The Rise of Rome: The Making of the World's Greatest Empire

The only book about the republic that I have found readable. When one goes so far back in history the sources are few and books tend to become very scholarly and boring with endless discussions about what really happened. He divides the book into different parts, with the first parts being somewhat mythical while the lasts parts are historic. And then he simply goes on narrating in a brilliant way. This makes in possible to read on any day, even after a long day of studies or work. Just hope Everitt will write some more books soon, since I have almostbread all of his books by now.

I will leave it to others to review the material in-depth. As a graduate level history student, I found it both informative and readable. A great chronological survey of ancient Rome from its mythical roots in the aftermath of the Trojan War to the collapse of the Republic during the civil war between Caesar and Pompey (with mention of Augustus).The Kindle edition contains a few errors, but nothing that really detracts from a smooth reading experience. It also includes a table of contents, and extensive endnotes (covering approximately 35-40% of the text).Everitt is a great author, though not a professional historian. His expertise is in the visual arts, I believe, but he knows his subject very well along with the associated scholarship. His works on Cicero, Augustus, and Hadrian also come highly recommended for the general reader or history student.

Disclaimer: I am biased as I'm in love with Ancient Rome.That being said, Anthony Everitt as an uncanny knack for intertwining historical lore with storytelling that leaves you pouring over the pages wondering what will happen next and what the consequences will be. His foreshadowing is great, his tie-ins are on point, and he's never off topic. Not to mention his sources, it's outstanding the amount of research this guy puts into his work. Well done!Enough about the writer, though, what about the book?The Rise of Rome follows the known history ancient Rome (noting when it's factual and when it is disputed) from the supposed roots of the Fall of Troy all the way up to when the Republic was replaced by the its first emperor, Augustus. Along the way, Anthony draws a careful line detailing not only how Rome could rise to the great power it did, but also noting which points and at what times the civilization sets dangerous precedents and will eventually lead to its demise.I've said it before and I'll say it again, I feel as though the USA is some modern day reincarnation of Ancient Rome. From the mix of honor and devotion to country along with wicked dealings and terrible contemptible treatment of supposed allies, the USA will cease to be a power if or when the government ceases to coexist with itself. Ancient Rome tumbled because the politicians became Generals and they could no longer tolerate their political enemies.In the USA today, Democrats and Republicans rip each other down in words only, and so long as it stays that way and after every election the losers go home to follow along, we will not follow in Rome's footsteps.And oh yeah, side note, I can not WAIT to visit Rome next month!

Concise narrative on Rome's birth through the end of the Republic. An easy to read manual for understanding Rome's inevitable transition to Empire. I highly recommend!

How does a reviewer give a 4.5? I finally settled on a 4, expecting that the glowing reviews by others more knowledgeable than I will lead anyone even vaguely interested in this fascinating subject to read this book. It is both a fun and easy read, and a fount of knowledge about a fascinating society, the various governments by which it was ruled, the factors that led to its success, and to its ultimate failure. A failure occurring after many more years than our own country has been around. But a failure which offers many lessons for us.A thoroughly enjoyable book. the only reservation which led to my taking .5 off the rating is that in the Kindle version I didn't find any maps (perhaps my fault) which made it difficult to understand much of the discussion of military encounters. But that information isn't really necessary to understand the big picture, and learn the important lessons..

I'm taking The Rise of Rome slower than most audio books. It is not an easy listen because it reads like a history book, which I have always loved history. It is doubtful to me that one would find a more in depth book which obviously has been very well researched. The narrator leaves something to be desired. If you want to learn about this subject, this is a good book.

me gustò y la facilidad de poder obtenerlo a travès de ustedes

Bought for a change to my usual read. Like how it's written. Informative, interesting, definitely worth a read.

If you are at all interested in ancient Roman history and culture this is a must have book. The author has meticulously researched this book and has written it as a page turner mystery and adventure novel. It details the history of the Roman civilization from it's early history to it's end. The book not only has many interesting facts and outlines the major players but it also gives an historical account as to the path taken by Rome in becoming the ruler of the ancient world. If you enjoy a well written historical novel, do not hesitate in buying this book.

I am still reading it, but it is an excellent book to understand the beginning of Rome.

A marvellous readI've read a lot of ancient history, especially Rome and the Mediterranean, but this book was a revelation. Grippingly written. I followed it up by buying the superb 'Rubicon'.