Review; The Rise and Fall of Alexandria
August 19, 2008
"Most of us take if for granted that two cities, Athens and Rome, completely dominated the classical world," opines Justin Pollard and Howard Reid. "In fact, there was a third city that, at its height, dwarfed both of these in wealth and population as well as in scientific and artistic achievement. " That city was Alexandria, the Greco-Egyptian capital of the Ptolemaic empire. The authors call the city "the greatest mental crucible the world has ever known," the intellectual foundation upon which the later Renaissance forged the minds of modern men. "The Rise and Fall of Alexandria" is a delightful and informative read that effectively waves the banner of an unappreciated aspect of the Western legacy...
...read the full review of The Rise and Fall of Alexandria by Justin Pollard and Howard Reid
Review; Swords Against The Senate
August 10, 2008
This book charts the rise of the Roman army and how it played a decisive role in the eventual demise of the Roman Republic. It tells the story of how it evolved from an army of wealthy landowners fighting for the glory of Rome, into a professional army fighting not only for Rome but for the glory of their general. Its main focus is spread over a period of about 70 years beginning in 133 B.C. with the tribuneship of Tiberius Gacchus and ending 78 B.C. on the death of Lucius Cornelius Sulla...
read the full article of Swords Against The Senate by Erik Hildinger
Review; The Oxford History of the Roman World
August 04, 2008
The Oxford History of the Roman World is, above all, an enjoyable read. It is however one that is flawed in approach. When I think of UK scholarship, and Oxford in particular, I am wont to imagine a certain thoroughness in detail and scope that may even border on pedantry. Such is not the case with this work. There are gaps in its focus which detract from what could have easily been a brilliant and even-handed survey. Nonetheless, on the areas it chooses to concentrate, the book does provide an engaging read. This makes the Oxford History an introduction of mixed quality for the neophyte...
read the full article of The Oxford History of the Roman World by John Boardman
Review; The Goths in the Fourth Century
July 24, 2008
If one wishes to peer into the life of a society, one of the most direct and interesting method is to read the texts of that society. Not only do these gems of literature detail the events of the day, but also give the biases and perspectives of the author and, often of the society of that place and age. Heather and Matthews’ The Goths in the Fourth Century is a short collection of texts and analysis of artifacts which help to further illustrate Romano-Gothic relations from the late third century through the fourth century CE...
...read the full article of The Goths in the Fourth Century by Peter Heather and John Matthews
Review; Roman Women
July 13, 2008
I had hesitated to purchase and review any book on women studies. In my opinion, usually the discipline is nothing but an excuse to indulge in obnoxious postmodern jargon and whiny deconstructionist tirades about oppression. However, the status of women in Roman society is something that does merit serious study. I found a cheap, used copy of D'Ambra's work on the subject, and was generally pleased that I had taken a chance. It is written in clear language and richly illustrated. While pointing out the often-unequal status of Roman women, the work does not possess what I would consider an overbearing axe to grind. In short, "Roman Women" offers a passable overview of the topic for a casual reader...
read the full review of Roman Women by Eve D'Ambra
Mercury and Hermes
July 07, 2008
The deity Mercury had a temple on the Aventine and a festival celebrated on May 15th. Mercury, like Hermes, was the god of circulation - of people, goods and words. Under Greek influence it seems the two gods were linked early on, with the myths of Hermes being transferred to that of Mercury....
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