A History of the Roman People

I have assigned this book to my students who uniformly praise its clarity. It is as easy to read as a college history book can be without being weak and "lite." I cannot imagine how they condensed this so skillfully. I think it would be fine for an honors high school class as well. One of its many virtues is the extremely clear boldface section and paragraph headings which make it easy for me to assign my students to read selectively if necessary. There is plenty of "cultural" (non-military, non-political) material as well as a few well-chosen pictures. This book is practical and efficient without being dumbed down or watered down.In addition, unlike certain books often assigned in Roman civilization courses, there is no visible political bias here, right or left. The emphasis is on comprehensibility of main events, themes, etc. I would recommend it not only for Roman history courses but also for Roman civilization courses since students really do want a chronological framework and some detail on politics, in my experience at least.

I purchased the third edition to avoid one world indoctrination, political correctness, and revisionism. I have not read the fourth edition and cannot speak about it. If anyone is concerned about the same, the third edition is a "bring your own personal beliefs," and is wonderful. I can't recommend it enough. A small handful of books are being reproduced from antiquity by concerned people who do not want themselves or their children taught from the present day books. I would nominate the third edition as one of those excellent and "safe" books. This is an academic classic. This book is worthy of being pulled from antiquity. It is such fine work and so enjoyable to read. I had bought it for personal pleasure and love it. I intend to keep this book as one of my favorite "read and rereads." A person is simply going to be highly entertained with this book. The details! The information! The pictures! It's just packed!

This is the most complete, concise, and up-to-date survey or Rome from c.1000 B.C. to c.600 A.D. Along with the standard political, military, and legal narrative comes several chapters detailing Roman thought, religion, economy, agriculture, families, technology, and art. Useufl maps are abundant in this edition. Don't be awed by the price tag -- it is well worth it.

As a previous reviewer has noted, this is the standard text for any survey study of the Roman state and people. Well and concisely written, this is the place to start for anyone seeking a broad review of the history of the Roman state, from its legendary and archeological inception to the last days of Justinian. Clearly organized and, unlike some other books written to satisfy the requirements of the undergraduate classroom, presented in a style that will satisfy both the casual as well as historically trained reader, this text broadly and completely covers the essential events, figures and characteristics of the social, political, cultural and military developments that define the Roman civilization from its birth in legend to its political decline and transformation during the rule of the Dominate, eventually evolving into the Romanized societies and political entities that were to define and characterize the early Middle Ages. If there is any criticism that can be leveled at this work, it is only regarding the price, though if you visit your local university bookstore, it is likely you can find a clean used copy at a cost more commensurate with what should be expected.

A History of the Roman People is the standard edition, upper division Roman history textbook. Although Heichelheim et al omit serious discussion of particular source problems and fail to provide any analysis of current scholarly debate, the authors achieve their objective-- a clearly written, factual, and "user friendly" survey of Roman history. This is a great introductory text, and will provide the novice historian with a solid understanding of Roman civilization-- From the foundation of the City to the Death of Justinian the Great.