The Ancient Roman World (World in Ancient Times) [Hardcover]

Ronald Mellor (Author), Marni McGee (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 11 and up | Grade Level: 6 and up | Series: World in Ancient Times

Introducing The World in Ancient Times, a one-of-a-kind series that combines the knowledge of scholars of ancient history with the storytelling know-how of writers of young adult fiction. Each book is made up of 24 to 26 chapters short and lively enough to hold the attention of a middle-school student. Each chapter is based on one or more primary sources from antiquity, such as a quote from an ancient historian, a well-worn coin, a piece of pottery, or a partly crumbled wall. These pieces of evidence are clues from which the authors reconstruct the world in ancient times. Most history books tell what we know; by using actual quotes and curious objects from the past, The World in Ancient Times hooks young readers into the story of not only Iwhat we know but the often more interesting tale of how we know it.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 7-10–Twenty-six chapters covering the history of Rome from its founding to its fall make this volume somewhat more inclusive than many other works for this audience. What makes this book accessible is the lively writing. The story of Spartacus and his slave revolt, for example, is told without embellishment, but in a narrative form that brings it alive. Many quotes from ancient writers also add interest. Chapters on gladiatorial games, business, and class conflict balance other more purely historical sections covering emperors, wars, and conquests. The numerous illustrations include full-color photographs and reproductions of sites, artifacts, period artwork, and an occasional movie still. There are also a number of simple maps. A comprehensive index adds to the book's usefulness for research and reports. Don Nardo's From Founding to Fall: A History of Rome (Lucent, 2003) is less comprehensive.–David Pauli, Hillsboro Public Library, OR
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From Booklist

Gr. 7-10. Numerous books deal with ancient Rome, but this volume from the World in Ancient Times series has the advantage of being more readable, more complete, and more attractive than most. Printed on thick, white paper and with full-color photos, the book begins with the founding of Rome (and the legends surrounding it) and includes chapters on important figures, such as Julius Caesar, Augustus, Hadrian, and on such topics as the Etruscans, the evolution of the republic, Greek influences, slavery, and the rise of Christianity. Unfortunately, in chapter on Christianity, the blame for the crucifixion moves from a mildly portrayed Pilate to the Jews, and biblical accounts are relied upon rather than historical ones. That aside, the book is more accessible than many volumes on the subject; the writing is quite engaging, with plenty of sourced quotations. It's a promising start to a new series, to be followed by volumes on China and Greece, which will also be written by a historian in tandem with an author who writes for young adults. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 11 and up
  
• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (April 8, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195153804
• ISBN-13: 978-0195153804
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #415,152 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I am Impressed., March 7, 2005

By 

E. Bible "Homeschool Mom" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Ancient Roman World (World in Ancient Times) (Hardcover)

I got this book for my 10 year old son for his study of Ancient Rome. What a wonderful book. It has the depth of an adult book, yet is written at a young person's level. The Latin and Greek roots and primary source quotes are an added bonus.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An engaging drama of Roman times, March 12, 2005

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Ancient Roman World (World in Ancient Times) (Hardcover)

From a legendary prince's journey across the sea to an African general who travels with painted war elephants, the story of the ancient Roman world's history needn't be a dry one: not with Ronald Mellor and Marni McGee's ANCIENT ROMAN WORLD in hand. Yes, there are the usual primary sources lending to a research paper; but there's also the lively overtone missing from many similar coverages on the topic, using that material to create an engaging drama of Roman times.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book to really understand Ancient Rome, June 30, 2008

By 

Gretchen M. Fatouros "Crafty Gretch" (Rochester, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Ancient Roman World (World in Ancient Times) (Hardcover)

Another reviewer pretty much said it: "... What a wonderful book. It has the depth of an adult book, yet is written at a young person's level..."

I picked this up for my almost 8 year old for summer learning. I think I'm enjoying it more than he his. I've learned so much. We have some other books on Ancient Rome, but this book goes into more detail with short chapters.