Ancient Roman History at its Best
357890
Where were history books like this when I was in school? This is a gripping account of Rome's 14th legion throughout its existence: from its founding by Julius Caesar to its demise in the fifth century AD. The prose is clear and most engaging and the battle descriptions are detailed and simply breathtaking. The book is complemented by a series of appendices which give brief outlines of Roman legions, Roman military ranks and brief histories of the Praetorian Guard, the City Guard and the Night Watch. References and a glossary complete this masterpiece. Although I recommend this book to anyone looking for a good exciting read, I particularly recommend it to those who have a special interest in ancient Roman military history.
452227
Excellently researched and written. Anyone who has a hunger for Roman history needs to pick this one up. Disclaimer: once you do, you won't want to put it down!
2593224
Very informative and captivating. The narrative as well as the experts make this a must watch for all history aficionados. Enjoyed every episode and learned many new facts and interesting points about the Roman Empire and it's leaders.
4732929
Roman-era expert Adrian Goldsworthy has written an outstanding history of seven centuries of Roman generalship with his latest volume, In the Name of Rome: The Men Who Won the Roman Empire. This is Goldsworthy's first volume that is focused primarily on individuals, rather than organizational studies of the Roman Army, but he handles the material deftly and brings these characters into sharp focus as individuals, rather than as mere ciphers. Goldsworthy also attempts to divine general lessons about the nature of the Roman command style from the behavior of these generals, many of whom are not well-known to modern readers.

  Each chapter in this volume details the career of one or two generals in a given period and the chapters are arranged sequentially, covering the period from the Second Punic War to the 6th Century A.D. Generally, Goldsworthy covers each of these Roman commanders in 25-30 pages as well as providing background material about contemporary conflicts and leaders. It is particularly impressive that Goldsworthy has been able to construct such a rich narrative on these generals, given the fragmentary and incomplete nature of the historical record. The chapters on Sertorius and Corbulo were particularly enlightening. Readers may also note that Goldsworthy's discussion of the Emperor Julian's generalship is far less complementary - although probably more accurate - than some modern accounts that attempt to rank him alongside Julius Caesar.

  Goldsworthy disputes the oft-held opinion that Roman generals were military amateurs and instead depicts them as professional public figures who alternated between military, civic and political roles. One of the chief attributes of Roman leaders that Goldsworthy cites is Virtus, the steadfast ability to endure setbacks and to endure until final victory was achieved. Although Roman armies were often defeated, they were rarely demoralized and they usually recovered quickly. While only a few Roman generals were truly gifted soldiers - Scipio Africanus and Julius Caesar being exceptions - most learned how to employ the operational art and tactics that served Rome so well for centuries (unlike modern military leaders, who must constantly update their professional knowledge due to changes in technology and doctrine).

  As Goldsworthy notes, Roman generals did not typically participate in close combat, as Greek generals did. Rather, the role of a Roman general on the battlefield was to "serve as a witness to his troops' acts of bravery" and to dispense rewards. Goldsworthy's theory is essentially that Roman troops were primarily motivated by the anticipation of rewards. It is a good theory and certainly one that tracks well with what we know about other armies in history, such as Napoleon's Grande Armee. Goldsworthy also discusses changes in the Roman Army over these centuries, including a greater degree of professionalism and the fact that soldiers became more loyal to their commanders (the one who rewarded them, anyway) than the state. Goldsworthy's hypothesis appears solid and the narrative supports it well. Although readers familiar with Caesar's commentaries, Tacitus and other Roman histories will find few new details here, the skill and clarity with which Goldsworthy weaves together all these accounts into a coherent narrative is truly commendable.
3257170
Even if you're not interested in ancient Greek or Roman history, this book will enthrall you.  It is very well written and brings the era to life. But more than that, the author brings the characters to life; they are not just mythological figures.  You will be drawn into their lives and care very much as to what happens to them.  In addition, the scholarchip is impecable and the writting is outstanding.
1762400
marvelous. the author is expert of the Parthian empire history. the story is woven so that you cannot stop reading it.
Intrigues, wars. ancient people like the Parthians,  Armenians Romans etc,
he describes the events  in details and in magnificent and entertaining way that you became absorbed in the story
a continue story to the first two books of the same author: Parthian dawn and Parthian. all those people who like ancient history this book is a must.
great reading.
4172442
THOROUGHLY ENJOYED THIS THIRD ONE IN THE SERIES.....AND IT LEAVES ROOM FOR MORE TO COME. IF YOU ENJOY ANCIENT HISTORY AND SPECIFICALLY THE GLORY YEARS OF ROME AND THE DETAILS OF A STORY WELL INTERWOVEN WITH HISTORY THEN THIS NOVEL IS FOR YOU!
4004294
i am a history buff and am a little bit knowledgeable about Rome and it's rich history. but my knowledge is more on the surface. the author has brought me from my panoramic view of roman history down to the most fascinating details of it. she has now become my most favorite author and i thank her for her work. i am thrilled to have her books on roman history but at the same time so terribly disappointed at myself for not having them earlier.
2814525
I have spent years searching out and reading ancient history books to my children.  The Usborne Greek and Roman histories are the best single volume histories of their respective periods.  What makes the Usborne books so good is that they jam a lot of information into their relatively thick books.  The print is small and the accompanying illustrations are really well done.  It is this marriage of written detail and plentify illustrations that makes this book work.  If you are interested in still even more detail, make sure to check out any of Peter Connolly's great ancient history books.
1318771
James Mace is a wonderful story teller and vividly captures the roman legionaries long lost world of the 1st century AD as I have imagined it.

Fast paced, extremely readable, and vivid. Artorius is the young soldier is a character that anyone who has worn the uniform can identify with. The story is action packed and believable; I find myself transported when I read his books and really enjoy the distraction. I plan to order the rest of the books as soon as they are available.

Very much in a highly readable style similar to Simon Scarrow, Mace captures your attention and makes his characters real to you. If you are a Scarrow fan you should read Mace.

-Roger Bombardier Jr.
Burlington, Vermont
1481899
This is one of my favorite Charles River Histories. A lot of great information on both Julius and Augustus Caesar. If you are a fan of the late Roman Republic this details its end. This period is so fascinating to me because so many famous people shared the historical stage and competed for the highest stakes imaginable.

This starts off detailing Julius's Early life and his struggle to survive Sulla's dictatorship. Of all historical figures Julius seems to me to be the most multi-talented. People idolized Alexander the Great for about 300 years, but every general really wanted to be Caesar until Napoleon. This history shows you why.

While Augustus was clearly not the general Julius was he was terrific at politics and administration. Just the man needed to create an Empire that lasted more than twice as long as the U.S. has. The most fascinating thing about his part in this history was his battles with Mark Antony for supremacy. Throughout most of their struggles Mark Antony held the advantage, but with brains and persistence Augustus came out on top.
3746641
A great guide on Roman History and the empire of Rome. There are so many different things that I learned about Rome. From the beginning of its history starting from the founding of Rome from Romulus and Reamus. This book is written in a way that is interesting and engaging. Rome's influence on the legal systems, language, architecture and engineering, and modern city life are all here. Overall the book is well written and very informative. I would recommend it to anyone interested in the culture of an ancient civilization and their impact on our lives.
558362
This book used an incredible premise to immerse me in the culture, language,politics and even the intimate details of daily life in ancient Rome.

Reads like a reference book at times making the glossary at the back of the book very useful.

A history book disguised in a very exciting fictional novel. I enjoyed reading and being educated!
568264
This is how you write ancient history. Sure many historical details are not known, but many ancient historians wrote about the leaders, and Norwich uses this to his advantage. Byzantium comes alive as the Grecian version of the Roman Empire. All 3 volumes keep you glued to the pages. I almost felt guilty having so much fun reading history -- and that's from the perspective of an advid history enthusiast. Norwich makes you care about his characters, warts and all. And by the end, you find yourself rooting for the survival of Byzantium. Well done sir!
4024032
Having never read a time-travel before, I was amazed, right along with Gigi Perrin, to find myself deposited suddenly in the middle of a deteriorating Roman Empire around 400 AD. I learned a lot about ancient Rome without realizing it, I was so caught up in the story.

Gigi Perrin, a talented flutist, musically transports herself to ancient Rome where she discovers she belongs to the depraved nutball Emperor Honorius as a slave. But she'd much rather belong to Quintus Magnus, an honorable senator and military man. In the middle of the vicious political infighting and barbarian threats, Gigi and Quintus must come together to create their own life together while striving to overcome the evil emperor and help their friends and allies.

This book was an exciting, entertaining and educational read. It doesn't get any better than that.
2133379
The Oxford First Ancient History is worthy of recommendation it gives its readers an understanding of early civilization it also gives us a window into the world of historians, archaeologists and the methods and interpretations used to map out our past. This book is truly a fascinating tour into the past. Every page is brimming with full color illustrations, maps drawings photographs artifacts, sculptures amazing quantity of visual cues to broaden our understanding and value of these ancient civilizations. Easy to read and even easier to understand, because of it,s inviting combination of both, narration and pictures the reader can easily identify with and compare what their reading to what it was. I thoroughly enjoyed how the author was able to capture my immediate attention and how the book was thorough in it's presentation from cave man to Rome.
4020031
Excellent reading on the Roman Empire. Fast paced and gives an excellent idea as to times of the Roman Empire. Author knows his business, both historical as well as writing ability.