The gripping stories of the most colourful and formidable
characters to challenge the might of Rome. Until recently, it was
assumed that Rome carried the torch of civilization into the
barbarian darkness, bringing law, architecture, and literature to
conquered peoples. The alternative view now suggests that many of
Rome's enemies - the Celts, Hebrews, and Phoenicians, for example -
were developing civilizations in their own right before
obliteration at the Roman sword. Indeed, as Philip Matyszak argues,
had Rome not crushed rivals so completely, the drop into the Dark
Ages might not have occurred; at Rome's collapse, no other powerful
civilizations remained to absorb the impact. This engrossing book
looks at the growth and eventual demise of Rome from the viewpoint
of those vanquished by Rome. They varied from the highly cultivated
Greeks and Egyptians to wild and rebellious Britons and Germans, to
the Asiatic empires of the Persians and Parthians. Their leaders
were driven by ambition, vindictive hatred, fear, political
calculation, or naked greed. Some fought to preserve their
heritage, some for personal survival, and others from a warrior's
love of battle. Defying the might of Rome was a dangerous business,
and few of the men and women described here died in their beds.
Some, like Vercingetorix and Jugurtha, were captured, exhibited in
triumph, and then, while their conquerors sat down to a festive
dinner, killed in the dungeons below. Rather than face such an end,
some of Rome's greatest adversaries, including Hannibal, Boudicca,
and Cleopatra, killed themselves. Here is the reality behind
legends such as Spartacus the gladiator, and the stories of Shapur
the conqueror and Mithridates the connoisseur of poisons. Some
enemies of Rome were noble heroes, others were murdering villains,
but each has a unique and fascinating story.
General
Imprint: |
Thames and Hudson
|
Country of origin: |
United Kingdom |
Release date: |
August 2023 |
Authors: |
Philip Matyszak
|
Dimensions: |
198 x 129mm (L x W) |
Format: |
Paperback
|
Pages: |
304 |
ISBN-13: |
978-0-500-29729-2 |
Categories: |
Books >
Humanities >
History >
General
Books >
History >
General
|
LSN: |
0-500-29729-0 |
Barcode: |
9780500297292 |
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