The Roman Empire - Softcover

Wells, Colin

3.55

38 ratings by Goodreads

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0006862527 ISBN 13: 9780006862529

Publisher: Fontana Press, 1992

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This history of the Roman Empire, from 44 BC to AD 235, has three purposes: to describe what was happening in the central administration of the Empire; to indicate how life went on in Italy and the provinces, in the towns, in the countryside, and in the army camps; and to show how these two different worlds impinged on each other. The book comprises a vivid account of the most intriguing period in ancient history.

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Review:

An admirable volume. -- A. T. Kraabel "Religious Studies Review"

This concise but illuminating history of a government that provided peace and prosperity longer than any other has no equal.

history, he reflects on issues independently and creatively, and he writes elegantly, and sometimes brilliantly.

When a modest, single volume on the Roman Empire proves informative, provocative, and exciting, the reader gladly acknowledges an exceptional author. Professor Colin Wells is expert in the various aspects of Roman history, he reflects on issues independently and creatively, and he writes elegantly, and sometimes brilliantly.--Eleanor G. Huzar "Classical Outlook "

This is historical writing with a bite usually missing in fast surveys...Novices and advanced students of Roman history alike will be stimulated by this book to think deeply on a grand scale about matters of great importance in ancient history.--Thomas R. Martin "History Book Club Review "

An admirable volume.--A. T. Kraabel "Religious Studies Review "

From the Back Cover:

This sweeping history of the Roman Empire from 44 BC to AD 235 has three purposes: to describe what was happening in the central administration of the Empire and in the entourage of the Emperor; to indicate how life went on in Italy and the provinces; and to show how these two different worlds impinged on each other. It comprises a vivid account of the most intriguing period in ancient history.

Designed for the general reader, the book strives for a balance between consideration of the centre and the periphery, and between narrative and discussion. To that end, the odd-numbered chapters provide a chronological account of Roman political life, from the age of Augustus to the Severans, from affairs of court to the machinery of the State. Intervening chapters discuss events and conditions in Italy and the provinces, while the author pays particular attention to what is known – from literary and archeological sources – about Roman art and architecture, religion and education, law and government. Professor Wells has absorbed all the scholarship of the last decade, and made alterations accordingly for this, the Second Edition, which also includes a comprehensive, updated bibliographical essay.

"Seldom has the government of the world been conducted for so long a term in an orderly sequence... In its sphere, which those who belonged to it were not far wrong in regarding as the world, it fostered the peace and prosperity of the many nations united under its sway longer and more completely than any other leading power has ever done."
THEODOR MOMMSEN

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