The Romans
A 2,000-year History
Basic Books · Print & ebook · October 7, 2025
An acclaimed scholar tells the full, breathtaking history of Rome, from its emergence in the Iron Age to the capture of Constantinople in the thirteenth century “A sweeping historical survey that spans two millennia…Those intrigued by the ebb and flow of political power…will find in this book a cornucopia."—Wall Street Journal When we think of “ancient Romans” today, many picture the toga-clad figures of Cicero and Caesar, presiding over a republic, and then an empire, before seeing their world collapse at the hands of barbarians in the fifth century AD.
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- Who it’s for
- A long-view account that keeps ancient Rome legible without flattening it.
- Genres
- Ancient Rome, Byzantine History, Medieval History
- Published
- Basic Books, October 7, 2025
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For younger readers: Famous Men of Rome, Ancient Rome (the Ancient World), Where Is the Colosseum?
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An acclaimed scholar tells the full, breathtaking history of Rome, from its emergence in the Iron Age to the capture of Constantinople in the thirteenth century “A sweeping historical survey that spans two millennia…Those intrigued by the ebb and flow of political power…will find in this book a cornucopia."—Wall Street Journal When we think of “ancient Romans” today, many picture the toga-clad figures of Cicero and Caesar, presiding over a republic, and then an empire, before seeing their world collapse at the hands of barbarians in the fifth century AD.
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The Romans does away with this narrow vision by offering the first comprehensive account of ancient Rome over the course of two millennia. Prize-winning historian Edward J. Watts recounts the full sweep of Rome’s epic past: the Punic Wars, the fall of the republic, the coming of Christianity, Alaric’s sack of Rome, the rise of Islam, the Battle of Manzikert, and the onslaught of the Crusaders who would bring about the empire’s end. Watts shows that the source of Rome’s enduring strength was the diverse range of people who all called themselves Romans. This is the Rome of Augustus, Marcus Aurelius, and Constantine, but also Charlemagne, Justinian, and Manuel Comnenus—and countless other men and women who together made it the most resilient state the world has ever seen. An expansive, eye-opening portrait, The Romans is the definitive history of Rome and its citizens.
Long View Rome
A long-view account that keeps ancient Rome legible without flattening it.
Come here for
- Roman history with sweep and range
- Layered explanation over quick-hit lore
Expect
- Cultural context, not just chronology
- A sustained read with usable takeaways
Where it sits
| Ancient Rome | 91% |
|---|---|
| Byzantine History | 71% |
| Medieval History | 47% |
Percentages are BookFrontier’s reading of the book.
Publisher categories
- Ancient Rome
- European History
- Italian History
- World History
Show all 5 publisher categories
- Byzantine History
- Authors
- Edward J. Watts
- Publisher
- Basic Books
- Published
- October 7, 2025
- Format
- Print & ebook
- Reading lane
- Ancient Rome