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

by Ronald Mellor (Author), Marni McGee (Author) "I sing of war and of that man who first came in exile from the shores of Troy to the coast of Italy..." (more)
Key Phrases: gladiatorial games, huge empire, Julius Caesar, Pliny the Younger, Mark Antony (more...)

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 9-12
  
• 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.com Sales Rank: #163,412 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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)

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

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

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)

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.