This book presents the history of Rome - as a tiny primitive kingdom, as an ever-growing republic, as a world-ruling empire dominating the known world, and finally as the ghost or legend of that empire - stretching back to the early Iron Age. It explores the political and military history of Rome including Rome's rulers from Julius Caesar and his nephew Augustus, as well as Rome's influence on the development of world art, architecture and society. Detailed cross-sections and beautiful drawings of the Colosseum, the Pantheon and other World Heritage buildings reveal Roman techniques and architectural styles. With its magnificent combination of over 1000 full-colour illustrations and an authoritative and absorbing text, this is the perfect history of Rome for any student of history, archaeology or the classical world.