From a small Iron-Age settlement on the banks of the Tiber, Rome grew to become the centre of an empire that dominated what was then known of the western world. This book recreates the evolution of that city, describing the individuals and events that made Rome a political and cultural conqueror. The book portrays not only the cynosures of the Roman world, but also lesser known figures, reassessing their impact upon both the character of Roman society and the development of the Empire. Rome's artistic achievements, especially in literature, architecture, sculpture and painting, are scrutinized, and the economic and social conditions of life for ordinary people are examined. Finally, the changing relationships between Rome and the peoples of its provinces, and the reasons for the ultimate disintegration, or transformation, of the western empire are closely examined.
- ISBN10 0297817108
- ISBN13 9780297817109
- Publish Date 11 March 1996 (first published 1 January 1978)
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 12 July 2000
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Orion Publishing Co
- Imprint Weidenfeld & Nicolson
- Edition New edition
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 440
- Language English