The Shortest History of Ancient Rome

At its greatest extent, the Roman Empire encompassed more than twenty-five modern-day countries. It has shaped our politics and laws, language and numerals, calendars and architecture. But what was Rome, who were the Romans and why did the empire fall?

Ranging across more than a thousand years, from the foundation myths of Romulus and Remus to the barbarian invasions, Ross King vividly explores the lives of murderous emperors, rebellious women, remarkable thinkers, fugitive slaves and persecuted Christians.