Chronicle of the Roman Republic: The Rulers of Ancient Rome From Romulus to Augustus [Hardcover]

Philip Matyszak (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2003

"A commendable addition to a series intended to make history accessible to general readers."—Choice

The Roman Republic was one of the most civilized societies in the ancient world, ruled by elected officials whose power was checked by a constitution so well crafted that it inspired the founding fathers of the United States of America. Here Philip Matyszak describes fifty-seven of the foremost Romans of the Republic, spanning the centuries from its birth to its bloody death and including the best and the worst of the Roman elite: Licinius Crassus, a kind father and loving husband who crucified slaves by the thousands, or Cato the Censor, upright and incorruptible, xenophobic and misogynistic.

Supported by a wealth of pictorial and archaeological detail, these personal histories provide an overview of the development and expansion of Rome, encompassing foreign and civil wars as well as social strife and key legislation. The biographies are supplemented by time lines, data files, and special features that highlight different aspects of Roman culture and society. 320 illustrations, 110 in color

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Philip Matyszak has a doctorate in Roman history from St. John’s College, Oxford. His books include Legionary, Gladiator, Ancient Rome on 5 Denarii a Day, Ancient Athens on 5 Drachmas a Day, The Classical Compendium, Chronicle of the Roman Republic, and The Greek and Roman Myths. He lives in British Columbia, Canada.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson (June 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0500051216
• ISBN-13: 978-0500051214
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #168,072 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Best I've seen, June 25, 2004

By 

A. Klopp "ajrk" (United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Chronicle of the Roman Republic: The Rulers of Ancient Rome From Romulus to Augustus (Hardcover)

I've read a lot of books on ancient Rome--everything from primary sources like Tacitus to Gibbon to modern scholarship. This book, quite frankly, stands out above them all.

It is very accurate factually, it explains some things (like Roman naming conventions, symbols, etc) that are hard to find in a straight-forward way in other books. Also, it doesn't fall into the trap of simply giving us the history of a few famous men--it does a comprehensive job of all parts of the early republic.

Nor does it fall into the trap of segmenting early Rome into conventional "eras" (Kings, Punic War, Civil Wars, etc). It simply makes chapters according to the chronology and makes even some of the less well known parts of early Rome interesting.

It handles both military/political history and cultural/religious history. Overall, as an experienced reader on ancient Rome this is both a great introductory book as well as handling more advanced aspects of Roman history.

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating coffee table reading, February 23, 2005

By 

Darin A. Leviloff "amateur historian" (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Chronicle of the Roman Republic: The Rulers of Ancient Rome From Romulus to Augustus (Hardcover)

This book is a truly enjoyable book, summarizing the history and mythology of the early Roman Empire. Unlike many works on the topic, it does not attempt to get too scholarly or erudite, but just puts out what is important. I particularly like the attitude of the author of pointing out areas which are more likely legend than fact, but illustrating their importance as a manifestation of what the Romans believed.

Chock full of modules, photos, drawings, and graphics, this is an ideal sourcebook that can be read in one long siting, from time to time, or simply as a resource. The best thing about the book is it contains numerous tidbits of Roman history that relate to the Modern World and convert into excellent cocktail party or watercooler talk. Wonder how the tradition of carrying the bride over the threshold began ? Read the chapter on the Sabine Women. Curious about the naming of the months ? The derivation of a "sardonic grin" ? "candidate: ? I am just tipping the iceberg, here. Everything from the Punic Wars, to the operation of the Roman government, to how to wear a toga is in here. Enjoy and learn.

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating and impressively accessible historical study, June 17, 2003

By 

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

This review is from: Chronicle of the Roman Republic: The Rulers of Ancient Rome From Romulus to Augustus (Hardcover)

Chronicle Of The Roman Republic: The Rulers Of Ancient Rome From Romulus To Augustus by Roman history expert Philip Matyszak is a fascinating and impressively accessible historical study of the fifty-seven kings, consuls, and tribunes who ruled during Rome's gradual evolution and transformation from a republic into that of an empire. From such famous figures such as Julius Caesar, to lesser-known leaders like Cato the Censor, these Roman leader's great deeds, cruelties, and political acts that shaped the flow of history for good or for ill are straightforwardly presented in this highly recommended, pictorially illustrated, historical survey, which was written for (and is especially recommended to the attention of) non-specialist general readers.