Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire

Ancient Rome is the story of the greatest empire the world has ever known. Focusing on six turning points in Roman history Simon Bakers absorbing narrative charts the rise and fall of the worlds first superpowera 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. Accompanying a landmark BBC television series Ancient Rome is a fresh fast-paced account that addresses themes as relevant today as they were 2 000 years ago.