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Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of An Empire Paperback – July 3, 2007

by Simon Baker (Author)
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Ancient Rome is the story of the greatest empire the world has ever known. Focusing on six turning points in Roman history, Simon Baker's absorbing narrative charts the rise and fall of a political machine unmatched in its brutality, genius, and lust for power. From the conquest of the Mediterranean in the 3rd century BC to the destruction of the empire at the hands of barbarian invaders 700 years later, we discover the pivotal episodes in Roman history. At the heart of this account are some of the most powerful rulers in history—men like Julius Caesar, Augustus, Nero, and Constantine. Putting flesh on the bones of these legendary figures, Baker looks beyond the dusty caricatures to explore their real motivations, ambitions, intrigues, and rivalries. The superb narrative, full of energy and imagination, is a brilliant distillation of the latest scholarship and a wonderfully evocative account of ancient Rome.
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  1. Print length
    448 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    BBC Physical Audio
  4. Publication date
    July 3, 2007
  5. Dimensions
    5 x 1.2 x 8 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1846072840
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1846072840
  8. See all details
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The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Editorial Reviews

Review


"Effectively profiles several important figures from Rome's history . . . recommended for public libraries." —Library Journal

About the Author

Simon Baker is a member of the BBC's award-winning History Unit where he has worked on a wide range of programs about the classical world. He was the development producer on the series Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ BBC Physical Audio; Reprint edition (July 3, 2007)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 448 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1846072840
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1846072840
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 1.2 x 8 inches

About the author

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Simon Baker

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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
1,481 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and informative. It provides a clear overview of Roman history without being overwhelming. They describe the writing style as easy to read and engaging, with no convoluted writing style. The book offers interesting insights and lessons for today. Readers praise the well-paced narrative and smooth transitions between subjects. It's a great introduction for beginners to learn about Rome. The characters are well-developed and relatable.

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ReadabilityHistoryReadableInformativePacingStart-up valueCharacterization
124 customers mention "Readability"119 positive5 negative

Customers find the book engaging and informative. They describe it as a great read that provides a nice foundation for further reading. Readers appreciate that it's well-researched and reasonably lengthened for the subject matter. The book is described as captivating and an amazing piece of work by the author.

"An amazing piece of work on part of the author. The breadth of the subject covered within a short span of 420 pages is nothing short of spectacular...." Read more

"...Sorry, now I'm rambling. This is a book worth reading if you are just starting on your adventures into Roman history." Read more

"...leading up to the sack of Rome in 410 by Alaric, the best account I've seen...." Read more

"...Insightful, superbly written, and gripping, this book is a real page turner. You will not be able to put it down...." Read more

119 customers mention "History"114 positive5 negative

Customers find the book provides a clear and concise history of Ancient Rome. It covers political changes, philosophical views, and territory. While it takes big jumps through Roman history, it's not meant to be comprehensive. Readers appreciate the detailed writing and interesting content. The book attempts to explain Rome's rise to power and struggle to maintain it.

"...Highly recommended to any history buffs, those looking for a great read, or for those who are afraid to read fiction for wasting time but miss the..." Read more

"This book is an easy read and a good start for anyone interested in Roman history. It is however not an academic text...." Read more

"...Baker's treatment of successive developments and figures of the history is excellent, especially that of Constantine, also much misunderstood...." Read more

"...Here you can actually get a vivid sense of every phase of Roman evolution, from the earliest tribal days to the glory of the Republic, to the..." Read more

112 customers mention "Readable"105 positive7 negative

Customers find the book readable and engaging. They say it reads like a good novel, without convoluted writing styles common in historical books. The narrative draws them along and clarifies myths and misconceptions about the history. Readers praise the well-organized and accessible content that provides a broad overview of different periods.

"...The book reads like a fiction novel...." Read more

"This book is an easy read and a good start for anyone interested in Roman history. It is however not an academic text...." Read more

"I'll agree with the many reviews that say it reads like a good novel, in modern but not dumbed-down language...." Read more

"...Insightful, superbly written, and gripping, this book is a real page turner. You will not be able to put it down...." Read more

61 customers mention "Informative"54 positive7 negative

Customers find the book informative and interesting. They say the lectures are engaging and the book conveys excitement about the topic. Readers mention that the author keeps their interest with facts and anecdotes about Roman history.

"...The Roman history also has many lessons to teach - how it is easy to slip away from Republic to an autocracy if the public and government is not..." Read more

"...The author looks at the developmental course (key moments and ideological shifts) of the Roman republic, then empire through the end...." Read more

"...Insightful, superbly written, and gripping, this book is a real page turner. You will not be able to put it down...." Read more

"...Simon Baker, the author, writes in a straightforward and cultivated manner...." Read more

25 customers mention "Pacing"25 positive0 negative

Customers find the book has a good pace. They say it reads like a story rather than a history book. The narrative flows smoothly between different subjects and chapters, making it easy to follow. Readers mention the best chapter details the Jewish rebellion from the book.

"...The account is clear, fair and smoothly transitions to different subjects and chapters...." Read more

"...collective narrative of the ancient events and rise of fall of some of the ancient ages great or controversial characters...." Read more

"...The best chapter is that which details the Jewish rebellion from the point of view of Josephus and the unlikely yet opportunistic rise of Vespasian..." Read more

"...The sentence structures make the flow of the narrative easy to follow, and you don't find yourself having to go back and read sentences over and..." Read more

13 customers mention "Start-up value"13 positive0 negative

Customers find this book a good introduction to Rome. It's written in a casual style that beginners can enjoy. The narrative is engaging and starts at the beginning, making it suitable for any level of reader.

"...emperors." All in all, a breezy, captivating and comparatively short introduction to one of the greatest stories ever told." Read more

"A good start if someone wants to know how the empire was built and how it fell...." Read more

"...It starts at the beginning and 2. It reads like an Ambrose book on WWII or the Civil War...." Read more

"...For a BBC book it is well done. A good starting place for someone who wants to learn about the Ancient Roman Empire." Read more

8 customers mention "Characterization"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's characterization engaging. They say it humanizes the various players in Roman politics and highlights colorful characters. The author focuses on significant leaders and major events, including rulers and great personalities.

"...The colorful characters of Rome's history stand out, with their intrigue, accomplishments and downfalls...." Read more

"...This one focuses on the rulers." Read more

"...Rome ...whats nice about this particular version is the modern treatment of those characters. 5 STARS Stephen End" Read more

"...It also humanizes the various players in the drama that is Roman politics. If you’re interested in a concise and clear history of Rome, this is it." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • PeaceBee
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ambitious, informative, entertaining
    Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    An amazing piece of work on part of the author. The breadth of the subject covered within a short span of 420 pages is nothing short of spectacular. The book reads like a fiction novel. At many places it reminded me of the Game of Throne series of books and I am quite sure much of that series is inspired by Rome's true events.

    What has survived rome to this day is truly remarkable - the Formula One car race tracks (now cars instead of chariots) are inspired from Rome, as are the Baseball and football events in their massive stadiums. The Voting system, the religious tolerance, senators, counselors, the idea of a republic, the certification and establishment of Christianity as a formal and widely accepted religion of the masses, the architectural layout of cities, and more.

    The Roman history, as is history of most great empires of that time (Greeks, Mongols, Mughals, etc) is full of blood, gore, treachery, deceit, and politics. It can feel quite depressing actually. The rule of Emperor Nero is mind boggling - killing countless people for money, murdering one's own mother, draining the kingdom of its riches for personal gain, etc.

    The Roman history also has many lessons to teach - how it is easy to slip away from Republic to an autocracy if the public and government is not vigilant; how lip service to righteousness does not serve kingdoms; how ruthlessness can bring power and fame but not really happiness or peace of mind; how minor vents can set the stage for major catastrophes and change the course of entire history (Constantipole's victory under the cross, refusal of refuge to barbarians, etc); the implications of surrendering power in hands of the weak or the unwise.

    I had minimal, if any, knowledge of the Roman history before I started reading this book. Now I feel I can have some conversations at great length with someone who may be more familiar with the subject. Highly recommended to any history buffs, those looking for a great read, or for those who are afraid to read fiction for wasting time but miss the thrill of it :)
    17 people found this helpful
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  • Bluestocking
    4.0 out of 5 stars good jump off reading
    Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2011
    Verified Purchase
    This book is an easy read and a good start for anyone interested in Roman history. It is however not an academic text. I would recommend it as a supplement to a survey class at best. The author looks at the developmental course (key moments and ideological shifts) of the Roman republic, then empire through the end. I enjoyed the inclusion of both literary, technological and artistic achievements. Although some important things were omitted or only briefly mentioned. I'm an art history grad, so I must admit my biases. It is only 418 pages, and covers what the author could fit. At first I was bothered by the fact that only one page was devoted to Tarjan and some other key emperors, yet an entire chapter to one particular rebellion in one area of the empire. Then again, it did mark a shift in the requirements for a Roman emperor. Had some rambling and redundancy been edited, a couple of extra chapters or more detail on others could have been added. Not every book will please every person in every way. Ultimately, I decided I think the author was aiming for an overview and perspective. The Romans achieved a great deal over a long period, but their empire wasn't a pleasant place if you weren't rich and Roman. They were who they were, did what they saw fit, and cannot be judged by modern values. Most importantly, this book has endnotes and a bibliography, both excellent sources for further reading. I would never trust a non-fiction book, particularly about such an important culture without a bibliography. The author also includes vocabulary, and clear definitions of the terms. Sorry, now I'm rambling. This is a book worth reading if you are just starting on your adventures into Roman history.
    21 people found this helpful
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  • Edward Karlson
    5.0 out of 5 stars closest to the real story
    Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I'll agree with the many reviews that say it reads like a good novel, in modern but not dumbed-down language. Baker picked the key peaks in Roman history and ascended them in little known detail, getting into the mentalities and motives of the main figures, what I consider most important, the 'why' of history. My only objection was his usual treatment of Augustus as entirely devious in his layering of a ruthless empire with republican facades. I believe he had no realistic alternative but to rise above the aristocracy and its packed Senate with a layer of imperial power. The aristocracy, the unfettered capitalists of their time, were the cause of the republic's demise beginning with the Gracchi in 133 BC and it was necessary to cap them with imperium. That is the 'why' of Augustus' policy. Julius Caesar, the most misunderstood and maligned man of history was a populari-people's man against the optimates and his lack of a problem with self-esteem, a requirement among the overachiever leading Romans, is used to misrepresent him as a megalomaniac. He was what he had to be and so was Augustus. Notwithstanding, Baker's treatment of successive developments and figures of the history is excellent, especially that of Constantine, also much misunderstood. For a half-barbarian and Sol Invictus devotee he got more right than many express Christian rulers leading up to Charlemagne. The end of the empire is treated very objectively and with great detail, especially the circumstances leading up to the sack of Rome in 410 by Alaric, the best account I've seen. The very end, with the economic breakdown, is very well described in detail. Getting back to Augustus, he re-invented the republic by capping its otherwise irreconcilable corruption, and prolonged it by nearly five centuries. Not a bad lifetime's work. Baker is forgiven for miscasting him and deserves praise for the best history of Rome that I have yet seen.
    8 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 6, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Fantastic book taking you through the history of Rome. Fascinating read very addictive. I loved reading this book and wish it could have been more detailed and longer.
    Some brilliant events that have made me want to learn more about specific agents and people.
    Highly addictive read.
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  • SuperdanTech
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book!
    Reviewed in Canada on April 18, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    One of the best books I have read on Rome. The author concentrates on the more important emperors with their main achievements. The writing style is very interesting, between a novel and a documentary so to speak. Quite unique. A must read for fans of the ancient Rome!
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  • Park
    5.0 out of 5 stars Book condition was good
    Reviewed in Australia on November 1, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    There was mixed up with tracking detail but It arrived good condition. All good
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  • sid
    5.0 out of 5 stars Highly Recommended
    Reviewed in India on April 16, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I had a trivial notion but immense curiosity about the great ancient Roman civilisation that succeeded the Greek Hellenistic and preceeded the Arab Islamic civilisation. This more or less a hiatus of 500 years , from second century BC to third century AD of the Roman era when Rome dominated the western world, spreading it fangs into Africa and upto Asia. However due to several reason, both internal and external, the western Roman civilisation imploded and the eastern Roman, although would continue for another millenia, would be a mere rump of what the ancient Romans were and would utmost attain a status of a trivial regional power during some periods of that millenia but more or less it would be fighting for revival rather than dominate the known world like ancient Romans.

    Having said that, this tome encompasses a wide span including the glorious era of Roman domination, the era of Roman republic, the fueds of Julius Caesaer and Pompei, the serene period of Augustus, the madness of Nero, the subjugation of Judea by father son duo of vesopasian-Titus, tetrarchy of Diocletan, and the later downfall era under Honorious.

    Altogether, it provides the incense and enough fuel to fire a desire to seek more knowledge of that era and one will not be disappointed by reading this book, being a fast pace turner, devoid of panegryics or statistics, it is highly recommended for a history bluff and those seeking that vicarious pleasure in a real life story line .
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  • Edu
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very good
    Reviewed in Spain on December 22, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Giver you a global vision of the Roman Empire, helping to put everyone in their place in time. Easy Reading, an important thing to consider when dealing with History
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