Ancient Rome: A History from Beginning to End

by Hourly History

Ancient Rome * * *Download for FREE on Kindle Unlimited + Free BONUS Inside!* * * Read On Your Computer, MAC, Smartphone, Kindle Reader, iPad, or Tablet. Rome is a city of myth and legend. The Eternal City, the city of the seven hills, the sacred city, the caput mundi, the center of the world, Roma, Rome, by any of her many names is a city built of history and blood, marble and water, war and conquest. Inside you will read about... ✓ Legendary Beginnings ✓ The Senate and the People ✓ Ave Caesar ✓ Empire ✓ Rulers of the World ✓ The Fall ✓ Legacy From legendary beginnings, a city rose from the swamp surrounded by the seven hills and split by the Tiber River. Built and rebuilt, a sacred republic and a divine empire, blessed by a thousand gods and by One, the story of her rise and fall has been told and retold for a thousand years and is still relevant in today’s world, as echoes of her ancient glory have shaped our culture, laws, lifestyle and beliefs in subtle and pervasive ways.

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

109 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 12, 2016

About the author

At Hourly History, we focus on publishing history books that are concise, straightforward and take no longer than one hour to read.

Receive our new eBooks for free every Friday.
Sign up at: www.hourlyhistory.com/free

Reviews

[Tania · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise history

This book delivers on its promise, it is the perfect overview of Ancient Roman history. The author describes the eras of Roman government and what precipitated each change, discloses the best and worst of its rulers, highlights the influences Roman innovation and culture had on modern day, and shares the history of some of its best known structures. From Roman gods to the rise of Christianity, see the timeline and learn the basics that made up the history of this cultural gem.

This is a useful resource for those who want the importance of Ancient Rome put into perspective, or a jumping off point for those who want to dig in further. It will help you organize what you think you know about Rome, often colored by Hollywood's version.

[Anil Swarup · Rating 4 out of 5]

Remarkable narration of Ancient Rome by Hourly History. It traces the history from its inception to its final downfall as the empire had become too unwieldy. There are fascinating details that are not so well known otherwise like during the Republic and Imperial periods there up to 40 percent of the population in Italy that was enslaved.

[Dr.J.G. · Rating 2 out of 5]

"In the beginning, Rome was under the control of the Etruscans, an ancient and advanced society in their own right. ... "

Very badly written, in that author defines nothing of either. What exactly does it mean when he says Rome, or Etruscan? Neither timings nor regions are defined.
***

"Nero Claudius Caesar was to be the last of the Julian dynasty of emperors, and his rule was to rival that of his predecessor Caligula in infamy. As he was only 17 when he was made emperor, the first several years of his rule left the power in the hands of his advisors: the philosopher Seneca, the prefect Burrus, and his mother, Agrippina.

"When Nero did take an active role in government, it was to murder his stepbrother and rival for the throne, Brittanicus; order his mother stabbed to death; exile and execute his wife, Octavia; and marry his friend’s wife, Poppaea Sabina. Eventually, his new wife also became a victim of his rage when he kicked her to death.

"The most lasting story we have about Nero surrounds the Great Fire of Rome in 64 CE. Three of Rome’s fourteen districts were utterly destroyed. Rumors at the time abounded that Nero had started the fire himself to clear land in the center of Rome in order to build a new palace. It is also rumored that Nero watched the fire from the roof of his palace while wearing a stage costume and singing. This ancient rumor has translated into modern language with the phrase, “Nero fiddled while Rome burned,” meaning a leader engaged in trifles while desperate issues are ignored."

This author rarely mentions a timeline, and also, he isn't mentioning exactly when was Jesus supposedly born, brought to Egypt, taken back, and crucified. Since Augustus filed in 14CE, and Nero had his fire in 64 CE, presumably the crucifixion was in this interval after Augustus and before Nero. During Caligula, yhen, or before, during Tiberius?

This omission of mentioning the supposedly most important event of West, raises doubts.

It's not just that one's supposed to not associate Rome with crucifixions of Jews which were routine during occupation of Jerusalem, Judea, Israel and Galilee by Rome. That's out of question, since Rome was colonial ruler of the region, and cannot be disassociated thus from legal executions thst took place.

It's much more, making one question if the whole story is just made up, or is an encapsuled version of what was done to hundreds, even thousands, of Jews.
***

"In spite of the persecution, adherents to the new religion became more numerous, and their power in the Empire grew. The turning point came when Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity in the year 312 CE. His conversion took place at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge on the outskirts of the city. It is said that he had a vision of a cross in the sky above the battlefield and the words, “by this sign, conquer.” When his outnumbered troops painted the symbol on their shields and then won the battle, Constantine declared himself a Christian and made Christianity the religion of the Roman Empire. The predominance of the Christian faith in the western world owes much to the decision of one very powerful Roman."

So supposedly a man of peace induced a Roman emperor to supposedly a religion of peace, kindness, mercy et al - by helping the Roman butcher a few hundred soldiers of the opposite side?

Only god of Rome, then, not of humanity? Because it was Rome that crucified him?

That this whole story was false propaganda has been brought to light a few decades ago; Constantine did wish a unification of worship, nut for Sun, worshipped as Mitra. At his death, church officials conducted a ceremony when he was in no position to oppose, and later claimed he'd converted of his own will. This fraud continued in for example Calcutta under auspices of a missionary later sanctified by church, which was slightly exposed by their strictly tending yo during, but refusing them medical help for survival.

But the bit about vision seems copied from the historical reason and events of China converting to Buddhism due to the emperor of China having a vision of an immense Golden God rising in West, and being informed by his minister that indeed, there was a new God who'd been reported to have lived then recently in India.

The Chinese emperor sent an emissary to India to find out, and on his return, converted himself and his subjects. But it was not only peaceful, it was far more - China wasn't required to give up anything of beliefs practices until then, only to open and accept a new Divine Incarnation.

That's completely unlike the fanaticism of later abrahmic creeds that require scorning all others.
***

"Rome continues to be a force in Christianity today. The Roman Catholic faith is practiced by approximately 1.2 billion people around the world, and the focus of faith is led by the Pope in Vatican City. Five million people visit Vatican City every year in pilgrimage to the holy sites around Vatican City and Rome. Though it’s no longer the center of an empire, Rome’s power still reaches around the world."

And that exposes the very name as fraud! Why is Vatican, not Jerusalem or Nazareth or Bethlehem, the site of pilgrimage? How dies Rome, after executing a man, get to be sanctimonious using his name?

It's nothing but power play, as evidenced by inquisition and more, no different from erstwhile Roman circus.
***

"At the time of Emperor Romulus Augustulus’ final defeat, the Empire had already declined to the point that he had only a small military force and was not acknowledged as a ruler anywhere outside Italy. Other factors within the Empire had caused them to be vulnerable. Political instability became even more pronounced. Assassinations were common and were often completed by the very men who were charged with the emperor’s safety. At one point, the Praetorian Guard even auctioned off the title to the highest bidder. Roman legions had very little loyalty to Rome, as they were mostly comprised of mercenary troops who were not even given citizenship as an incentive.

"The final cultural component of Rome’s decline can also be argued as her saving grace. The spread of Christianity and the change of the Roman people from polytheism to monotheism was a cultural upheaval that changed the way the majority of people understood the world."

There's a whopper of a lie! Church didn't help understand the universe in any way whatsoever, and in fact opposed such understanding strenuously, via inquisition; nor fid any church doctrines so help.

What it did for was strap blinkers on adherents and followers, making them easy to use as slaves.

"Throughout Rome’s history, there had been a tendency to view the city as having a layer of sacred meaning. The founding myth of Romulus and Remus, the favor of the gods that Rome had always seemed to possess with the spread of Roman power—sacrifices had even been made to the city itself, in the form of the goddess Roma. The emperors had been divinely chosen and were then divine in their own right. The Christian tenet of “One God” refocused people’s devotion away from the cult of the state and created another seat of power. Though the Empire fell, the Catholic Church in Vatican City holds sway beyond the edges of the Empire at its height."

No, it's just a fraud perpetrated, veiling Roman Empire as the only conduit to salvation, and fraudulently so.
***

"Another Roman innovation was very prevalent in the bathhouses they built in every city. Roman engineers used a special arrangement of tiles to build a raised floor. The resulting airflow system is called a hypocaust. This ingenious system allowed the Romans to build the first heated floors and central heating systems. Unfortunately, the system relied on slaves, who were forced to work in cramped, smoke-filled chambers to manage the fires needed to create the heat.

"In the nineteenth century, it was a popular saying that “the sun never set on the British Empire.” The British built on the legacy of Rome’s occupation as their own empire grew. Modern highways in Great Britain follow the ancient routes cut out by Roman legions two thousand years ago. The impact of the five hundred years of Roman rule seemed to include the martial prowess and determination that would make the British Empire such a grand and dominant force."

That must endear tome to erstwhile British colonial subjects!

"When the new nation, the United States of America, was born out of British colonialism, founding father Thomas Jefferson stated that the Republic of Rome had been the model for much of the formation of the new government. The United States would adopt much of the symbolism of ancient Rome, including the architecture of the capital city of Washington D.C. and the symbolism of the eagle. The nation would also show its inheritance of expansionism and imperialist tendencies with its doctrine of manifest destiny, which echoed Rome’s determination to bring Roman civilization to the far corners of the known world."

Having just read about Caligula et al, that paragraph leads to speculation.
***

"Across the world, a billion people still look to Rome as the center of their faith, and untold numbers are still inspired by her greatness and her glory. Rome’s artisans, engineers, architects, and authors were the original innovators of facets of society and technology that we take for granted today. Republic, Empire, Kingdom, Capital; through the rise and the fall, the barbarians and the burning, Rome has endured and continues to endure into the millennia—it’s truly an eternal city."

Having just finished the volume on Greece, that paragraph seems like this author us unaware of Greece, at the very least.

"In legend, twin brothers founded a city in 753 BCE. The Republic of Rome was founded in 509 BCE, and the Roman Empire is said to have fallen in 476 CE. The art, architecture, language, laws, and even amenities of daily life in Western culture were built on Roman foundations. Our words have Roman roots. Our ideas of civilization and government are forever influenced by Roman culture and Roman example. Emperor Marcus Aurelius once said, “Look back over the past, with its changing empires that rose and fell, and you can foresee the future, too.” Known by history as the Philosopher Emperor and the Last of the Good Emperors, did Marcus Aurelius foresee the years of decline ahead for his Empire? Is it possible that Rome’s legacy for us today is not so much about the ancient past as it is about what lies ahead?"

Hmmmmm
***

"The Roman people took pride in this legend and found a sense of their identity in the tale, believing they, like their founders, took on the ferocity and strength of the wolf with their mother’s milk and the martial instinct and power of the divine father. Mars remained an important god in Rome’s religious life and culture throughout her long history. Rome’s army was to become an unstoppable force, helping to build an empire that encompassed most of the known world."

They've been proud of a heritage of killing your own brother for sake of a kingdom!

That certainly explains the assassinations in Rome - and crucifixions galore in Jerusalem!
***

"In its early years, the Republic expanded well beyond the borders of Italy. Military campaigns that resulted in the rapid growth were viewed in Rome as defensive exercises, attacking neighboring powers before they could attack. Romans considered the peoples that lived along the Mediterranean and to the north beyond the Alps to be barbarians, a derisive term for people who did not speak the civilized Latin language. This view of outsiders made expansionist actions a foregone conclusion."

That's so identical a world view held by China, and not recently but always, one must wonder at the deep connection of such identical twin civilisations that differ only in looks.

"At first, the army consisted of Roman landowners who served as part of their duty to the Republic. Through the period of wars and expansion, the army gained professionalism and opened up to include Roman peasants who were not part of the landowning class. ... "

Very like warlords of China, that.

" ... Rome eventually maintained a professional standing army, but it was early in its development when the Roman army faced its greatest enemy: the ancient city of Carthage in Northern Africa."

Why was Carthage enemy, other than its existence? Again, very China mindset, where everyone else is "foreign devil", "barbarian"!
***

"Between 264 and 146 BCE, Rome would be embroiled in three wars with Carthage, known as the Punic Wars. Beginning with a skirmish between the two at the island of Sicily, the battles to come would be some of the most ferocious in history.

"Carthage was a city founded by the ancient world’s legendary seafaring people, the Phoenicians. In order to effectively battle Carthaginian forces, the Roman military—with its heavy reliance on infantry—needed a naval force. The army was able to capture a wrecked Carthaginian warship known as a quinquereme. Within two months, Roman engineers copied the ship and built the first Roman navy. Initially, the Roman style of warfare did not transfer well to battles at sea, but eventually the Romans developed a method of boarding large numbers of soldiers onto enemy ships. They were then able to use their tactics of battle in naval warfare.

"After a major naval battle, Rome was the victor in the First Punic War. As a result, Rome gained the contested island of Sicily with its strategic position between the two powers. ... "

Which particular two powers? Author fails to mention.

" ... Rome also gained a dangerous and devoted enemy in the son of the conquered general, Hannibal Barca."

Author proceeds to discourse on Hannibal without explanation of antecedents.
***

"The Carthaginians withstood the siege that lasted some three years, and the final Roman assault on the city was against a population greatly weakened by death, starvation, and disease. When the Roman army was victorious, any Carthaginians who survived were sold into slavery. The city was then burned for 17 days before the land where it stood was sowed with salt to prevent future fertility. The territories that had been held by Carthage became the Roman province of Africa, and the Punic Wars were finally ended."

Must say, this inspires nothing but disgust, over and above horror, at Rome!
***

"The most lasting story we have about Nero surrounds the Great Fire of Rome in 64 CE. Three of Rome’s fourteen districts were utterly destroyed. Rumors at the time abounded that Nero had started the fire himself to clear land in the center of Rome in order to build a new palace. It is also rumored that Nero watched the fire from the roof of his palace while wearing a stage costume and singing. This ancient rumor has translated into modern language with the phrase, “Nero fiddled while Rome burned,” meaning a leader engaged in trifles while desperate issues are ignored."

This author rarely mentions a timeline, and also, he isn't mentioning exactly when was Jesus supposedly born, brought to Egypt, taken back, and crucified. Since Augustus filed in 14CE, and Nero had his fire in 64 CE, presumably the crucifixion was in this interval after Augustus and before Nero. During Caligula, yhen, or before, during Tiberius?

This omission of mentioning the supposedly most important event of West, raises doubts.

It's not just that one's supposed to not associate Rome with crucifixions of Jews which were routine during occupation of Jerusalem, Judea, Israel and Galilee by Rome. That's out of question, since Rome was colonial ruler of the region, and cannot be disassociated thus from legal executions thst took place.

It's much more, making one question if the whole story is just made up, or is an encapsuled version of what was done to hundreds, even thousands, of Jews.
***

"It was under Emperor Vespasian that the Jewish uprising took place. The siege of Jerusalem was completed by Vespasian’s son, Titus. Romans destroyed the Second Temple in Jerusalem and used the treasures they found there to finance the building of the great Colosseum in Rome. The Colosseum took the place of the reflecting pool Emperor Nero had built with his Golden House in the center of Rome, giving this space back to the people, in a gesture meant to gain the people’s support for the new ruling family. The Arch of Titus commemorating this victory stands nearby between the Colosseum and the Forum. Prominently carved in the images of captured treasure is a large menorah to symbolize the sack of the great Jewish Temple."

So the sack of Jerusalem was historical, as was the siege.

Was crucifixion, of the king of Jews?
***

"In spite of all of these powerful mechanisms, the most imposing aspect of the Roman army was often described as their discipline. Roman legions marched in strict formation. Their maneuvers and tactics were well practiced. The shining matching armor reinforced the impression of a singular, directed power. One practice of disciplinary action in the legions is particularly terrifying to imagine. Decimation is a term used today to describe utter destruction. In the original Roman usage, it meant a severe punishment for failures in battle where one in every ten men was killed. Usually, the condemned men were executed by their surviving comrades. This was the level of obedience demanded of soldiers of Rome."

Now, practiced at Harvard Business School, but not left to students.
***

"During the Republic and Imperial periods, up to 40 percent of the population of Italy was enslaved. Throughout the rest of the Empire, the proportion was lower, around 15 percent for the Empire as a whole. Especially considering that many of these slaves were captured soldiers, this population became a problem for Rome many times in the form of violent slave rebellions."

Doesn't make Rome seem attractive.
***

[Thom Swennes · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Look back over the past, with its changing empires that rose and fell, and you can foresee the future, too.” Emperor Marcus Aurelius
The Eternal City, established by the two sons of Mars, Romulus, and Remus, by the seven hills and split by the Tiber River, will come to be known to the world as Rome; the center of the known world. It is the eighth century BCE and slowly the city would grow, encompassing the seven hills and filled with beautiful marble structures that would be the pride of Rome. Rome was unique almost from its inception. As one of the first Republics, many of their laws and institutions survive, even today. Only with the successful rise of Gaius Julius Caesar, was the Republic transformed into an Empire. No story of Rome would be complete without a synopsis of its leaders. A short summary of Julius Caesar and his direct (blood-related) relatives is included and leaves the reader with the thought of whether these people were blessed or cursed with their legacy. There is no doubt that the Roman Empire, with its scores of legions, conquered almost everything they faced, but it is equally true that Rome gave the world much more than it took.
This book gives the reader a birds-eye view, from very high in the stratosphere, where distances and time are distorted and details fade into a misty haze. I would be the last to say that the reading of this book, even with all of its shortcomings, would be a futile and wasted effort. It does raise questions and provides some inspiration to seek the answers and learn more about this great civilization that rose from the Italian plains, organized into a great city-state, and proceeded to influence and-or to conquer most of the known world.

[Camille · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I completely understand that any shortened history is going to have a problem with nuance, I am usually pleasantly surprised by Hourly History’s ability to summarize without overly generalizing and perpetuating certain historical reifications of propagandizing narratives that have been used to propel Christian and European colonial norms as well as the neocolonial, neoliberal ethos. However, in this case, they did not achieve what they usually do. The book perpetuates the narrative of civilizing Rome. It explains that Constantine made Christianity “the” Roman religion, but that’s simply not true. Nuance here is very important. He did legalize it, but he did not make it “the” official religion. This is a critical detail that I was pleased came up in other Hourly History books, but that was lacking here. Still, with all that said, if someone reads with a grain of salt and has the basic critical thinking skills to understand that nuance will be lacking in all history books of this kind, and biases will be involved, it still is worth the read.

[Nuno Godinho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book. Just a reminder that this Hourly Edition books are supposed to be a fast resumed book. So don’t be surprised that some details are missing or if has shortcuts along the way. In my perspective is well summarized and I wish I had this books (Sumerians, Greeks etc) back in school to help me understand my history classes. I also think they are well written and easy to understand. Once again this kind of Book did is ultimate goal: to fast deliver a good understanding of Roman history in about 2 or 3 hours of reading.

[Steampunk Pagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the first Kindle books I have read with my gift of a used Kindle & the gift of a year of prime. The book was a good solid read. It is basic in many ways & early on does not try & judge history with modern values but, simply sticks to the facts. The author saves most opinion for the conclusion ending which I found refreshing in a day & age when opinions seem held above all else.

I short it a star only because th fast skip through some of the lesser rulers during the civil wars.

[Richard Brylczyk · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good summary of the Roman era from Romulus and Remus to the fall of the empire. Hourly History does a good job of that kind of information. What this book lacks is the global perspective. No idea of what was happening in the rest of the globe to gain insight into the relative quality of the Roman civilization was made available. hourly History has done a better job of this in other books.

[Patricia S Winchel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but Concise History of the Rise & Fall of Rome

This is a very short history of the rise and fall of the Roman Empire but does a good job of defining the great powers that gave it such fame and its later demise. Unfortunately, in an hour's read you cannot describe what is going on in the rest of the world at the same time which is unfortunate. There is much to be learned about how the Roman ways and language have influenced the rest of the world, especially the west.

[x x x · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

This current epoch needs to understand Rome and Roman influences beyond just Latin, science, philosophy, law, irrigation, indoor plumbing, and all the rest. It is the basis of our current civilization. If you don't care for the warts, climate change, capitalism, and inequity!

[Ed Barton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Millennia in an Hour

Trying to cover 1,000 years of Roman history in Avery short, easy to read book is a tough undertaking. This is a good introduction to Roman history, readable in an hour. Covering the legend of Rome’s founding to its fall, you get enough to appreciate the scope of Rome and some breadcrumbs to study more.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this to read during a trip to Italy and Rome. Overall, it helped fill in some gaps in my knowledge. I was happy to have a quick read that gave a broad overview, even though the text was a little lacking in terms of personality.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind thoroughly blown...what a tremendous series, even though I ended up reading it backwards lol...I fell in love with these three ancient civilizations when I was young...I learned more about them through these small volumes than I did in school. Thank you Hourly History. You rock.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear and Concise

Author has a nice voice and packs in the information in an interesting and enjoyable manner. If you are looking for a quick rundown on the political history of Rome this book is a great option.

[John Delgiorno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not for the uninitiated. Assumes some knowledge of the histories of the emperors. Many criticisms of earlier, some ancient, historians’ accounts of events that would be lost on those unfamiliar with at least some knowledge of their works.

[J Bel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really difficult subject to cover in what is essentially a long essay. Having taken many history courses, fifty years ago, it was a "review" for me. It would make a good introduction to the Roman Empire for a student just starting to study ancient history.

[Felicity Fields · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast and high level

The history of Rome could fill volumes. This is a quick and decent overview, touching on all the high points and connecting phrases we use today with the Roman event that created them.

[DOUGLAS J BERRY · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick introduction to the glory of rome.

Hourly history freebie. Suitable for all ages, eighth grade reading level? A description of rome in fifty pages or less. You could spend a lifetime studying rome.

[Rubin Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

the legendary empire

Roman History is a daunting task to cover and this brief overview is excellent in its approach to give Rome's attributes and flaws in less than 50 pages
quite a good effort
Hourly History

[Apollo Hesiod]

Ancient Rome

Is very entertaining and educational. If you aren't familiar with the history of Rome and the HUGE impact Rome has had on the development of society it's a MUST READ.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great quick read about a society that has influenced so much. I love that this told the positives and negatives of Rome and was unbiased in its telling. I also found how the word decimated came about very interesting.

[Keith Leggott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent overview of the Roman Empire

Decent enough overview of the Roman Empire. Brief but fair introduction to the Emperor's and the way of life experienced during the Empires existence.

[F · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the quality I had come to expect from Hourly History.
I really appreciated the information allowing me to get a better grip on the Roman Empire from its pre-empire days to its post-empire days.

[Erica Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

History is so messed up sometimes.

I love it :)

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too little information for such a huge period of time.

[Tom Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, short book. Provides a great historical summary of Rome from origin to final days.

[Willynillyster · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice, short, succinct history of Rome. There is no deep diving in this book but there is an understandable overview for anyone who just wants a quick dip .

[Jeannette Modesto · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's only a brief 42 pages of condensed history but well written.

[Jean Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good history of ancient Rome and I learned some things about it that I didn't know. A quick interesting read.

[Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love reading these books

These are a pleasure to read and are packed with information that is easy to take in ! I will be moving on to the next one...