The Grandeur That Was Rome: a survey of Roman culture and civilisation

This volume offers a broad‑panoramic survey of Roman culture and civilisation, tracing the city’s evolution from its early Republican foundations through the heights of Imperial power. It weaves together politics, law, art, engineering and daily life, showing how each thread contributed to the larger tapestry of Western heritage. The narrative is crafted for readers without specialist training, presenting complex ideas in clear, engaging language.

The author deliberately challenges the old habit of treating the Republic as the golden age and the Empire as a tragic decline, arguing that both periods were essential to Rome’s lasting influence. Drawing directly from ancient sources and enriched with carefully chosen illustrations, the book balances scholarly precision with readability. Whether you are a curious newcomer or a seasoned history enthusiast, the work invites you to see Rome anew, as a living force that shaped law, governance, and culture across millennia.

Illustrations of mosaics, monuments and inscriptions are interspersed throughout, allowing listeners to visualise the material world behind the text. By comparing the perspectives of ancient chroniclers such as Livy, Polybius and Tacitus, the author reveals how each generation reshapes Rome’s story to suit its own concerns. The result is a balanced, thought‑provoking portrait that highlights why the ancient city continues to resonate in modern law, architecture and civic ideals.