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A review by gautamgopalk
The Roman Empire by Paul Veyne
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
4.5
The Roman Empire by Paul Veyne focuses on the prevalent thoughts, attitudes and social structures of the ancient Roman empire (which a reader can roughly envision as the time period between 100 BC and 200 AD). The book is masterfully written as it is engrossing from start to finish and it beautifully builds the society of the Roman empire by answering all the relevant questions that might pop up in the reader's mind. The language is very easy to navigate and the story telling is very compelling.
Broadly, this book tackles the themes of marriage, slavery, nobles, notables, commerce, religion and philosophy. The author who is a French historian and a specialist of ancient Rome, provides some of his own interpretation to guide the reader but the book is largely presented in a manner which makes the reader a spectator of ancient times who is there to observe. There is careful exposition about the lens under which various aspects of everyday life (including sex, power dynamic, trade, entertainment and leisure) were viewed by the Romans. This book can serve as a wonderful introduction to the Roman empire as it doesn't require any prerequiste and it is written in an engaging manner.
Broadly, this book tackles the themes of marriage, slavery, nobles, notables, commerce, religion and philosophy. The author who is a French historian and a specialist of ancient Rome, provides some of his own interpretation to guide the reader but the book is largely presented in a manner which makes the reader a spectator of ancient times who is there to observe. There is careful exposition about the lens under which various aspects of everyday life (including sex, power dynamic, trade, entertainment and leisure) were viewed by the Romans. This book can serve as a wonderful introduction to the Roman empire as it doesn't require any prerequiste and it is written in an engaging manner.