The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Roman Empire

by Eric D. Nelson

You’re no idiot, of course. The battle scenes in Gladiator had you on the edge of your seat and wondering where you could find more information on the rise and fall of ancient Rome. But so far, your search has left you feeling like a blundering barbarian. Pick yourself up off the coliseum floor! Consult The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to the Roman Empire—a fun-to-read introduction to the fascinating history, people, and culture of ancient Rome. In this Complete Idiot’s Guide®, you --The history of the Roman Empire’s rise and fall. --An idiot-proof introduction to the great epic literature of the Roman Republic. --A survey of the Romans in arts and popular culture. --Fascinating details of some of history’s most nefarious emperors, including Nero, Caligula, and Commodus.  

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Reference, Roman, Religion, Italy

408 pages, Paperback

First published July 16, 2001

Reviews

[Clayton Tune · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very informative. Very simple. Hard to keep up with the names... Romius Markillius meets Jeenius Dramaconian. They have three offspring: Hannibal Cannibalius, Geneius Simmonius and Willius Ferrillium. Willius Ferrillium grew to the age of 10 and became envious of his father Romius Markillus. Willius murdered Romius in Crete and advanced to the temple of the God Apollo. He met Nicolus Kidmanackus and they birthed a son...Take this and multiply it by 357 pages... theres the history of Rome.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew a lot about Rome before reading this book so this book left some to be desired after the read, but it is a quick and enjoyable read for those that want to know or have a basic understanding of what went on during the Roman Empire. It was enjoyable, though.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this and intend on reading it again. A nice overview of the complexities of the Roman Empire! It really helped me stitch a timeline together in my mind.

[Daniel Hebert · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a tome! But one I promised myself I would read. When one considers the rise and fall of the Roman Empire in comparison to the Rise of the American experiment we are where the Romans were before the Cesars even arrived.
This continuous squabble between right and left is exhausting and yet dispute that we still make progress.
The next great opportunity for the right and left is to agree that the world is coming apart at the seams and God and Mother Nature will be the the next great power in the world.
How long before archaeologists sift through the ashes of North American wondering what happened?

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an awesome overview of the Roman Empire from Romulus and Remus to Holy Roman Empire. I truly recommend this book for anyone with a little more that a fleeting fascination with the Roman Empire.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book, well written with a humorous but well informed bent. Nelson gives an excellent overview of one of the most important western civilizations in history. I highly recommend reading or just skimming through this excellent compendium suitable for students and aficionados as well.

[Lorna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mario seems to know an endless number of Roman Empire related facts and I can never keep up - now every time I leave the bathroom, I'l all "did you know...?" Sweet!

[Jonathan Farley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good summary of the Roman empire, good for looking up quick facts