The Book of the Ancient Romans

by Dorothy Mills

The Book of the Ancient Romans is an introduction to the history and civilization of Rome from the traditional date of the founding of the city to its fall in ad 476. Dorothy Mills again makes history a vital thing and historians, statesmen, and poets of the ancient world living figures. The author's aim in her two books on the Ancient Greeks and the Ancient Romans has been to use such parts of the political history of the Greeks and Romans, of their literature, and of their art as seem to have been the outward and visible signs of the spirit that inspired them. With this book is concluded the series on the ancient world. Dorothy Mills had an uncanny ability to write history that is interesting and at the same time based on sound scholarship. Her direct, engaging approach is valued increasingly by the many parents in our day who are looking for reliable materials for home study, as well as by many private school educators. The highly-prized six volumes of her historical works (see below) have become scarce, and so Dawn Chorus has reprinted them in its effort to offer texts ideally suited to the needs of a new generation of teachers and students. In a world where the quality of education has so deteriorated, may the reissue of this wonderful historical series shine as a beacon to a new generation of young (and not so young) scholars! Dawn Chorus publishes five other books by Dorothy The Book of the Ancient World; The Book of the Ancient Greeks; The People of Ancient Israel; The Middle Ages; and Renaissance and Reformation Times. Dawn Chorus has also republished another historical series perfectly suited for home or school use (highly recommended in home-school curricula): The Picturesque Tale of Progress, by Olive Beaupré Miller. It is available in large format (9 volumes), or smaller, double-bound format (5 volumes).

Genres: History, Nonfiction, School, Roman, World History

498 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1909

About the author

Agnes Dorothy Mills M.A. (1879 -1966) was an American historian and educator.

She graduated from the University of St. Andrews (LLA; 1915) & Columbia University (AM; Education; 1915). Miss Mills was a teacher of history & chairman of the department of history at the Brearley School in New York City.

Reviews

[Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had been taught history this way when I was a kid, I might now be a historian. This was written at a time before political "correctness" made history dull and pointless. The author is not afraid to make practical and moral judgments about nations, men, and institutions. She praises the good, condemns the bad, and gives the reader the big picture. Her books are not only instructive but edifying.

[Betsy Hoek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great introduction to Roman history for older children and teens, or adults who (like me) have no background in Latin or classical studies. The writing is lively, and I like the way the book is organized. Mills takes a chronological approach punctuated with chapters on cultural aspects that prevents the history from becoming a mishmash of emperors and generals.
What surprised me is how many aspects of Roman history and culture still affect us today. As an American, I could see reflections of Roman government in various features and safeguards in our Constitution. There are also little Western cultural echoes like the Roman groom carrying his bride over the threshold of their new home, and throwing the torch (not bouquet) used to light the first hearth-fire to the wedding guests for luck.
In summary, this is a very accessible survey that leaves the reader with a clear idea of the successive stages of ancient Roman history, and a taste of its everyday life and impact on the world today.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

As far as ancient history went, Dorothy Mills knew what she was doing. This book is clear, well written, and at times can be as engaging as a five-star read. Some parts were too slow and were more like a two or three-star. There was also less direct quotations in this one, and Dorothy Mills own writing is much better than the quotes she uses.

3.75 Stars

[Brianna]

It was ok. The history was interesting, but overall, it was rather dry. It told a great story, and it was nice to not hear an agenda the entire time, but I do think that she could have been a little less dry in her story telling. But she did get all the facts, and that was nice.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear and concise, this book was a helpful tool for learning about Ancient Rome.

[Sacha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real history and kid-friendly. Kiddo kept referring back to previous events - fun!

[elena ✧˖° · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read it for history, but it was really interesting and had clear, captivating writing.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book with my son for school. It was a good overview. A few times I was disappointed in her theological commentary, but it wasn't often.

[Dan O’Neill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great survey of Ancient Rome to its fall. A very enjoyable read for a history book covering centuries with many citations of primary sources. Highly recommend.

[Cambria · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far so good!!
I think that is even better than her BOOK OF THE GREEKS!!

[Rebekah Lambert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love this book although sometimes it can get kind of boring but other than that its an awesome book. I am reading it for my school:)