Ancient Rome

This book features nearly 1000 photographs, fine art paintings, battleplans, maps, architectural cross-sections and artworks reveal the glory and the might of ancient Rome. It is an authoritative account of Roman imperial, military and political power, and of classical Rome's far-reaching influence on Western culture, architecture and the arts. You can discover the scandals of ancient Rome - the excesses of Caligula and Nero, and romance of Antony and Cleopatra. Soldiers and statesmen, writers and thinkers, and powerful women, all come alive in this history of Rome. Military campaigns and tactics; art and architecture; life and work, society, sport and games - every major theme of Roman history is explored in this comprehensive book. The legacy of ancient Rome, from tiny republic to world-ruling empire, shapes the world we inhabit today. The first half of the book focuses on the political and military history of Rome. Every major campaign and battle is described, from the Punic Wars and Caesar's Conquest of Gaul to the conquest of Britain, Dacia and the East. The second part records Rome's influence on the development of world art, architecture, philosophy, society and daily life, with drawings of the Colosseum, the Pantheon and other World Heritage buildings. This is the perfect history of Rome for any student of history, archaeology or the classical world. It will provide inspiration for anyone planning to visit Italy or other sites in the once-great Roman Empire.