If you are looking for detailed maps of the Roman Empire you will be disappointed. Only the major towns are listed, a far cry from the thousands that existed. The book is really not a map book but more of a reference book. There are a few maps but the majority of the book is written material with the addition of some nice pictures. For die hard history buffs like myself I would instead recommend the Barrington Atlas of the Greek and Roman World (ISBN 069103169X).

This Atlas is not just a picture book in the general sense, but rather a broad overview of the Roman World from the birth of the city of Rome to the rise of Justinian in the 6th century AD. Every part of the Roman World receives some attention and the result is an easy to read survey of the Roman World. In my opinion the best part of this book are the reconstructions of certain cities such as Alexandria and Palmyra as well as the beautifully illustrated maps(exactly what a historical atlas should have).

Although you won't find here the 'history' of Rome, you'll be travelling around the then civilized world. No customs, just a huge Empire encompassing almost all of Europe and parts of Asia and North Africa. The Emperor Hadrian traveled extensively across his Empire, he could have written it. We are able to see what he saw.

And everywhere there's so much to be seen ! Great theatres in Africa, amazing monuments in Asia, swimming pools, taverns, etc. Rome was the heart, but it's body was large and thrilling.

The geographical approach is a hit. You literally travel and arrive at the provinces. In each there's a guide waiting for you. If something is missing, it's because it is not there.

Compared with two other books of similar aim and scope, Baines' Ancient Egypt, and Levi's The Greek World, this is definitely the best. A pleasure to read and keep reading. You will end longing to physically retrace the travel, at least a part of it being the whole so vast.