A History of Rome: Down to the Age of Constantine

I have the 2nd Edition of this 1935 book. Having read and re-read this and Gibbon and Mommsen, it suddenly struck me that Cary offers a more succinct and incisive interpretation of the MEANING of each epoch in Roman history. He also disagrees markedly from others on the value/meaning of 'controversial' emperors (Nero, Domitian, Diocletian) which is very refreshing and well-stated. Frankly, if you want to get a good sense of the meaning of the History of Rome, read Cary first; then Mommsen, then Gibbon. Then, back to Cary. I wish this book were still in print. Don't let it go unread, if you are a Romanophile...

This extremely dense text is still head and shoulders above other contenders as the standard history of the rise and history of the roman empire. The authors thesis, that Rome never truly fell but evolved into the catholic church/feudal state is well defended with ample evidence.What makes this book so extraordinary is the depth and breath of the subject matter covered. Military history, politics, technology, art, science, social development, trade, are all given ample coverage. While it can be quite dry, the reader is free to skip around reading only the subjects of interest. For the scholar or the curious, this is a must own text that will serve as a crucial guide and reference.

This book was so useful. I can not tell you how good this book was. I read this book and in the NJCL certamen I helped take our team to a third place showing. This book's only fallacy is that it ignores the last years of Rome and cuts off at the death of Constantine in A.D. 331. Bottomline though This book is the best Roman history book available

This book covers the major events of Ancient Rome beginning with the earliest times involving pre-Roman Italy and ending where Ancient History ends, the reign of Constantine. Cary and Scullard discusses not only the political and military events, but provide excellent discussions on Roman Society - art, religion, social life, literature, etc. The book is most definitely a valuable resource on Roman History and I highly recommend it.

For many years, this work has been recognized as the most complete, most concise work available on the history of the Roman state. Both military/political, and social aspects are discussed. For thorough and factual information, a serious scholar should look no further. This work is particulary appropriate if intended as a study tool for Junior Classical League competitions.