The Civilization of Rome

by Donald R. Dudley

Rome began on seven hills and became a colossus whose power extended even to the innermost reaches of barbarian lands. How this empire grew, flourished, declined, and then collapsed is recounted in this vivid history of Rome- from its founding in 753 B.C. to its last emperor in 476 A.D. Utilizing the findings of modern archaeology and the writings of the classical historians, Professor Donald R. Dudley unfolds the whole panorama of Roman campaigns, conquests, art, agriculture, religious cults and Christianity; domestic, social, and political life. With eloquence and insight he charts the evolution of the great Empire that was to rule the Mediterranean and shape the pattern of Western civilization.

Genres: History, Roman, Nonfiction, Ancient History

Mass Market Paperback

First published November 1, 1960

About the author

Donald Reynolds Dudley

Reviews

[J.E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
This is very subjective. I was very interested in certain points, but it didn't pick up for me for several chapters. It was not entirely what I expected or wanted, though. Which is my fault, not the books. But I do feel like it's meant for someone who has a better grasp on Roman history to begin with, and there were quite a few portions where I struggled to get the proper context.

[Joe Sabet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was written in 1967 I believe. Author has some subtle biases (he hints at being distrustful of gov’t growth several times, or provides a modern analogy that may be conventional wisdom at the time but dubious), but overall does a good job presenting a nice picture of ancient Rome as it was understood in the present day. He mentions the main and lesser thinkers and individuals who notably shaped ancient history. It was also a good springboard to find other writers on the past, both ancient and more modern ones. My one major gripe is that he should’ve had a more extensive glossary. Some latin terms are defined, most are not in the text or glossary. Perhaps he defines them in the text but not later. I just wish the glossary contained much more. Imagine having to look things up pre-internet days though; that would be annoying more so. Overall, good delivery, and the author’s work with Latin literature surely shows in his expertly written overview of Rome. I give it a 4 though because he could have improved his aim of educating us by explaining things better. What I mean is that he should explain the areas of Gaul, the Danube, Peloponnese, etc., as if the reader knows next to nothing about them. He will also throw out big names like Virgil or Homer or Dante etc but I wasn’t well-versed in those texts to appreciate a whole chapter on Latin texts near the end of the book. Good page turner though, easy for the lost part for someone looking for a quasi-scholarly look at ancient Rome

[Sean Hazen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview for a beginner, very broad

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Roman boundaries extended from Scotland to the Sudan, from Portugal to the Euphrates. It's longest axis East - West was about 2,800 miles and North - South about 1,600 miles. The glory that was Rome in its heyday covered an area of Europe, Asia and Africa that has never again been under a single rule. There were two languages that enjoyed a primacy: Latin in the West and Greek in the East. Having a knowledge of these two languages would take a person anywhere. There was a single currency and one single law prevailed throughout the land. The empire was a federation of cities under a central government. Rome was the capital of the world. The binding Edict of 212 made Roman Citizenship universal in order to increase the number of people who had to pay taxes. High taxes, inflation, lack of integrity in public and private life were the cause of Rome's final downfall.

[EAL · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book for its cover, because I am a sucker for beautiful buildings. As it happened, this was a well-written and engaging book which covers an admirable amount of history in not many pages. I liked how Dudley pulled in a lot of references to other historical events, drawing parallels to other nations and wars, because we usually think of the present in terms of analogues to the past instead of the past as analogues to its future. I already was and ever shall remain a fan of Augustus Caesar, though I will note that both of my favorite Roman emperors (him and Marcus Aurelius) both made bad decisions regarding succession. Nepotism doesn't work--remember that.

[Patrick\ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cover touts a "brilliant account of the glory that was Rome..." Not so brilliant, but good. Certainly a primer for the entire history of Rome. Gives you topics and times to look at in more depth (if you can find sources). Perhaps I really should not complain about these survey type books. This one is really useful.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

An overview that was enjoyable to read, with plenty of leads for future reading -- just what I was looking for.