A History of Ancient Rome in 100 Lives

The ancient Romans are explored through inscriptions, letters, biographies, and myth in this collection of 100 lives, revealing the lives of ordinary citizens as well as famous rulers and generals. The stories range from happy to tragic, showcasing the diversity of experiences within Roman society.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 02 February 2023
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

Discover the captivating lives of the ancient Romans, intricately woven together from a rich tapestry of inscriptions, discarded letters, biographies, and myth spanning over two thousand years of history. The Roman empire, a colossal force, exerted its dominion across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, from Britannia to the Black Sea. In this remarkable collection of 100 lives, Philip Matyszak and Joanne Berry bring forth the voices of not only renowned rulers and generals whose names have been etched in classical texts but also of the ordinary citizens—centurions, scholars, Christian martyrs, and civil servants—who formed the very fabric of Roman society.

The biographies of these individuals, whose stories span from the joyous and uneventful to the tragic and dramatic, are meticulously pieced together from ancient art, artifacts, and myths. Matyszak and Berry shed light on the remarkable exploits of Rome's women, such as Amazonia, a sword-swinging gladiator, and Metila, a priestess of the cult of Cymbele. Romans from every class and creed are represented, from Faustulus, the shepherd believed to have adopted the infant Romulus and Remus, to the renowned poet Virgil, whose words continue to resonate through the ages.

Each of these lives forms a vital part of a larger mosaic, collectively painting a vivid portrait of what it meant to be a Roman. This captivating journey through time offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of ancient civilization, shedding light on the complexities, triumphs, and enduring legacies of the Roman empire.

Weight: 288g
Dimension: 198 x 129 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780500297056