Ursus Posted August 5, 2004 Report Share Posted August 5, 2004 I'm trying to compile a list of resources to present to aspiring Romanophiles. Please list a few of your favorite books in any of the following areas: - History and Politics - Military and Warfare - Culture, Literature, Art & Architecture - Religion/Mythology & Philosophy - Latin (teaching texts or books in Latin) - Daily Life - Biographies of famous personas - Miscellaneous The books you list should not assume more than a basic university education, and they should not be especially hard to find sources. Also, if you know of a good DVD or video cassette recording with an educational Roman theme, please mention it. Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Primus Pilus Posted August 5, 2004 Report Share Posted August 5, 2004 I'm partial to the ancient sources. Appian - The Roman History (very underated ancient historian) Caesar - Gallic War and Civil War Cicero - Many writings Dio Cassius (Cassius Dio) - History of Rome Galen - On the Natural Faculties (Medical) Josephus - The Jewish War Livy - History of Rome Marcus Aurelius - Meditations Pliny the Elder - Natural History Pliny the Younger - Volumes of letters Plutarch - 'Lives' Over 60 biographies of Greek and Roman personalities Polybius - Histories Ptolemy - Geography (among other scientific and mathematic works) Suetonius - Lives of the Caesars (From Caesar to Domitian, its more about entertainment than history) Tacitus - Germania and Agricola, Annals (of Imperial Rome) Vegetius - The Military Institutions of the Romans Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Viggen Posted August 7, 2004 Report Share Posted August 7, 2004 For someone who never learned latin, but would like to do so, i can really recommend Latin for Dummies.. Yes, learning latin can be fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pompeius magnus Posted August 16, 2004 Report Share Posted August 16, 2004 I am almost done reading a good book called Cicero: Life and Times of Romes greatest politician. Even though I disagree with part of his title it is a really good book and a good change after several months straight of McCulloughs books. It recounts Ciceros life from the beginning and really focuses on his various writings such as On the State and some of his other writings. It gives a different perspective on Cicero and his dealings with Gaius Julius Caesar, as well as Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus. It is by Anthony Everett who is also in the process of writing a similar style book on Augustus, can't wait for that one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Viggen Posted August 16, 2004 Report Share Posted August 16, 2004 Would be great pompeius if you had the time to write a review about Cicero.... cheers viggen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pompeius magnus Posted August 17, 2004 Report Share Posted August 17, 2004 I'll be done with the book in a few days then I will write a review about it sometime next week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Viggen Posted August 17, 2004 Report Share Posted August 17, 2004 Excellent! Looking forward to it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pompeius magnus Posted August 17, 2004 Report Share Posted August 17, 2004 Should I type it here or start a new post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Primus Pilus Posted August 18, 2004 Report Share Posted August 18, 2004 Make it a new post with the book title Pompeius. Look forward to your opinion, as I've also read it. Though its been a while for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pompeius magnus Posted August 18, 2004 Report Share Posted August 18, 2004 Will do. Do you know when his augustus book is coming out or if it already is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Primus Pilus Posted August 18, 2004 Report Share Posted August 18, 2004 Not a clue, but as I liked 'Cicero' I'm sure Augustus will be good as well. As I'm slowly getting into the Augustan age with our Roman History section, I wouldn't mind the refresher either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ursus Posted August 23, 2004 Author Report Share Posted August 23, 2004 I'll definitely read anything on Augustus that's half way decent since he's informally my hero. I read some books this past few weeks that I'll try to review. But if I never get around to it ... I'll say that _A Handbook to Life in Ancient Rome_ by Adkins and Adkins is an excellent general survey of Roman civilization. Also, for anyone interested in the serious study of Roman paganism, I recommend _The Gods of Ancient Rome_ by Robert Turcan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ursus Posted September 20, 2004 Author Report Share Posted September 20, 2004 This thread did rather poorly, considering we have well over a 100 registered and presumably literate members. However, I ordered another round of books, and within 2 or 3 weeks I'll be compiling my own suggested beginner's list of reading material. Given all the classical themed movies that Hollywood is producing these days, sites like this might experience greater trafffic from those whose interest has been piqued. For those who want to study Greece and Rome beyond the superficial aspects, I feel having a ready made reading list to show them might come in handy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Primus Pilus Posted September 20, 2004 Report Share Posted September 20, 2004 I can tell you that your reviewed books are receiving some traffic Ursus, so thanks for the additions. I certainly look forward to more reviews. The more the section grows, it's inevitable that more folks will start talking about it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pompeius magnus Posted October 23, 2004 Report Share Posted October 23, 2004 I just finished reading the Beginnings of Rome by TJ Cornell. It is more of an archaelogical book, but does give great insights into the beginning of rome from Romulus to the Roman conquest of Italy. Would you like me to do a review on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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