Customer Reviews

Hadrian's Empire

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Hadrian's Empire covers just about all aspects of daily life in Ancient Rome during Hadrian's reign which took place during the first half of the second century A.D. Included are discussions on Rome as a city, the Roman Empire, the military, politics, religion, social life, attitudes towards sex, people's lodgings, food, clothing, class differences, women's roles in society, etc. Of course, Hadrian himself figures quite prominently, as do, to some degree, his immediate predecessors and successors. The authors have done an excellent job of presenting as full a picture as possible of that period in Roman history. The writing is generally clear and accessible, although the reader's interest in the text may vary depending on the specific topic under discussion. This is a valuable addition to the literature on Ancient Rome.

This is an easy to read book with some interesting facts about Rome. With that said, the title is a bit deceiving. This book has more to do with Rome in the second century than it does about Hadrian in general. My copy of the book has 291 pages. If it were possible to omit the parts regarding Hadrian, the book would still probably have about 270 pages. I would recommend the book, but there are better choices if you are truly looking for a book detailing Hadrian's life.

One might have assumed Roman social history in the time of Hadrian was interesting. According to other accounts and sources it was, but this book doesnt make it interesting. In the interest of writing what is basically a social history of many topics this book ignores the subject, Hadrian and empire. There is little discussion of military campaigns or politics, there is too much concentration on 'Hadrain Britain' and the wall built there. Hadrian was involved in so much more and so was empire, especially in the Middle East, and yet we are not treated to any of this. This book fails as social history and at biography and at everything else. For someone truly interesting in everyday life in Rome in the period it makes interesting reading, otherwise not.

Seth J. Frantzman