A History of the Roman Republic

by Klaus Bringmann

In this new and authoritative history of the Roman republic, distinguished historian Klaus Bringmann traces the rise of a small city state near the Tiber estuary into a power that controlled the Italian peninsula and created the final Empire of antiquity, an Empire that was to become both the most enduring in the ancient world and to have the most far-reaching consequences for posterity. Whilst this book is chronologically organized, giving the reader a clear sense of the historical progress and dynamics of Roman republican history, it also offers a coherent and authoritative overview of the culture, economics, religion and military might of the Roman empire, presented in an original and stimulating way. Thoroughly referenced and illustrated throughout, with a wealth of primary sources from great Roman writers such as Cicero and Plutarch, A History of the Roman Republic will be essential reading for university students in history and classical studies. It will also appeal to a wider audience of general readers who are interested in the history of the Ancient world and its legacy.

Genres: History, Roman History, Ancient History, Nonfiction

368 pages, Paperback

First published April 2, 2006

Reviews

[Al · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a detailed political history of the Roman Republic, and while it is sometimes difficult to read because it is a translation from German, Bringmann’s analysis of Roman politics and the slowly growing empire is first rate. He discusses the development of a monetary economy and how this impacted Roman politics in the transition from a barter and agrarian economy to one of trade and finance. He also goes into considerable detail on the agrarian crisis of the 2nd century BC, and how this changed the nature of property rights and ownership. I only have two significant issues with the book; Bringmann’s history is very one dimensional because of the emphasis solely on politics. He doesn’t give enough space to the impact that culture and society had on the political development of the republic, and only briefly touches on the Hellenization of Roman society. I would think that these aspects of Roman history had a significant impact on the political development of the Roman republic. The other issue I have is maps; not enough of them. Any historical work can never go wrong by including lots of maps.

[Muhammet Akgöl · Rating 5 out of 5]

By way of introduction to Roman History, it is a useful, pathfinder and molder work by Klaus Bringmann. Since the author's wording is quite fluid and even convenient to build a literary text, even the most detailed information avoids being dull; and thus, the process of obtaining academic knowledge from the book becomes lighter for a reader in comparison with other similar works. I would like to state that I can advise this work to people who are relevant to the issue by indicating the base of the work is the period that is the range from the establishment to the defeat of the Roman Republic.

[Citrom Citrom]

Only one fault: too short. Recommended, recommended, recommended.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eine ziemlich umfassende, aber fesselnde Geschichte des Aufstiegs Roms.

[Ryan Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

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[Jonathan]

None