the books are the best part of 2,000 years old) but he's to hard to beat for sheer entertainment value. You'll get so engrossed you'll find yourself trying to forget the history you've learnt from other books in case it spoils the ending...
  
  So, read some of the originals from source and then read a modern history. Before you know it you'll be thinking more like a Roman and less like an academic!
  
  RF

  Link to this forum: Book on Rome

  Report message3

• Message 4

  , in reply to message 3.

  Posted by yankee014 (U3352255) on Wednesday, 29th March 2006

  I highly recommend the book Ancient Rome by Horizon, Robert Payne. It is easy to follow and rather enjoyable to read. I also recommend reading Life in Ancient Rome by F.R. Cowell.

  Link to this forum: Book on Rome

  Report message4

• Message 5

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by fascinating (U1944795) on Thursday, 30th March 2006

  Mahros, for those starting to find out about Ancient Rome (in fact any subject) I would recommend they start by looking up an entry in an encyclopedia, and reading a sketch of the most basic facts. Web encyclopedias are just as good as 'real' ones.
  
  But you say you already have basic understanding, so the question is, which particular area of this vast subject are you interested in? Examples could be ; lives of the emperors, the rise of Christianity, why Rome fell, everyday life in Roman Britain, Roman technology, the Roman Army, the influence of Rome on life today. For each one, perhaps the internet is the best starting point to find the basic facts.
  
  

  Link to this forum: Book on Rome

  Report message5

• Message 6

  , in reply to message 5.

  Posted by Mark (U1347077) on Thursday, 30th March 2006

  Thanks for all your suggestions - I've ordered a couple of books through Amazon.
  
  I've gone through websites etc. If anything, I am interested in the era around Julius Caesar and the change from Republic to Empire but a broader picture, from the Punic Wars to the decline of the Western Empire would be a bonus. The recommended books should be ideal.
  
  Thanks again.

  Link to this forum: Book on Rome

  Report message6

• Message 7

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by Thjodolf (U1900675) ** on Thursday, 30th March 2006

  I am interested in learning more on the Roman Empire - I have a (very) basic knowledge of events and would like an intermediate level book. Its only for personal interest rather than a course so preferably one that is entertaining as well as informative.
  
  Any recommendations?Β 
  
  You might to have a look at Peter Connolly's "Greece and Rome at War". As the title suggests this book deals with the milary side of things. Full of superb illustrations, which matched with Connolly's easy style make this one well worth a read, particularly for those interested in the Persian invasions of Greece or Hannibal's invasion of Italy.
  
  Livy is always entertaining, and Suetonius should be in the collection of any historian.

  Link to this forum: Book on Rome

  Report message7

• Message 8

  , in reply to message 7.

  Posted by A_Wanderer (U1760877) on Thursday, 30th March 2006

  I can't push Adrian Goldsworthy enough! From his book on Carthage, to his book on Roman miltary to his book, "In The Name Of Rome" in which is the best overview of Rome that I have ever read.

  Link to this forum: Book on Rome

  Report message8

• Message 9

  , in reply to message 8.

  Posted by Gracchi (U3350920) on Tuesday, 4th April 2006

  Yeah try all the classics,
  
  The Assassination of Julius Caesar: A People's History of Ancient Rome , Michael Parenti.
  
  For one of the first bottom to top historys of rome.
  The Mob . as that is what we are.
  

  Link to this forum: Book on Rome

  Report message9

• Message 10

  , in reply to message 9.

  Posted by vespasian69ad (U2946211) on Wednesday, 5th April 2006

  Boudica by Vanessa Collingridge, is very good if you want to learn abour Britain under early Roman influence... Also year of the four emporers by Kenneth Wellesley is a really easy read as well..
  

  Link to this forum: Book on Rome

  Report message10

• Message 11

  , in reply to message 10.

  Posted by hearts_of_oak (U1633060) on Thursday, 6th April 2006

  
  try the books of Colleen McCullough, the master of rome series, starting with the grass crown, these are well written and they cover the period from 110bc to 20ad, and with reference to Boudica by Vanessa Collingridge i am afraid i gave up when she started on about warriors being gay and Boudica being a lesbian

  Link to this forum: Book on Rome

  Report message11

Back to top