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The History of Rome in 12 Buildings: A Travel Companion to the Hidden Secrets of The Eternal City
Any travel guide to Rome will urge visitors to go the Colosseum, but none answers a simple Why is it called the Colosseum?The History of Rome in 12 A Travel Companion to the Hidden Secrets of The Eternal City is compelling, concise, and fun, and takes you behind the iconic buildings to reveal the hidden stories of the people that forged the Roman Empire.Typical travel guides provide torrents of information but deny their readers depth and perspective. In this gap is the really good stuff--the stories that make the buildings come alive and vividly enhance any trip to Rome.The History of Rome in 12 Buildings will immerse you in the world of the Romans, one full of drama, intrigue, and scandal. With its help, you will be able to trace the rise and fall of the ancient world's greatest the last resting spot of Julius Caesar.Join Augustus as he offers sacrifices to the gods.Discover the lie on the façade of the Pantheon.Walk in the footsteps of Jesus.And so much more.
188 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 19, 2018
119 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 18, 2022
Phillip Barlag's The History of Rome in 12 Buildings is well worth picking up, both for its unique perspective and for its breezy, contemporary style—whether you're a seasoned traveler or, like me, a first-time visitor to the City of the Seven Hills.
Barlag's book—a birthday gift from my wife—is easy to get into. I read it in a single (literal) sitting, in fact, while on a flight to Italy for our long-planned anniversary trip.
*
Phillip Barlag's prose occasionally approaches eloquence:
He's no poet, though, nor a scholar—Barlag has the biography of a marketeer, a businessman. His prose is most often utilitarian, simple and descriptive—sometimes even taking clarity to the point of humor. Later in his description of the Forum, he says
*
The History of Rome in 12 Buildings does have a few significant shortcomings. The included photographs are small, infrequent, monochrome and muddy. You can find much better pictures of all these structures elsewhere... but then, they're not the point of the book.
Sometimes Barlag gets a little too breezy, too... there's a missing word on p.17, where the third paragraph should say that "Nothing tells the story of the rise of Rome{...}" better "than its roads." And on p.54: "hording" isn't even a word! Not to mention the phrase "discretely tolerated" on p.193. I'm sure there were others I missed.
Barlag did do his homework, though; there's a comprehensive Bibliography on pp.207-209.
*
To sum up: Phillip Barlag's book turns out to be a lively and manageable introduction to some of the most significant locations in the "Eternal City."
The History of Rome in 12 Buildings shouldn't be your only guide to Rome... but I'm betting you'll be as glad you added it to your list as I was.
Barlag's book—a birthday gift from my wife—is easy to get into. I read it in a single (literal) sitting, in fact, while on a flight to Italy for our long-planned anniversary trip.
*
Phillip Barlag's prose occasionally approaches eloquence:
The story of Rome was written along the Via Sacra. Rome didn't just arrive at the top of the world order. It walked there.I was later able to take Barlag's advice, by the way, and look at the stones of the Via Sacra for myself... which did in fact help me better understand their importance.
—p.25
He's no poet, though, nor a scholar—Barlag has the biography of a marketeer, a businessman. His prose is most often utilitarian, simple and descriptive—sometimes even taking clarity to the point of humor. Later in his description of the Forum, he says
The most notable buildings are the two ancient temples, the Temple of Hercules (the round one) and the Temple of Portunus (the rectangular one).I mean, he's not wrong about which is which...
—p.28
*
The History of Rome in 12 Buildings does have a few significant shortcomings. The included photographs are small, infrequent, monochrome and muddy. You can find much better pictures of all these structures elsewhere... but then, they're not the point of the book.
Sometimes Barlag gets a little too breezy, too... there's a missing word on p.17, where the third paragraph should say that "Nothing tells the story of the rise of Rome{...}" better "than its roads." And on p.54: "hording" isn't even a word! Not to mention the phrase "discretely tolerated" on p.193. I'm sure there were others I missed.
Barlag did do his homework, though; there's a comprehensive Bibliography on pp.207-209.
*
To sum up: Phillip Barlag's book turns out to be a lively and manageable introduction to some of the most significant locations in the "Eternal City."
The History of Rome in 12 Buildings shouldn't be your only guide to Rome... but I'm betting you'll be as glad you added it to your list as I was.
Read
October 18, 2022This was a fun read on the way to Rome. Gave me some knowledge and some things to look for while I was touring.
March 26, 2019
A collection of narratives about Ancient Rome at middle school level.
My interest was about architecture in the historical context. I learned some curiosities but not much.
Photo illustrations are of very poor quality.
Additional information, like directions and eating choices are not helpful, you can find better sources on the internet.
It is a short book though and you may browse it quickly without spending too much time.
My interest was about architecture in the historical context. I learned some curiosities but not much.
Photo illustrations are of very poor quality.
Additional information, like directions and eating choices are not helpful, you can find better sources on the internet.
It is a short book though and you may browse it quickly without spending too much time.
July 4, 2020
This book is not what I was expecting or hoping for.
Yes, it cleverly ties history to 12 famous buildings in Rome... but, it is not about the buildings. It is not about architecture and it’s not helpful for travel, as every one of these are hugely iconic and well known in travel guides. (Half are IN the Main forum area, so you can’t miss them anyway.)
This is a summary of the history of Rome, with sections titled by famous buildings. If you want to learn about the history of Rome, it’s not a bad book.
If you are hoping for anything related to the actual structures, or architecture or even just off the beaten path, look elsewhere.
I would recommend this for someone wanting to learn a little bit about Roman history, not someone planning a trip to Rome.
That said, the history is very readable and succinct, and the author clearly knows what he’s talking about and is able to explain it regardless of your previous knowledge of Roman or Ancient history.
Yes, it cleverly ties history to 12 famous buildings in Rome... but, it is not about the buildings. It is not about architecture and it’s not helpful for travel, as every one of these are hugely iconic and well known in travel guides. (Half are IN the Main forum area, so you can’t miss them anyway.)
This is a summary of the history of Rome, with sections titled by famous buildings. If you want to learn about the history of Rome, it’s not a bad book.
If you are hoping for anything related to the actual structures, or architecture or even just off the beaten path, look elsewhere.
I would recommend this for someone wanting to learn a little bit about Roman history, not someone planning a trip to Rome.
That said, the history is very readable and succinct, and the author clearly knows what he’s talking about and is able to explain it regardless of your previous knowledge of Roman or Ancient history.
May 11, 2019
fascinating fast-paced tour of roman history and sites
i lived in rome, love it and know it well. this book does an excellent job of highlighting 12 major sites in room (and 12 additional smaller sites), each associated with a different time period and emperor from ancient rome. the blending of history and site is marvelous. great stories about emperors. this also is a very easy, fast read. i used it as a primer in preparation for an upcoming trip i am leading with students to rome and other parts of italy.
i lived in rome, love it and know it well. this book does an excellent job of highlighting 12 major sites in room (and 12 additional smaller sites), each associated with a different time period and emperor from ancient rome. the blending of history and site is marvelous. great stories about emperors. this also is a very easy, fast read. i used it as a primer in preparation for an upcoming trip i am leading with students to rome and other parts of italy.
March 23, 2019
Great new way to get to know a new town
I have been to Rome before and was in awe of all the amazing buildings. There’s no way to know the history behind them all. I bought this book to go on a trip with my son who just graduated with his degree in architecture. It seemed like the perfect book for him. It’s full of so many great stories and good locations around buildings. I was surprised by some of the simple things that I missed before.
I have been to Rome before and was in awe of all the amazing buildings. There’s no way to know the history behind them all. I bought this book to go on a trip with my son who just graduated with his degree in architecture. It seemed like the perfect book for him. It’s full of so many great stories and good locations around buildings. I was surprised by some of the simple things that I missed before.
March 26, 2024
Audio guide to 12 buildings. The buildings and the stories that surround them are surprising and lovely. The lists of restaurants and phone numbers can be skipped. After listening to this the days before visiting, I could tell my travel companions short summaries and fun facts, and it made me appreciate the history more, just like a normal audio guide.
September 2, 2024
Easy to listen to and filled with titillating tidbits of history, Barlag has certainly piqued my interest in some of the lesser known attractions. Distance from a key location is very useful information. The restaurant suggestions, while interesting, are now outdated, especially following Covid.
July 17, 2018
Brief and entertaining introduction to the history of Rome. Reading this and taking guided tour of the Colosseum made my visit so informative. Living history, indeed!
April 4, 2019
Quite a nice, short summary of Roman history. I learned a lot!
January 14, 2020
Certainly some intresting facts contained in this book.
February 26, 2021
Very helpful when we spent time in Rome.
December 4, 2021
This is the PERFECT travel book!
March 17, 2024
2.5
Dull. Listened to this while in Rome but it was so boring it was an effort to finish it. Facts, facts, facts, poor storytelling.
Dull. Listened to this while in Rome but it was so boring it was an effort to finish it. Facts, facts, facts, poor storytelling.
October 29, 2024
An excellent supplement to traditional travel guides.
September 21, 2025
Good… yet annoying in audio form!
A really good book in print, I’m sure, made into a marginal audiobook… it had great content but was not an entirely relaxing listen. It’s too bad, because I thought it was a clever approach to history.
First, as chapters are numbered but not titled, and even the audiobook description does not list the 12 buildings.
While you might remember Piazza Navona or Via Sacra , it is unlikely that you could capture a name like Mamertine Prison or The Walls of Aurelian ~ and get the spelling right! ~ to find it in Google while you are listening!
Second, be aware that this is a narrated version of a print book, not a properly produced audiobook.
After each building is described, each chapter moves onto travel information, such as directions and places to eat. If you don’t want to listen to addresses, phone numbers and websites being read out (yes, it does that!), and skip ahead to the next chapter, you risk missing valuable information: chapters end with adjacent little known historic sites (and they’re really good).
What would make this a true (better) audiobook would be to put the travel details in an accompanying PDF (and perhaps even enhanced with pictures, maps, etc). In other words, while it’s ok to say “Roma Pizzeria next door is good”, it takes away from otherwise good content to narrate address/phone details.
I really wanted to love this book, but in the end it’s a little like the love/hate relationship I experienced when visiting Rome: so much to love but senseless obstructions everywhere you turn. That realization helped me put up with the annoyances and I kept listening.
Below is the table of contents I put together for myself when listening, and am sharing for all.
History of Rome in 12 Buildings: A Travel Companion to the Hidden Secrets of the Eternal City
by Phillip Barlag
Listening Guide, organized by me
1. Preface
2. Introduction
3. Via Sacra — the ancient main street of Rome
4. Mamertine Prison
5. The Temple of Caesar — where Julius Caesar was honored after death
6. Ara Pacis — altar celebrating Augustus’s peace
7. The Mausoleum of Augustus
8. The Colosseum (take path uphill, right of Colosseo metro station, for great views/cafe)
9. Piazza Navona — famous square
10. The Pantheon — temple with the domed roof and oculus (so cool to visit!)
11. The Baths of Caracalla
12. The Walls of Aurelian — fortifications still in evidence
13. Scala Santa
14. The Column of Phocas
Here’s the audiobook edition I drew from in my Audible library:
History of Rome in 12 Buildings: A Travel Companion to the Hidden Secrets of the Eternal City
WRITTEN BY Phillip Barlag
NARRATED BY Stephen Graybill
RELEASE DATE 2018-03-19
FORMAT Unabridged Audiobook
LENGTH 3 hrs and 59 mins
PUBLISHER HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books
A really good book in print, I’m sure, made into a marginal audiobook… it had great content but was not an entirely relaxing listen. It’s too bad, because I thought it was a clever approach to history.
First, as chapters are numbered but not titled, and even the audiobook description does not list the 12 buildings.
While you might remember Piazza Navona or Via Sacra , it is unlikely that you could capture a name like Mamertine Prison or The Walls of Aurelian ~ and get the spelling right! ~ to find it in Google while you are listening!
Second, be aware that this is a narrated version of a print book, not a properly produced audiobook.
After each building is described, each chapter moves onto travel information, such as directions and places to eat. If you don’t want to listen to addresses, phone numbers and websites being read out (yes, it does that!), and skip ahead to the next chapter, you risk missing valuable information: chapters end with adjacent little known historic sites (and they’re really good).
What would make this a true (better) audiobook would be to put the travel details in an accompanying PDF (and perhaps even enhanced with pictures, maps, etc). In other words, while it’s ok to say “Roma Pizzeria next door is good”, it takes away from otherwise good content to narrate address/phone details.
I really wanted to love this book, but in the end it’s a little like the love/hate relationship I experienced when visiting Rome: so much to love but senseless obstructions everywhere you turn. That realization helped me put up with the annoyances and I kept listening.
Below is the table of contents I put together for myself when listening, and am sharing for all.
History of Rome in 12 Buildings: A Travel Companion to the Hidden Secrets of the Eternal City
by Phillip Barlag
Listening Guide, organized by me
1. Preface
2. Introduction
3. Via Sacra — the ancient main street of Rome
4. Mamertine Prison
5. The Temple of Caesar — where Julius Caesar was honored after death
6. Ara Pacis — altar celebrating Augustus’s peace
7. The Mausoleum of Augustus
8. The Colosseum (take path uphill, right of Colosseo metro station, for great views/cafe)
9. Piazza Navona — famous square
10. The Pantheon — temple with the domed roof and oculus (so cool to visit!)
11. The Baths of Caracalla
12. The Walls of Aurelian — fortifications still in evidence
13. Scala Santa
14. The Column of Phocas
Here’s the audiobook edition I drew from in my Audible library:
History of Rome in 12 Buildings: A Travel Companion to the Hidden Secrets of the Eternal City
WRITTEN BY Phillip Barlag
NARRATED BY Stephen Graybill
RELEASE DATE 2018-03-19
FORMAT Unabridged Audiobook
LENGTH 3 hrs and 59 mins
PUBLISHER HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books
September 6, 2023
I misunderstood and assumed this more focused on present day Rome and not the Rome of antiquity. So while it was a little misleading, I didn't mind it terribly. Fairly quick read.
March 11, 2022
A wonderful blend of history and travel tips. I made some notes for my upcoming trip to Rome and I learned a bit more about the Roman Empire. A quick read that I recommend to any traveler.
August 27, 2024
There's nothing in this that Rick Steves won't have already told ya! And in this house, we trust in Steves.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews