This one-volume history of the Roman world begins with the early years of the republic and carries the story nearly a thousand years forward to 476, when Romulus Augustus, the last Western Roman emperor, was deposed. Brian Campbell, respected scholar and teacher, presents a fascinating and wide-ranging introduction to Rome, drawing on an array of ancient sources and covering topics of interest to readers with little prior background in Roman history as well as those already familiar with the great civilization. Campbell explores several themes, including the fall of the republic, the impact of colourful and diverse emperors on imperial politics, the administrative structure of empire, and the Roman army and how warfare affected the Roman world. He also surveys cultural and social life, including religion and the rise of Christianity. Generously enhanced with maps and illustrations, this book is a rich and inspiring account of a mighty civilization and the citizens who made it so.

Brian Campbell is professor of Roman history, Queen's University, Belfast. His previous books include The Emperor and the Roman Army and Warfare and Society in Imperial Rome. He lives in Belfast, UK.

"A succinct yet thorough introduction to the Romans – and their world."—Ross Leckie, Country Life

"A clear narrative, well illustrated with pictures and maps, that introduces us to the broad sweep of Roman history in the traditional sense."—Peter Jones, BBC History Magazine

"One of the great joys of his unfailingly readable account is the readiness with which it returns to the Roman record, drawing on ancient sources to give a lively and immediate feel for Roman life and culture."—Michael Kerrigan, The Scotsman