The Enemies of Rome

From Hannibal to Attila the Hun

Philip Matyszak

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English

Thames & Hudson
18 October 2023

History; European history; Ancient history: to c 500 CE

The gripping stories of the most colourful and formidable characters to challenge the might of Rome.

Until recently, it was assumed that Rome carried the torch of civilization into the barbarian darkness, bringing law, architecture, and literature to conquered peoples. The alternative view now suggests that many of Rome's enemies - the Celts, Hebrews, and Phoenicians, for example - were developing civilizations in their own right before obliteration at the Roman sword. Indeed, as Philip Matyszak argues, had Rome not crushed rivals so completely, the drop into the Dark Ages might not have occurred; at Rome's collapse, no other powerful civilizations remained to absorb the impact.

This engrossing book looks at the growth and eventual demise of Rome from the viewpoint of those vanquished by Rome. They varied from the highly cultivated Greeks and Egyptians to wild and rebellious Britons and Germans, to the Asiatic empires of the Persians and Parthians. Their leaders were driven by ambition, vindictive hatred, fear, political calculation, or naked greed. Some fought to preserve their heritage, some for personal survival, and others from a warrior's love of battle. Defying the might of Rome was a dangerous business, and few of the men and women described here died in their beds. Some, like Vercingetorix and Jugurtha, were captured, exhibited in triumph, and then, while their conquerors sat down to a festive dinner, killed in the dungeons below. Rather than face such an end, some of Rome's greatest adversaries, including Hannibal, Boudicca, and Cleopatra, killed themselves.

Here is the reality behind legends such as Spartacus the gladiator, and the stories of Shapur the conqueror and Mithridates the connoisseur of poisons. Some enemies of Rome were noble heroes, others were murdering villains, but each has a unique and fascinating story.

By: Philip Matyszak
Imprint: Thames & Hudson
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 198mm, Width: 129mm,
Weight: 280g
ISBN: 9780500297292
ISBN 10: 0500297290
Pages: 304
Publication Date: 18 October 2023
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Philip Matyszak has a doctorate in Roman history from St John's College, Oxford. He is the author of many books on classical civilization, including Chronicle of the Roman Republic, The Sons of Caesar, Ancient Rome on Five Denarii a Day, Ancient Athens on Five Drachmas a Day, Lives of the Romans (with Joanne Berry), Legionary, Forgotten Peoples of the Ancient World, Ancient Magic and The Greek and Roman Myths.

Reviews for The Enemies of Rome: From Hannibal to Attila the Hun

'Pacy and compelling ... Matyzak tells the stories stylishly and well' - Sunday Times 'A highly readable gallop through a number of major military crises in Roman history ... good, clear, narrative style' - Sunday Telegraph 'An easy book to dip into ... accurate and entertaining' - BBC History