Handbook to Life in Ancient Rome

by Lesley Adkins, Roy A. Adkins

Overview

This handy reference provides full access to the 1,200 years of Roman rule from the 8th century B.C. to the 5th century A.D., including information that is hard to find and even harder to decipher. Clear, authoritative, and highly organized, Handbook to Life in Ancient Rome provides a unique look at a civilization whose art, literature, law, and engineering influenced the whole of Western Europe throughout the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and beyond. The myriad topics covered include rulers; the legal and governmental system; architectural feats such as the famous Roman roads and aqueducts; the many Roman religions and festivals; the Roman system of personal names; contemporary poets and historians; even typical Roman leisure pursuits. Each chapter includes an extensive bibliography, as well as more than 125 site-specific photographs and line drawings. Maps chart the expansion and contraction of the territory from the foundation city of Rome itself to the Byzantine Empire and the ultimate decline of the West.

Combining both archaeological and historical evidence, the Handbook to Life in Ancient Rome is perfect for anyone interested in Roman history, the classics, or an overview of the amazing period in which the Romans ruled.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780195123326
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	07/16/1998
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	416
Product dimensions:	9.40(w) x 7.32(h) x 1.06(d)

About the Author

Lesley and Roy A. Adkins are both professional archaeologists. They have written numerous books together including Dictionary of Roman Religion, An Introduction to Archaeology, and Handbook to Life in Ancient Greece.

Table of Contents

Illustrations
Tables
Acknowledgments
1. Republic and Empire
2. Military Affairs
3. Geography of the Roman World
4. Towns and Countryside
5. Travel and Trade
6. Written Evidence
7. Religin
8. Economy and Industry
9. Everyday Life
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

"An unusual and intriguing reference book."—The Good Book Guide

From the Publisher

YA-Broadly thematic in its arrangement, this reference book covers a wide range of topics and myriad details of Roman life from 800 B.C.-A.D. 500. A detailed index provides easy and complete access to the contents, maps, illustrations, charts, and tables. The bibliography cites mostly British journals and publications. An ideal and readable resource for students of Roman history and the classics.

School Library Journal

A reference to facts and figures about ancient Rome from the eight century B.C. to the fifth A.D. The thematic sections cover the republic and the empire, military affairs, geography, town and country, travel and trade, literature, religion, economy and industry, and everyday aspects such as family, entertainment, and medicine. Each section concludes with a list of further reading. Well illustrated in black and white. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews