Life in Ancient Rome by Simon Adams

by Simon Adams

Kingfisher Knowledge is a groundbreaking series for readers hungry for information on today's hot topics. Lively, engaging text, packed with information, accompanies stunning photographs that enhance each chapter. Amazing, state-of-the-art digital artwork guides readers into the fascinating heart of the subject. This learning adventure does not stop there - information panels throughout lead the reader to further discovery. Each chapter offers website links, book lists, places to visit and career information. Life in Ancient Rome transports the reader on an amazing journey through the world built and run by the Romans, from its legendary origins and the growth of the republic to the height of empire, and from the human details of everyday life in Rome to the violent spectacles of battles and gladiatorial combat. Organized historically, it gives a clear sense of the major developments in this long and changing period, and is full of dynamic stories of interesting characters, important battles and great events. It also sheds new and intriguing light on familiar themes of life in roads and baths, luxurious living and slavery, the Forum and temples, and much more. The final chapter charts the decline of the Roman empire and looks at its far-reaching legacy.

Genres: History

Paperback

About the author

Simon Adams is a writer and editor of children’s non-fiction and reference books. He specializes in history, politics and current affairs and has written extensively on exploration, music and the arts. He is also a well established jazz critic and reviewer. Simon has also contributed to family and adult reference books and has been an editorial consultant on various history and other titles.
Simon was born in Bristol and studied history and politics at the London School of Economics and Bristol University, where he gained an MSc. He entered publishing as a publicity copywriter at Routledge and subsequently joined Dorling Kindersley, eventually becoming managing editor of the children's division. He became a full-time writer 15 years ago. Since then, he has written and contributed to more than 60 books for a wide range of publishers on subjects as varied as archaeology, the sinking of the Titanic and the history of jazz. Simon lives in London and is a keen reader and cyclist.

Reviews

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't speak to the accuracy of the information, but this is a simple, child-friendly overview of the creation of Rome, daily life, and the fall of the Roman Empire, as well as the parallels between Roman culture and modern culture. The uglier aspects of Rome are obviously kept brief, this being a book for kids, but topics such as wars, slavery, poverty, and Colosseum "entertainment" are discussed in an honest but age-appropriate manner.

[Avel Rudenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Succinctly put, a short read composed of only three concise chapters with reviews at the end, useful glossary at the end of the book. "History comes alive in the tales of bloody battles and the ingenious inventions that continue to influence our lives today. This eye-opening book will serve as an unbeatable guide to Ancient Rome — from its legendary origins to the eventual decline of the empire." Highly Recommended!