Synopses & Reviews
A millennium and a half after the end of the period of its unquestioned dominance, Rome remains a significant presence in western culture. This book explores what the empire meant to its subjects.The idea of Rome has long outlived the physical empire that gave it form, and now holds sway over vastly more people and a far greater geographical area than the Romans ever ruled. It continues to shape our understanding of the nature of imperialism, and thus, however subtly, to influence the workings of the world. Unlike most works on Roman history, this book does not offer a simplistic narrative, with military triumph followed by decline and fall. Instead, it analyzes the origins and nature of Roman imperialism, its economic, social and cultural impact on the regions it conquered, and its continuing influence in discussions and debates about modern imperialism. Exquisitely written, this book is perfect for students of classics and ancient history who want to see another side of the Roman empire.
Synopsis
Over a millennium after the end of its unrivalled dominance, the spectre of Rome figures highly in western culture. This book explores what the empire meant to its subjects. The idea of Rome has long outlived the physical empire that gave it form, and now holds sway over vastly more people and a far greater geographical area than the Romans ever ruled. It continues to shape our understanding of the nature of imperialism and influence the workings of the world. It is through the lens of Rome that we answer questions such as: How do empires grow? How are empires ruled? Do empires exploit their subjects or civilise them? Rejecting the simplistic narrative of military triumph followed by decline and fall, the books analyses the origins of Roman imperialism, its wide-ranging impact on the regions it conquered, and its continuing influence in debates about modern imperialism.
Synopsis
'Essential reading for anybody who cares about the future of humanity and the diversity of species.' Vandana Shiva
About the Author
Neville Morley is Professor of Ancient Economic History & Historical Theory at the University of Bristol. His previous books include Theories, Models and Concept in Ancient History (2004), Trade in Classical Antiquity (2007), and Antiquity and Modernity (2008).
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements * Introduction: ‘Empire Without End * 1. ‘Carthage must be destroyed: the dynamics of Roman imperialism * 2. ‘They make a desert and call it peace: the nature of Roman rule * 3. ‘The emporium of the world: the economic impact of empire * 4. ‘They called it “civilisation”: the dynamics of cultural change * Envoi: ‘Decline and Fall * Further Reading * Index