Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Discussion Forums - History

Topic: Wanted: An evenhanded history of Rome.

Club rule - Please, if you cannot be courteous and respectful, do not post in this forum.
  Unlock Forum posting with Annual Membership.
Wildhog3 avatar
Standard Member medal
Subject: Wanted: An evenhanded history of Rome.
Date Posted: 3/4/2016 8:04 PM ET
Member Since: 4/4/2009
Posts: 10,082
Back To Top
Wildhog3 avatar
Standard Member medal
Date Posted: 3/4/2016 8:08 PM ET
Member Since: 4/4/2009
Posts: 10,082
Back To Top

I would like to read a good, thorough history of Rome. A total disqualifier is one that treats Rome as a major player in a morality play. Rome didn't falloreven become weak because of the Bacchanalian excesses of the wealthy. They declined because the Roman army declined. I have Gibbon's very long book. Is it reliable?

Generic Profile avatar
Limited Member medalPrintable Postage medal
Date Posted: 5/29/2016 5:08 PM ET
Member Since: 5/7/2011
Posts: 1
Back To Top

Have you read SPQR by Mary Beard?  It covers Rome from establishment as a village around 750 BCE (or so?) until about 300 CE in all it's facets good and bad.