I'm an undergraduate student of history, anthropology, and classics, so this book is merely one of my assigned texts for an obligatory course. I was a bit worried (and a bit more when I saw the price tag), but I found myself pleasantly surprised by this book.

Before you buy it, realize that it is, first and foremost, a textbook, so it is written in a scholarly fashion and has plenty of (relatively common) references to periods of time (e.g. Bronze Age, Paleolithic), historical persons not covered in great detail within the text, etc. Also realize that if you want a comprehensive, detailed, and -- best of all -- interesting overview of Rome from its earliest known inhabitants (circa 1200 B.C.E.) through Justinian (circa 600 C.E./A.D.), this is a great place to get it. Highly recommended.

This is the most complete, concise, and up-to-date survey or Rome from c.1000 B.C. to c.600 A.D. Along with the standard political, military, and legal narrative comes several chapters detailing Roman thought, religion, economy, agriculture, families, technology, and art. Useufl maps are abundant in this edition. Don't be awed by the price tag -- it is well worth it.

As a previous reviewer has noted, this is the standard text for any survey study of the Roman state and people. Well and concisely written, this is the place to start for anyone seeking a broad review of the history of the Roman state, from its legendary and archeological inception to the last days of Justinian. Clearly organized and, unlike some other books written to satisfy the requirements of the undergraduate classroom, presented in a style that will satisfy both the casual as well as historically trained reader, this text broadly and completely covers the essential events, figures and characteristics of the social, political, cultural and military developments that define the Roman civilization from its birth in legend to its political decline and transformation during the rule of the Dominate, eventually evolving into the Romanized societies and political entities that were to define and characterize the early Middle Ages. If there is any criticism that can be leveled at this work, it is only regarding the price, though if you visit your local university bookstore, it is likely you can find a clean used copy at a cost more commensurate with what should be expected.