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The Eternal City: A History of Rome in Maps
One of the most visited places in the world, Rome attracts millions of tourists each year to walk its storied streets and see famous sites like the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Trevi Fountain. Yet this ancient city’s allure is due as much to its rich, unbroken history as to its extraordinary array of landmarks. Countless incarnations and eras merge in the Roman cityscape. With a history spanning nearly three millennia, no other place can quite match the resilience and reinventions of the aptly nicknamed Eternal City.
In this unique and visually engaging book, Jessica Maier considers Rome through the eyes of mapmakers and artists who have managed to capture something of its essence over the centuries. Viewing the city as not one but ten “Romes,” she explores how the varying maps and art reflect each era’s key themes. Ranging from modest to magnificent, the images comprise singular aesthetic monuments like paintings and grand prints as well as more popular and practical items like mass-produced tourist plans, archaeological surveys, and digitizations. The most iconic and important images of the city appear alongside relatively obscure, unassuming items that have just as much to teach us about Rome’s past. Through 140 full-color images and thoughtful overviews of each era, Maier provides an accessible, comprehensive look at Rome’s many overlapping layers of history in this landmark volume.
The first English-language book to tell Rome’s rich story through its maps, The Eternal City beautifully captures the past, present, and future of one of the most famous and enduring places on the planet.
In this unique and visually engaging book, Jessica Maier considers Rome through the eyes of mapmakers and artists who have managed to capture something of its essence over the centuries. Viewing the city as not one but ten “Romes,” she explores how the varying maps and art reflect each era’s key themes. Ranging from modest to magnificent, the images comprise singular aesthetic monuments like paintings and grand prints as well as more popular and practical items like mass-produced tourist plans, archaeological surveys, and digitizations. The most iconic and important images of the city appear alongside relatively obscure, unassuming items that have just as much to teach us about Rome’s past. Through 140 full-color images and thoughtful overviews of each era, Maier provides an accessible, comprehensive look at Rome’s many overlapping layers of history in this landmark volume.
The first English-language book to tell Rome’s rich story through its maps, The Eternal City beautifully captures the past, present, and future of one of the most famous and enduring places on the planet.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published November 4, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 30, 2020
I have a soft spot for maps, and Rome is one of my favourite cities… So, I should like a book that combines both. And this certainly did resonate. Jessica Maier provides an impressive overview of how Rome over time has been portrayed on maps (starting with the ancient Romans themselves). This is also an introduction to the history of Rome, with its impressive number of historic layers that are visible in the streets of the city. And at the same time it is an introduction to cartography itself, because Maier shows nicely how artists and scientists have developed all kinds of inventive methods to show the richness of the city in a two-dimensional way. And she gives excellent advice on how to read these maps (and maps in general) correctly: “with maps it is always important to consider what is omitted” and “maps are always smokescreens in one way or another”.
This was certainly an enjoyable read and especially the cartographic information was new to me; for example, I learned that the 18th century Giovanni Piranesi – known for his fantasmagorical ‘vedute’ – also ventured into a form of serious cartography. Maier also presents the basic elements of Roman history well, although she sometimes dares to elaborate on side aspects, and I remained somewhat disappointed about the period after the second world war. There are of course many maps printed in the book, but because I only had the Kindle version, the details were sometimes very difficult to see; so I would absolutely recommend a paper edition (and I hope the images are printed much larger there).
Yet I must warn anyone who is not yet familiar with Rome and hopes to get a handy introduction to the city and its history here. Due to the endless succession of maps and cartographers, this seems less suitable as a first introduction. But for those interested this is a great book! (advanced copy through Netgalley)
This was certainly an enjoyable read and especially the cartographic information was new to me; for example, I learned that the 18th century Giovanni Piranesi – known for his fantasmagorical ‘vedute’ – also ventured into a form of serious cartography. Maier also presents the basic elements of Roman history well, although she sometimes dares to elaborate on side aspects, and I remained somewhat disappointed about the period after the second world war. There are of course many maps printed in the book, but because I only had the Kindle version, the details were sometimes very difficult to see; so I would absolutely recommend a paper edition (and I hope the images are printed much larger there).
Yet I must warn anyone who is not yet familiar with Rome and hopes to get a handy introduction to the city and its history here. Due to the endless succession of maps and cartographers, this seems less suitable as a first introduction. But for those interested this is a great book! (advanced copy through Netgalley)
November 19, 2020
This is an absolutely fantastic reference book to have on hand! The maps and images are stunningly beautiful and the descriptions of how/why a certain map was done in a certain way were really wonderful to read. The Eternal City: A History of Rome in Maps includes a great deal of information and conveys it in extremely interesting ways. This is a great follow-up to other Roman-themed reading and helps you understand the changing layout of Rome. To be the Eternal City, things have certainly evolved and changed across the centuries and Jessica Maier's book helps contextualize that.
Thank you to University of Chicago Press for sending me a review copy!
Thank you to University of Chicago Press for sending me a review copy!
January 30, 2021
I had a tough time reading the review copy on Kindle so went ahead and bought it when it came out, and I’m glad I did. If you are a lover of Rome and its history, this book is a must-have for your shelf or coffee table. The maps are beautiful and the accompanying history around them makes it all that much richer.
October 26, 2020
The Eternal City is a fascinating survey of Rome's history, which manages to compress a lot of information into a very readable book. I really enjoyed seeing the changing ways in which Rome has been represented, and though books like this always lose a little bit of their aesthetic appeal when converted to Kindle, the images are well chosen and I can imagine that this would be a very attractive hardback. Though this isn't the deepest analysis of any of the maps, I found the breadth of the book perfect for keeping things entertaining - I enjoyed the tidbits about the history of the Baedecker guidebooks, for example. The tone is fairly informal and easy to read - I thought it hit just the right tone for an interested, but not expert, reader. Five stars!
September 29, 2021
My only criticism of this magnificently illustrated volume is that the title is misleading. It's not so much a history of Rome in maps as a history of the mapping of Rome. A more accurate book title might have had less commercial success, but this is a valued addition to our library, especially as we'd previously found full-size reproductions of two of the maps discussed here on sale in a Rome bookstore.
I don't know of any (other) books in English that tell the history of Rome in maps, but two in Italian I can recommend are "Storia di Roma in 100 mappe: dal IX secolo a.C. ai giorni nostri," by Aurélien Delpirou and others, actually translated from a French original, and "Urbanistica di Roma: trenta planimetrie per trenta secoli di storia," by Perio Maria Lugli.
I don't know of any (other) books in English that tell the history of Rome in maps, but two in Italian I can recommend are "Storia di Roma in 100 mappe: dal IX secolo a.C. ai giorni nostri," by Aurélien Delpirou and others, actually translated from a French original, and "Urbanistica di Roma: trenta planimetrie per trenta secoli di storia," by Perio Maria Lugli.
January 14, 2021
Rome has been one of my favourite travel destinations for years. Yes, it is super busy, with tourists and people on scooters everywhere, but I adore it. Around every corner there is something fascinating to find, whether it is remains of Rome's various iterations or amazing pizza. What I'm trying to say is that Rome will be one of the first places I'll visit once we're allowed to travel again. What I'm also trying to say is that of course The Eternal City was going to be of major interest to me. Thanks to the University of Chicago Press and NetGalley for providing me with a physical copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As some of you may know, I have recently returned to university to continue studying the literature of the Middle Ages. In large part my interest in literature is because I feel these texts give us a glimpse at people's mindsets, how they viewed the world, each other and their place in history. One of my university lecturers, way back when I was a fresh and naive undergrad, told me that everything is a text. Not just books, but also milestones, grave objects, cloths, and, of course, maps. Everything can be read and thereby understood. I have had an odd obsession with maps ever since I was put in charge of charting our summer holiday course. Admittedly I only had to cover roughly a thousand kilometers, but I loved tracking the little side roads, marking out interesting historical spots for a pit stop, and the satisfaction of arriving at our destination. Maps are a great way to understand a region, to picture a time period. What is highlighted? What is left off the map? Where does the map begin and where does it end? What is contentious about it? In The Eternal City Maier discusses all of these questions through the most fascinating of cities, Rome. As Maier writes in her introduction: 'This is a city where change has been the norm for over 2,500 years, where new has responded to old, and where decline has always gone hand in hand with regeneration.' (5)
The Eternal City begins with Rome's origin myth. Famously Romulus killed his brother Remus when the latter jumped over his rudimentary border walls. As Maier brilliantly highlights, this means that the city's walls and borders are essential to the city's idea of itself. What makes Rome, where does it begin or end? From there we continue to the 'Rome of the Caesars' and the 'Rome of the Popes', tracking Rome both at its heights of powers and depths of insignificance. 'Rome Reborn' looks at Rome during the Renaissance, rising to new heights. The fifth chapter, 'Rome of the Scholars' looks at archaeology's fondness for Rome, leading to 'deeply personal and unique responses to the visible remains of ancient Rome' (88). The next chapter covers the 'Rome of the Saints and Pilgrims', showing how interest in Rome's "pagan" and "Classical" history always went hand in hand with the city's religious, Christian past. Chapter seven, 'Rome of the Grand Tourists' covers my favourite tradition from the Regency and Victorian eras, the Grand Tour. These rich young men loved travel paraphernalia and as such there are many maps and many paintings about and for this group. The eighth chapter, 'Rome of the Mass Tourists' discusses tourists in general who flocked en masse to Rome, noses stuck in guidebooks and maps highlighting palaces, churches and obelisks.The penultimate chapter, 'Rome Enters the Modern Age', looks at the various attempts to update Rome during the 19th and 20th century, paying special attention to the political motivations behind these attempts as well. Especially Mussolini's attempt to reclaim the imperial past is given attention.
Chapter ten, 'Rome Past, Present, and Future' functions as a sort of conclusion as well as an urgent call to improve the city's urban planning. As Rome enters its fourth millennium, Maier lays out various areas in which improvement is necessary but currently looks unlikely, such as the public transit system and ecological conservation. Rome, to put it lovingly, is a bit of a hot mess. As I said above, not only is it supremely busy, it also suffers the same curse as other grand European cities in that it is getting more dysfunctional and dirty. There are new plans made every day, yet they either don't account for the city's history or give it too much place and ignore the needs of the present and future. You can't just dig a new metro system if the ground is filled with history. Maier does allow a light of hope to shine through. Rome has stood for thousands of years, so there is a good chance it will continue to stand. It would just be great if we could continue to keep it liveable.
The Eternal City is wonderfully written. I will be the first to admit that history books can be dry and beat their reader over the heads with facts. I'm very glad to report this is not the case with Jessica Maier. Her writing is clear and to the point, starting each chapter by introducing the time period and theme it discusses. It is easy to get lost in Rome, but Maier is a great and steady guide. With some books like this I tend to hop from illustration to illustration, only revisiting the text if I'm confused, but with The Eternal City is was bound solidly to Maier's writing. When she directed me towards a map, I would look, inspect, refer back to what she had said, and have an 'aha' moment, before returning to the text. Of course the choice of maps is selective, as it would be impossible to put every single map in one book. But there is a good selection of maps, pulled from various different sources. There are "factual" maps, maps as pieces of art, maps as political propaganda, and maps for the future. I am very grateful that University of Chicago Press sent me a physical copy because now I can tell you that the maps are perfectly reproduced, as clearly as is possible with these old texts. The book is weighty but laid out very clearly which makes reading it a pleasure. It is a beautiful book and I think anyone with an interest in Rome, maps, or even just how we humans think of our own spaces, I would highly recommend The Eternal City.
The Eternal City is a brilliant history of Rome, focusing on how we have responded to and represented this ever-changing city. Digging down into both Rome's history and our own desires for this city, Maier has written a fascinating book that has changed the way I consider maps and history.
https://universeinwords.blogspot.com/...
As some of you may know, I have recently returned to university to continue studying the literature of the Middle Ages. In large part my interest in literature is because I feel these texts give us a glimpse at people's mindsets, how they viewed the world, each other and their place in history. One of my university lecturers, way back when I was a fresh and naive undergrad, told me that everything is a text. Not just books, but also milestones, grave objects, cloths, and, of course, maps. Everything can be read and thereby understood. I have had an odd obsession with maps ever since I was put in charge of charting our summer holiday course. Admittedly I only had to cover roughly a thousand kilometers, but I loved tracking the little side roads, marking out interesting historical spots for a pit stop, and the satisfaction of arriving at our destination. Maps are a great way to understand a region, to picture a time period. What is highlighted? What is left off the map? Where does the map begin and where does it end? What is contentious about it? In The Eternal City Maier discusses all of these questions through the most fascinating of cities, Rome. As Maier writes in her introduction: 'This is a city where change has been the norm for over 2,500 years, where new has responded to old, and where decline has always gone hand in hand with regeneration.' (5)
The Eternal City begins with Rome's origin myth. Famously Romulus killed his brother Remus when the latter jumped over his rudimentary border walls. As Maier brilliantly highlights, this means that the city's walls and borders are essential to the city's idea of itself. What makes Rome, where does it begin or end? From there we continue to the 'Rome of the Caesars' and the 'Rome of the Popes', tracking Rome both at its heights of powers and depths of insignificance. 'Rome Reborn' looks at Rome during the Renaissance, rising to new heights. The fifth chapter, 'Rome of the Scholars' looks at archaeology's fondness for Rome, leading to 'deeply personal and unique responses to the visible remains of ancient Rome' (88). The next chapter covers the 'Rome of the Saints and Pilgrims', showing how interest in Rome's "pagan" and "Classical" history always went hand in hand with the city's religious, Christian past. Chapter seven, 'Rome of the Grand Tourists' covers my favourite tradition from the Regency and Victorian eras, the Grand Tour. These rich young men loved travel paraphernalia and as such there are many maps and many paintings about and for this group. The eighth chapter, 'Rome of the Mass Tourists' discusses tourists in general who flocked en masse to Rome, noses stuck in guidebooks and maps highlighting palaces, churches and obelisks.The penultimate chapter, 'Rome Enters the Modern Age', looks at the various attempts to update Rome during the 19th and 20th century, paying special attention to the political motivations behind these attempts as well. Especially Mussolini's attempt to reclaim the imperial past is given attention.
Chapter ten, 'Rome Past, Present, and Future' functions as a sort of conclusion as well as an urgent call to improve the city's urban planning. As Rome enters its fourth millennium, Maier lays out various areas in which improvement is necessary but currently looks unlikely, such as the public transit system and ecological conservation. Rome, to put it lovingly, is a bit of a hot mess. As I said above, not only is it supremely busy, it also suffers the same curse as other grand European cities in that it is getting more dysfunctional and dirty. There are new plans made every day, yet they either don't account for the city's history or give it too much place and ignore the needs of the present and future. You can't just dig a new metro system if the ground is filled with history. Maier does allow a light of hope to shine through. Rome has stood for thousands of years, so there is a good chance it will continue to stand. It would just be great if we could continue to keep it liveable.
The Eternal City is wonderfully written. I will be the first to admit that history books can be dry and beat their reader over the heads with facts. I'm very glad to report this is not the case with Jessica Maier. Her writing is clear and to the point, starting each chapter by introducing the time period and theme it discusses. It is easy to get lost in Rome, but Maier is a great and steady guide. With some books like this I tend to hop from illustration to illustration, only revisiting the text if I'm confused, but with The Eternal City is was bound solidly to Maier's writing. When she directed me towards a map, I would look, inspect, refer back to what she had said, and have an 'aha' moment, before returning to the text. Of course the choice of maps is selective, as it would be impossible to put every single map in one book. But there is a good selection of maps, pulled from various different sources. There are "factual" maps, maps as pieces of art, maps as political propaganda, and maps for the future. I am very grateful that University of Chicago Press sent me a physical copy because now I can tell you that the maps are perfectly reproduced, as clearly as is possible with these old texts. The book is weighty but laid out very clearly which makes reading it a pleasure. It is a beautiful book and I think anyone with an interest in Rome, maps, or even just how we humans think of our own spaces, I would highly recommend The Eternal City.
The Eternal City is a brilliant history of Rome, focusing on how we have responded to and represented this ever-changing city. Digging down into both Rome's history and our own desires for this city, Maier has written a fascinating book that has changed the way I consider maps and history.
https://universeinwords.blogspot.com/...
September 10, 2020
Rome is my favourite city on the planet and as I've been fortunate to visit many times, this book immediately pulled me in. A knowledge of Rome definitely helps when reading it but it's not necessary...anyone intrigued by Rome, especially ancient Rome and/or cartography should read this remarkable book.
Underground Rome intrigues me endlessly and most is not/cannot be mapped as it's beneath other layers of the magical city. But what's above is magnificent! San Clemente is surreal and partly underground. The author describes this...and everything else...in fabulous detail along with stunning images which really make the information pop!
The book begins with prehistory and the founding of Rome and continues to describe the need for walls, who built them, and when. Maps, the main topic of the book seamlessly follows.
I know a lot about Rome but learned so much more by reading about the origin of map colour coding; what maps included and what they left out; the incredible 1932 3D model in exquisite detail; the fact that some cartographers included ruins, some excluded them and others drew them as intact; when maps began to be drawn to scale, bird's eye views, indices, etc.
The significance of Peter and Paul was discussed as was the Catholic/Protestant /Martin Luther relevance. The devastating Sack of 1527 changed things as well. Mussolini literally changed street plans. The present tourist industry have tremendous impacts and necessitated entirely new ways of mapping and what to highlight and what not to.
There is so much to enjoy about this book...it overflows with information. If you love Rome or are planning a trip there, read this as it gives superb historical background.
Underground Rome intrigues me endlessly and most is not/cannot be mapped as it's beneath other layers of the magical city. But what's above is magnificent! San Clemente is surreal and partly underground. The author describes this...and everything else...in fabulous detail along with stunning images which really make the information pop!
The book begins with prehistory and the founding of Rome and continues to describe the need for walls, who built them, and when. Maps, the main topic of the book seamlessly follows.
I know a lot about Rome but learned so much more by reading about the origin of map colour coding; what maps included and what they left out; the incredible 1932 3D model in exquisite detail; the fact that some cartographers included ruins, some excluded them and others drew them as intact; when maps began to be drawn to scale, bird's eye views, indices, etc.
The significance of Peter and Paul was discussed as was the Catholic/Protestant /Martin Luther relevance. The devastating Sack of 1527 changed things as well. Mussolini literally changed street plans. The present tourist industry have tremendous impacts and necessitated entirely new ways of mapping and what to highlight and what not to.
There is so much to enjoy about this book...it overflows with information. If you love Rome or are planning a trip there, read this as it gives superb historical background.
August 28, 2021
It's clear that the author is a top-notch educator, for here she takes an enormous amount of content (text, maps, images, charts, etc) and presents it in an easy-to-follow, linear fashion that really gives you a sense of Rome through the ages. I spent a week in Rome once but even if I hadn't I think Jessica Maier does an extraordinary job of orienting you in this remarkable city of contrasts, tiny neighborhoods, sprawling piazzas, ancient and modern architecture sitting side by side, etc. Maier's knowledge and lived experience with Rome is evident on every page and her academic touch is clear and full of detail, without being heavy-handed.
Certainly recommended if you have even a passing interest in the subject but I'd feel confident recommending this to basically anyone. Great work!
Certainly recommended if you have even a passing interest in the subject but I'd feel confident recommending this to basically anyone. Great work!
October 17, 2020
Unique book that explores Rome through the ages - via maps! Each chapter discusses a different era of urban development in Rome, accompanied by a wide array of historical maps. Also included: Further reading sources. Would definitely recommend to anyone that is interested in Rome, maps, or both; I enjoyed myself.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 24, 2025
This book was definitely a niche nonfiction read, speaking as it does to my interest in maps and cartography, but also to my love of the city of Rome. And I was very happy to discover that it gave me exactly what I was hoping for in relation to both those interests, presenting as it does a history of Rome through the maps depicting its various eras (some drawn during the eras themselves, some drawn later).
Given that the format of this book is very much in the ‘coffee table’ mode, it contains what is necessarily an overview of the subject – the chapters are arranged chronologically, and each starts with a general outline of the time period under review, and how the city and its population might have developed/changed during that period, followed by more specific examinations of the relevant maps for the rest of the chapter. However, even though this is an overview, nothing feels dumbed down or glossed over – the information is intelligently presented, but the writing still very much makes it accessible to the layperson. There is also a list of further reading at the end of each chapter, should the reader wish to delve further.
The book is also crammed full of wonderful images, both of maps and photographs of Rome itself – hardly avoidable, given the subject matter. Some of the maps in question are absolutely mind-boggling, and I definitely enjoyed examining them in conjunction with the text (there was much flipping of pages to turn back to the maps to pinpoint the elements being discussed!). If I have one minor criticism of this book, it’s that some of the map images could have been reproduced at a larger size. With the book being in a large-scale format, I did feel there were some opportunities missed for double-page spreads of the maps, which would have made it easier to pick out details.
But that is a very minor gripe in a book that is fascinating if you are in any way interested in its subject matter.
Given that the format of this book is very much in the ‘coffee table’ mode, it contains what is necessarily an overview of the subject – the chapters are arranged chronologically, and each starts with a general outline of the time period under review, and how the city and its population might have developed/changed during that period, followed by more specific examinations of the relevant maps for the rest of the chapter. However, even though this is an overview, nothing feels dumbed down or glossed over – the information is intelligently presented, but the writing still very much makes it accessible to the layperson. There is also a list of further reading at the end of each chapter, should the reader wish to delve further.
The book is also crammed full of wonderful images, both of maps and photographs of Rome itself – hardly avoidable, given the subject matter. Some of the maps in question are absolutely mind-boggling, and I definitely enjoyed examining them in conjunction with the text (there was much flipping of pages to turn back to the maps to pinpoint the elements being discussed!). If I have one minor criticism of this book, it’s that some of the map images could have been reproduced at a larger size. With the book being in a large-scale format, I did feel there were some opportunities missed for double-page spreads of the maps, which would have made it easier to pick out details.
But that is a very minor gripe in a book that is fascinating if you are in any way interested in its subject matter.
January 23, 2021
My love of Rome meeting my love of maps, a well written account that had me relive many happy memories. It does presume familiarity with the city or at least a willingness to get to know its organization and landmarks. It was a sad moment having to turn the last page.
November 28, 2020
People's interpretation of what Rome looks like over the years through their map. History of Rome in general through places on the maps made and the people who made them.
November 18, 2020
What a fantastic book! This is a beautiful blend of history, art history, and cartography.
I was particularly impressed with the variety of maps chosen for this book. The maps come from all different time periods and artistic styles. It was interesting to see how maps have developed over the centuries, both in looks and functionality. The ebb and flow of Rome’s borders - and power - can clearly be seen through the maps and the corresponding discussions.
At the end of each chapter is a “Further Reading” list, which I appreciated. I wish more history books were organized this way!
Thanks to NetGalley and University of Chicago Press for sending me a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I was particularly impressed with the variety of maps chosen for this book. The maps come from all different time periods and artistic styles. It was interesting to see how maps have developed over the centuries, both in looks and functionality. The ebb and flow of Rome’s borders - and power - can clearly be seen through the maps and the corresponding discussions.
At the end of each chapter is a “Further Reading” list, which I appreciated. I wish more history books were organized this way!
Thanks to NetGalley and University of Chicago Press for sending me a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
September 1, 2020
I haven’t read many books on cartography, so The Eternal City was one that immediately got my interest. It turned out to be as fascinating of a read as I thought it would be. Interspersed with text and visual examples alike, The Eternal City focused on the history of Rome as told through maps. It was quite the read too, since it offered a visual and written account of how Rome changed over the years. Many of the details proved to be examples of the way the city developed according to the needs and ambition of who was in charge at the time, as well as how that affected the living conditions for the citizens. So there were maps for practical purposes, ones for commemorative/souvenir reasons, and others where artistic license was taken, but there was still an aspect of accuracy to them. All the maps that were pictured in this book were, to say the least, gorgeously rendered, and I could appreciate the detail that went into them. The Eternal City also covered how complicated such a thing was—the growing pains of a city—as power exchanged hands and religion came into play. It also took at a look at the establishment of some of Rome’s most recognizable monuments. Overall, The Eternal City was an excellent read.
Disclaimer: this copy of the book was provided by the publisher (University of Chicago Press) via Netgalley for this review, thank you!
This Review is also posted on my blog, Our Thoughts Precisely
Disclaimer: this copy of the book was provided by the publisher (University of Chicago Press) via Netgalley for this review, thank you!
This Review is also posted on my blog, Our Thoughts Precisely
October 17, 2020
Thanks to Netgalley and University of Chicago Press for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Jessica Maier’s The Eternal City is a visual and intellectual triumph that captures the breathtaking evolution of Rome with remarkable clarity. The book provides a masterful, comprehensive historical overview, tracing the city's trajectory from its legendary, humble beginnings in 753 BCE through the heights of the Empire and the Renaissance, right up to its modern-day splendor. What truly sets this work apart, however, is the curation of beautiful illustrations and rare maps. These visual aids don't just decorate the pages; they serve as a time machine, allowing the reader to see the urban fabric of Rome shift and regenerate over nearly three millennia.
I found the experience of reading this book so rewarding that I ended up purchasing copies for both myself and a fellow "Rome groupie." It is the rare kind of volume that manages to be both a scholarly resource and a stunning coffee-table centerpiece. Whether you are interested in the architectural engineering of the ancient world or the political shifts of the 20th century, Maier’s narrative makes the complex "layers" of the city feel accessible and alive. It is a must-have for anyone who finds themselves endlessly fascinated by the enduring legacy of the city on the Tiber.
#TheEternalCity #NetGalley
Jessica Maier’s The Eternal City is a visual and intellectual triumph that captures the breathtaking evolution of Rome with remarkable clarity. The book provides a masterful, comprehensive historical overview, tracing the city's trajectory from its legendary, humble beginnings in 753 BCE through the heights of the Empire and the Renaissance, right up to its modern-day splendor. What truly sets this work apart, however, is the curation of beautiful illustrations and rare maps. These visual aids don't just decorate the pages; they serve as a time machine, allowing the reader to see the urban fabric of Rome shift and regenerate over nearly three millennia.
I found the experience of reading this book so rewarding that I ended up purchasing copies for both myself and a fellow "Rome groupie." It is the rare kind of volume that manages to be both a scholarly resource and a stunning coffee-table centerpiece. Whether you are interested in the architectural engineering of the ancient world or the political shifts of the 20th century, Maier’s narrative makes the complex "layers" of the city feel accessible and alive. It is a must-have for anyone who finds themselves endlessly fascinated by the enduring legacy of the city on the Tiber.
#TheEternalCity #NetGalley
September 6, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and University of Chicago Press for the eARC of this phenomenal work.
The Eternal City is a beautiful collection of dozens, if not a hundred, of maps of Rome from 2500 years ago to the present day. In the first English language book to analyze these maps, Jessica Maier is meticulous and astute in her analysis of how these maps both represent how we think of Rome today, but also how the cartographers sought to rhetorically create Rome in their own image.
Organized temporally, the ten chapters show both how the city of Rome evolved over time, and how our understandings of the Eternal City changed along with it (some of which had to do with how these maps were rendered). The fact that Maier was able to access the sheer number of maps through archives, Wikimedia Commons, university libraries, and more is astonishing. While at times, it can be challenging to keep all of these maps distinct as she references them chapters after she introduced them, this book is still a powerhouse.
Anyone who is interested in the cultural, political, religious, and economic impact on maps on society, as well as the history of Rome, will find so much to enjoy about this book!
The Eternal City is a beautiful collection of dozens, if not a hundred, of maps of Rome from 2500 years ago to the present day. In the first English language book to analyze these maps, Jessica Maier is meticulous and astute in her analysis of how these maps both represent how we think of Rome today, but also how the cartographers sought to rhetorically create Rome in their own image.
Organized temporally, the ten chapters show both how the city of Rome evolved over time, and how our understandings of the Eternal City changed along with it (some of which had to do with how these maps were rendered). The fact that Maier was able to access the sheer number of maps through archives, Wikimedia Commons, university libraries, and more is astonishing. While at times, it can be challenging to keep all of these maps distinct as she references them chapters after she introduced them, this book is still a powerhouse.
Anyone who is interested in the cultural, political, religious, and economic impact on maps on society, as well as the history of Rome, will find so much to enjoy about this book!
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