The Romans

The Romans, volume 1, provides a comprehensive history of the Roman state from its humble beginnings to its eventual transformation. Historian Edward J. Watts examines how a small settlement on the Tiber river evolved into the most resilient civilization in Western history. This volume covers the epic sweep of the Roman empire, including the Punic Wars, the fall of the republic, and the rise of Christianity. It explores the lives of influential figures like Augustus, Marcus Aurelius, and Constantine, alongside the diverse citizens who sustained the state through centuries of change.

This work of ancient history traces the empire through civil wars, plagues, and religious shifts. It follows the transition from the classical era to the glittering court of Constantinople, examining the impact of the rise of Islam and the Crusades. As a detailed study of Roman civilization, The Romans, volume 1, offers an expansive portrait of an empire that survived and reinvented itself for over two thousand years.