The Wolves of Mars: An Introductory History of Rome from the Rise of the Monarchy to the Fall of the Western Empire (Introduction to Greek and Roman History)

I am not particularly well-read on Ancient History, including that of the Romans, but I do like to believe myself so when it comes to American History, meaning that I've read a bunch of great history books--and some really bad ones. And, while 'Wolves of Mars' doesn't quite get to the 'great' level, it is most definitely one of the better introduction-style single-volume histories I've read.Most importantly for this type of book, the writing flows, very rarely becoming stilted, and easily flowing from one idea to another, and it's accurate (a few times, I thought, "That can't be right," but upon double-checking, it was). There isn't any great insight or theory behind this book, but there isn't supposed to be one. Instead, by dividing the book into the three sections with different thematic and chronological connections, it leaves the reader with the sense that he now has a better understanding than the average person on the subject--exactly what books like this should strive to provide.(As a side note, there are plenty of photos in the book. They are appreciated as providing color, literally.)

Best short but comprehensive history of the Roman Empire I’ve ever read. Makes you want to continue to explore their history

Having just visited Rome last year, I found this book very interesting as it offers a dynamic and engaging exploration of Ancient Rome, capturing the essence of its rise and fall in a way that is both accessible and riveting. It delves into the critical events and figures that shaped Rome, from its legendary monarchy through the turbulent republic and into the grandeur and eventual decline of the empire. With vivid storytelling, it brings to life the power struggles, cultural developments, and military conquests that defined Roman history. Ideal for history enthusiasts who seek to avoid dense academic texts, this comprehensive guide makes the rich tapestry of Rome’s past come alive, providing fresh insights and reigniting a passion for one of history's most influential civilizations. I wish I had this book before I went on my trip!

The book turned out to be a good introduction to the history of Rome, covering the period from the rise of the monarchy to the fall of the Western Empire.The book is well-structured and provides a clear understanding of key events, such as the founding of Rome, the struggle between patricians and plebeians, as well as captivating details about the triumphs and tragedies of the Roman Empire.I was particularly impressed by the section on the fall of the Republic, where the role of Caesar and the reasons leading to his assassination are described in detail.I also liked the emphasis on myths and legends, which add an extra dimension to the history.I recommend it to anyone interested in Ancient Rome and its influence on the modern world.

Aeon History’s “The Wolves of Mars” is a well researched history of Rome. You learn about the founding of Rome, the Republic of Rome, and Rome — the Empire. The book is written in a reader-friendly style.The 200 years of Pax Rome (27 BCE to around 180 CE, is especially interesting. The author says, “ Two centuries, and not a single major conflict within Rome’s Borders. The Pax Romana (Roman Peace) – wasn’t just an era; it was Rome’s magnum opus.” Rome is a good example of a civilization that achieved peace for a long period of history and as a result accomplished a lot – roads, buildings, art, science, literature.This history does not highlight the fact that the Romans used Roman Numerals (XVI = 16) - in spite of a cumbersome way to record numbers they had amazing success. I checked on a source on the internet that says “the numeric system represented by Roman numerals originated in ancient Rome (753 BC – 476 AD) and remained the usual way of writing numbers throughout Europe well into the Late Middle Ages!Recommended Reading:“Human Accomplishment” by Charles Murray. You will find an interesting essay regarding Rome (138-180 CE) in Part 1 – 3 A Sense of Place. Rome is contrasted against the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and Samuel Johnson’s London (1737-1784).

"The Wolves of Mars" is a well-written and engaging college-level textbook on the Roman Empire, with footnotes and sources cited. The book highlights three distinct periods in ancient Roman history, focusing primarily on the mythology, politics, and culture of the time. I found no typos or grammatical errors, and the text includes photos. The author "Aeon History" is obviously a pseudonym for a team of academics working together to create a stable of history books. If this is their first attempt, I tip my cap to them. Great job.Perfect for history buffs and those obsessed with the everything Roman... If it was a doctoral thesis, I'd give it an A.

History books are notorioiusly dense, frightfully thick and usually sleep-inducing, but not this likable and easy-to-digest book, The Wolves of Mars. It covers the mythology behind Rome's formation and the most important details of its rise and fall, all while gliding through the highlights, heroes, scandals, trends and events involving the Roman Empire. I brushed up on many forgotten details about Julius Caesar, for instance, and learned about the forces behind the Empire's ultimate disintegration over the years - forces that should grab our attention (and alert our best efforts to reinforce unity) in America today. United we stand, divided we fall...just like Rome. I suggest you give this one a read!

The Wolves of Mars: An Introductory History of Rome is a fantastic introduction to the wondrous history of Roman from founding to monarchy to republic to empire. I loved virtually every page, but I am partial to history and Roman history is something I cannot get enough of. I will say I learned a lot from this book, as many entries only discuss the empire portion and ignore others. If you're looking for a great introduction that's totally full of great information than look no farther.