Reading list for Roman history

Revision as of 13:33, 16 March 2006

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Reference

A Dictionary of the Roman Empire 

(M. Bunson / Paperback / 1995 / ISBN 0195102339). Provides a good overview of many topics, and has in-depth articles on some others. A good place to begin researches on specific topics, with bibliographical source information included. (FVG)

The Oxford Classical Dictionary 

(3rd ed. revised S. Hornblower (Ed.), A. Spawforth (Ed.) / Hardcover / 2003 / ISBN 0198606419). The standard reference work on the entire classical world.

The Penguin Historical Atlas of Ancient Rome 

(Christopher Scarre, Chris Scarre / Hardcover / 1995 / ISBN 0140513299). The Penguin Historical Atlas series is famous for being clear and concise, and the Ancient Rome volume is no exception. Don't expect too much in-depth analysis, but the plethora of illustrations and maps make it a worthy addition to any Roman library. (FVG)

Early Rome

Etruscan Life and Afterlife : A Handbook of Etruscan Studies 

(Larissa Bonfante (Editor) / Paperback / 1987 / ISBN 0814318134). While it doesn't specifically deal with Classical Rome, the Etruscans were important contributors to the Roman conception of death, religion, and the afterlife. An important foundational work.

International Law in Archaic Rome: War and Religion 

(Alan Watson / Hardcover / 1993 / ISBN 0801845068). This excellent resource is essentially about the Fetiales, the priests whose duties included the maintenance of international relations; treaties, declarations of war, etc. A must-read for anyone aspiring to become a member of the Fetiales. (FVG)

The Classical Foundations of Modern Historiography 

(Arnaldo D. Momigliano, Riccardo Di Donato/ Sather Classical Lectures, No 54 / Published 1992 / ISBN 0520078705)

The Foundation of Rome: Myth and History 

(Alexandre Grandazzi, Jane Marie Todd / Cornel University Press / Published 1997 / ISBN 080143114X) "The Foundation of Rome is one of the few intelligent books on the subject, neither hypercritical nor visionary; its particular strength lies in the skillful interweaving of modern historiography and ideology with ancient history."--Jerzy Linderski, University of North Carolina

History of Earliest Italy 

(Massimo Pallotino, Martin Ryle, Kate Soper / Jerome Lectures 17th, University of Michigan / Published 1991 / ISBN 0472100971)

The Beginnings of Rome 

(T. J. Cornell / Routledge/ 1995 / ISBN 0415015960) This beautifully written study is the most comprehensive study of Rome from 753 BC to 264 BC. It is an importnat synthesis of the many develoments in research over the last couple of decades. It adheres closely to the available sources, dealing with economic, social, literary and religous history, as well as telling the story of internal politics and foreign policy. A major student text.

Handbook to Life in Ancient Rome 

(Lesley and Roy Adkins / Hard Cover / 1994 / ISBN 0195123328). An invaluable guide to daily life in Rome, from the earliest days of the Regal era to the 6th century. See also the Dictionary of Roman Religion by the same authors, below. Also available in paperback.

General

The Oxford History of the Roman World 

(J. Boardman, J. Griffin, O. Murray/ Paperback/ 2001/ ISBN 0192802038)