The Romans

Electronic book text

A 2,000-Year History

An acclaimed scholar tells the full, breathtaking history of Rome, from its emergence in the Iron Age to the capture of Constantinople in the thirteenth century.

When we think of "ancient Romans" today, many picture the toga-clad figure of a Cicero or a Caesar, presiding over a Republic, and then an Empire, before seeing their world collapse at the hands of barbarians in the fifth century.

The Romans does away with this narrow vision, offering the first comprehensive account of ancient Rome over the course of two millennia. Prizewinning historian Edward J. Watts recounts the full sweep of Rome's epic past: the Punic Wars, the fall of the Republic, the coming of Christianity, Alaric's sack of Rome, the rise of Islam, the Battle of Manzikert, and the onslaught of the Crusades, which would ultimately lead to the empire's final end. Watts shows that the source of Rome's enduring strength was the diverse range of people who all called themselves Romans. This is the Rome of Augustus, Marcus Aurelius, and Constantine, but also Charlemagne, Justinian, and Manuel Komemnos - and countless other men and women who together made it the most resilient state the world has ever seen.

An expansive, eye-opening portrait, The Romans is the definitive history of Rome and its citizens.