Rome of the Ceasars

by Leonardo B. Dal Maso, Michael Hollingworth (Translator)

Paperback Edition

Genres: History, Italy, Travel, Nonfiction

126 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1969

Reviews

[Carrie Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting to read about all Rome's Caesar's. I don't know if all information is accurate, but it gives a brief account of the history of Rome's most famous men. I have been to Rome, so this book was very interesting.

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, but WAY too much detail for me. Photos are fascinating.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice book that gives a slight overview of main sites of the Roman World.

[Rogue Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such an odd and interesting book, with reconstructions of Roman buildings pictured next to the ruins as photographed in 1974. Extensive text describes what was and why, including architectural features, daily use and the religious and civic significance of the structure. Especially enjoyed the chapters on the baths, aqueducts, stadiums and colosseums. Will read more of Hadrian, to understand his brilliance and civic accomplishments.

I've not been to Rome, and probably will not go, but reading this book before the trip would make a real difference in my perception and appreciation. Thinking about the physical place, the city of Rome, walking everywhere, or taking a cab, seeing the ruins - you wouldn't be able to see how immense the structures are and how central the ruins are to the old city and the new as well. The ruins are pocketed into the everyday modern city, built up, built around, built on - everywhere. On the ground, I imagine that I would be overwhelmed by the immediacy of the thing in front of me and not be able to grasp the whole.

This one is totally out of character, I know, but a mystery of sorts, and certainly travel.

--Ashland Mystery

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading my two recent history books, especially SPQR, I thought I'd revisit this souvenir I brought back from my time in Roma many years ago. It's an interesting re-creation and explanation of the ancient city. With the other reads under my belt, I had more historic context for a lot of the facts found in here, which was nice. A lot of the "current" pictures included actually are from the '50's I think, but that doesn't detract from the book really. Also, since I started my re-reading, I have planned a trip back there for next year, and this has given me some ideas for some new things to see, like the ruins of Ostia Antica, which I never got to the first time around.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

This fascinating book contains photos of historic Roman locations, compared to reconstructions of what the sights would have looked like at the time of the Caesars. It also includes detailed historical facts about the sights. Fascinating stuff for anyone who has visited Rome, or who has an interest in ancient Rome.

[Michael Heath-Caldwell]

I have a 1980 version of this, first published in 1969. Quite a good history book of Rome.