In the sheer scope, the Roman epoch is unsurpassed in history. What has endured to our own time is its great legacy to Western civilization—in law, language, architecture, and the art of government — and the fascination of its story. Ancient Rome presents the history and heritage of that remarkable era. In this richly illustrated volume, the reader can enjoy an all—around introduction to the politics, people, culture, and everyday life of the world ruled by Rome. Unlike most general histories of the subject, it enables the reader to know the Romans not only from reading about them, but by hearing directly from them, in their own words, through the works of orators, philosophers, historians, poets, playwrights, and satirists. Here is an intelligent and remarkably handsome survey of ancient Rome, designed for anyone who would welcome the chance to learn more about that 1,200—year epic with ease, clarity, and accuracy.