Customer Reviews

Roman Life: 100 B.C. to A.D. 200

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
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A nice feature of this book are the little fictional scenarios which attempt to convey what the pictured artworks would have meant to their original audience. (Some of the pictured artworks I've never seen elsewhere despite wide reading in the subject.)The accompanying CD with lots of additional photos of Roman frescos to compliment those actually printed in the book is another good idea. The dustjacket, cover and endpapers contain beautiful color reproductions of Roman painting and mosaic.

Character-driven Classical Civilization. Brings the subject matter to life, whether centering on the Ara Pacis of Augustus, a bakery in Pompeii or a tavern in Ostia. The illustrations mix terrific modern photography with original excavation photos; and the CD-ROM of the House of the Vettii is a good example of how modern technology can enhance the learning and/visitor experience.
Excellently written with a light touch that illuminates the subject-matter - even for an old Classical Archaeologist like myself.
Highly recommended.

I grew up in Germany in an area rich in history (near Trier, "Augusta Treverorum") and full of ruins from ancient times, but never considered myself a history buff in school. Today, I would consider myself a show-and-tell person when it comes to learning anything. I am currently doing some research for a private project on the life and times of the Romans and found the author's name on several books.

I purchased "Roman Life"( hardcover version) because it was high on the recommendation list and I enjoyed the other reviews written about it. I had no idea how much fun it would be to read. I got totally immersed into the wonderful story lines of actual and fictional people the moment I started reading. John Clarke really brought the characters to life in his stories. I loved the photos, floor plans and reproductions of the archaeological finds. By the end of the first afternoon, I was halfway through the book. By the end of the book, I had a much better understanding of life in Rome. The DVD with the interactive tour of the House of the Vettii in Pompeii was very helpful understanding what the family, friends, clients and slaves would have seen or had access to in the house. I just ordered three other books from the same series and can't wait to start reading.