In this history we see the best and worst of the Roman élite – superstitious, brutal and utterly uncompromising, but often men of great honour and principle. There are anecdotes from Roman historians, such as Polybius, Livy and Cicero and special features on subjects such as the Etruscans, gladiators and the Roman relationship with Egypt (and Cleopatra). There are timelines throughout, plus genealogical trees and numerous sidebars.

This is a highly readable and authoritative account of a fascinating historical period.